News from the Health Office 2019-2020
January 2019
Winter can be a wonderful time in Vermont to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. It is also a time to recognize the health risks involved in our favorite winter sports such as snowboarding, skiing and hockey. January has been designated as National Winter Sports TBI Awareness Month to focus on the health risks that winter sports athletes can face and to offer guidance on how to avoid the serious injuries which can result, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Because they can cause long-term and permanent health issues, concussions should be taken very seriously. Recent initiatives and rule changes in both professional and amateur sports indicate that a shift in mindset about the dangers of TBIs and other head injuries is taking place.
The best way to avoid a head injury while participating in a winter sport is to wear a properly fitting helmet which is appropriate for the activity. Have a “no hits to the head” play rule in place for hockey and other contact sports. And finally, invest in lessons to become proficient and confident in your skills. Learning to fall correctly and less often will help prevent head injuries.
If you do fall and experience any concussive symptoms, consult a medical professional for a complete assessment to rule out a concussion or more serious injury. If your child does sustain a concussion or other injury, please contact Deb Deschamps in the CHS health office.
December 2018
The CHS nurses, in conjunction with the CHS health education teacher, will be expanding our current education about promoting lifelong sexual health. This includes comprehensive sexual health education, ensuring students have a medical home, destigmatizing condoms and making them available to students. These activities have been shown to create an effective STI/HIV and pregnancy prevention program.
This expansion is a direct result of an increase in STI’s in our youth throughout Vermont and has been endorsed by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mark Levine, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. In his letter, former Commissioner, Dr. Harry Chen, expressed the importance of promoting and protecting the health of young Vermonters. He communicated the necessity of implementing comprehensive sexual health programs and condom availability programs in school districts. Research shows that well-designed, well-implemented school-based STI prevention programs can significantly reduce sexual risk behaviors among students. Outcomes of such programs include a delay in first sexual intercourse, a decrease in the number of sex partners and an increase in condom or contraceptive use.
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (released every two years) which tracks and monitors the health behaviors of young Vermonters, will be used as a tool to track results of our comprehensive sexual health program.
Please contact the district nursing supervisor, Deb Deschamps, with any questions or concerns. She can be reached at deborah.deschamps@colchestersd.org or 264-5724.
Colchester High School Condom Availability Protocol
Background/Purpose
In order to protect and promote the health of young Vermonters, it is recommended that school districts, and supervisory unions have procedures in place to implement comprehensive sex education and condom availability programs. Research shows that well-designed, well-implemented school-based STD prevention programs can significantly reduce sexual risk behaviors among students. Outcomes of such programs include a delay in first sexual intercourse, a decrease in the number of sex partners and an increase in condom or contraceptive use. There is no evidence of increased likelihood of students having sex through participation in such programs. To support preventative health and wellness initiatives for Colchester High School students condoms will be made available at the school. This program is limited to the CHS student body.
Delegation of Responsibilities
As part of a comprehensive sexual health program, Colchester High School shall provide condoms in locations that are readily accessible for students, without unnecessary barriers to obtaining condoms or stigma surrounding access. Information about proper condom use that is inclusive of all students will also be available. This information shall be created and approved by a committee made up of stakeholders that includes representation from nurses, administrators and the health teacher. The CHS health office nurses will be responsible for ensuring condoms and educational materials are available.
Implementation of Condom Availability
Colchester High School has identified the following school professionals who will have condoms available to students: the school nurses, guidance counselors, social workers and health teacher. Information about condom use will be made available in these same locations.
Information will be provided by Colchester High School to students and families to promote awareness of the condom availability program. This will include parent communication through The View, announcements during comprehensive sex education instruction, and the CHS health office website.
Minors in Vermont have a legal right to access a full range of reproductive and sexual health services without parent permission. Minors are provided access to condoms in variety of settings, and may purchase them without parental consent.
Outcome Criteria
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (released every two years) will serve as a tool to track results as will number of condoms provided to students.
References
Comprehensive Sex Education and Condom Distribution Programs. Harry Chen, M.D., Rebecca Holcombe. (November 22, 2016). Retrieved from http://education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-memo-holcombe-chen-regarding-comprehensive-sex-education-and-condoms.pdf
Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/CHS_YRBS_highschool_report_2015.pdf
Legal references: 16 V.S.A. § 131 , 18 V.S.A. § 4226
WHEN DO I KEEP MY CHILD HOME?
Parents are asked to keep their child home if he/she displays any of the following symptoms:
A fever above 100 degrees in the last 24 hours
Vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours
An unexpected rash
A persistent cough
A contagious infection that has not been treated
Your child may return to school when they are fever-free without medicine (e.g. acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for 24 hours.
Your child may return to school 24 hours after they stop vomiting or having diarrhea
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Pertussis
Commonly known as whooping cough, pertussis is an acute disease of the respiratory system (lungs). It is caused by a bacterium. Cases of pertussis can occur at any age and infants and the elderly are most at risk of developing serious ill effects after exposure to pertussis. If your child develops any of the following symptoms, please have them assessed by their health care provider.
Symptoms to watch for include: A sudden , severe attack of coughing, especially if followed by whooping, vomiting or gagging.
Click to hear sound of an adult with pertussis.
* A cough in a person who has been notified of a close exposure to pertussis
* Coughing illness that lasts more than two weeks
More information about pertussis is available at the Vermont Health Department’s website: