Author: Admin

April 2009

Nurse’s Notes

Asthma Adventure Camp in Boone, IA July 26-August 1

More than a century ago, the American Lung Association was founded to fight lung disease through research, education and advocacy. The American Lung Association educates children and their families about asthma and how to manage the disease.
While at camp, children safely enjoy a traditional weeklong, overnight camping experience among their peers. At camp, children receive asthma education that explains what asthma is, why medications help, how to properly use medications, how to eat right and exercise safely, and how to avoid asthma triggers. Guest speakers present programs that motivate and ease children’s anxiety about living with asthma.
Providing an outdoor camp for children who are usually restricted from such activities, requires careful planning and provisions to respond to unique medical, nutritional, environmental and emotional needs. Physicians, registered nurses and respiratory therapists volunteer their time to staff the camp and the clinic where children receive their daily medications and have access to medical care 24 hours a day.
The positive results of camp include improved health, confidence and self-esteem. In fact, the American Lung Association camps in Illinois have resulted in a 46% decrease in missed school days, a 44% decrease in unscheduled doctor visits, and 82% decrease in emergency room visits and a 75% decrease in hospitalizations over a twelve month period for children who attend.
To attend campers must be:
Diagnosed with asthma
Between the ages of 7 and 14
Child must be capable of walking. The camp covers a large area and campers do a great deal of walking and hiking every day.
Applications are available on-line at www.lungia.org.
For more information on camp scholarships, registration and fees, call 800-586-4872.
(American Lung Association of Iowa)

How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting A Cold?

Teach your child to wash his/her hands frequently using plenty of soap and warm water. Proper hand-washing should take about 20 seconds or the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice
Teach your child to cover coughs & sneezes with a tissue or their sleeve
Keep the child’s environment tobacco free
Keep an annual well-child exam to follow changes in your child’s health
Keep all of your child’s immunizations up-to-date (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend a flu vaccine for most children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday)
Serve a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Give a daily vitamin if recommended by your doctor
After your child is feeling better, clean all surfaces; wash bedding and air out the room
Always make sure to consult your school nurse or doctor if you have any questions
(The National Association of School Nurses)

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Being the best parent you can be involves taking steps to strengthen your family and finding support when you need it. Parenting isn’t something you have to do alone.
This month and throughout the year, Van Buren Schools encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Van Buren County a better place for families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and communities.
Find out more at www.preventchildabuse.org.

Sara Sprouse, RN, BSN

School Nurse
Van Buren Community Schools
503 Henry St.
Keosauqua, IA 52565

Phone:
Douds-641-936-4321
Keo-319-293-3183
Stockport-319-796-4414
E-mail: sara.sprouse@gpaea.k12.ia.us

Children need both parents. Involved fathers can help children lead lives that are happier, healthier, and more successful than children whose fathers are absent or uninvolved. Fathers who spend time with their children increase the chances that their children will succeed in school, have fewer behavior problems, and experience better self-esteem and well-being.
Respect your children’s mother
When children see their parents respecting each other, they are more likely to feel that they are also accepted and respected.
Spend time with your children
If you always seem too busy for your children, they will feel neglected no matter what you say. Set aside time to spend with your children.
Earn the right to be heard
Begin talking with your kids when they are very young and talk to them about all kinds of things. Listen to their ideas and problems.
Discipline with love
All children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits and help children learn from natural or logical consequences. Fathers who discipline in a calm, fair, and nonviolent manner show their love.
Be a role model
Fathers are role models whether they realize it or not. A girl with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect. Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility, and responsibility.
Be a teacher
A father who teaches his children about right and wrong and encourages them to do their best will see his children make good choices. Involved fathers use everyday examples to teach the basic lessons of life.
Eat together as a family
Sharing a meal together can be an important part of healthy family life. It gives children the chance to talk about what they are doing, and it is a good time for fathers to listen and give advice.
Read to your children
Begin reading to your children when they are very young. Instilling a love for reading is one of the best ways to ensure they will have a lifetime of personal and career growth.
9. Show affection
Children need the security that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted, and loved by their family. Showing affection every day is the best way to let your children know that you love them.
Realize that a father’s job is never done
Even after children are grown and leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice.
Fatherhood lasts a
lifetime.
(Adapted from National Fatherhood Initiative)

10 Ways To Be An Involved Father

Answers: 1.A, 2.B, 3.A, 4.B, 5 A, 6.C, 7.B, 8. C