HEALTH NEWS FOR SCHOOLS

Transcription

1 PUBLIC HEALTH May 2017, Issue 13 HEALTH NEWS FOR SCHOOLS THIS ISSUE: PAEDIATRIC GASTROENTERITIS SERVICE VACCINATIONS HEALTH ED INFLUENZA VACCINATION HIGH FIVE FOR CLEAN HANDS PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES WATER AND PLAIN-MILK ONLY SCHOOLS Hello, Kia Ora Koutou Malo e Lelei Talofa Lava Ni Hao Welcome to the thirteenth edition of Health News for schools. We encourage you to share the health and wellbeing information in our newsletters with all staff, parents, families/whanau and caregivers - through your own newsletters and notice boards, or through copies being sent or ed home. THE PAEDIATRIC GASTROENTERITIS SERVICE The Paediatric Gastroenteritis service for the assessment and treatment of childhood gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea) continues to be available free of charge from participating community pharmacies within the MidCentral DHB region, and funded by the MidCentral DHB for a further three years. This service aims to reduce the impact of gastroenteritis by providing early treatment and preventing dehydration in uncomplicated gastro cases, however some children may still need further medical attention. who will collect some information in order to assess their illness and if appropriate they will provide you with the information you need and sufficient Pedialyte to treat your child at home. It may be helpful to call the pharmacy in advance to ensure that there is an accredited pharmacist available. MidCentral DHB and MCPG would be grateful if ECE's could advertise this service so it can be used should the need arise. For further information please contact info@mcpg.org.nz Features of this service include the following: It is available for children who live in the MidCentral DHB region aged three months to 15 years. Following an assessment of the child by a pharmacist who is accredited to provide this service, oral rehydration solution (Pedialyte ) can be provided at no charge for those with uncomplicated, mild dehydration due to gastroenteritis. An oral rehydration chart, hygiene advice, and advice on when to seek further medical assistance will be provided to those who are treated. The Public Health Unit (PHU) will be notified of each consultation. Where the level of dehydration is deemed more than mild or complications are involved the child will be referred to an appropriate medical professional for further medical treatment. A list of the pharmacies providing the service is available on the MidCentral Community Pharmacy Group website org.nz. To receive this free service the child with gastro must be present at the pharmacy. They will be seen by the pharmacist Health and wellbeing information for primary school education staff, parents, caregivers and whanau

2 YOU CAN CHOOSE TO HAVE YOUR CHILD VACCINATED AT SCHOOL OR AT THE GP Tdap vaccine (Boostrix) Boostrix vaccine boosts the protection children receive as babies, against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (or pertussis). This is provided to school students in year 7. Following the full course of immunisations, protection is expected to last at least 20 years against tetanus. HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) In year 8 your child will be offered the HPV vaccine this protects against nine strains of human papillomavirus responsible for cervical and some other cancers, and genital warts. Protection is long-lasting. The HPV vaccine is given as two injections, spaced out over six months, to those aged 14 or under. This is now being offered to both boys and girls, if you want more information please contact: Public Health Nurses The following YouTube links provide more information. *You can choose to have your child vaccinated at school, or at the GP. FAMILY VIOLENCE IT'S NOT OK! It's not OK for children and young people to experience violence whether they are victims or witnesses. Research shows that violence in the home affects children whether they see it, hear it or just know about it. Violence makes it harder for children to make friends, to learn, be healthy and be happy. It's important to remember that children need adults to keep them safe, and we all have a role to play in this. If you are worried about a child don't ignore it. CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DENTAL SERVICE The Child and Adolescent Oral Health Service provides quality dental care for all children and adolescents in the MidCentral DHB region. Looking after your child's smile begins with the following early oral health habits. Tips to keep your child s beautiful smile: Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. The public health nursing team, has a number of hand washing kits which are a fabulous resource for classroom teaching. Contact for details. Just remember that dental appointments are free until your child turns 18 years. For an appointment please contact us on (0800 TALK TEETH) Your child needs your help until they are 8 years old. Your child also needs a soft bristle brush. Give milk or water to drink - cordial, fruit juice and fizzy are bad for their teeth. Choose health-friendly snacks such as pieces of cheese or raw vegetables instead of biscuits.

3 HEALTH ED Health Ed is a catalogue of free health resources brought to you by the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) and the Ministry of Health.. The public health resources on the website support healthier New Zealand communities. You can search download or order resources on a wide range of topics. Alternatively, the Public Health resource room at 575 Main Street has a large range of free health resources. Contact : public.healthinfo@midcentraldhb.govt.nz Phone (06) Fax (06) INFLUENZA VACCINATION Influenza vaccination is FREE for people who are most at risk. Almost everyone can benefit from the protection of the influenza immunisation. The vaccine is especially important for people at risk of serious complications from influenza. Pregnant women (any stage of pregnancy). Anyone aged 65 years or over. Children aged 6 months to under 5 years who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of respiratory illness. Anyone aged 6 months to under 65 years with any of the following medical conditions: - Heart problems, Cerebrovascular disease, Chronic breathing or lung problems, Diabetes, Chronic kidney disease, Cancer that is not in remission, Immune deficiency or suppression. this is lou reminding you to get your shot for FLU! *Check with your GP or practice nurse IT S FREE! Healthline is a free telephone health advice service for all the family Healthline is available to everyone in New Zealand who has access to a telephone. Healthline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In other words any time you need it!

4 HIGH FIVE FOR CLEAN HANDS Hand Hygiene is the single most important measure to reduce the chances of transmitting illness from one person to another. What is Hand Hygiene? Hand Hygiene = Hand Washing + Hand Drying Hand hygiene is more than just hand washing it also includes hand drying. Normal hand hygiene follows the 20/20 rule 20 seconds to wash and 20 to dry. Good hand hygiene practices for staff, along with and observing and teaching children how to wash their hands properly will pay off in preventing the spread of illness in your centre. Recommended technique for good hand hygiene practice: Wet hands with warm water. Apply liquid soap. Rub all areas of hands vigorously together. Wash for 20 seconds (about the same time as it takes to sing Happy Birthday). Rinse well. Dry hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using a paper towel. The public health nursing team has a number of hand washing kits which are a fabulous resource for classroom teaching. Contact for details. PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES Public Health Nursing Service is a FREE service available to all early childcare centres, schools and their communities across the region (Horowhenua, Foxton, Palmerston North, Tararua and Feilding/Manawatu). Public Health Nurses are Registered Nurses who are available to discuss any concerns about child health, growth and development and have knowledge of medical conditions and can assess and refer your child to specialist services. Public Health Nurses also: Work to ensure the wellbeing of children, young people and families Advocate for children and young people Work alongside families/whanau, school staff and agencies to ensure positive health outcomes Organise and deliver immunisations Follow up children with hearing and vision needs Provide specialist nursing services as required Resource and assist with health education and promotion Provide information, advice and follow up for infectious diseases Can assess and provide medication for some skin conditions. To make a referral, or for more information contact: The Public Health Nursing team is keen to support you.

5 Feeling down or stressed? Feel better with sparx When you re feeling a bit low, you re not always in the mood to talk. That s ok, there s another way to combat those thoughts and feelings that are keeping you down. SPARX transports you to a virtual world where it s your mission to restore the balance and defeat the gloom. SPARX can help you cope when you feel down, worried or stressed SPARX is free to use all you need is a computer with a good internet connection. Need help now? If you want to talk to someone now: Free phone: SPARX ( ) Free text: SPARX to 234 If it s an emergency DIAL 111 Try SPARX today SPARX IS A SELF-HELP INITIATIVE, PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

6 Congratulations to all schools that are water-and-milk-only, and the many others that are working on or thinking about it. Getting children used to drinking water is one of the best things we can do to support their health and wellbeing. Our bodies need water to function, and our brains need to be hydrated to concentrate and learn. A recent study also found that children had less tooth decay if they attended a water-only school1. Schools really do have good reason to be proud if they are water-only! Banners like the ones in this item can be used in school newsletters or on websites. You can find them on WATER AND PLAIN MILK-ONLY SCHOOLS If you need any other ideas, templates or resources, have a look at our Water-Only School toolkit %20Toolkit.pdf Congratulations to all schools that are water-and-milk-only, and the many others that are working on or thinking about it. Getting children used to drinking water is one of the best things we can do to support their health and wellbeing. Our bodies need water to function, and our brains need to be hydrated to concentrate and learn. A recent study also found that children had less tooth decay if they attended a water-only school1. Schools really do have good reason to be proud if they are water-only! Congratulations to all schools that are water-and-milk-only, and the many others that are working on or thinking about it. Getting children used to drinking water is one of the best Banners like we the ones in this be used in school newsletters or on websites. You can find them things can doitemtocansupport their health and wellbeing. on bodies need toorfunction, and brains need totoolkit be IfOur you need any other ideas,water templates resources, have a lookour at our Water-Only School hydrated to concentrate and learn. A recent study also found that %20Toolkit.pdf children had less tooth decay if they attended a water-only school1. Schools really do have good reason to be proud if they are wateronly! Banners like the ones in this item can be used in school newsletters or on websites. You can find them on govt.nz/nutrition/nutrition-resources-schools You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions. Emma Williams, Health Promoting Schools Advisor, Public Health Services, MidCentral Health Ph: (06) emma.williams2@midcentraldhb.govt.nz Marja Steur, Coordinator Oral Health Promotion, Child & Adolescent Oral Health Service, MidCentral Health. Ph marja.steur@midcentraldhb.govt.nz 1 Thornley, S et al (2017) Low sugar nutrition policies and dental caries: A study of primary schools in South Auckland. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions. If you need any other ideas, templates or resources, have a look at Emma Health Promoting Advisor, Public Health Services, MidCentral Health our Williams, Water-Only SchoolSchools toolkit Ph: (06) emma.williams2@midcentraldhb.govt.nz Marja Steur, Coordinator Oral Health Promotion, Child & Adolescent Oral Health Service, MidCentral Health. Ph marja.steur@midcentraldhb.govt.nz Documents/Water%20Only%20School%20Toolkit.pdf You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions. 1 Thornley, S et al (2017) Low sugar nutrition policies and dental caries: A study of primary schools in South Auckland. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health Emma Williams, Health Promoting Schools Advisor, Public Health Services, MidCentral Health Ph: (06) emma.williams2@midcentraldhb.govt.nz Marja Steur, Coordinator Oral Health Promotion, Child & Adolescent Oral Health Service, MidCentral Health. Ph marja.steur@midcentraldhb.govt.nz 1 Thornley, S et al (2017) Low sugar nutrition policies and dental caries: A study of primary schools in South Auckland. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health

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8 PUBLIC HEALTH HEALTH NEWS FOR SCHOOLS PUBLIC HEALTH HEALTH NEWS FOR SCHOOLS ONLINE. You can access Public Health News from the MidCentral District Health Board website: This latest issue, as well as back issues, are available on the website. So if you remember seeing an article that was of interest and you d like a copy, it is now only a click away. QUOTE "The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day. " Orlando Aloysius Battista CONTACTS Public Health Services MidCentral Health Private Bag Palmerston North 4442 Health Protection Officers Health Promotion Advisors Public Health Unit Community Health Village Palmerston North Hospital Phone (06) Fax (06) Public Health Nurses Vision & Hearing Technicians Health Information Resource Centre 575 Main Street Palmerston North Phone (06) or Fax (06) Child & Adolescent Oral Health Rimu House Community Health Village Palmerston North Hospital Phone (06) or Public Health Information Resource Centre 575 Main St Palmerston North Phone (06) or Fax (06) public.healthinfo@midcentraldhb.govt.nz Please any comments about the newsletter, and ideas for future articles (including health and wellbeing initiatives your centre would like to share) to: pam.owen@midcentraldhb.govt.nz. For any enquiries please phone we are happy to provide you with information and answer any questions you have.