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Shorecrest Health Office
206-361-4308
Fax  206-361-4284

Meet your Shorecrest Nurse 

                 Nancy Dalan LPN          
                                            nancy.dalan@shorelineschools.org
                                                                                             
                                   

 
 
nancy.jpg


Please use the links below
to access information
    

Free and Reduced Lunch      
Medications

Life Threatening Conditions       

Immunizations

Overnight Field Trips

Home Hospital
Information for Seniors  
Health Screening
           
Preventing Illness

 Resources

 Head Lice Sport Physicals 

Head Bump Information

Coaches   






Medications


?    Permission to Administer Medications at School forms must be completed by parents and physicians for what medications?

  •  Non - Prescription medications commonly known as over-the-counter medications examples are:
o    Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Advil etc.
o    Tums
o    Homeopathic or "natural" remedies
  •     Prescription medications
?    Does that mean we have to make a special trip to our health care providers office to get this completed?

  •    No!  Your Shorecrest nurse is happy to help you in this process by faxing Permission to Administer Medications at School to your health care provider if you sign the parent portion authorizing the health care provider to return fax the forms to us.  I can even fax you the form for your signature if you have a fax available to you.  I really try to make this as painless as possible!  

?    How long are the completed forms valid?

  • For the current school year only.  New Permission to Administer Medications at School forms must be completed for each school year.

?    My student gets occasional headaches or cramps or upset stomachs etc….  what can we do?

  • I am happy to keep a supply of those over-the-counter medications that may help quickly relieve the discomfort we all get from time to time.  I need to have a  Permission to Administer Medications at School form completed by the parent/guardian and physician – even for over-the-counter medications.

?    May my High School student carry an inhaler for their asthma?

  • Yes they may with the signed permission of the parent/guardian, physician and agreement of the Shorecrest principal and nurse(s).  The student must follow the written procedures on page 4 of the Shoreline School District Policy Manual #3416P.
  • I actually encourage parents/guardians of  High School students to have their students carry their inhalers with them, it is often a long way to the health office!  Many students are turning out for sports and other activities after school when the health office may be closed.  I am happy to keep an extra inhaler in the health office in case the one that is suppose to be in their backpack gets left at home! 

?    My student takes medications every day at home, but none are needed for school.  What if there is some sort of event that keeps students at school overnight?  What could I do to be prepared?

  •    I recommend you provide the health office with a 3 day supply of “emergency” medications especially if your student is taking medications for:
ADD/ADHD Depression/Anxiety Asthma
Seizures Diabetes  

Permission To Administer Medications at School forms need to be completed for those emergency medications.

Please refer to Shoreline School District Policy Manual #3416 and #3416P


Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page.

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Life Threatening Conditions

Substitute House Bill (SHB) 2834 mandates students with life-threating health conditions may not attend school until they have medication and/or treatment orders and a nursing plan in place.

These plans and orders need to be completed before the beginning of each school year even if there have been no changes in the plans from the previous year.

There are treatment order forms in the documents area of this site.  I provide them as a potentially useful framework for physician orders.  They provide step by step orders that trnaslate well into emergency care plans for students.  Physicians are free to write orders within a different format.

Diabetes and any student requiring orders for Epi-Pens for allergies are considered to have life threatening conditions.

Students with asthma that have been hospitalized two or more times in the past year because of their asthma are considered to have a life threatening condition at least for that school year.  Students with asthma that are controlled with medication and have not required hospitalization in the past 12 months are not automatically considered to have a life threatening condition.

Some students with seizure disorders are considered to have life threatening conditions, please consult with the nurses about your student if they have seizures.

Life threatening conditions are not limited to the above conditions, please consult the nurses if your student has health concerns that would be considered life threatening.  The goal is to keep all of our students safe and healthy.  Parents are an important piece in formulating this plan for their students.  The treatment plans this process produces help insure the best care for students.

Available for Download:

    Treatment plans for
    * Diabetic
    * Allergies
    * Asthma
    * Other - any other conditions

    * Permission to Give Medicaitons at School form needs to be completed by both the parent and physician if the student will require medications at school.

    * Mutual Exchange of Information Form is often helpful for the nurses to have  completed by the parent so we may consult with the student's physican regarding the care plan.


Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page.



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Free and Reduced Lunch 

New Free and Reduced Lunch Applications must be completed at the beginning of EACH school year.

Please be aware that even if a student does not intend to eat lunch at school, we urge students to apply for free or reduced lunch.  If a student qualifies, they will be given a letter verifying qualification.  SAVE THE QUALIFYING LETTER   to be used for documentation for a variety of fee waivers/fee reductions such as:
  • Class Fees
  • Athletic Fees
  • Summer school scholarships
  • Fielt trip fees
  • College application fees
  •  PSAT fees
  • SAT fees
  • ACT fees
  • AP fees
Students should see their counselor regarding fee waivers.  If you choose to do so, you may give a copy of your qualifying letter to your school counselor to be filed in a confidential file in the Counseling Center.  Doing this will enable  you to be contacted about possible waivers, reductions and opportunities based on free/reduced lunch qualification.

Students that attended any school in the Shoreline School District the previous school year and qualified for Free or Reduced Lunces will have a 30 day "Grace" period at the beginning of the school year.  It is very important for families to complete the new applications and turn them in as early as possible in September of each school year so there will not be any disruption of services.

Applications are mailed to all families in August and there are extra copies available all year long in the Shorecrest health office.  Please complete an application at any time during the school year as family needs change.


Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page.

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Sport Physicals

Sport physicals completed on the Shoreline School District Sport Physical Form are valid for 24 months. 

If you turn in a form from your health care providers office and it contains:
  • All of the information contained on the Shoreline School District Form
  • States it is valid for 24 months
Then it will be honored as valid for 24 months

PLEASE NOTE:

If the physician form does NOT contain all of the information on the Shoreline School district form, you will be asked to provide that additional information BEFORE the physical is accepted and the student is able to participate in practice or competition. 

If the physican sport physical contains all of the information on the Shoreline Sport Physical Form but the health care provider has not indicated it is valid for 24 months, then it will be considered valid for ONE YEAR - 12 MONTHS - ONLY.


Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page.

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Home Hospital

Home/Hospital instruction is provided to students who are temporarily unable to attend school for an estimated period of four weeks or more because of a physical and/or mental disability or illness.  The program does not provide tutoring to students caring for an infant or a relative who is ill.

This allows students to continue their education through a School District tutor that contacts the student’s teacher(s) for assignments and then goes to the students home or to the hospital to deliver and pick up assignments and assist where needed.

Home Hospital is a state wide program that has guidelines we must follow
(WAC 392-182-218).  The maximum amount of time a student may use these services within a single school year is 18 weeks. 

The physician must state that the student may need to be out of school for at least 20 consecutive school days (4 weeks) in order for us to process an application for this program. The student may return to school before the 20 days is up if their recovery takes less time then anticipated with no penalty.  Student’s may also come to school for partial days as their condition improves and continue to remain getting Home Hospital services.

There are 4 forms needed to complete the application process:

  • Shoreline Public Schools Special Programs Request for Home/Hospital Instruction
  • Application for Home Hospital Instruction
  • Authorization for Exchange of Confidential Information
  • Nurses Report for Home Hospital Instruction

Shoreline Public Schools Special Programs Request for Home/Hospital Instruction.

This is the form that is filled out by the student's physician. The physician MUST state that the student will be out for at least 20 consecutive school days (4 weeks) or we may not process the application.  This form is returned to the nurses office.

Application for HomelHospital Instruction.

This is filled out by the student's parent/guardian and returned to the nurse's office

Authorization for Exchange of Confidential Information 

This allows the nurses to speak directly to your student’s physician to coordinate services and needs.  We commonly limit the scope of our contact to the current concern that is keeping the student out of school.  This form is returned to the nurse's office.

Nurses Report for Home Hospital Instruction

This report is completed by your nurse from the information gathered from the physician and parent completed forms.  I then fax the forms to the School District person at the central office who manages the Home Hospital program.  The Home Hospital tutor will be contacted by them on the day the paperwork is   turned in. 


Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page.


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Information for Coaches

At the beginning of the season, I will provide you will a print out of your student's that have health concerns their parents have reported to me that may impact them while participating in your sport.  Please remember this information is CONFIDENTIAL.

I have placed a copy of the School District Accident report in the documents section of this web page.  If a student has an injury that may require medical attention, please complete the form and put it in my box within 48 hours.  The new form does not have much room for relaying what happened and what action you took. Please write a brief explaination of those things on the back of the report.  It is also extremely important that you either call and leave me a message, 206-361-4308, or send me an email, nancy.dalan@shorelineschools.org, as soon as you get home that day so I will know about the injury when I arrive at school the next day.  An accident report must always be completed if you call 911.  Students that have minor ankle twists and the sort of bumps and bruises one would expect while participating in your sport, do not need accident reports completed.  It is important that you let me know of any head injuries sustained so I know what to look for the next day in my office. Do not rely on students to report injuries to me, leave me a message or send a quick email when you get home from your event that evening. 

Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns.  I hope you have an injury free and fun season!



Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page.


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Head Bump Information  brain_color.jpg

What is a concussion?

Our brain is soft, sort of the consistency of gelatin.  Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds the brain and acts like a cushion between the brain and skull.  

A blow to the head can cause the brain to hit the inside of your skull tearing nerve fibers and blood vessels, cause bleeding and/or bruising.  

All concussions interfere temporarily with the way the brain works.  They can range in severity from mild to severe.  

What are some symptoms of a concussion?
  • "seeing stars", feeling dazed, dizzy, or lightheaded
  • memory loss, such as trouble remembering things that happened right   before and/or after the injury. Asking the same question over and over that has already been answered.
  • Slow to answer questions, inability to focus or follow directions
  • Disorientation such as walking in the wrong direction, not knowing date and time 
  • nausea or vomiting
  • headaches
  • blurred vision and sensitivity to light
  • slurred speech or saying things that don't make sense
  • difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
  • difficulty with coordination or balance, stumbling, not able to walk straight
  • feeling anxious or irritable or crying for no apparent reason
  • feeling overly tired
What should I do if the nurse calls me and reports my student has had a blow to the head at school?

It is never a bad idea to call your health care provider to talk to them about what happened at school and report what, if any symptoms, your student currently has.  They can best advise you if your student should be seen immediately or if you can just watch for symptoms and report back to them. 

The nurse may or may not ask you to come and pick up your student.  If there are no apparent symptoms, your student will be observed in the health office and then returned to class.  If your student has a PE class, the nurse will excuse your student from participating that day just as a precaution.  If your student returns to the nurse with any symptoms, you will be called immediately to pick your student up.  911 will be called if the symptoms are progressing.

One never knows just what sort of blow may lead to a concussion.  We strive to keep parents informed of any possible concussing blows that occur at school that students report.  We call parents to inform them of the incident, remind them of what to look for and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear or progress.  We also encourage parents to call and let their health care provider know the incident happened and seek their advise if the student needs to be seen that day.

If your student sees their health care provider and/or if they have increasing symptoms at home, PLEASE call the nurse and share that information before the student returns to school.  We can best serve your student if we have current health information and appreciate being kept informed.  We can discuss if the information should remain confidential or if your student would benefit having their teachers also be aware of what to look for and report or possible side effects that may impact their performance in class.  

There are 3 grades of concussions commonly used to describe severity.

Grade 1

No loss of consciousness
Some confusion, not able to maintain a train of thought, inattentative
Grade 1 symptoms or mental status abnormalities resolve in less than 15 minutes

Grade 2

No loss of consciousness
Some confusion, not able to maintain a train of thought, inattentive
The symptoms or mental status abnormalities including amnesia last more than 15 minutes

Grade 3

ANY loss of consciousness
Seconds to minutes

What if my student does have a concussion?

Your health care provider is the best resource for treatment and any possible activity restrictions.  If you do not have health insurance or a current health care provider, the nurse would be happy to give you a selection of possible resources and/or help you apply for health care.  You may ALWAYS go to an emergency room to seek help if your student is having symptoms of a concussion.  Please seek medical attention immediately even if you do not have the ability to pay at that time.

The following is information should NOT be used to diagnose or treat your student.  It is given only as a resource for general information about concussions and current information from studies and observations by health care providers and researchers.

After a concussion, the brain needs time to heal. It's really important to wait until all symptoms of a concussion have cleared up before returning to normal activities. The amount of time someone needs to recover depends on how long the symptoms last. Healthy teens can usually resume their normal activities within a few weeks, but each situation is different. A doctor will monitor the student closely to make sure everything's OK.

The Brain Injury Association has compiled recommendations for student athletes who sustain concussions.  They recommend an evaluation of the student covering mental status, physical activity and neurological tests.  The following are their suggested evaluations.  There are many possible evaluation resources including a computer generated test.  This example is given just to provide an idea of what an evaluation may look like. 

Mental status testing:

Orientation –     time place, person and how they got injured
Concentration – Months of the year in reverse order
                         Saying numbers in reverse order
Memory –          Recall of 3 words and 3 objects at 0  and at 5 minutes after the
                        injury
Details of the game they are currently playing. Recent news
                        items they would normally know


Physical Tests:

40 yard sprint
5 push-ups
5 sit-ups
5 knee-bends

Any appearance of associated symptoms is abnormal, e.g., headache, dizziness, nausea, being bothered by light, blurred or double vision, emotional and/or mental status change

Neurological Tests:

Individual can perform finger-nose-finger exercise
Individual can perform tandem walking
Sensation:
Individual performs finger-nose-finger exercise with eyes closed
Romberg – this is a test that has the student stand with their head tilted slightly back and their eyes closed.  They are instructed to say stop when they think 30 seconds has passed after the tester says go.  Most adults/high school students that are not impaired will simply count slowly to 30 and come very close to saying stop at exactly 30 seconds.

Strength:

Individual is fully strong in all muscle groups. The tester will have them grip fingers, do some pushing exercises etc.

Suggestions for when a student athlete may return to play:

Grade 1 Concussion        15 minutes
Multiple Grade 1 concussions    1 week

Grade 2 concussion        1 week
Multiple Grade 2 concussions    2 weeks

Grade 3 Concussion    2 weeks
Multiple grade 3 concussions     1 month or longer based on the decision of the evaluating physician

There are other opinions that greatly increase the amount of time a student should be out with an initial Grade 1 concussion – minimum of 1 week and Grade 2 for 2 weeks
The recommendation for multiple concussions was doubled.  

All resources seemed to agree that having more than one concussion especially if they are close in time, greatly increases the negative effects on the brain and prolong recovery.


Second Impact Syndrome

Second impact syndrome occurs when the already swollen brain is re-injured and swells further.  

Repeat concussions significantly worsen the long-term outcomes.  After a person sustains one concussion, they are 3 times more likely to sustain another compared to those who have never sustained one concussion.  The brain has been rendered vulnerable to further injury.  

What may have been a Grade 1 injury now may go to a Grade 2 because the brain has already been injured with a second blow to the head.  Headaches, memory loss and difficulty concentrating are much more at risk of happening with a second injury.  

The more concussions a person sustains, the higher the risk for long-term memory functions.  

Sustaining a second concussion within 2 weeks of the first also greatly increases the possibility for more severe symptoms.

Tests have also been done showing those who have sustained multiple concussions are more likely to get Alzheimer’s Disease 8 years earlier than those who had no known earlier brain injury.


Resources:
Brain Injury Association
kidshealth.org
mayoclinic.com
emedicinehealth.com


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Student and Parent
Information
Staff
Information
Overnight Field Trips


Extended Field Trip Instructions for Shorecrest Staff

What is an extended field trip?
•    Cheer, Flag, Dance, etc., Camp
•    DECA Trips
•    Sport Team overnight Camps, Tournaments, Games, etc.,
•    Band or Choir overnight trips
•    Regular Classroom overnight field trip
•    Club overnight trips
•    Any School Sponsored overnight trip
•    A one day field trip that extends beyond the regular school hours.

Please begin planning and gathering forms for your trip early – 2 months before would be really wonderful.  It is a big job and can be very time consuming.  Lots of steps and pieces of paper to gather!

Teachers are to download the Overnight field trip forms from the health office web page.  Please make sure you fill in the destination at the top of the medical forms before you make copies.
•    Contact and medical information form
•    Treatment Release
•    Permission to give medications for extended field trip
  I suggest you put the Contact and medical information form and the Permission to give medications form on the same piece of paper.

All students and adults going on the trip MUST have proof of insurance in order to go on the trip.  It would be wonderful if you used a travel service that automatically provided this coverage, reduces your work load a LOT.  If you do not, please begin gathering the front and back copies of each person’s medical insurance card.  If the contact information is on the front, you do not need to get the back copied.  As soon as you begin talking to students about insurance, please let the health office know of any students that are not covered. 

There are other options for families to use but we need to know who needs it very early so it can be set up.  This is not a last minute process and will cost the family extra money ($99 currently).  I will also need to know as soon as possible if the extra cost will be a concern for them.  Those applications are in the main office, currently Dawn is the person collecting the money, recording the purchase and sending it off to the insurance company.  Families DO NOT mail the applications off themselves, they MUST be turned in to Dawn. NO student will be denied going on the trip because they do not have/are not able to pay for insurance.


One month before you leave, email the health office a list of all possible students going on the trip.

All medications, even over-the-counter medications MUST have a physician signature as well as parent signature on the permission to give medication form. 

Please put all of the forms in a three ring binder by alpha with all of each student's forms together.  It is your responsibility to have a check off sheet and monitor who has turned in what.  Three weeks before you leave on your trip, turn in the Completed notebook to the nurse for review. 
All paperwork should be completed by students and turned in to you at least 3 weeks before your trip date.

I am happy to fax forms to physicians and will do so as I am checking the forms in the binder,  which is one reason I need the binder so early.  It is usually the last thing on the list for physicians to sign and then last for their staff to return to me – I need a lot of time to have it returned before the trip.


These forms need to remain with the adults who are supervising the specific students while you are on your trip.  If you are in groups that will be going different places, make sure those forms travel with the adults that have those students.  It can get complicated and be a volume concern if you have a large group that is traveling. 

What will the nurse do?

I will give you a spread sheet with the
  • student name,
  • allergies
  • health concerns, and
  • if they are bringing medication along with them.
Provide information for what to do with specific common health concerns.  Information  on CPR and oter general first aid. 

Provide you with a first aid kit to take on the trip if you request one.

A week before you leave, please set up a time to come to the health office to review medical and medication information you may need to know.

Summary:

•    2 months before departure, begin gathering forms
It is the teacher's responsibility to keep track of who has turned in what forms. 
All forms need to be assembled in a three rign binder by alpha.
•    Download the following forms from health office web page
•    Contact and medical information form
•    Treatment Release
•    Permission to give medications for extended field trip.
I suggest you put the Contact and medical information form and the Permission to give medications form on the same piece of paper. 
•    Write the name of the trip on the top of the forms and distribute to students
•    Email nurse a list of all possible attending students
•    Need proof of insurance copies
•    Notify nurse of any students needing insurance
•    Medication forms for ALL medications taking on trip
•    Notebook to nurse at least 3 weeks before the trip for review
•    Set up a time to review/get instructions from nurse re student health and
      medication needs and pick up first aid kit if requested.

•    Organize all of the forms so they will be with the adults supervising specific
      students at all times



Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page.

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Student and Parent Information for Overnight Field Trips

? Do I need to complete another Permission to give medication for if my student already has one on file in the health office for this year?

YES! Those orders cover the school day, we need 24 hour coverage for the trip.

? My student almost never needs their inhaler or allergy meds anymore, do I need to bother with the paperwork?

YES! They will be going to a different environment that may trigger allergic reactions or asthma.

? Do I have to make a special trip to the Dr.?

NO I certainly appreciate having parents do this themselves if possible but I am also happy to help if needed. Complete the parent portion of the Permission to give medications form and write in the name(s) of the medications you want to send. Part of the parent portion asks for the name and phone number of the Dr. I will Fax the form if you are not able to get the signature yourself.

? What should I get Dr. orders to send? Remember – even over the counter mediations need a parent and physician signature.

All prescription medication your student takes on a regular basis.

If your student is prone to motion sickness, something like Dramamine may be helpful. Pain relief such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be helpful especially for young women who may get cramps on the trip. A change in environment sometimes upsets the system, an anti-diarrhea medication would be something to consider if your student has particular sensitivities.

I would suggest not sending regular vitamins or herbal supplements for the trip as the short time they will be gone will probably not have a negative effect on their health if they miss a few doses.

? How much medication to I send?

Please only send enough medications for the number of days of the trip + three just in case they have flight concerns and are not home the day they plan.

? How do I send the medications?

If your student is going to self administer, just have them pack their medications in their carry on luggage. MUST BE IN THEIR ORIGINAL BOTTLES. No baggies or weekly pill holders.

If you are having a staff person carry and administer the medications please make arrangements to get those to the school a day or two before the trip. MUST BE IN THEIR ORIGINAL BOTTLES. No baggies or weekly pill holders.

? What about insurance?

If your group is not using a tour company that is providing insurance for everyone, we need copies of the front and back of all student’s insurance cards.

? What if I don’t have insurance?

Please let the teacher know right away so we can begin making arrangements for your student to have coverage. There is coverage available, currently the cost is $99 but that is subject to change.

? What if I can’t afford the coverage?

Please let the teacher know you will need assistance paying for part/all of the insurance coverage. Do this as early as possible so plans can be made. NO STUDENT WILL BE DENIED GOING ON THE TRIP BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO PAY FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE.

? What about Medical Coupons?

Those are just great. We need a copy of the front and back for the month of the trip if possible.

? Anything else?

Please let the teacher know if your student has been ill or injured in the last few weeks. Information helps us care for your student and keep them safe.

Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page.

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Immunizations

Washington State immunization requirements and more immunization information may be found at the Department of Health web site http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/adolescent.htm. 
The WAC, Washington Administrative Code, WAC 246-100-166, may be found at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/  

The Certificate of Immunization form may be downloaded from the documents section of this site. 

Requirements for 9th,10th and 11th  grade students 2008/2009 school year
TD/Tdap:

 

3 doses with the 3rd given on or after the 4th birthday

Polio:

3 doses with the 3rd given on or after the 4th birthday

MMR:

2 with the 1st given on or after their 1st birthday and at least 28 days apart

Hepatitis B:

3 doses

2nd dose given 1-3 months after the 1st dose

3rd dose given 2-6 months after 2nd dose BUT

3rd dose not given less than 4 months after 1st and

3rd dose not be given before 24 weeks of age

Requirements for 12th grade students  2008/2009 school year

TD/Tdap:

3 doses with the 3rd given on or after the 4th birthday

Polio:

3 doses with the 3rd given on or after the 4th birthday

MMR:

2 with the 1st given on or after their 1st birthday and at least 28 days apart

 


Immunizations are available from your private physician or licensed health care provider.  If you don’t have a doctor, please call your local health department or public clinic listed below.  This list of providers is being supplied as a courtesy by the Shoreline School District.  The list is not an endorsement of providers, services or fees.  The Shoreline School district in no way assumes liability associated with providing this list, nor actions of the providers.  You may use the services of other individuals, who are not included on the list at long as they are appropriately licensed and/or certificated.

North Public Health Center
10501 Meridian Ave N.
Seattle, WA  98133
206-296-4765


health_north.gif

What is DTaP?

The DTaP vaccine protects your child against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).

What is DTP?
This is the old vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.  Physicians are now using the newer DTaP vaccine which has fewer side effects.

•    diphtheria — a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway
    and cause severe breathing difficulty

•    tetanus (lockjaw) — a nerve disease, which can occur at any age, caused
    by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound

•    pertussis (whooping cough) — a respiratory illness with cold symptoms
    that progress to severe coughing (the "whooping" sound occurs when the
    child breathes in deeply after a severe coughing bout); serious
    complications of pertussis can occur in children under 1 year of age.
    Children under 6 months old are especially susceptible.

What is DT?
Diphtheria Tetanus immunization

I'm confused about the various vaccines that contain tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Can you explain?

There are two basic products that can be used in children younger than age 7 years (DTaP and DT)

and two that can be used in older children and adults (Td and Tdap).

It is very easy to get confused between DTaP and Tdap and get confused between DT and Td.

Here's a hint to help you remember. The pediatric formulations usually have 3-5 times as much of the diphtheria component than what is in the adult formulation. This is indicated by an upper-case "D" for the pediatric formulation (i.e., DTaP, DT) and a lower case "d" for the adult formulation (Tdap, Td). The amount of tetanus toxoid in each of the products is equivalent, so it remains an upper-case "T."

What is IPV?
Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine

Until recently, the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) was given in the United States. Updated recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now call for IPV injections. This change eliminates the previous small risk of developing polio after receiving the live oral polio vaccine.

What is MMR?

Measles, Mumps and Rubella

•    Measles
o    Measles (also known as rubeola) is a highly contagious respiratory infection that's caused by a virus. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose.

•    Mumps
o    Mumps is a disease caused by a virus that usually spreads through saliva and can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. These glands, which produce saliva for the mouth, are found toward the back of each cheek, in the area between the ear and jaw.  In cases of mumps, these glands typically swell and become painful.  Complications may increase as the age of onset increases and may include all parts of the body. 

•    Rubella

o    Rubella — commonly known as German measles or 3-day measles — is an infection that usually affects the skin and lymph nodes. It is caused by the rubella virus (not the same virus that causes measles).   Rubella is usually transmitted by droplets from the nose or throat that others breathe in.  It can also pass through a pregnant woman's bloodstream to infect her unborn child. As this is a generally mild disease in children, the primary medical danger of rubella is the infection of pregnant women, which may cause birth defects in developing babies.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects the liver. Those who are infected can become lifelong carriers of the virus and may develop long-term problems such as cirrhosis (liver disease) or cancer of the liver.

2nd dose given 1-3 months after the 1st dose
3rd dose given 2-6 months after 2nd dose BUT
3rd dose not given less than 4 months after 1st and
3rd dose not be given before 24 weeks of age



Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page.


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Information for Seniors

Immunizations

Copies of Senior immunization forms are available in the career center in each student's portfolio by October 1st of their Senior year. The health office has made every effort to add all immunizations families have provided the school district, including those added on sport physicals.

Students may take the immunization form home at any time - not the entire portfolio! Please make a copy for your home records and put it in a safe place (these records are rarely used and very easily lost in our homes!). Employers, Colleges etc. may ask for this information.

Meningococcal Meningitis


Your Shorecrest nurse  recommends families have a conversation with their health care providers about the need for their individual students to receive the Meningococcal immunization. Especially if your student is going to college and will be living in a dorm.  Please click on this link for more information prepared by the National Meningitis Association .  There is also a brochure in the documents section of the health office site for you to view.

I also recommend all students have their Hepititis A and B  and Tetanus immunizations up to date no matter what their after high school plans happen to be.

 
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Head Lice

Two words that make parents cringe when they hear them!

There are the live lice
        

 live_louse.png
And their egg sacks called Nits 
 
nits.png

Remember, head lice do not fly or jump, they crawl.


ANYONE can be infected with head lice.  It is not about being clean, just about  being in the right palce at the right time for a louse to walk on to your head or be transferred there by :

    * sharing hats
    * sharing coats or other clothing that would supply a route to your head
    * sharing combs, brushes or other hair items
    * upolstered furnature
    * beding
    * stuffed animals

There are chemical shampoos available but frankly, we do not recommend using them, especially on children.  The head lice have become resistant to the pestisides and often the harsh chemical treatments are not effective.

The most effective way of removing all nits (eggs) and live lice is to use a long tooth lice comb.

 lice_comb.gif

Comb your student's hair until you no longer can find any more nits or lice.  It is also recommended to use the lice comb at least daily for up to two weeks to be sure no new eggs have hatched and your student has not become re-infested.

Below, you will find the directions for a shampoo that has been effective in helping to remove head lice safely.

All Natural Lice Shampoo

I Cup Apple Cider Vinegar  -  DO NOT USE WHITE VINEGAR
¼ Cup shampoo – any kind will do

How to use:

Wet hair with warm water

Add 2 ounces of vinegar/shampoo mixture to hair and massage for 5 minutes – DO NOT RINSE

Add 2 more ounces and massage 5 more minutes.  DO NOT RINSE

Leave produ t on hair and scalp for 15 minutes

With shampoo still in the hair, comp through the hair with any finetooth comb to assist in removing the nits that have been released.

Rinse thoroughly with a strong spray of very warm water.  The lice and the nits will rinse out

Inspect under bright light

This shampoo does not contain harsh chemicals and should not harm your child. 

It is recommended that you use this shampoo mixture every day until all nits and lice are removed from the hair.

A copy of these instructions may be downloaded
by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page filed under Resources.

The shampoo and cider vinegar solution helps to loosen the grip the nits have on the hair shafts so it will be easier to comb out with the fine, long tooth comb.  Using the special comb frequently for the first 3 days and then at least daily for then next two weeks is the most effective way of controlling head lice.


There are countless suggested ways to rid one of these dreaded infestations.  We ask you to use a large dose of common sense as you come across unique suggestions.  Please DO NOT EVER use a flamable substance on your student's head or body as a treatment.


Cleaning Household Items to
Get Rid of the Lice


Nothing beats nit picking when it comes to  effectively removing nits from the hair.
Remember, head lice do not fly or jump, they crawl.
Reinfestation of lice usually does not come from household items such as carpets or furniture.  For some chronic cases, intense cleaning may be necessary.  Keep reading for tips on cleaning your home.
Remember...

*    Off the head, adult lice usually cannot survive for more than a day or two. 
      Nits off the hair will die within hours of hatching if they can't find a meal
      (blood).  So, there is no point in cleaning every nook and cranny.

*    Pets do not carry human head lice.  They do not need any special cleaning.
*    Evidence shows that lice sprays are not effective in killing lice or nits.  They
      only put poisons into the air.  Save your money and avoid buying lice sprays!


Things to wash in a washing machine:

*    Bath towels
*    Coats
*    Washable rugs, hats and scarves
*    Sheets, blankets, and pillow cases
*    Stuffed animals in contact with head and neck

Wash items using very hot water or dry items in the dryer using high heat for 30 minutes. The heat will help kill the lice and nits.

Things to sanitize:

*    Brushes, combs, and special nit loosening combs
*    Barrettes, other hair holders
*    Detachable foam pads inside bike and sport helmets

To sanitize these items, soak the item in 1/4 cup bleach to 1 quart cold water for one hour.

Things to vacuum:

*    Rugs and carpets
*    Car seats
*    Chairs and couches
*    Pillows from a couch or bed (wash the pillowcases)
*    Bed mattresses
*    Stuffed animals in contact with head and neck

Another cleaning option:
Items exposed to lice, such as stuffed animals, should be placed in a plastic bag and closed tightly for two weeks.  During these two weeks the lice and nits will not have food (blood) and will die.

A copy of these instructions may be downloaded
by going to the Documents button on the top left of this page filed under Resources.

It is very annoying and extremely time consuming to rid your student and home of nits and lice.  Comb, Comb, Comb using the special lice comb - it is the best defense and offense against head lice.  Rather than think if it as a chore, think o