Wellness Basics

This section provides you with information on Wellness Basics: information to remind us of healthy habits to implement into our daily lives and teach these habits to our children. These topics are listed in alphabetical order.

Prevent the Chain reaction:

Insect bite>Itching>Scratching>Open skin>Anti-itch cream burns>Scab forms>Infection>Oral Antibiotics> Scar from sun

Cleaning the ears: Only clean the outer ear. Inner ears are self cleaning and wax serves a purpose. It is best practice to always avoid cotton tipped swabs (Q-tips). Using a long cotton tipped swab will increase the risk of wax impaction, infection and injury to the inner ear. When it comes to inner ears, say NO to Q-tips.

Digestive Health: Many times children experience stomach aches after eating snacks or lunch at school. Eating a variety of foods and drinking water to hydrate is important. Many children hold their bowels, gas and stool, during the school day which may contribute to stomach aches and constipation. Encourage your child to attempt a bowel movement every day after school. Just as we feel and perform better with a sleep schedule, we feel better when we are on a "poop" schedule.

Essential Oils: Parents are using essential oils as an alternative to medications. Some are used to treat behavior, anxiety, pain, sleep and as an insect repellent. Essential oils are not allowed in school for children to use themselves or for the nurse to administer. Parents must use the essential oil prior to the child coming to school or after school. Keep in mind that some essential oils are toxic to humans and animals. For example, tea tree oil used in an air diffuser may cause neurotoxicity in one's pet dog. One may also have mild or severe allergies to essential oils. It is good practice to inform your child's teacher and school nurse if essential oils are being used. This notification allows the teacher and nurse to monitor for adverse reactions of the child or students in the child's class.

Exercise: Exercise builds strength as children grow, allows for one to maintain a healthy weight, and improves mental and emotional health. Parents should allow and encourage exercise as well as model physicial activity as an adult to develop exercise as a habit that will prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Handwashing: Most germs enter our body from the use of our hands. Handwashing is essential after bathroom use and prior to eating. The best practice for handwashing is to use soap and water. Use hand sanitizer only when soap and water is not available.

Hydration: Hydration with water is essential to maintain homeostasis in the body. Benefits of hydration include fluid balance, energy, healthy elastic skin, clear thinking, positive mood, and cleanses by washing toxins out of the body. Proper hydration is essential to prevent headaches and constipation.

Lice: Lice are a nuisance and fortunately do not spread disease. If your child has lice, please treat your child and inform nurse of treatment per CCSD school policy.

Nutrition: Teaching your child to eat a variety of foods allows for a balanced diet, enables proper hydration, helps build the immune system, allows for digestive health and prevents chronic disease.

Sleep: Children of all ages perform better when they are on a sleep schedule in line with the school schedule. Children with adequate sleep will learn better, remain awake in class in order to learn and have a stronger immune system to fight germs.

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