Here in the Mills Health Room, helping kids stay happy, healthy and ready to learn is our priority. In my position, I get the opportunity to notice trends that are affecting our student population.As parents and guardians you are the most powerful influences in your child's life. I feel that if I share this information with you (parents and guardians) we can work as a team to help your children grow in health and happiness. I will periodically update this section based on frequent health room visits and issues that arise. - Nurse Barbara
Covid - 19
When should I keep my student home? Because Covid-19 can look like a common cold, especially in children, it is our recommendation that you keep your child home if you even think they may be coming down with something. According to the updated guidance from Austin Public Health, TEA and Austin ISD, if a student comes to the health room with ANY Covid-19 symptom we are required to send them home and they will need either a negative SARS-COV2 PCR test OR an MD note with a non-Covid diagnosis.
The list of Covid-19 symptoms includes:
We understand that this is not easy for parents and will consider each case individually, but in the interest of public health we will be carefully following official guidance. If there is a gray area we will err on the side of caution until the pandemic is over.
Also, if you, your child or anyone your child has been in close contact with tests positive for Covid-19, it is essential that you let us know. We will keep names and identifiable information confidential but need this information to properly advise you and others who may be affected.
We follow CDC and Austin Public Health guidelines to ensure everyone's health and safety. *Remember to stay 6 feet away from others, wear a mask, and wash your hands for 20 seconds.
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
The list of Covid-19 symptoms includes:
- Fever (99.9 or greater)
- Chills/headache/fatigue
- New onset of loss of taste/smell
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting or diarrhea
We understand that this is not easy for parents and will consider each case individually, but in the interest of public health we will be carefully following official guidance. If there is a gray area we will err on the side of caution until the pandemic is over.
Also, if you, your child or anyone your child has been in close contact with tests positive for Covid-19, it is essential that you let us know. We will keep names and identifiable information confidential but need this information to properly advise you and others who may be affected.
We follow CDC and Austin Public Health guidelines to ensure everyone's health and safety. *Remember to stay 6 feet away from others, wear a mask, and wash your hands for 20 seconds.
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Sleepyheads:
A healthy child also needs to be well rested. If a child is not sleeping enough or not sleeping well, it can lead to poor concentration and the difficulty completing tasks or making decisions. Other effects of too little sleep include: changes in behavior and mood, decreased glucose metabolism, lowered immune system and becoming accident prone.
How much sleep does my child need?
Children 4-11 years old need approximately 10-12 hours of sleep
Children over 11 years old need approximately 8-10 hours
How much sleep does my child need?
Children 4-11 years old need approximately 10-12 hours of sleep
Children over 11 years old need approximately 8-10 hours
I see a lot of tired little ones and I know they have to get up SO early to be here on time. I've found this chart to be very helpful with my own kids. They even seem to sleep better and longer when they go down earlier. Fifteen to twenty minutes of reading before bed is a great way to help them settle. I have had several kids at school tell me they stayed up too late playing on electronic devices in their rooms. It's a great idea for both kids and adults to ban screens from the bedroom and avoid them for hour before bedtime.
Tummyaches:
Stomach pain can be tough to figure out. I ask a lot of questions and usually find one of the following causes:
Constipation: I recommend a diet full of fruits and vegetables and lots of water. “P” fruits can be especially helpful (e.g. plums, peaches, pears) Unfiltered pear juice is another very helpful option. A high fiber diet is recommended but keep in mind that without adequate hydration, fiber can make constipation worse. A nightly walk can also help as the gentle motion stimulates peristalsis (the movement of the intestines). Here is a link to a helpful article with more info:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation-children/eating-diet-nutrition
Hunger: Providing a protein rich breakfast with some fat can help prevent that late morning hunger-related tummyache. Protein, fat and whole grains for breakfast can help them maintain focus and a happy mood throughout the day. Some quick additions can be greek yogurt, breakfast sausage, eggs, nuts or nut/seed butter.
Gas: Figuring out foods that cause gas and learning what gas pains feel like can be helpful.
Viral illness can largely be prevented by washing hands after using the restroom and before eating/touching one’s face.
Anxiety: Recognizing anxiety, talking about stressors and mindful breathing can be very helpful in relieving anxiety and its physical manifestations. Visit AISD SEL blog here for some stress reduction strategies: https://austinisdselblog.com/2016/03/28/mindful-brain-first-aid-for-test-season/
Constipation: I recommend a diet full of fruits and vegetables and lots of water. “P” fruits can be especially helpful (e.g. plums, peaches, pears) Unfiltered pear juice is another very helpful option. A high fiber diet is recommended but keep in mind that without adequate hydration, fiber can make constipation worse. A nightly walk can also help as the gentle motion stimulates peristalsis (the movement of the intestines). Here is a link to a helpful article with more info:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation-children/eating-diet-nutrition
Hunger: Providing a protein rich breakfast with some fat can help prevent that late morning hunger-related tummyache. Protein, fat and whole grains for breakfast can help them maintain focus and a happy mood throughout the day. Some quick additions can be greek yogurt, breakfast sausage, eggs, nuts or nut/seed butter.
Gas: Figuring out foods that cause gas and learning what gas pains feel like can be helpful.
Viral illness can largely be prevented by washing hands after using the restroom and before eating/touching one’s face.
Anxiety: Recognizing anxiety, talking about stressors and mindful breathing can be very helpful in relieving anxiety and its physical manifestations. Visit AISD SEL blog here for some stress reduction strategies: https://austinisdselblog.com/2016/03/28/mindful-brain-first-aid-for-test-season/
Seasonal Allergies/Itchy Eyes:
It’s pollen season pretty much all year here in Austin! If your child has seasonal allergies it can be helpful to watch the pollen counts and consider giving appropriate over-the-counter antihistamines and eye drops before school. It’s also a great idea to teach your child to wash his/her face when they come in from outdoors if they are bothered by allergies. If your child has asthma, it’s a great idea to keep a rescue inhaler in the health room for emergencies.
Mosquito Bites:
Wear long sleeves and pants AND apply mosquito repellent when out in the evenings or anywhere with lots of mosquitoes. Inspect your yard for standing water, even very shallow pools of water can breed mosquitoes. It's hard to focus on and enjoy school when you are scratching 100 mosquito bites.