Kid Stuff
For kids with allergies, controlling irritants in the bedroom may help with learning problems. Symptoms (most often a chronic stuffy nose) can disrupt sleep. "[When] they're not sleeping well, they can't concentrate, and there's an increased risk for hyperactivity and depression," says Dr. Murray of Meharry Medical College in Nashville.
Cut pollen exposure by keeping windows shut and using an air cleaner. To reduce pet dander allergies keep pets out of the kids' bedroom. To battle dust mites, keep wall-to-wall carpeting and stuffed animals out of kids' rooms.-MediZine's Healthy Living, fourth quarter 2006, p. 35.
Cards with a Safety Message
Do your patients know that violent relationships affect their health? Do they know what to say to a child experiencing family violence, or what steps to take to stay safe? Healthcare providers can help their patients by putting discreet new safety cards, available free from the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF), in their waiting rooms, exam rooms, and restrooms. "Healthcare providers can help victims of violence when they seek routine or emergency care," said Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) Managing Director for Health Debbie Lee.
The redesigned 3.5 x 2 inch card is available in bundles athttp://fvpfstore.stores.yahoo.net/new-patient-safety-card-for-women.html.-Family Violence Prevention Fund e-mail release, February 16, 2007.
Children and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
It is important that kids suspected of having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) be properly diagnosed. The signs of ADHD begin appearing before age 7 and are pervasive. The most common characteristics include: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness. If these symptoms present over 6 months, and are causing impairment or interfering with the child's success, they meet the criteria of a disorder. -MediZine's Healthy Living, fourth quarter 2006, pgs. 38-39.
Infant Adoption Education
Understanding Infant Adoption is a training plan for healthcare professionals and allied staff who work with women and teens with unintended pregnancies. The program does not advocate adoption, but presents adoption as an option. To learn more, go to the Infant Adoption Program web site athttp://www.iaatp.com. Free classroom training and computer based trainings throughout the US are listed. Contact hours and CEUs are available without charge. Topics include: presenting adoption in a nondirective manner; federal and state laws; cultural, ethnic and other influences on adoption decisions; the special needs of teens; and developing a referral network for patients/clients.-Adoptions Unlimited, Inc., Chicago, IL.
Prayer of Thanksgiving for Making a Difference
Today I made a difference. I was the right person, at the right time, with the right knowledge, given to the right patient, in the right way. I want to take a moment to recall that experience right now. I want to recapture that moment now so it won't be forgotten. I want to remember and say, "Thank You, God." Thanks for letting me have that experience. Help me to be open to the next opportunity.-Reflections on the Hands of a Nurse, Mark Darby, RN, pg. 58, http://www.mdarby.com.
Adults Support Smoke Free Movie Policies
The American Medical Association (AMA) Alliance, along with leading public health organizations release results of a national survey showing the majority of adults support an R-rating for future movies that show smoking. In the past, the Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA) has refused to R-rate movies with smoking or to adopt other substantial, industry-wide policies advocated by health experts to reduce exposure, saying it is waiting to hear from parents. Amid a grassroots movement to clear tobacco imagery from future G, PG, and R-rated films, this national poll results show public support for such measures is growing rapidly.-AMA email release, February 9, 2007.
Getting Kids Covered
The American Medical Association commends Representative Emanuel's plan to introduce bipartisan legislation that would provide healthcare coverage to as many children as possible through public and private programs. One out of every 9 children in the US is uninsured. Seven out of 10 uninsured children are likely to be eligible for public health coverage.
The AMA and its partners in the Health Coverage Coalition for the Uninsured (HCCU) have developed a feasible plan to extend health care coverage to those who don't have it, and the first phase is to get America's kids covered. Uninsured children are twice as likely as insured children to miss important health care. Healthy children are better prepared to learn in school and succeed in life. -AMA email release, February 16, 2007.
Diabetes at School
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) announced the availability of the new Arthur(R) Hooray for Health!! The materials feature Arthur, the world's most famous aardvark, and are geared towards students in preschool through fourth grade.
The lesson plan seeks to educate teachers, after-school providers, school nurses, and students about diabetes, and offers a variety of fun activities and resources, including classroom activities and handouts, recommended books and web sites, and family activity sheets in English and Spanish. The lesson plan is available for free by contacting the ADA at 1-800-DIABETES or visitinghttp://www.diabetes.org/for-parents-and-kids/arthur.jsp.-American Diabetes Association e-mail release, February 26, 2007.
Adolescents Using Performance-Enhancing Supplements
An alarming trend in the US is the use of performance-enhancing supplements by children and adolescents. These widely available over-the-counter products, often marketed as natural substances, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
High school and even middle school students are using these supplements because they are misled into thinking that supplements will enhance their athletic skills. Yet, the safety and long-term effects of these supplements have not been established in reputable studies. School nurses have a unique opportunity and responsibility to help in efforts to address this growing trend.
Want to read more? Visit http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/josh/76/5 and http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/josh/76/5 to view the free full-text of this article. The article begins on page 159 of Journal of School Health Vol. 76(5).
-Blackwell Publishing, November 27, 2006.