NURSE’S CORNER
Dear Akiba Parents,
Hopefully everyone is enjoying the spring weather, though it is not officially spring until this weekend.
Immunizations
Thank you for reading and responding to the numerous requests for immunization updates. Please remember to copy the school on all new shots; especially for well visits/ camp physicals coming up.
Thumb Health? Who knew?
Everyone knows the things that are not so good for us: too little sleep, junk food, candy, texting. Wait a minute: text messaging?
Recent medical studies have shown, that, despite making our lives easier, advancements as simple as text messaging may actually be harmful to our health. MSNBC reported that a study has shown that furious text messaging, which so many of us do, can lead to acute tendonitis. There have been documented reports of pre-teens receiving medication for swollen thumbs, and told to “rest their hands”.
Our thumbs, the digit that separates humans’ grasp from animals, were not created for such vigorous use. The thumb is not particularly dexterous and is designed to be used in opposition to the fingers. The “thumb generation”, coined in Japan, has spread to the United States. On average, a pre-teen will send 2,000 messages per month. The condition, known as TTT for Teen Texting Tendonitis, even creates back soreness because of the poor posture used in texting.
Simple advice to prevent/ heal this possibly painful condition: limit your adolescent’s texting! If symptoms already exist, consult your pediatrician. We all have limits, though young texters don’t always acknowledge them because “they can do anything”. While it is good to test some limits, it is also wise to be mindful of them. Please note, that my thumb was used very little in generating this message and even less when using my cell phone.
Be well, have a good Passover and a healthy break! Susan Donnenfield R.N.
February 4, 2010
Hopefully everyone made it through cold January well, and stayed warm. Though February is a shorter month, there is a lot planned on campus. The clinic is host to dental hygienists from Dr. Diane Colter’s, DDS pediatric dental office. They have graciously donated their time and expertise the past few years. Students in Nitzanim, Chaverim and kindergarten classes will no doubt bring home more dental hygiene knowledge; as well as dental care kits.
Another welcome professional, is the ongoing presence of Dr. Karen Suttle,MD, the Akiba medical advisor. She lends her vast medical knowledge, guidance, and time to expand and improve clinic services. Though Dr. Suttle’s children have all graduated from Akiba, she maintains this close association with us. She also substitutes when the nurse must be off campus. We are so blessed she is on our team!!!!
Thank you for the quick replies to our request for updated immunization records. As expected, the shots have been given but proof not forwarded to Akiba office. Please send in a recent copy of your children’s shot records so we may update our state mandated records. Thank you again for taking the few minutes to fax, email, mail, or walk in these records. We are requesting this from all families.
Be well, stay warm and dry. Susan Donnenfield,RN
December 11, 2009
Please review the following Akiba medication guidelines. I am always here to help in any way I can with all health needs. When sending in medication for your student, please follow school ( also, State of Texas) policy. Contact me anytime with questions, concerns. Aside from interacting with students and staff, I so enjoy talking with parents. Be well and have a blessed holiday.
Akiba Academy General Medication Guidelines
If medication must be given to a student at school, the following procedure applies:
1. All medication must be stored in the clinic except in special circumstances for student with asthma, diabetes or a life threatening allergy.
2. All over the counter medication must be in the original container with the student’s name
3. All prescription medication must be in the original container with pharmacy label
4. Akiba Medication Form must be complete with parent’s signature
5. All prescription medication given over 10 days must have a physician’s signature
6. No medication container may contain more than one (1) type of medication
7. Medications prescribed or requested to be given three (3) times per day or less are not to be given at school unless the nurse determines that a special need exists
8. No student may share medication with another student, even a sibling
9. Akiba RN does not administer dietary or herbal supplements
10. In accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, Texas Code, Section 217.11, the school nurse has the responsibility and authority to refuse to administer medications that in the nurse’s professional judgment are not in the best interest of the student
- Susan Donnenfield, RN, BSN, BA
|
