Healthy Students, Healthy Classroom

As we settle into the school year we have already seen how quickly common illness can be spread in the classroom.  There are simple ways to help keep your child healthy as we approach flu season and throughout the entire school year:

1. HAND WASHING, HAND WASHING, HAND WASHING!
Frequent and thorough (fronts and backs of hands up to the wrist, and finger nails) hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the number one most effective way to prevent illnesses from spreading. Kids can sing along to "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", "ABC's" or "Happy Birthday" (slowly!) to make sure they are washing long enough.  Germs spread when sick kids sneeze or cough without covering their mouths and/or noses, or wipe their noses and touch common surfaces such as door knobs, desks, pencils, or another person. Hand washing should be done after visiting the bathroom or playing outside, before they eat, and after they come in contact with someone who is under the weather.  Consider sending in hand sanitizer for individual or classroom use for times when it is not possible to use the sink. 

2.  COUGH ETIQUETTE
Covering your cough or sneeze with your hands as we were taught when we were kids was really bad advice!  By coughing or sneezing into your elbow, your hands remain clean and germ-free.  Please emphasize this with your children at home.  The following video is a funny and informative description of the technique: 




3.  STAY HOME WHEN SICK
Illnesses spread in school when sick children come to school!   Please keep your child home if he/she has any of the following symptoms of illness:

• Significant contagious illness such as influenza, chicken pox or strep throat
• A fever over 100°F
• Vomiting/diarrhea - may return to school if 12 hours after last episode
• Red or pink itchy eyes with crusty and/or green/yellow drainage.  May return when there is no drainage and/or on medication for 24 hours.
• Rash of unknown cause

Mild colds and sore throats can be tolerated at school.  Of course you should make sure your child uses hand washing and cough etiquette to prevent the spread to others!

4.  HEALTHY HABITS
Healthy kids are better able to ward off common illnesses.  It is important to emphasize good nutrition, physical activity and lots of sleep to help strengthen your child's immune system.  Keep in mind that mild childhood illness are just a part of growing up and, by practicing a healthy lifestyle, your family will be better equipped to deal with them!