☀️ Some suggested apps for self-care 🌻
🙌🏻Shared from ISNO Executive Director, Sharon Guthrie, PhD, ARNP, CPNP, NCSN, RN-BC
5/28/2020 kg
Coronavirus Self-Checker Tool: Handy online "self-checker" tool from the CDC, to help guide you.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
5/27/2020-kg
Be a Good Role Model
https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/healthy-role-modeling-at-home/
5/27/2020- kg
Mental Health Mondays
Watch on Facebook Live
4/27/2020 kg
MASK GUIDELINES
Downloadable link, including a mask-making video!
https://fuld.nursing.osu.edu/covid19resources#makingeffectivemasksonepage
4/27/2020 kg
👉🏼 Attention: Families with medication or health supplies at school:
Sometime following April 30th, you will receive an email from me regarding medication return and paperwork handout for the 2020-21 school year. The official order for closure of the rest of the 19-20 school year will come from Gov. Reynolds on or around April 30th. Following this, I will either make medication deliveries, or arrange for a formal pick-up plan, depending on community isolation recommendations. Stay tuned! If there are needs prior to this date, please feel welcome to email me at kgreenfield@roland-story.k12.ia.us.
Thank you parents for all you are doing for your families during this time. Continue to embrace the change, try to "see" the rainbow during the stormy days, and always know we are in this together!! Focus on the future, when we are through this time of illness!
☀️Reach out to me ANYTIME for ANYTHING. 🌈
Be healthy,
Kristin Greenfield
🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
Elementary counselor: mo'loughlin@roland-story.k12.ia.us
High school counselor: theisterkamp@roland-story.k12.ia.us
Trusted Websites: https://sites.google.com/a/roland-story.k12.ia.us/be-healthy/trusted-websites-reference
4/17/2020
Attention:
Bilingual families!
For multilingual written information regarding COVID-19 facts, prevention, and guidance during illness, visit:
https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/ELL
Iowa Multilingual COVID-19 Phone Line: 1-877-558-2609
Para obtener información escrita multilingüe sobre los hechos, la prevención y la orientación de COVID-19 durante la enfermedad, visite:
https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/ELL
Línea telefónica multilingüe COVID-19 de Iowa: 1-877-558-2609
4/16/2020 kg
For daily posts of family-friendly tips, active lifestyle ideas, positive quotes, and current health updates, please
follow
my professional accounts on:
Instagram:
Twitter:
4/7/2020/kg
3/23/2020-KG
MOVE MORE AT HOME
By Lauren Kollauf on Thursday, March 19, 2020
"10 ways to keep your kids moving
COVID-19 closures don't have to stop your family from being physically active"
>>WAYS TO KEEP 'EM MOVIN' FOUND HERE!!<<
3/21/2020- kg
COVID-19 EPA's Cleaning Product List:
3/17/2020-kg
Have questions regarding
COVID-19?
PUBLIC HOTLINE FOR IOWANS:
"The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431"
3/13/2020-kg
**NEW DATA- Scientists now know there is a median 5-Day (5.1) incubation for Coronavirus (COVID-19)**
https://www.empr.com/home/news/median-5-day-incubation-period-for-covid-19/
3/13/20- kg
Here's to a healthy you!!
3/9/2020
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
Listed here are two videos that were shared with staff and students this morning. There is one for elementary students, and one for middle/high school students, and adults, from your Norse Nurse! Subscribe to my new Youtube channel, if you like them. I will be posting more quick snippets of healthy habits in the future!
- I care about your children -
Especially important**Please encourage your students to stay home when they are ill. They are required to stay home to rest if they have a temperature of 100.4 F or greater, or 100.0 F or greater, if also not feeling well. It is ok to return to school when there has been no fever for 24 hours, without a fever reducing medicine, such as Tylenol or Advil. I know this becomes more difficult at the high school level, and students don't want to get behind on schoolwork. I appreciate that, but for all students to stay as healthy as possible, and for your student to get better faster, it is important for them to rest at home. Please remember to wash water bottles frequently and wipe down phones! We will be monitoring for fevers, as needed, and will enforce school exclusion, if meet criteria. Thank you for your understanding!
Let's work together to take great care of our kids, and minimize the spread of ALL illness!
Elementary:
Middle/High/Adults:
3/9/2020 kg
2/10/20
~ HEALTHY EATING ON A BUDGET! ~
1/7/20
It's Child Passenger Safety Week!
Child Passenger Safety Week starts today! Celebrate with us and help raise awareness about buckling children in age- and size- appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts. This is a great week to learn how to:
For the best possible protection, infants and toddlers should be properly buckled in a rear-facing car seat, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limits of their seat. Check the seat owner's manual and/or labels on the seat for weight and height limits.
When children outgrow their rear-facing seats, they should be properly buckled in a forward-facing car seat, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of their seat. Check the seat owner's manual and/or labels on the seat for weight and height limits.
Once children outgrow their forward-facing seat, they should be properly buckled in a belt positioning booster seat, in the back seat, until seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt lays across the chest (not the neck). Proper seat belt fit usually occurs when children are about 4 feet 9 inches tall and aged 9–12.
Children no longer need to use a booster seat once seat belts fit properly. Seats belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt lays across the chest (not the neck). Proper seat belt fit usually occurs when children are about 4 feet 9 inches tall and aged 9–12.
Remember, always properly buckle children age 12 years and younger in the back seat!
To learn more about child passenger safety, please visit: www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/child_passenger_safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30333 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348
Questions or Problems | Unsubscribe
9/16/19 kg
Specifically Elementary and Middle school parents: I have not heard of this in our area as of current, but I wanted to try to be preventative by letting parents know in advance what is circulating. I received this from a concerned school nurse in the Iowa City area. If you would like to know more: https://ktiv.com/2019/02/28/momo-challenge-warning-for-parents/ Kristin, RN
2/28/19 KG
Influenza has begun circulating this week. This following was emailed to 5-12 students, and all staff today. I would say as a parent, the most noticeable clue between "just a cold" and Influenza, is the pink, watery eyes.
(Email)
Good morning!
Influenza has begun to circulate in the Roland-Story schools/communities this week.
PLEASE BE SURE TO.....
AND.....
YOU MAY RETURN TO SCHOOL WHEN.....
You are FREE OF FEVER (without fever-reducing medicine) for 24 hours .
IS IT INFLUENZA?
If you suspect you have Influenza, it is important for you to see the Dr in the first 1-2 days from the start of symptoms. Tamiflu is an antiviral medicine that your health provider may prescribe for you and/or family members if you are diagnosed during the early stages of Influenza. This medicine is intended to shorten the length and severity of symptoms.
MOST IMPORTANTLY......
Kristin Greenfield, RN
Roland-Story School Nurse
ES: 515-733-4386 / MS: 515-388-4348
kgreenfield@roland-story.k12.ia.us
Never let a problem to be solved, become more important than a person to be loved. ~Thomas S. Monson
2/12/19- kg
Kotex Recall:
12/13/18-kg
Announcement for MAST!
"Come out and support our amazing students!
The High School Choir has been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall in NYC over spring break. There are several fundraising events for this trip that you might be interested in participating in!
10/26/18
There are multiple locations providing flu vaccine. Most pharmacies offer them during regular business hours, and many of them have perks like gas discounts or gift cards, just for receiving the flu shot.
Here are links for a few of the current flu clinics I am aware of:
(non-biased view)
Influenza is circulating, so please consider receiving the flu vaccine soon, especially if you have an infant, elderly, or immunocompromised family member.
Stay healthy!
~Nurse Kristin~
10/15/18 kg
Curious about recent measles exposure risk in Des Moines and Ankeny?
4/24/18 kg
kg 4/20/18
~IMPORTANT~
INFLUENZA is contagious 1 day prior and 5 days after onset of symptoms. Per Dr and IDPH recommendation, and school guidelines, if your child is diagnosed with INFLUENZA, they are required to stay home through the 5 days of symptoms. If guided otherwise by a Dr, ARNP, or PA, we ask that you please provide a health provider's note for early return to school. Thank you for you flexibility, and efforts to keep all kids healthy.
Influenza Fact Sheet
(taken directly from IDPH site)
EPI Update for Friday, January 5, 2018 Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Influenza widespread in Iowa, antiviral reminder
Influenza activity and geographic spread in Iowa are increasing significantly and 21 influenza outbreaks in long-term care facilities have been investigated so far this season. Outpatient visits for influenza-like illness were higher last week than last season’s peak, and about 25 percent of the over 2000 rapid flu tests done last week were positive for influenza. SHL confirmed influenza in131 of
158 samples sent to them last week; this is higher than last season’s peak week. Influenza A(H3) has been the predominant strain this season, accounting for 390 of 502 (78%) positive results.
Seasons when A(H3N2) virus pre-dominate are associated with high levels of hospitalizations and deaths among all ages, but especially the elderly and very young children. Thus, it is important to use antiviral medications, both for treating and preventing influenza. Antiviral treatment is recommended to start as early as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza who is hospitalized, has severe complicated or progressive illness, or is at high risk for influenza complications. Influenza antiviral medication can also be used as post- exposure prophylaxis in certain situations, such as during influenza outbreaks in long-term care facilities.
For more information on antiviral use for influenza,
visitwww.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm.
To view the IDPH press release, visit idph.iowa.gov/News/ArtMID/646/ArticleID/158197/Flu-Deaths-Rise-in-Iowa-1518.
With lots of illness in the community (it sounds), I thought I would send out a guideline for those questioning when they can return to school following a positive influenza test. IDPH labels medically diagnosed individuals as contagious (able to spread Influenza) up to 5-7 days following onset of symptoms. Most Dr's will tell parents to keep the student out of school, school activities, and daycares for 5 days after onset of symptoms. They must also be free of untreated fever for 24 hrs.
We do not require a Dr note to return to school if following the above guidelines.
Because influenza is airborne, your best defense is to avoid being near those that are ill with cough and fever. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Be sure to wash your hands frequently, with soap and water, and/or use hand sanitizer. Remind kids to NOT share water bottles, chapsticks, silverware. Take extra care of yourself with lots of rest, and increase your Vitamin C intake to help boost your immune system.
Stay healthy!
1/3/18 kg
TIME TO RECEIVE THE FLU VACCINE
if you haven't done so already!
INFLUENZA is in the area.
We currently have NO students diagnosed with influenza, but there have been 1 or more positive swabs in the Roland-Story communities. I am NOT seeing a huge illness trend, as our illness absences are in normal range. We have had some sore throats that turn to a full respiratory "cold." Out of this illness, there have been sinus infections, ear infections, and bronchitis. These are TYPICAL respiratory illnesses for this time of year. There are also 2 cases of strep throat in the elementary.
To help AVOID becoming ill: Be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water as needed, try to avoid sitting by someone with a frequent cough (or at least 4 ft away), and be sure to increase your Vitamin C intake, water intake, and get plenty of rest. The most important piece of advice for all.... Stay home if you are very ill, especially if you have a temp of 101 or greater. Staff and students must be fever-free (without fever-reducing medication) for 24hrs, to return to school/work.
Thank you so much!
Your Norse Nurse
11/13/17- kg
https://fs12.formsite.com/vcstory1/BBTS2017/index.html
7/9/19-kg
Medication Retrieval - All Schools
Please remember to pick up your child's unused medicine by next Wednesday, May 31st. This includes daily routine medications, as needed over-the-counter medications, and emergency medicines such as: epi-pens, inhalers, etc. We are not able to store medication over the summer. All remaining medication will be discarded after that date, if you have not contacted me regarding an alternate plan.
Thank you!
kg 5/24/17
*******************************************
2017 SUMMER CAMP LIST
For ALL students: with, and without disabilities!
http://askresource.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Summer-Camp-List-2017.pdf
Minnesota Measles Outbreak/ Proactive information
2 MMR vaccines: 1 at age one, and 1 at age 4 or 5yrs, is the standard immunization schedule. There are parents which choose to refuse the MMR vaccine for their children, OR the child may be immunocompromised or otherwise, and are not able to receive the vaccine on the appropriate schedule. The following link contains a news cast on the recent, increasing measles outbreak in Minnesota. I have also included the Iowa Department of Public Health's literature regarding the measles disease. It is important to make factual informed choices. Due to the recent outbreak, this is an attempt to spread the knowledge, so we can prevent disease in our children. Those that are fully immunized (2 MMR or MMRV vaccines), are excluded from the following concern. To those that are not at the age for the second dose of immunization, the 1 yr MMR is currently considered sufficient. Public Health will update us if there would be immediate risk in our area.
News link
Public Health Link
https://idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/measles
05/12/17 kg
DIRECT FROM MCFARLAND PEDIATRICIANS
Yearly Physicals and Changes to Vaccine Requirements
A yearly physical is an important part of your child's health & well-being.
Physicals are valid for 13 months and cover the sports physical requirements,
as well as ensures you are informed of all vaccine requirements and
recommendations. This is an excellent time to call your McFarland provider
for a check up.
New for the 2017-2018 school year is a state requirement to have 1 dose of the
meningitis ACWY vaccine for incoming 7th graders, and 2 doses for incoming
12th graders. This vaccine is routinely encouraged at your child's 11 year and 16
year well visits, but if your child has not received theirs yet please contact your
McFarland Clinic provider to schedule a visit. There is no grace period allowed after the start of school this fall.
3/3/17 kg
--ATTENTION 6TH GRADE PARENTS--
Dear Parent/Guardian,
The Iowa Department of Public Health has made changes to the Iowa Immunization law for the start of the 2017/18 school year. This change requires that all students entering 7th grade have both a Meningococcal vaccine and a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whooping cough) booster before school starts this fall.
The Tdap requirement has been put in place since the 2013/14 school year and requires a booster dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis containing vaccine for students entering 7th grade, regardless of the interval since the last Tetanus/Diphtheria containing vaccine. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious disease that causes violent coughing fits that make it hard to breathe.
Meningococcal disease is a life threatening illness that is caused by bacteria that infects the brain, blood, and spinal cord. It easily spreads in crowded settings. The vaccine will be required prior to both the 7th and 12th grades.
All students entering 7th grade must have proof of having both the Meningococcal and the Tdap vaccines before school starts in August, unless the student has a Certificate of Immunization Exemption.
There will be no grace/extension period for the implementation of this requirement.
Now is a great time for your child to receive these immunization requirements and beat the back-to-school rush by making an appointment for your incoming 7th grader.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and attention to this requirement.
Kristin Greenfield, RN
Roland-Story School Nurse
--ATTENTION JUNIOR PARENTS--
Dear Parent/Guardian,
The Iowa Department of Public Health has made changes to the Iowa Immunization law for the start of the 2017/18 school year. This change requires that all students entering 12th grade have the Meningococcal vaccine before school starts this fall.
Meningococcal disease is a life threatening illness that is caused by bacteria that infects the brain, blood, and spinal cord. It easily spreads in crowded settings and typically affects older teens and young adults.
All students entering 12th grade must have proof of having the Meningococcal vaccine before school starts in August, unless the student has a Certificate of Immunization Exemption.
There will be no grace/extension period for the implementation of this requirement.
Now is a great time for your child to receive these immunization requirements and beat the back-to-school rush by making an appointment for your incoming 12th grader.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact me, M/W/F 515-733-4386, or T/TH 515-388-4348.
Thank you for your time and attention to this requirement.
Kristin Greenfield, RN
Roland-Story School Nurse
kgreenfield@roland-story.k12.ia.us
2/13/17-kg
IDPH INFLUENZA WEEKLY REPORT MAP
REPORTS OF INFLUENZA IN SCHOOL
4 reports of Influenza A in R-S ES/ kg (0 current)
1 report of Influenza A in R-S MS/kg (0 current)
14 reports of Influenza A in R-S HS/kg (1 current)
Cleaning schools per CDC guidelines, for Influenza and Norovirus
Wt room and athletic team water bottles sanitized, and will continue to sanitize frequently
GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm#whatshould
Updated 2/22/17 @ 9:58am kg
Lice Advice
It's hat/coat winter season, which increases the risk of head lice and transmission. Lice like clean or dirty hair. Sometimes one family member has, but the others don't get. It is difficult to pinpoint where and how your child got it. The common worry is school, but there are also other possible situations such as church, play groups, family members, cloth theater and airplane seats, and friend sleep-overs. If a case of head lice is found, a note will be sent home with each student in that classroom. At school, we work quickly and thoroughly to ensure there is not risk of further spread. At home, please remind your children no sharing of hats, brushes/combs, headbands. Washing your child's hat/mittens and coats (if able) on the weekends is a good defense system against lice. We definitely don't want to constantly focus on this subject, but it is important to be aware, address it if occurs, and communicate it to those that may have been exposed. Feel confident that except with teachers that child interacts with, names are kept confidential. Thank you in advance for your help!
For more information, see the Iowa Department of Public Health website for basics and treatment calendar.
http://idph.iowa.gov/CADE/Disease-Information/HeadLice
1/7/17-kg
Still need to schedule your flu shot?
(online scheduling link below)
When deciding yes or no to a flu shot, please remember those that need the flu vaccine protection, but aren't able to receive one.
You receiving the vaccine, could be their best defense!
Here is the link to McFarland Clinic's new online scheduling!!
11/18/16-kg
K DENTAL FORMS:
I do not have dental forms for several K students. If you have not turned this into the office, please do so ASAP. The form can be completed from a dental exam at age 3, or older, by a dentist, dental hygienist, MD, ARNP/PA. These forms can be dropped off at the ES office, scanned and emailed to me at kgreenfield@roland-story.k12.ia.us, or the dental office can fax it to me at 515-733-5357.
I am sending home a reminder in backpacks today, if I don't have a form on file for your child.
Thank you!
Mrs. Greenfield, RN
11/10/16-kg
NOVEMBER 1ST!
10/31/16 kg
Medication Pick Up or Disposal:
Parents:
Just a reminder to you about end of year medication pick-up...
At the beginning of the school year, the med permission form that you signed and returned, has either "pick up" or "dispose" selected, by you. Please follow-up with either myself, or the secretary, with the end of year plan to take care of medication return/disposal. If there are any expired medications at the end of the school year, I will properly dispose of them (unless otherwise informed).
Thank you! It has been a GREAT year!!!
05/31/16-Kg
8th Grade parents (next year's freshmen):
The dental form required for freshman year will be mailed with the end of year report cards. Please have these turned in to the HS office by the first day of the 2016-17 school year. Thank you!
5/16/16-Kg
Influenza : March 2016
Upper respiratory infections AKA "colds" are the hot topic this week. Influenza remains widespread across the state.
Influenza mimics a "cold" but symptoms are likely more severe.
SYMPTOMS include: (from CDC- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm )
It can be spread 1 day BEFORE symptoms and 5-7 days AFTER the onset of symptoms.
Route of transmission is typically droplet, through cough/sneeze/talking.
Remember to wash hands well, cover coughs and sneezes, and if you or someone you know is diagnosed with Influenza, please follow the Dr's recommendations regarding isolation to avoid further spread.
BE HEALTHY! (and think Spring;)
Poor sleep in your household?
This is a great toolkit targeted for ASD children, but also great advice for any youth that are difficult sleepers.
There are also printable Bedtime Passes for the child who always needs "one more" of this or that! Good luck!
http://www.autismspeaks.org/docs/sciencedocs/atn/sleep-tool-kit.pdf
ALL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES: 2015-16 flu season
If you are an established patient at McFarland Clinic Pediatrics in Ames, their flu vaccine clinics BY APPOINTMENT are as follows:
If you are a McFarland Clinic patient at any of the locations, Story City McFarland is offering flu vaccine clinics BY APPOINTMENT thru January 2016:
You can also receive Monday-Friday, by appointment, during regular clinic business hours. Please call ahead to reduce your wait time.
9TH GRADE PARENTS:
Reminder to turn in your 9th grade dental form to Mrs. Origer at the HS office. There are blank forms available in the office if you need. Please let me know if you need assistance with dental care or have form questions. Thank you!
ALL PARENTS:
If you child requires as needed/emergency medicine such as Epi-Pen/Auvi-Q injectables, inhalers, seizure medication, please contact me (if you haven't done so), as soon as possible by email:
kgreenfield@roland-story.k12.ia.us .
This does not include Tylenol, ibuprofen, or Tums.