Phone: 603-436-0910 ext. 4552 ~ Fax: 603-427-2335 ~ Email: Kutgard@sau52.org ~ Address: 1 Franklin Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801
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An Ounce of Prevention: January 2025
Back issues of An Ounce of Prevention are available here:
Melatonin in the News
Do you use melatonin to help your child get to sleep at night? This unregulated (by the FDA) supplement has been in the news lately as research is showing a sharp increase in the use of this hormone in children and cases of accidental overdose. I have shared some links from trusted sources about melatonin and I want to encourage you to have a conversation with your child's pediatrician if melatonin is part of your child's regular bedtime routine.
Fifth Disease (Parvovirus) in the News
Fifth Disease- the 5th most common viral illness of childhood- causes a characteristic "slapped cheek" rash on the face. This is a respiratory virus spread through coughing. The rash may not appear until after the fever breaks. As always, if your child is sick with a fever, cough, or new rash, please keep them home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication and their other symptoms are improving.
Illness & Absence Resources
Use the button below for some general guidance on when to keep your sick student home and when s/he may return to school. As always, if you have questions please call me at 603-436-0910 or email at kutgard@sau52.org!
End 68 Hours of Hunger
End 68 Hours of Hunger in Portsmouth will be providing weekend food bags for students once again this year!
This program is open to all students. There is no cost or income requirement to participate in this program. End 68 Hours of Hunger will not be provided with the names of the children, so their privacy will be protected.
Food bags are distributed on Fridays by Nurse Karen.
Each weekend food bag contains 7 simple meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners) for an individual student. Most of the food items are pre-packaged and can be eaten with no preparation. Other items require heating in a microwave. None of the food requires refrigeration.
If you would like your child(ren) to participate in this program, please fill out the form linked below. If you have questions, reach out to me, Nurse Karen, at 603-436-0910.
The program will start on Friday, 09/22/2022, but a child can start any time after that as well & cancel anytime if it is no longer wanted.
Lead Poisoning: A Special Message for Kindergarten & First Grader Parents
Screening your child for lead should be done at your child's 1 year-old physical and again at the 2 year-old physical. Lead paint was in common use prior to 1978 and many older homes may still have lead paint that could cause ongoing exposure to a crawling toddler. In addition, many consumer items could also potentially cause a lead exposure. Not sure if your child was ever screened? Call their primary care provider to check today!
