Health Room

The link between vision and hearing problems and barriers to learning is quite straightforward. Not so obvious is the link between postural screening and educational performance.

A quick search of the internet finds that the National Association of School Nurses devotes an entire publication to postural screening. There is a National Scoliosis Foundation and a Scoliosis Research Society. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has a very thorough training manual for postural screening programs.

In the Massachusetts document, it states that “Severe curvatures, left untreated, can cause physical deformity, arthritic symptoms, heart and lung disorders, and other medical problems.” What school nurse wouldn’t want to prevent complications as serious as these?

In the part of the country where I live (Wisconsin), there is no mandate for postural screening. Perhaps there should be, if we want to prevent health problems related to severe scoliosis. But given the shrinking resources, both human and financial, that school districts all over the country are experiencing, is this labor-intensive screening cost-effective? Is there anything to substantiate its value in evidence-based practice research?

The statistics from the Massachusetts manual say that “Signs of a lateral curvature (scoliosis) occur in about 10% of the population although only about 2% develop a condition which would require medical treatment.”

Let’s do the math. In my district, screening 5th through 9th graders would result in approximately 5,000 students being screened. Based on the data, I might expect to have 500 students with positive findings. Of those, approximately 10 would have curvature severe enough to require medical treatment. The other 490 may or may not progress to a greater degree of severity.

I would argue that for those 10 students and their families, screening would be life-altering. I’m wondering what you think? To screen or not to screen, that is the question!

Twyla Lato, RN, BSN, NCSN is a School District Nurse for a suburban community in southeast Wisconsin, and a past president of the Wisconsin Association of School Nurses.

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New research suggests nearly one in five food-induced anaphylactic reactions that occur in children with multiple food allergies may require two or more doses of epinephrine as opposed to the single dose that is generally administered.

Dr. Kirsi M. Jarvinen, from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, and colleagues evaluated epinephrine use in children with multiple food allergies by interviewing the families of 413 patients.

The report noted 78 children, who were an average of 4.5 years old, were given epinephrine to treat a total of 95 reactions. Over 75% of the reactions involved peanut, tree nut, or cow’s milk allergies. 13% of the reactions required a second dose and another 6% required a total of three doses.

When one of your students has an anaphylactic reaction are you allowed to determine if a second dose is necessary? Do the students carry an Epi-Pen on them or keep them in the school nurse’s office? How many doses of epinephrine do the students with allergies (or asthma) generally keep on hand at school?

With school nurses traveling in between schools what happens when they’re not there and a student is having an anaphylactic reaction? Are teachers trained to handle the situation? If the student is able do they administer it themselves? Take this week’s poll on administering epinephrine. Share your comments with other school nurses on how you would handle the situation if you felt a second dose of epinephrine was necessary.

School Kids Healthcare carries a variety of Dey Epi-Pen Auto Injectors, Pre-Filled Syringes, Twinject Epinephrine, and vials of epinephrine for all your school nurse office needs.  Also available is the Epinephrine Mate for storing.

Sources
Reuters: Severe allergic reaction may need more epinephrine
Reuters: Half of kids with peanut allergy don’t have Epi-Pen

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Federal Guidelines recommend 1 nurse for every 750 students but the reality is about 1 nurse for every 1151 students. School nurses’ jobs are being slashed due to budget and in turn teachers are being expected to fill in the gap. While there still are School Nurses how many different schools, or even districts, do they have to travel to? Parents, School Nurses, and Teachers are all justifiably expressing concern.

“There needs to be somebody in there that knows what they’re doing.” – Amy Merrell, whose 8 year old son has diabetes and attends Coronado Elementary School in Gilbert, AZ

“Mississippi has some of the highest rates of diabetes, asthma, obesity amongst our children,…If you can catch something through screening or treating some sort of small medical issue, you could impact a student’s entire future in education” – Estelle Watts, Office of Healthy Schools/Bureau of Health Services Director of School Nurses

“They were so good. They would just sit and wait.” – Julia Keyes, kindergarten and first grade teacher at Etowah Elementary School in Henderson County, NC commenting on her classroom rule of not interrupting while she pricked a female student’s finger to check her blood sugar and adjusted her insulin pump

While the six New England states, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas, New Jersey, and Wyoming are making the 1 to 750 cut there is the other end of the spectrum. Hawaii, Michigan, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Utah are at a ratio of less than 1 per 3000.

Where do you fall? Are you travelling from school to school trying to keep your head above water or is your district adequately staffed? Take this week’s poll and post a comment about what’s going on in your district.

Article Resources
Associated Press
Chicagotribune.com
Clarionledger.com

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Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, located in Kentucky, is recalling Lean Pockets Spinach Artichoke Chicken sandwiches that may contain pieces of plastic the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Monday. The Class I Recall products were produced on May 23, 2008 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide.Consumers should look for the following information on the side of 9-ounce boxes of Lean Pockets Spinach Artichoke Chicken Sandwiches:

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The School Nurse Blog by School Kids Healthcare is now featuring a poll.  Take a minute to see what the burning question is and who’s thinking what.  It only takes a few seconds and you’ll see results immediately.  Our first poll - Teen Pregnancy Pacts – is this really happening?  Tell Us.

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You’ve most likely been warned but now the time has come. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a public health advisory that if you’re still using a Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Asthma Inhaler it’s time to get with your doctor to make a change.

The production and sale of the ozone damaging CFC propelled albuterol inhalers will not be available after December 31, 2008. CFCs harm the Earth’s ozone layer which protects us from ultraviolet radiation. Healthcare professionals are urged to transition patients to the hydrofluoralkane (HFA) propelled albuterol inhalers now.

The FDA noted HFA propelled albuterol inhalers may taste and feel different (softer) than the CFC propelled albuterol inhalers. The FDA also stressed the importance of priming and cleaning in order to prevent any blockage of the medicine reaching the lungs.

There are currently three approved HFA propelled albuterol inhalers: Proair HFA Inhalation Aerosol, Proventil HFA Inhalation Aerosol, and Ventolin HFA Inhalation Aerosol. In addition, an HFA propelled inhaler containing levalbuterol, a medicine similar to albuterol, is available as Xopenex HFA Inhalation Aerosol. All of the above HFA propelled inhalers are safe and effective replacements for CFC propelled albuterol inhalers.

FAQ

More Info

Letters to Schools about Albuterol Transition

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The School Kids Healthcare Team had a great time at the NASN 40^th Annual Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico and we sure hope you did too.  It was a pleasure meeting and speaking with all of you.  Check out these pictures and see if you were caught on camera!

 The School Kids Healthcare Booth (AKA “The Party Booth”)

 Getting the Teaching & Training manikins all dolled up

 Ooooh…those margaritas were good…even if they were non-alcoholic

 Brad confidently displays the LifeLine Disaster Preparedness/Hurricane Kit

 Brad discussing the NEW DepHyze™ line

 Kim and Brad getting free goodies ready to grab

 Brad and Dru Holding show off one of the many prize thermometers that were given away

Brad and one of our many Pulse Oximeter winners

Brad and School Kids Healthcare friends are all smiles

Ice Cream Social

Yummy…look at all those toppings

Everyone loves a sundae

“Did you hear who won?!?”

Doris Jones, School Kids Healthcare’s 2007 $1000 Scholarship winner for the NASN 2008 Conference, proudly stands by Kim

Kim and Candy Hilvers, School Kids Healthcare’s 2008 $1000 Scholarship winner to the 2009 NASN 41st Annual Conference
Boston, Massachusetts

One of School Kids Healthcare’s many Stethoscope winners

“Check out the digital thermometer I just won!”

“Can I take your temperature?”

School Kids Healthcare is proud to sponsor the National Association of School Nurses

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July 4th is right around the corner and you know what that means…fireworks. Check out these safety tips from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned
• Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire

Although this didn’t make the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list remember that alcohol and fireworks do not mix, have a designated shooter. Also be sure to obey the law and find out what fireworks are legal in your city, county, and state, as ordinances and regulations vary from place to place.

On this 232nd birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence let’s thank our military for their countless dedication and determination. Let’s also thank those who will find themselves working and volunteering this holiday – Police Officers, EMS Providers, Fire/Rescue Workers, Hospital Employees – doing their best to protect and serve the American people to ensure a safe and happy Fourth of July Celebration.

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The NASN 40th Annual Conference in the Albuquerque, New Mexico is just days away! Will School Kids Healthcare see you at the Albuquerque Convention Center June 28 – July 1, 2008?

“Transforming School Communities: Voices for Student Health” is this year’s conference theme and is sure to provide inspiring keynote presentations and thought provoking sessions about the reality that today’s school nurses face.

In addition to these educational and social meetings is the exhibit hall where you can find School Kids Healthcare at booth #205. Cool off with a refreshing margarita and enjoy some chips and salsa. Grab some freebies and register to win great prizes including the $1000 grand prize to apply towards the NASN 2009 conference in Boston, MA or merchandise from School Kids Healthcare!

School Kids Healthcare also wants to put the cherry on your sundae with an Ice Cream Social. School Kids Healthcare is sponsoring an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, June 29th at 2 pm. Stop by our booth #205, make yourself a sundae, and take a moment to relax with your friends and colleagues.

If you still have some free time after all the conference activities check out the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau website for tourism/activities, dining/nightlife, shopping, maps, and all that the “Heart of New Mexico” has to offer.

For a good time follow the chili pepper lights-
School Kids Healthcare

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School Kids Healthcare is now endorsed by Catalogs.com. Since 1997 Catalogs.com has reviewed thousands of mail-order and online catalogs. Catalogs.com is considered to be an “authority site” by major search engines and only the most reputable, distinctive, and trusted merchants are listed on Catalogs.com. Look for the “Endorsed by Catalogs.com” link on our SKHC catalog request page.

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