AN IMPORTANT DISCUSSION TO HAVE WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN ABOUT YOUR 5TH GRADE
GIRL OR BOY:
Vaccines are now available and recommended to prevent a very common STD that
can have serious consequences in the future. HPV, (Human Papillomavirus) is
an infection that is permanent but preventable. When you make the
appointment to get your child's 6th grade immunizations, talk to your
pediatrician about the benefits of these vaccines. The CDC website is a good
place to get additional information:
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Vaccine Preventable
Disease Program has updated information about Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
available at the following website:
http://www.nj.gov/health/cd/hpv/index.shtml
IMMUNIZATIONS FOR 5TH GRADERS GOING INTO HAMMARSKJOLD:
All 5th Graders that are already 11 have been given reminders to get their
6th grade immunizations. Contact your child's doctor today to make an
appointment. Please take care of this in a timely manner,
you will have no problem at the start of school in September.
1. DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXOIDS AND PERTUSSIS VACCINE (Tdap)after the
11th birthday before entering Grade 6.
2. MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE before entering Grade 6.
NUTRITION
If your children are anything like mine were, making sure you are getting them
a healthy diet is hard work. Between picky eating habits, the huge amount of
fast foods available, and a busy schedule can present a challenge. Getting the
proper amount of fruits and vegetables, so important for a healthy body is a
hard task. For ideas about proper diet, and tips to make sure your child is
getting what they need,log onto CDC.gov and look for tips and recipes to help
you out.
Do you know how many servings of different foods are recommended each day?
Log onto my plate.gov, for an interactive and informative site.
It's pretty evident that the number of overweight people in our country has
risen greatly in recent years. With this increase in numbers, has come an
increase in the amount of adults and children that have diabetes. Are there
people in your family carrying extra weight? Start today with a plan for and
improved diet and more exercise to lessen the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Go to
American Diabetic Association-get menu plans and ideas for exercise for the
whole family. Start today for a healthier tomorrow.
IS YOUR CHILD HAVING AN UPCOMING BIRTHDAY? CELEBRATE WITH THE STUDENT
COUNCIL SPONSORED BIRTHDAY CART. ALL PROCEEDS ARE USED FOR THE STUDENTS.
*EVERY FRIDAY IS HAT DAY FOR THE ST. JUDE'S HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN. FOR $.25,
YOUR CHILD MAY WEAR A HAT OF THEIR CHOSING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, AND THE
MONEY WILL BE COLLECTED DURING THE YEAR AND SENT TO THIS CHARITY.
"ALLERGY" is the word of the day. The number of children with life-
threatening allergies is growing every year, and with it our vigilance in
keeping the children safe. The Board of Education has issued a
new policy. No foods may be brought to the school for birthday
celebrations. If you would like to celebrate your child's birthday, you may
send in a non-food item, donate a book to your child's classroom, or have
your child pick gifts from the Student Council Birthday cart. Birthday and
School Store profits are used to benefit the children of Lawrence Brook.
THE STUDENT COUNCIL HAS DONATED A BIKE RACK AND TWO CAMERAS FOR THE YEARBOOK
CLUB TO THE SCHOOL WITH THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SCHOOL STORE AND THE BIRTHDAY
CART. They have also donated "recess packs"-a collection of various balls,
jump
ropes, frisbees, etc., for each grade level. The collection for each grade
will be a different color, and they will be stored in a large ball locker,
which has also been donated.
We are looking to purchase recess games for indoor recess.
Thank you to all the children and parents who have participated in the school
store or the birthday cart. Your purchases are helping our school.
Influenza is here. PRE-SCHOOLERS ARE REQUIRED BY THE NJ HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO
GET A FLU SHOT BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. Remember that influenza is a
viral illness that is characterized by fever, chills, headache, body aches,
sore throat, cough and common cold symptoms. What differs from the cold is
the rapid onset of symptoms--one minute you're fine, and the next you feel
like you need to go to bed. The fevers tend to be higher and last longer
than those of a cold. Get your child immunized against the flu-it's another
way to keep your child and family healthy.
Your best defense is prevention. And the best prevention is handwashing,
handwashing, handwashing. Teach your children how to wash their hands
correctly (they should scrub for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday"
slowly.) Also, teach them to cough into their elbows, not onto their hands
when they cough. Try the following Health Department web site to get
additional information. http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/handwashing.shtml
Go to http://www.sayboototheflu.com to find other prevention ideas,
information and games for the children. Or try the CDC web site
(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm) to get a complete explaination
of the flu, it's causes and how to prevent it. The more you know, the better
you and your family will weather the flu season.
DID YOU KNOW? If you have a cold and you cough without covering your mouth,
the spray of mucus droplets contains the cold virus and your cough can send
them across the kitchen table. This virus can survive
for as long as 48 hours on a surface spreading the infection to others.
If you have any concerns or questions, please call me at 732-613-6873.
Some important points to remember:
* Those with healthy immune systems who contract the flu will feel
miserable for a while, but should recover fully.
* Antivirals have been shown to be effective and shorten the course of the
flu.
* The Lawrence Brook teachers are reinforcing the importance of proper
handwashing, and coughing and sneezing into the crook of the elbow, to limit
the spread of infections.
CARBON MONIOXIDE POISONING KILLS
With the colder weather comes the concern for Carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning. CO is a odorless, colorless gas that deprives the body of
oxygen. Exposure can produce headaches, sleepineess, fatigue, confusion and
irritability at low levels. At higher levels, it can result in nauseea,
vomiting, irregular heartbeat, impaired vision and coordination and death.
* Have CO detectors in your home especially near sleeping areas.
* Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
* Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually.
* NEVER us charcoal indoors or in areas with inadequate ventilation.
* Use the correct fuel in kerosene heaters.
* DO NOT idle the car inside the garage.
If you suspect CO poisoning, call the Poison Help Hotline (1800-222-1222) for
immediate treatment advice. The hotline is accessible 24 hours per day, 7
days a week.
CONTACT ME ANYTIME AT 732-613-6873, OR at lseligman@ebnet.org.
IMPORTANT NEWS TO PARENTS OF PRE-SCHOOLERS
The NJ department of Health requires the following additional
immunizations for preschool children:
1. PNEUMOCOCCALcONJUGATE vACCINE (PCV) before the child enters school.
2. INFLUENZA VACCINE between September 1 and December 31, annually.
