Meet your Shorecrest Nurse
Crisis Clinic 206-461-3222
24 hour Line 1-866-427-4747
When to keep my Student home if they are sick:
Shoreline School District follows the guidelines the King County Department of Health provides about what to do if students, staff or visitors are sick.
If your student:
Mono 101 and School
Mononucleosis is a virus (Epstein-Barr virus) that affects the blood cells and glands. Even though anyone can get mononucleosis, most people who get the illness are between the ages of 15 and 25. Mono can keep you out of work or school for several weeks or months.
The Epstein-Barr virus is member of the herpes family. Although this virus is one of several herpes viruses, it has nothing to do with cold sores or genital herpes , although it may trigger an outbreak if you already suffer from either strain of herpes.
Mono is classified as a herpes virus because once you've been infected, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. However, you probably won't get the symptoms of mono more than once.
You can get mononucleosis through direct contact with infected saliva. Anything as innocent as sharing a straw or an eating utensil can expose you to the virus.
Another common way to catch Mono is by kissing someone who's infected. This is why the illness is sometimes called the "kissing disease." Although a quick kiss between friends probably won't do any harm, intimate kissing with someone who's infected or who has recently had mononucleosis can put you at greater risk for getting the disease. The virus can lie dormant and be passed onto you or others without the infected person ever having symptoms of the virus.
Symptoms
The virus has a long incubation period and sometimes won't show symptoms until 30 to 60 days after infection. Most often symptoms appear two weeks to 60 days after you've been infected. The most common symptom is constant fatigue, a constant state of feeling tired. The most distinguishing mono symptom is enlarged glands, or lymph nodes, in the neck, armpit and groin. Other signs include:
* Fever, sometimes up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit
* Very sore throat
* Swollen lymph glands
* Headaches
* Muscles that ache
* Enlarged or swollen liver and spleen
Common Treatments
Although there's no magic pill to make mono go away, there are some things you can do to feel better. The best recommended treatment is to get plenty of rest (especially during the beginning stages of the illness when your symptoms are the worst) and drink plenty of water and fluids.
Do NOT take aspirin unless your doctor tells you to take it.
When you start feeling better, take it slow. Although you can return to work or school once your fever disappears, you may still feel tired. Your body will tell you when it's time to rest, so listen to it. Keep things low-key and try taking afternoon naps.
Many health care providers recommend avoiding sports for at least a month after the symptoms disappear, especially if your spleen is enlarged. An enlarged spleen can rupture easily, causing severe abdominal pain and requiring emergency surgery. Avoid all contact sports or even wrestling with your friends until your health care provider gives you permission.
Complications:
Complications of this disease can affect the:
* Blood
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells)
• Thrombocytopenia (decrease in the number of platelets, which assist in blood
clotting)
• Granulocytopenia (deficiency of white blood cells).
• These blood complications usually improve over one to two months, without any
treatment.
* Spleen
• The Spleen can become enlarged
• Infrequently, the spleen can rupture in someone with mononucleosis. When the
spleen does rupture in such cases, it usually happens during the second or third
week of the illness. Severe abdominal pain is the most common symptom
associated with a ruptured spleen. Surgery is the only way to treat this potential
complication of mono.
* Nervous system
The most common are cranial nerve palsies (including Bell's palsy) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Other nervous system complications can include:
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (inflammation of certain nerves, causing muscle weakness
and paralysis)
• Seizures
• Meningitis
• Transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord or bone marrow).
* Heart
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart)
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall).
* Lungs.
Difficulty breathing can occur in someone with mono, because swollen tonsils can block the airway.
What about school?
The most important thing is for the student to rest and get well. Rest is the best way to prevent some of the very serious complications to having mono.
The nurse and/or student’s counselor can notify teachers that the student has mono and may be out or on a reduced schedule for a period of time.
• Extra time for turning in late homework
• Possible reduced assignments
• Special arrangements for taking tests
• Allow the student to rest in the health office as needed
• Student and Teacher remain in email contact and have student check Data
Dashboard for assignments
A reduced schedule would be having the student pick specific classes to attend each day or sometime during the week rather than try to maintain a full schedule.
If the student has complications and may be out at least 4 weeks, Home Hospital services may be started.
It is important that the student and family maintain close contact with teachers, nurse and/or student’s counselor to help facilitate the balance between healing and gaining credit for classes. We want to remove as much stress from the student and family as possible yet maintain the integrity of the student meeting the educational objectives of their classes for credit.
Resources:
www.kids.emedtv.com
www.livestrong.com
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Medications
? Permission to Administer Medications at School forms must be completed by parents and physicians for what medications?
? How long are the completed forms valid?
? My student gets occasional headaches or cramps or upset stomachs etc…. what can we do?
? May my High School student carry an inhaler for their asthma?
? 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?
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 menu 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.
Please note: A licensed nurse may not delegate the assessment of symptoms to a non licensed person. If an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, is ordered a non licensed person will administer the Epi-Pen and call 911 first. They could then administer the antihistamine after giving the Epi- Pen and calling 911 if it was ordered. Shorecrest has a licensed nurse on site every day unless there is no sub when the nurse is out of the building. If there are orders for an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to be given at sighns of exposure and then orders to administer the Epi-Pen if symptoms progress, the licensed nurse will first give the antihistamine, and then administer the Epi-Pen if symptoms progress.
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 nurse about your student if they have seizures.
Life threatening conditions are not limited to the above conditions, please consult the nurse 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 menu
Forms may be downloaded by going to Documents section on the top left of this page.
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Sport Physicals
Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents menu 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.
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 nurse to speak directly to your student’s physician to coordinate services and needs. I commonly limit the scope of my 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 menu 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. It is also extremely important that you either call and leave me a message, 206-393-4308, 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 menu on the top left of this page.
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Concussion, Head Bump Information
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?
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. I strive to keep parents informed of any possible concussing blows that occur at school that students report. I 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. I 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. I can best serve your student if I 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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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.
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 identify the students who do not have health insurance.
There are other options for families to use but they need to begin the process early so it can be set up. This is not a last minute process and will cost the family extra money ($117 currently). 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.
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.
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
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
• Email nurse a list of all possible attending students
• Need proof of insurance copies
• 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 menu 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.?
It is the parent responsibility to get the physician signature for extended field trip medication forms.
? 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 you can begin making arrangements for your student to have coverage. There is coverage available, currently the cost is $117 but that is subject to change.
? 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 menu on the top left of this page.
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Head Lice
Two words that make parents cringe when they hear them!
There are the live lice
And their egg sacks called Nits
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, I 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.
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.
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 menu 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.
Carlene Urrutia
Crisis Clinic 206-461-3222
24 hour Line 1-866-427-4747
Location of the health office in the NEW Shorecrest !!
When to keep my Student home if they are sick:
Shoreline School District follows the guidelines the King County Department of Health provides about what to do if students, staff or visitors are sick.
- The school district will have a web link on their main District site that will give specific information about current expectations and concerns. Information on that site is a collaboration between the School District, District nurses and the King County Health Department. It is our goal to have clear, consistent and up to date information for everyone.
- Parents are the first line of defense for detecting if their student is not well. You know your family the best.
If your student:
- Has a temperature of 100 or more - They MUST stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without taking medication to lower their temperature.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting in the morning or through the night
- If they have a temperature of 100 or higher AND a cough, sore throat, achy and/or are more tired than usual, they may have the flu. Please call your physician to see if they want to have your student come in to their office for an evaluation.
Parents may give acetaminophen (Tylenol) Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) to relieve the fever and aches and pains of a cold. NEVER GIVE ASPIRIN TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGER OF 18.
Attendance is very important. There is a balance between good school attendance and health.
Adults average 3 colds per year but children tend to get 8 to 12 colds per year. Cold symptoms last on average of 12-14 days per cold.
Colds are most contagious during the first 2-4 days.
Some cold viruses can live on surfaces (counter tops, door handles) for several days. Droplets containing viral particles can be exhaled into the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
Antibiotics are NOT effective in treating colds.
Simple hygiene measures can help to prevent infection from the viruses that cause colds, including hand washing or use of an alcohol-based hand rub.
Students are NOT expected to stay home for the length of a cold. Many students do not miss any days if the symptoms are not severe. Rest and fluids are the best way to get better faster. They may need to miss a day or two at the beginning if their symptoms are severe but by the 4th day, they are probably no longer contagious so they are not a risk for others to be around.
They are at risk for a secondary infection – earache, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infection and others. Many of these secondary infections are bacterial, those CAN be treated with antibiotics.
You should have your student checked by a licensed health care professional if:
· Discharge from nose or cough is green or yellow
· Cough gets worse or just does not seem to go away
· Difficulty breathing
· Loss of appetite or not drinking fluids
· Fever over 101 degrees
· Earache
· They are not getting any better after the first 7 days of the cold
If your student is not able to participate in regular school activities even though they may not have a temperature, you will be called to pick your student up so they can rest and recover at home.
The guidelines for staying home are the same for Students, Staff and Visitors.
Back to TopWhat if my student gets sick at school?
We are very fortunate at Shorecrest to have a licensed nurse in the building every day unless there is no nursing substitute available when the nurse is out of the building.
The student handbook instructs students to ask their teacher for a pass to come to the Health Office during class time if they are feeling ill. They are NOT to use their cell phone to call a parent unless they are in the Health Office and have checked in with the nurse. They may stop by at any time during TAP or lunch without a pass but still need to NOT use their cell phone to call a parent because of possible illness unless they are in the Health Office and have checked in with the the nurse.
If your student uses their personal cell phone to call you to let you know they are ill, please first ask them if they are in the health office. If they are not in the health office, please ask them to go there to check in and then call you back.
I never refuse to allow a student to use my phone to call a parent. Having your student check in with me allows me to touch base with them and see how they are doing. It also avoids parents showing up in the health office looking for their student who had called them to be picked up but their student is not in the health office. We then have to try and track that student down. If it is during a break time, that can be very difficult.
If your student calls from the health office, I can also excuse that absence for the day which avoids much confusion, and a phone call and email to you that your student was absent.
If your student is out for 4 or more days in a row
What if my student misses a week or more of school?
There are many reasons students may need to be out of school for an extended period of time. A few examples are:
- Broken bone
- Severe sprain
- Head injury
- Surgery
- Teeth pulled
- Emotional concerns
- Family crisis
- Extended illness such as mono, pneumonia etc.….
-
If your student is on their 4th day of consecutive absences and they need to be out longer, please call their counselor and/or the nurse so we can brainstorm possible supports for school.
We understand that you have been calling in and excusing absences, but our system is not perfect. There is often a delay in “ catching” students who have been out for some time by only letting attendance know when they are out. We really need families to help us by making that additional phone call or email to your students counselor or the nurse at the 4 day mark.
We have a variety of supports to help students get back on track while keeping up with current assignments. It is always very stressful to miss school and we would like to help make that transition back easier.
If your student may be out for 4 weeks or longer, we have a program called Home Hospital. Please see the information about that on my web page.
Please help us serve your student in the best possible way by calling the counselor and/or nurse at that 4 day mark so we can make proactive plans to keep your student on track.
Don’t touch your eyes
Don’t touch your nose
Don’t touch your mouth
Keep your hands away from your face!
Your eyes, nose and mouth provide an easy way for germs to enter your body.
Wash your Hands!!!
It’s the Bubbles!
Don’t use Anti-Bacterial soap - it dries the skin, which causes small cuts in the skin where germs can enter.
Use regular mild soap
The bubbles grab the germs and help carry them down the sink.
Wash for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday to yourself. 20 seconds.
Alcohol based gel hand sanitizer is good to use when you are not by a sink.
How do I know if I have the flu?
You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
· fever *
· cough
· sore throat
· runny or stuffy nose
· body aches
· headache
· chills
· fatigue
· sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. Most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.
What Medicine to give kids to lower their fever ?
· Tylenol also know as acetaminophen
· Motrin or Advil also know as Ibuprofen
Never give Kids Aspirin or anything that has Aspirin in it. Aspirin can cause Reye's Syndrome, a deadly disease, strikes swiftly and can attack any child, teen, or young adult without warning. All body organs are affected, with the liver and brain suffering most seriously.
· Stay Home - that includes not going to the store or any other
public place.
public place.
· REST - the BEST way to help the body heal
· Drink lots of fluids - helps the body get rid of germs
· Vomiting and Fluids - Wait about an hour after vomiting has
stopped to give a few sips of fluids. If those stay
down, give a few sips every 15 minutes for a few
hours before trying light foods.
stopped to give a few sips of fluids. If those stay
down, give a few sips every 15 minutes for a few
hours before trying light foods.
· Diarrhea and fluids - Drink lots of fluids if there is diarrhea
and no vomiting. Very important.
and no vomiting. Very important.
· Eat light - easy to digest foods -
Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast - Called the BRAT diet
Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast - Called the BRAT diet
· Call the Dr. if the temperature goes over 102˚, if
diarrhea or vomiting lasts more than 8 hours, if
they have trouble breathing
diarrhea or vomiting lasts more than 8 hours, if
they have trouble breathing
Some people are more likely to get flu complications and they should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms this season. They are:
* Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2
years old
years old
* People 65 and older
* Pregnant women
* People who have:
Cancer, Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease), Chronic lung disease including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Diabetes, Heart disease, Kidney disorders, Liver disorders, Neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord), Neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis), Weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS)
Also, it’s possible for healthy people to develop severe illness from the flu so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider.
There are emergency warning signs. Anyone who has them should get medical care right away.
What are the emergency warning signs?
In children
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids - dehydration
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and
worse cough
* Fever with a rash
In adults
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
Do I need to go the emergency room if I am only a little sick?
No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it.
How long should I stay home if I’m sick?
CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other things you have to do and no one else can do for you. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®.) You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
What should I do while I’m sick?
Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a face mask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. And wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.
Mononucleosis is a virus (Epstein-Barr virus) that affects the blood cells and glands. Even though anyone can get mononucleosis, most people who get the illness are between the ages of 15 and 25. Mono can keep you out of work or school for several weeks or months.
The Epstein-Barr virus is member of the herpes family. Although this virus is one of several herpes viruses, it has nothing to do with cold sores or genital herpes , although it may trigger an outbreak if you already suffer from either strain of herpes.
Mono is classified as a herpes virus because once you've been infected, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. However, you probably won't get the symptoms of mono more than once.
You can get mononucleosis through direct contact with infected saliva. Anything as innocent as sharing a straw or an eating utensil can expose you to the virus.
Another common way to catch Mono is by kissing someone who's infected. This is why the illness is sometimes called the "kissing disease." Although a quick kiss between friends probably won't do any harm, intimate kissing with someone who's infected or who has recently had mononucleosis can put you at greater risk for getting the disease. The virus can lie dormant and be passed onto you or others without the infected person ever having symptoms of the virus.
Symptoms
The virus has a long incubation period and sometimes won't show symptoms until 30 to 60 days after infection. Most often symptoms appear two weeks to 60 days after you've been infected. The most common symptom is constant fatigue, a constant state of feeling tired. The most distinguishing mono symptom is enlarged glands, or lymph nodes, in the neck, armpit and groin. Other signs include:
* Fever, sometimes up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit
* Very sore throat
* Swollen lymph glands
* Headaches
* Muscles that ache
* Enlarged or swollen liver and spleen
Common Treatments
Although there's no magic pill to make mono go away, there are some things you can do to feel better. The best recommended treatment is to get plenty of rest (especially during the beginning stages of the illness when your symptoms are the worst) and drink plenty of water and fluids.
Do NOT take aspirin unless your doctor tells you to take it.
When you start feeling better, take it slow. Although you can return to work or school once your fever disappears, you may still feel tired. Your body will tell you when it's time to rest, so listen to it. Keep things low-key and try taking afternoon naps.
Many health care providers recommend avoiding sports for at least a month after the symptoms disappear, especially if your spleen is enlarged. An enlarged spleen can rupture easily, causing severe abdominal pain and requiring emergency surgery. Avoid all contact sports or even wrestling with your friends until your health care provider gives you permission.
Complications:
Complications of this disease can affect the:
* Blood
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells)
• Thrombocytopenia (decrease in the number of platelets, which assist in blood
clotting)
• Granulocytopenia (deficiency of white blood cells).
• These blood complications usually improve over one to two months, without any
treatment.
* Spleen
• The Spleen can become enlarged
• Infrequently, the spleen can rupture in someone with mononucleosis. When the
spleen does rupture in such cases, it usually happens during the second or third
week of the illness. Severe abdominal pain is the most common symptom
associated with a ruptured spleen. Surgery is the only way to treat this potential
complication of mono.
* Nervous system
The most common are cranial nerve palsies (including Bell's palsy) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Other nervous system complications can include:
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (inflammation of certain nerves, causing muscle weakness
and paralysis)
• Seizures
• Meningitis
• Transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord or bone marrow).
* Liver
• Hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver, is common. In most cases, this complication improves without treatment.* Heart
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart)
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall).
* Lungs.
Difficulty breathing can occur in someone with mono, because swollen tonsils can block the airway.
What about school?
The most important thing is for the student to rest and get well. Rest is the best way to prevent some of the very serious complications to having mono.
The nurse and/or student’s counselor can notify teachers that the student has mono and may be out or on a reduced schedule for a period of time.
• Extra time for turning in late homework
• Possible reduced assignments
• Special arrangements for taking tests
• Allow the student to rest in the health office as needed
• Student and Teacher remain in email contact and have student check Data
Dashboard for assignments
A reduced schedule would be having the student pick specific classes to attend each day or sometime during the week rather than try to maintain a full schedule.
If the student has complications and may be out at least 4 weeks, Home Hospital services may be started.
It is important that the student and family maintain close contact with teachers, nurse and/or student’s counselor to help facilitate the balance between healing and gaining credit for classes. We want to remove as much stress from the student and family as possible yet maintain the integrity of the student meeting the educational objectives of their classes for credit.
Resources:
www.kids.emedtv.com
www.livestrong.com
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HA = Asthma - Wheezing, Short of Breath
HD = Dental Condition/Appointment
HF = Cold or Flu - Fever, Body Aches, Sore Throat
HH = Headache
HI = Injury/Accident
HM = Medical Appoint
HO = Other Health Condition
HR = Rash - Red Spots, Fever, Chills
HS = Stomach Symptom - Nausea, Vomiting,
Diarrhea
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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
o Tums
o Homeopathic or "natural" remedies
- Prescription medications
- 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 menu 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.
Please note: A licensed nurse may not delegate the assessment of symptoms to a non licensed person. If an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, is ordered a non licensed person will administer the Epi-Pen and call 911 first. They could then administer the antihistamine after giving the Epi- Pen and calling 911 if it was ordered. Shorecrest has a licensed nurse on site every day unless there is no sub when the nurse is out of the building. If there are orders for an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to be given at sighns of exposure and then orders to administer the Epi-Pen if symptoms progress, the licensed nurse will first give the antihistamine, and then administer the Epi-Pen if symptoms progress.
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 nurse about your student if they have seizures.
Life threatening conditions are not limited to the above conditions, please consult the nurse 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 menu
.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:
Students that attended any school in the Shoreline School District the previous school year and qualified for Free or Reduced Lunches 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.
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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
- Field trip fees
- College application fees
- PSAT fees
- SAT fees
- ACT fees
- AP fees
Students that attended any school in the Shoreline School District the previous school year and qualified for Free or Reduced Lunches 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.
The following is an example of how to fill the form out. The form for you to fill out is located in the Documents section of my web page.
Forms may be downloaded by going to Documents section on the top left of this page.
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Sport Physicals
Please make a COPY of the sport physical BEFORE turning it in to Shorecrest.
Sport camps are starting to require a copy of a student's sport physical in order for students to participate. The health office can not look up and make copies for teams/students. Please make your own copies before turning in the sport packet so you can provide the coach a copy if your student is going to participate in a school camp or something outside of school that requires a copy of their current sport physical.
WIAA guidelines require that all students furnish a statement or physical examination from signed by a medical authority licensed to perform a physical examination that provides clearance for continued athletic participation.
That statement or physical is valid for 24 months unless otherwise stated by the providing health care provider.
WIAA guidelines require that all students furnish a statement or physical examination from signed by a medical authority licensed to perform a physical examination that provides clearance for continued athletic participation.
That statement or physical is valid for 24 months unless otherwise stated by the providing health care provider.
Who may complete a physical examination as defined by WIAA rules:
- MD - Medical Doctor
- DO - Doctor of Osteopathy
- ARNP - Certified Registered Nurse
- PR - Physician's Assistant
- Naturopathic Physician
Please refer to WIAA regulations section 17.11.0 for complete requirements. http://www.wiaa.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=350
Questions and Answers:
- A family friend is a Doctor of Chiropractics and has agreed to provide athletic physical exams for our family. Will this physical exam be accepted for interscholastic participation?
NO, only those licensed to perform physical examinations are able to provide physical exams for athletic participation as outlined in 17.11.2
- I had a physical exam in April for spring sports. For how long is my physical good?
Physical exams are good for 24 months.
- I was injured for the early part of the basketball season, but have finally been cleared by a chiropractor to resume athletic participation. Is the medical release from a chiropractor acceptable?
NO, the written release to resume participation must come from a physician licensed to perform physical examinations as outlined in WIAA rule 17.11.2.
- Can a student get a waiver of the Physical Exam requirement for religious reasons?
NO, the physical exam requirement is a health and safety requirement for all students who choose to participate in athletics at a member school.
Forms may be downloaded by going to the Documents menu 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 nurse to speak directly to your student’s physician to coordinate services and needs. I commonly limit the scope of my 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 menu 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. It is also extremely important that you either call and leave me a message, 206-393-4308, 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 menu on the top left of this page.
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Concussion, Head Bump Information
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 to do if your student has a diagnosed concussion
Please notify the SC nurse - 206-393-4308 - if your student is diagnosed with a concussion. The past two years have demonstrated a much larger number of students being diagnosed with concussions. I don't think they are actually occurring more frequently, I think the medical community is being much more aware of head injuries and is assessing everyone more effectively.
We have developed a notice that is given to teachers when parents let the nurse know their student has sustained a concussion. You can download that from the Documents section of this web page. The suggestions in it are taken from notices a variety of physicians have given us. It is intended to help teachers understand the impact of a concussion and provide guidelines to help them work with your student to help them in their individual recovery. We would certainly provide what your private physician would give if they have their own specific requests.
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
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. I strive to keep parents informed of any possible concussing blows that occur at school that students report. I 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. I 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. I can best serve your student if I 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 |
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.• Treatment Release
• Permission to give medications for extended field trip
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 identify the students who do not have health insurance.
There are other options for families to use but they need to begin the process early so it can be set up. This is not a last minute process and will cost the family extra money ($117 currently). 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.
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.
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
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 pageAll forms need to be assembled in a three rign binder by alpha.
• 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• 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.
• Email nurse a list of all possible attending students
• Need proof of insurance copies
• 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 menu 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.?
It is the parent responsibility to get the physician signature for extended field trip medication forms.
? 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 you can begin making arrangements for your student to have coverage. There is coverage available, currently the cost is $117 but that is subject to change.
? 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 menu on the top left of this page.
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Head Lice
Two words that make parents cringe when they hear them!
There are the live lice
And their egg sacks called Nits
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, I 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.
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 menu 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
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 menu 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 of it as an opportunity to spend time with your son or daughter. We are all so busy and rarely get to spend larger blocks of time with individual children. Good luck and don't hesitate to call the health office if you have further questions.
Health Screening
School districts are no longer required to screen for Scoliosis. I will only screen for vision and hearing.
Screening is provided by the school nurse and trained volunteers on the first day of school during Link Crew activities.
Results of screening are sent home only if a student does NOT pass the vision and/or hearing screens.
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Crisis Clinic 206-461-3222
24 Hour Line 1-866-4747
Suicide is about Pain, overwhelming pain.
1. Take it seriously.
Myth: “The people who talk about it don't do it.”
Studies have found that more than 75% of all completed suicides did things in the few weeks or months prior to their deaths to indicate to others that they were in deep despair. Anyone expressing suicidal feelings needs immediate attention.
Myth: “Anyone who tries to kill himself has got to be crazy.”
Around 10% of all suicidal people are psychotic or have delusional beliefs about reality. Most suicidal people suffer from the recognized mental illness of depression; but many depressed people adequately manage their daily affairs. The absence of “craziness” does not mean the absence of suicide risk.
Myth: “Those problems weren't enough to commit suicide over”
Those words are often said by people who knew someone who completed suicide. You cannot assume that because you feel something is not worth being suicidal about, that the person you are with feels the same way. It is not how bad the problem is, but how badly it's hurting the person who has it.
2. Remember: suicidal behavior is a cry for help.
Myth: “If a someone is going to kill themselves, nothing can stop them.”
The fact that a person is still alive is sufficient proof that part of them wants to remain alive. The suicidal person is ambivalent - part of him wants to live and part of him wants not so much death as they want the pain to end. It is the part that wants to live that tells another “I feel suicidal.” If a suicidal person turns to you it is likely that they believe that you are more caring, more informed about coping with misfortune, and more willing to protect their confidentiality. No matter how negative the manner and content of their talk, they are doing a positive thing and have a positive view of you.
3. Be willing to give and get help sooner rather than later.
Suicide prevention is not a last minute activity. Unfortunately, suicidal people are afraid that trying to get help may bring them more pain: being told they are stupid, foolish, sinful, or manipulative; rejection; punishment; suspension from school or job; written records of their condition; or involuntary commitment. You need to do everything you can to reduce pain, rather than increase or prolong it. Constructively involving yourself on the side of life as early as possible will reduce the risk of suicide.
4. Listen.
Give the person every opportunity to unburden their troubles and vent their feelings. You don't need to say much and there are no magic words. If you are concerned, your voice and manner will show it. Give them relief from being alone with their pain; let them know you are glad they turned to you. Patience, Sympathy, Acceptance. Avoid arguments and advice giving.
5. ASK: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
Myth: “Talking about it may give someone the idea.”
People already have the idea; suicide is constantly in the news media. If you ask a despairing person this question you are doing a good thing for them: you are showing them that you care about them, that you take them seriously, and that you are willing to let them share their pain with you. You are giving them further opportunity to discharge pent up and painful feelings. If the person is having thoughts of suicide, find out how far along his plan has progressed.
6. If the person is acutely suicidal, do not leave them alone.
If the means for the suicide are present, pills, fire arm etc., try to get rid of them. Detoxify the home.
7. Urge professional help.
Persistence and patience may be needed to seek, engage and continue with as many options as possible. In any referral situation, let the person know you care and want to maintain contact.
8. No secrets.
It is the part of the person that is afraid of more pain that says “Don't tell anyone.” It is the part that wants to stay alive that tells you about it. Respond to that part of the person and persistently seek out a mature and compassionate person with whom you can review the situation such as calling the Crisis Clinic 24 hour Line 1-866-427-4747. (You can get outside help and still protect the person from pain causing breaches of privacy.) Do not try to go it alone. Get help for the person and for yourself. Distributing the anxieties and responsibilities of suicide prevention makes it easier and much more effective.
9. From crisis to recovery.
Most people have suicidal thoughts or feelings at some point in their lives; yet less than 2% of all deaths are suicides. Nearly all suicidal people suffer from conditions that will pass with time or with the assistance of a recovery program. There are hundreds of modest steps we can take to improve our response to the suicidal person and to make it easier for them to seek help. Taking these modest steps can save many lives and reduce a great deal of human suffering.
WARNING SIGNS
A person may have one or many of the warning signs. There is not a specific number a person has to have before being considered at serious risk.
Conditions associated with increased risk of suicide
* Death or terminal illness of relative or friend.
* Broken relationship, Divorce, Separation, Stress on family.
* Loss of health (real or imaginary).
* Loss of self-esteem, personal security, job, home, money, status,
* Alcohol or drug abuse.
* Depression. In the young depression may be masked by hyperactivity or acting out behavior. In the elderly it may be incorrectly attributed to the natural effects of aging.
• Depression that seems to quickly disappear for no apparent reason is cause for concern.
The early stages of recovery from depression can be a high risk period.
• Recent studies have associated anxiety disorders with increased risk for attempted suicide. Emotional and behavioral changes associated with suicide
* Overwhelming Pain: pain that threatens to exceed the person's pain coping capacities. Suicidal feelings are often the result of longstanding problems that have been made worse by recent events. There may be new pain or the loss of pain coping resources.
* Hopelessness: the feeling that the pain will continue or get worse; things will never get better.
* Powerlessness: the feeling that one's resources for reducing pain are exhausted.
* Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, self-hatred, “no one cares”. Fears of losing control, harming self or others.
* Personality becomes sad, withdrawn, tired, apathetic, anxious, irritable, or prone to angry outbursts.
* Declining performance in school, work, or other activities. (Occasionally the reverse: someone who volunteers for extra duties because they need to fill up their time.)
* Social isolation; or association with a group that has different moral standards than those of the family.
* Declining interest in friends, or activities previously enjoyed.
* Neglect of personal welfare, deteriorating physical appearance.
* Alterations in either direction in sleeping or eating habits.
(Particularly in the elderly) Self-starvation, dietary mismanagement, disobeying medical instructions.
Suicidal Behavior
* Previous suicide attempts, “mini-attempts”.
* Explicit statements of a suicidal plan or feelings.
* Development of suicidal plan, acquiring the means, pills, firearm etc., “rehearsal” behavior, setting a time for the attempt.
* Self-inflicted injuries, such as cuts, burns, or head banging.
* Reckless behavior.
* Giving away favorite possessions or making out a will .
* Inappropriately saying goodbye.
* Verbal behavior that is ambiguous or indirect:
“I'm going away on a real long trip.”
“You won't have to worry about me anymore.”,
“I want to go to sleep and never wake up.”
“I'm so depressed, I just can't go on.”
“Does God punish suicides?”
“Voices are telling me to do bad things.”
Requests for euthanasia information
Inappropriate joking
Stories or essays on morbid themes.
The above suicide prevention information is from the following web site.
http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/whattodo.htm
The following site is a local resource that is also extremely helpful.
http://www.yspp.org/
http://www.yspp.com/resources-Links/documents/YSPP_depression_Final_low.pdf
Return to the top
Helpful Health Information
What is the best way to prevent colds, the flu, almost any illness?
-
That's right Wash your hands Often
You want lots of soap bubbles and gently scrub your hands together
for as long as it take you to sing Happy Birthday to yourself.
We do not recommend using an antibacterial soap for two main reasons.
They often cause the skin to dry and crack making it easier for germs to enter our body.
Germs are very good at adapting to conditions, we don't want to
contribute to making "better bugs".
We use a very mild dishwashing soap diluted with water in a foaming pump dispenser in the Shorecrest health office to wash hands as well as clean minor wounds.
It is that time of year again! Colds and the Flu are Viruses
Drink lots of water
Get lots of rest
Most people recover in a week but symptoms can last up to 14 days.
High fever, significantly swollen glands, severe facial pain in the sinuses, and a cough that produces a colored mucus, may indicate a complication or more serious illness requiring a doctor's attention.
Antibiotics do not kill viruses. The medical community recommends that these prescription drugs should be used only for bacterial complications, such as sinusitis or ear infections, that can develop as secondary infections. The use of antibiotics "just in case" will not prevent secondary bacterial infections.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children and teenagers not be given aspirin or any medications containing aspirin when they have any viral illness, such as a cold, the flu and chickenpox. Several studies have linked the use of aspirin to the development of Reye's Syndrome. Children with Reye's syndrome start vomiting and become drowsy within a few days of becoming sick. The disorder can affect all body organs and lead to brain damage and death.
Some medicine labels may refer to aspirin as salicylate or salicylic acid. Be sure to educate your student, who may take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without your knowledge.
A solution of 1 part bleach mixed with 10 parts cool water is very effective in killing viruses on surfaces. This is an extremely effective and yet inexpensive way to kill viruses on counter tops, door knobs, floors, toys toddlers put in their mouths etc. If you smell the bleach, you have too much in your solution. Spray on surfaces and let set at least 1 minute before drying, or just let air dry. The solution needs to be prepared daily.
Return to Top
24 Hour Line 1-866-4747
Suicide is about Pain, overwhelming pain.
1. Take it seriously.
Myth: “The people who talk about it don't do it.”
Studies have found that more than 75% of all completed suicides did things in the few weeks or months prior to their deaths to indicate to others that they were in deep despair. Anyone expressing suicidal feelings needs immediate attention.
Myth: “Anyone who tries to kill himself has got to be crazy.”
Around 10% of all suicidal people are psychotic or have delusional beliefs about reality. Most suicidal people suffer from the recognized mental illness of depression; but many depressed people adequately manage their daily affairs. The absence of “craziness” does not mean the absence of suicide risk.
Myth: “Those problems weren't enough to commit suicide over”
Those words are often said by people who knew someone who completed suicide. You cannot assume that because you feel something is not worth being suicidal about, that the person you are with feels the same way. It is not how bad the problem is, but how badly it's hurting the person who has it.
2. Remember: suicidal behavior is a cry for help.
Myth: “If a someone is going to kill themselves, nothing can stop them.”
The fact that a person is still alive is sufficient proof that part of them wants to remain alive. The suicidal person is ambivalent - part of him wants to live and part of him wants not so much death as they want the pain to end. It is the part that wants to live that tells another “I feel suicidal.” If a suicidal person turns to you it is likely that they believe that you are more caring, more informed about coping with misfortune, and more willing to protect their confidentiality. No matter how negative the manner and content of their talk, they are doing a positive thing and have a positive view of you.
3. Be willing to give and get help sooner rather than later.
Suicide prevention is not a last minute activity. Unfortunately, suicidal people are afraid that trying to get help may bring them more pain: being told they are stupid, foolish, sinful, or manipulative; rejection; punishment; suspension from school or job; written records of their condition; or involuntary commitment. You need to do everything you can to reduce pain, rather than increase or prolong it. Constructively involving yourself on the side of life as early as possible will reduce the risk of suicide.
4. Listen.
Give the person every opportunity to unburden their troubles and vent their feelings. You don't need to say much and there are no magic words. If you are concerned, your voice and manner will show it. Give them relief from being alone with their pain; let them know you are glad they turned to you. Patience, Sympathy, Acceptance. Avoid arguments and advice giving.
5. ASK: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
Myth: “Talking about it may give someone the idea.”
People already have the idea; suicide is constantly in the news media. If you ask a despairing person this question you are doing a good thing for them: you are showing them that you care about them, that you take them seriously, and that you are willing to let them share their pain with you. You are giving them further opportunity to discharge pent up and painful feelings. If the person is having thoughts of suicide, find out how far along his plan has progressed.
6. If the person is acutely suicidal, do not leave them alone.
If the means for the suicide are present, pills, fire arm etc., try to get rid of them. Detoxify the home.
7. Urge professional help.
Persistence and patience may be needed to seek, engage and continue with as many options as possible. In any referral situation, let the person know you care and want to maintain contact.
8. No secrets.
It is the part of the person that is afraid of more pain that says “Don't tell anyone.” It is the part that wants to stay alive that tells you about it. Respond to that part of the person and persistently seek out a mature and compassionate person with whom you can review the situation such as calling the Crisis Clinic 24 hour Line 1-866-427-4747. (You can get outside help and still protect the person from pain causing breaches of privacy.) Do not try to go it alone. Get help for the person and for yourself. Distributing the anxieties and responsibilities of suicide prevention makes it easier and much more effective.
9. From crisis to recovery.
Most people have suicidal thoughts or feelings at some point in their lives; yet less than 2% of all deaths are suicides. Nearly all suicidal people suffer from conditions that will pass with time or with the assistance of a recovery program. There are hundreds of modest steps we can take to improve our response to the suicidal person and to make it easier for them to seek help. Taking these modest steps can save many lives and reduce a great deal of human suffering.
WARNING SIGNS
A person may have one or many of the warning signs. There is not a specific number a person has to have before being considered at serious risk.
Conditions associated with increased risk of suicide
* Death or terminal illness of relative or friend.
* Broken relationship, Divorce, Separation, Stress on family.
* Loss of health (real or imaginary).
* Loss of self-esteem, personal security, job, home, money, status,
* Alcohol or drug abuse.
* Depression. In the young depression may be masked by hyperactivity or acting out behavior. In the elderly it may be incorrectly attributed to the natural effects of aging.
• Depression that seems to quickly disappear for no apparent reason is cause for concern.
The early stages of recovery from depression can be a high risk period.
• Recent studies have associated anxiety disorders with increased risk for attempted suicide. Emotional and behavioral changes associated with suicide
* Overwhelming Pain: pain that threatens to exceed the person's pain coping capacities. Suicidal feelings are often the result of longstanding problems that have been made worse by recent events. There may be new pain or the loss of pain coping resources.
* Hopelessness: the feeling that the pain will continue or get worse; things will never get better.
* Powerlessness: the feeling that one's resources for reducing pain are exhausted.
* Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, self-hatred, “no one cares”. Fears of losing control, harming self or others.
* Personality becomes sad, withdrawn, tired, apathetic, anxious, irritable, or prone to angry outbursts.
* Declining performance in school, work, or other activities. (Occasionally the reverse: someone who volunteers for extra duties because they need to fill up their time.)
* Social isolation; or association with a group that has different moral standards than those of the family.
* Declining interest in friends, or activities previously enjoyed.
* Neglect of personal welfare, deteriorating physical appearance.
* Alterations in either direction in sleeping or eating habits.
(Particularly in the elderly) Self-starvation, dietary mismanagement, disobeying medical instructions.
Suicidal Behavior
* Previous suicide attempts, “mini-attempts”.
* Explicit statements of a suicidal plan or feelings.
* Development of suicidal plan, acquiring the means, pills, firearm etc., “rehearsal” behavior, setting a time for the attempt.
* Self-inflicted injuries, such as cuts, burns, or head banging.
* Reckless behavior.
* Giving away favorite possessions or making out a will .
* Inappropriately saying goodbye.
* Verbal behavior that is ambiguous or indirect:
“I'm going away on a real long trip.”
“You won't have to worry about me anymore.”,
“I want to go to sleep and never wake up.”
“I'm so depressed, I just can't go on.”
“Does God punish suicides?”
“Voices are telling me to do bad things.”
Requests for euthanasia information
Inappropriate joking
Stories or essays on morbid themes.
The above suicide prevention information is from the following web site.
http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/whattodo.htm
The following site is a local resource that is also extremely helpful.
http://www.yspp.org/
http://www.yspp.com/resources-Links/documents/YSPP_depression_Final_low.pdf
Return to the top
Helpful Health Information
What is the best way to prevent colds, the flu, almost any illness?
- You want lots of soap bubbles and gently scrub your hands together
for as long as it take you to sing Happy Birthday to yourself.
We do not recommend using an antibacterial soap for two main reasons.
They often cause the skin to dry and crack making it easier for germs to enter our body.
Germs are very good at adapting to conditions, we don't want to
contribute to making "better bugs".
We use a very mild dishwashing soap diluted with water in a foaming pump dispenser in the Shorecrest health office to wash hands as well as clean minor wounds.
It is that time of year again! Colds and the Flu are Viruses
Drink lots of water
Get lots of rest
Most people recover in a week but symptoms can last up to 14 days.
High fever, significantly swollen glands, severe facial pain in the sinuses, and a cough that produces a colored mucus, may indicate a complication or more serious illness requiring a doctor's attention.
Antibiotics do not kill viruses. The medical community recommends that these prescription drugs should be used only for bacterial complications, such as sinusitis or ear infections, that can develop as secondary infections. The use of antibiotics "just in case" will not prevent secondary bacterial infections.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children and teenagers not be given aspirin or any medications containing aspirin when they have any viral illness, such as a cold, the flu and chickenpox. Several studies have linked the use of aspirin to the development of Reye's Syndrome. Children with Reye's syndrome start vomiting and become drowsy within a few days of becoming sick. The disorder can affect all body organs and lead to brain damage and death.
Some medicine labels may refer to aspirin as salicylate or salicylic acid. Be sure to educate your student, who may take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without your knowledge.
A solution of 1 part bleach mixed with 10 parts cool water is very effective in killing viruses on surfaces. This is an extremely effective and yet inexpensive way to kill viruses on counter tops, door knobs, floors, toys toddlers put in their mouths etc. If you smell the bleach, you have too much in your solution. Spray on surfaces and let set at least 1 minute before drying, or just let air dry. The solution needs to be prepared daily.
Return to Top