Back to school health tips

GRANT COUNTY — Health officials said the best way to keep your child healthy as they return to school is to practice preventive measures.

“To stay healthy is to have the idea that it is polite to share but not to share germs,” said Danielle Alvarado, nurse educator at Samaritan Healthcare and nursing instructor at Big Bend Community College.

Students should not share personal items such as food, drinks and utensils. They should keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth because those are the easiest ways germs get into the body, Alvarado said.

Washing hands before and after meals slowly is advised.

“I tell kids to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice while they wash their hands,” Alvarado said. “The time period with that friction of rubbing hands together kills germs.”

Parents can help their child by encouraging good food choices and having their kids be a part of it. This involves drinking water and eating more fruits and vegetables, cutting out high processed foods.

“Parents should include more natural-based items in lunches,” Alvarado said.

Examples are unsweetened apple sauce, sandwiches, raisins, string cheese, carrots, peanut butter and apples and buying milk at school instead of packing fruit juice.

Items to avoid are basic junk foods, such as chips, soda pop and candy.

“These don’t provide bodies with anything but calories,” Alvarado said.

Getting adequate sleep every night leads to healthier bodies and minds.

“Sleep helps the body heal and restore itself,” Alvarado said. “It helps kids perform better at school.”

Studies show 5- to 12-year-olds need nine to ten hours of sleep each night. Teenagers need eight to nine and a half, said Alvarado.

Ways to ensure children sleep well is to establish a bedtime routine and avoid caffeinated beverages, especially after 3 p.m.

“Parents should try to begin a sleep schedule for their child before school starts,” Alvarado said. “It will get their bodies use to it.”

Alvarado encourages parents to plan for when kids get sick during the year.

“They should know if they can take time off or have someone ready to watch the kids,” Alvarado said.

The best way to prevent sickness is to get vaccinated, said Daniel Guzman, director of nursing at Moses Lake Community Health Center.

“Parents need to ensure their child is up-to-date with vaccinations required by the state,” he said. “Contact primary caregiver or school nurse, get in and be prepared.”

Guzman said flu shots are available at some places now and the health center is offering them soon.

“It is not going to be a normal season because the seasonal flu and swine flu coming through is going to be intense,” Guzman said. “It is important to educate yourself.”

Sicknesses to watch out for are the seasonal flu, the common cold and the H1N1 swine flu, according to health officials. Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) predicts swine flu is returning this fall, according to the Web site.

Seasonal flu symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue, Guzman said.

“Swine flu is similar in some ways,” Guzman said.

Swine flu symptoms can include high fever, sore throat and a cough. A patient must have all three symptoms in order to classify for swine flu, explained Guzman.

Those infected can spread the disease one day before getting sick and five to seven days after. There is no vaccine available for swine flu, but a vaccine is in production and may be ready for the public in the fall, according to the CDC Web site.

Noticing symptoms for any illness is helpful.

“Be aware of your child’s symptoms,” Alvarado said. “Make sure you have a thermometer handy to take their temperature.”

Guzman said it is vital to stay home when feeling under the weather. This avoids spreading the illness and allows for a quicker recovery.

“If you think you are sick, stay home and don’t go out unless you are getting medical help,” he said. “While you are home, stay away from others.”

When sick, contact your primary care provider for treatment options, Guzman said.

It is recommended by CDC that children stay home for one day after a fever is gone without the help of medication, Guzman said.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov.