Health Office Update: Spring
The sun is bright and shining and UV indexes are creeping up as we inch towards summer. Per Department of Public Health and AAP Guidelines, I recommend the following sun safety measures:
Applying sun-screen prior to school that is SPF 30 or higher.
Encouraging your children to wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses during outdoor activities.
Dressing children in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, like lightweight cotton pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Seasonal Allergies are in full swing. If your child is affected by seasonal allergies, at-home remedies include over-the-counter antihistamines (Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec), steroid nasal sprays (Flonase), saline rinses for sinus congestion, and eye drops. Please note I do not stock allergy medication (other than Benadryl) in the health office. Keep in mind that allergies can mimic cold symptoms. If you suspect your child might be ill, please keep them home from school. As always, consult with your child’s pediatrician about any concerns or treatment options.
Ticks are, unfortunately, back at GUS. They tend to crawl until forward progression is impeded. It is important to inspect your child at the end of the school day, specifically in creases (groins, armpits, behind ears, etc), along hairlines, and along waistbands. Ticks typically have to be embedded for 24-48 hours in order to transmit Lyme disease, so prompt removal is key. Encouraging kids to wear bug spray and wear long-sleeved shirts/pants when playing in woods or tall grasses can be helpful in prevention.
Warm Temperatures can lead to dehydration. Please send your child to school with a water bottle daily. If your upper school child is participating in sports, consider sending in extra fluids and an afternoon snack!
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Nurse Julia
jbugeau-heartt@gus.org
978-927-1064