If students are running a fever of 100 degrees or over, or if vomiting or diarrhea is present, they need to be free of these effects of illness for 24 hours without the use of medication before they can return to school. JANUARY 2012
CAN YOU BELIEVE WE HAVE ALREADY EXERIENCED HALF OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR? WOW, HOW TIME FLIES! WE STILL HAVE LOTS TO DO BEFORE WE ARE THROUGH, AND IT WILL TAKE THE WORK OF MANY TO SEE THAT THIS NEW YEAR, AND THE REST OF THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR, GOES SMOOTHLY. I HOPE THAT WE ALL EXPERIENCE A HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND WORTHWHILE 2012.
1-31 Cervical Health Awareness Month
http://www.nccc-online.org/images/videos/psa/sixtysecond.swf
http://www.nccc-online.org/health_news/early_detection.html
1-31 Thyroid Awareness Month Check out this helpful Neck Check Information Sheet.
https://www.aace.com/sites/alt.aace.com/files/pdfs/neck_check.pdf
1-31 National Radon Action Month Never can be too safe!
http://www.epa.gov/radon/nram/public.html
8-14
Folic Acid Awareness Week This is such good information for helping to develop healthy babies!
Well, friends, it is time to put those New Year's Resolutions into action. Why not give yourself a gift. A PROMISE to make WISE and HEALTHY CHOICES about what you choose to eat this new year. Maybe even a few extra minutes a day of physical activity. Just putting up the Christmas stuff will help. Walking around the mall while shopping for those post-holiday bargains, too. Park a little further from the store doors. Treat your kids to a new, fun activity that you can do as a family. Video games like "Just Dance" can be fun for us old-timers, too, or try your skills with video games that require you to get up and move. The weather has been so nice lately that a walk outside together would be great! You might possibly be able to pry the "older" men from their chairs between football games to join you. (I'll give you extra points if you can do that!!). Encourage your family to choose lots of vibrant colors of fresh fruits and veggies from the fridge. A healthy sandwich using whole grain breads and fresh veggies with low fat dips would be great while rooting on your favorite team during the bowl games. Remember, the best things in life ARE NOT THINGS. Love one another and encourage each other daily.
Stomach flu has arrived in Cordell. Better time than ever to remember to wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes and keep you hands away from The T Zone. That includes your eyes, nose and mouth, the easiest ways germs can enter your body. Time to get prepared. Cold and flu season will be here before we know it!
If students are running a fever of 100 degrees or over, or if vomiting or diarrhea is present, they need to be free of these effects of illness for 24 hours without the use of medication before they can return to school.
HEALTHY HANDWASHING
We have been having handwashing classes in several of the elementary classes. Ask your kids to remind you of how to wash your hands. They can fill you in. They are Ambassadors of Good Health!
ELEMENTARY VISION SCREENINGS COMPLETED
Students who did not successfully pass the vision screening have been given a letter from Prevent Blindness Oklahoma to taken home to their parent or guardian. This letter should be taken to the eye doctor when the student has a comprehensive examination. 
A reminder to parents of students in kindergarten, T-1, first or third grades: if a vision screening is not passed successfully, parents must present a report from an eye doctor that a comprehensive eye exam has been performed. *This is a state requirement.
Osteoporosis
I hope you kids are banking your calcium. Dig into those dairy foods and other foods that contain calcium. You are going to need it by the time you turn 30!
Physical Fitness and Sports
We can all make better choices about what we eat and how much we move! Let's Move It, America!http://www.fitness.gov/
Food Allergy Awareness
It is important to be aware of our surroundings when food allergies are present. Let's take care of one another and keep all our friends safe! Learn more at this site.
www.foodallergy.org/section/food-allergy-awareness-week1
You Would Be Wise to Immunize!
"Getting immunized is a life-long, life-protecting job. Make sure you and your healthcare provider keep your immunizations up to date. Check to be sure you've had all the vaccinations you need." Immunization Action Coalition
Are your adolescent children current on their immunizations?
TDaP Booster shots are required for 7th graders starting in the 2011-2012 School Year. Verification of students receiving this vaccine will be required for enrollment. Every student eleven years and older is encouraged to get this booster!
Chicken? If your child only had one dose of Varicella, it is now recommended that a second dose be given.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is available for adolescent females to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. This vaccine may be given up to the age of 26. And guess what, it is now available for males as well. Talk to your healthcare provider or school nurse for more information.
Meningitis is a rare, but very serious life-ending or life-altering disease, which can affect an otherwise healthy person within 24 hours. Preteens and teens are at greater risk for getting meningitis and are more likely to be affected than other age groups. Meningitis is spread through close contact with affected individuals. Teens are usually very social and share alot of things, like drinking or eating utensils, cell phones, kisses and living quarters. Please protect them with this vaccination!
"You can't educate a child who isn't healthy and you can't keep a child healthy who isn't educated."
Jocelyn Elders, Former US Surgeon General
http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/12wayssong.htm
I know Christmas is over, but I like this and the info is always relevant, so I am going to leave it up for a while longer. Hope you like it! Have a happy, healthy New Year!
1. The first way to health, said the CDC to me
Wash hands to be safe and healthy.
2. The second way to health, said the CDC to me
Bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
3. The third way to health, said the CDC to me
Manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
4. The fourth way to health, said the CDC to me
Don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
5. The fifth way to health, said the CDC to me
BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
6. The sixth way to health, said the CDC to me
Fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
7. The seventh way to health, said the CDC to me
Get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
8. The eighth way to health, said the CDC to me
Get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
9. The ninth way to health, said the CDC to me
Monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
10. The tenth way to health, said the CDC to me
Practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
11. The eleventh way to health, said the CDC to me
Prepare dinner safely, practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
12. The twelfth way to health, said the CDC to me
Eat well and get moving, prepare dinner safely, practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
Hearing and Speech Screenings have been completed for Pre-kindergarten through First Grade students. Any student may be screened for hearing by the request of the student, a parent or guardian or a teacher or school faculty member. Additional screenings that may be provided this year include assessment of vision, height, weight, BMI, dental hygiene, blood pressure, temperature, pulse, head and neck. Parents or guardians will need to notify the school nurse if they do not want these screenings to be done for their child.
Students in grades 7-12 were screened for vision on December 7th. Parents will be contacted regarding any abnormal results. Students who were absent for Jr/Sr Hi screenings will be offered the screening when we resume classes in January.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to notify Nurse Puett of any concerns or questions regarding the student's health or healthcare needs. Nurse Puett's office number is 580.832.3420 extension 406.
It is preferable that medications be given at home whenever possible. However, there are certain instances when medication needs to be given at school. Medications may be administered to students by the school nurse or other school personnel designated by the school administration under the following guidelines and requirements:
1. A Health History and Medical Treatment Consent Form must be completed by the parent or guardian at the time of enrollment and must be updated as needed to reflect the current medical status of the student and how to contact the parent or guardian in case of emergency.
2. Written parental consent must be provided for all medications given to students.
3. Written medical authorization must be provided by the treating healthcare provider for any medication prescribed for the student.
4. Any medication to be given at school must be taken to the school nurse or other designated school personnel. Students are not permitted to keep any medication on their person, in lockers, desks, backpacks or gym bags during school hours, with the exception of emergency or rescue medications such as asthma inhalers, diabetic medications, seizure medications or medications for the treatment of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions). Students who need to carry these specific medications will be assessed by the healthcare provider and the school nurse to determine their knowledge and capability to carry and self-administer these medications. If students are deemed to be too young or unable to carry and administer medication independently, emergency medications will be stored securely in a place near the student’s location (classroom) so that it is easily accessed by the nurse or designated school personnel.
5. Medication that is prescribed by a healthcare provider must be brought in its original and most current container with the prescription label attached, showing the student’s name, the name of the healthcare provider, the name and dose of the medication and the directions for use.
6. Any over-the-counter medication must come unopened in its original container with the student’s name written on the container. Directions for use and expiration date must be visible.
7. If an antibiotic or liquid medication is to be given, it may be helpful to ask the pharmacist if a secondary container may be obtained so that the medication to be given during school hours may be left at school. Over-the-counter medication may also be left at school, to be used as needed, as long as the written consent and instructions are sent with it. This may decrease the need to transport the medication back and forth from home to school, assuring the medication will be handled and stored safely.
8. The school nurse will communicate with parents/guardians regarding medication usage; however, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to provide medication for school use in a timely manner (refilling medication). It is also the parent/guardian’s responsibility to replace any medication that has reached its expiration date.
9. Communication between school healthcare providers and parents/guardians is encouraged to enhance the student’s health, safety and ability to learn and participate during school hours.
School Nurse Jennifer Puett, R.N., BSN, M.Ed Office Phone 580.832.3420 ext. 406 or 402
Pre-school, Pre-Kindergarten
4 DTaP, 3 Polio, 1 MMR, 3 Hepatitis B, 2 Hepatitis A, 1 Varicella
Kindergarten through 11th Grade
5 DTaP, 4 Polio, 2 MMR, 2-3 Hepatitis B, 2 Hepatitis A, 1 Varicella
7th Grade
DTaP--not just Td!
12th Grade
5 DTaP, 4 Polio, 2 MMR, 2-3 Hepatitis B, 2 Hepatitis A
Consider these recommended vaccines:
TDaP (if over 7th grade), Meningitis, HPV, Influenza
Ask you Healthcare Provider to review and update your child's immunization record at each visit.
You may get additional information from the school nurse, the Oklahoma State Health Department Immunization Division at 405.271.4073 or by visiting the web site at:
PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO HAVE YOUR CHILDREN AND YOURSELVES PROTECTED AGAINST THE FLU AND OTHER VIRUSES THAT WILL BE ARRIVING IN WASHITA COUNTY SOON. AS ALWAYS, HANDWASHING IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT WAS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFECTION!!!!!
Please refer to these helpful and interesting sites
Is It a Cold or the Flu?
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/flu_vs_cold.html
Don't Get Sidelined by the Flu
http://www.nasn.org/Portals/0/resources/flu_eng_flyer.pdf
PLEASE REVIEW THE SECTION ON THIS PAGE CONCERNING WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME. WE CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP OUR KIDS AND STAFF AND COMMUNITY SAFE AND HEALTHY THRU THE COLD AND FLU SEASON.
If your child does not have health insurance, please visit this site for more information to determine if your child is eligible for assistance.
http://www.okhca.org/individuals.aspx?id=11698&menu=40
If you need further help, please contact Jennifer Puett, R. N., Cordell School Nurse. I will try to help you gather the information you need to get started.
NO MORE FOOD PYRAMID! NOW, CHOOSE MY PLATE! Check out this site for some new and interesting approaches to eating in a more healthy way!
Start the Day Right - Don't Skip Breakfast
Studies show that children who eat breakfast do better in school. It is also true that adults feel better and work better as well. Whether you work at home, on the farm, at the office, at school, or on the road, it is not a good idea to skip breakfast. Eating a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Cordell School is fortunate to have a successful breakfast program that has been well received by students and staff alike.
FOOD 4 KIDS
The Regional Food Bank provides the Food 4 Kids Program that makes food available for those families who have young children who may not receive enough food to sustain their nutritional needs on the weekends. Cordell School proudly participates in this very valuable program. For more information about how this program might help your family, or if you are interested in providing support to help the kids of Oklahoma, please contact the school nurse or the Regional Food Bank.
Please view this video for important information about the need to vaccinate your child against Meningitis. This is a strong disease that can be life threatening and life altering. While it is not yet required except for some college students, it is highly recommended. Please discuss this vaccine with your health care provider or your school nurse.
http://www.voicesofmeningitis.org/
WE CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER DAILY TO STAY HEALTHY
We Give Thanks to the many individuals, organizations and churches who have demonstrated their care, concern and interest in the well-being of our students. We are so appreciative of your kindness.
EVERYDAY*ALL THE WAY*NO EXCEPTIONS*NO EXCUSES!!
1. Wear your seatbelt and encourage everyone you are riding with to wear theirs as well.
2. Remember to wear your helmets and protective gear while biking and playing sports.
3. Watch out for cars and strangers.
HAPPY, HEALTHY BODIES 
At school, kids learn, kids play and kids get dirty. In order to allow students to continue their school day with little interruption, some articles of clean clothing are available for use as needed. Parents are asked to wash and return borrowed clothing as soon as possible. Underwear is new and does not need to be returned.
EARLY TO BED, EARLY TO RISE,
MAKES OUR KIDS HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND WISE
With READING, WRITING, ARITHMATIC, MORE READING and many other things to learn and be involved in, the kids are finding it hard to get to bed on time and also forget to take time to eat right. While you are reminding them that you love them, please remind them to take time to properly care for themselves. BE GOOD ROLE MODELS AND HELP YOURSELVES AS WELL!