Health Clerk Newsletter

STAY HEALTHY DURING COLD/FLU SEASON

It is a year-round life style that keeps us healthy during flu season. It is taking advantage of the fruits, nuts, and vegetables that are locally grown. It is getting enough sleep and rest when your body is tired. It is exercising daily. It’s all easier said than done ask me- I know for sure!! My point is we have to take care of our bodies all year not just during or right before flu season. 

We start giving our kids Halloween candy in October and it doesn’t stop till after Easter. We don’t want to deprive our loved ones or ourselves of all the sweet treats during the Holidays-but we do want to balance our intake. Make sure whatever you’re dishing out to those you love has some nutritional value with only a sprinkle of sugar. 

Here is what the experts say……………….

Coughing, chills, body aches; it sounds like flu season. There’s no way to guarantee you won’t get the flu, but certain steps can help reduce the possibility. By learning more about the disease, what steps you can take to prevent it and what to do if you get sick, you can increase your chance of staying healthy or recovering more quickly.

What Causes Flu?

The flu is caused by a virus, or rather, a number of different virus strains. Viruses are tiny organisms that enter a host’s cells and force the DNA to start making copies of the virus. After multiplying itself many times, it leaves the cell, usually destroying the host cell in the process. Flu viruses are spread through the respiratory system. You can get infected by inhaling droplets from someone infected who is coughing or sneezing. You can also get the virus by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose or mouth.

Signs and Symptoms of Flu

Typical flu symptoms include the following:

• Fever, or feeling feverish without an increased temperature

• Chills

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Stuffy or runny nose

• Body or muscle aches

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea, especially in children

It can be easy to mistake flu for the common cold, since many of the symptoms are the same. However, watch for the flu triad: muscle aches, feverish feelings and cough. Coughing is an especially tell-tale sign that you have the flu instead of a common cold.

Ways to Prepare for Flu Season

Stock up on supplies before flu season starts. Purchase tissues, hand sanitizer, hand soap and paper towels. Take a look at your medicine cabinet too. Replace anything that has expired and make sure you have pain relievers, decongestants, fever reducers, cough syrup and antihistamines. Test your thermometer batteries and clean your humidifier. You can also stock up your fridge and pantry. Plan lunches and dinners that will be easy to prepare, and purchase snacks and beverages.

Tips for Preventing Flu

Work to prevent infection with these practical tips:

• Get a flu shot – The CDC recommends that people older than six months get a flu shot. The vaccine is created each year to help protect against the strains of flu expected to be the most common. It’s usually available in October and it’s best to get it early, but any time during flu season is okay. Getting your whole family vaccinated is one of the best ways to keep flu out of your home.

• Avoid sick people – If you’re less than three feet away from someone coughing or sneezing, you can get infected.

• Don’t touch your face – Touching your face with infected hands quickly spreads flu viruses, so avoid touching your face without washing your hands first.

• Wash your hands – Wash your hands frequently, using the following proper technique. Use warm water and antibacterial soap. Lather for 20 seconds, paying particular attention to your fingers, fingernails and jewelry; this is about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Rinse your hands well and dry them.

• Disinfect – Disinfecting items that get touched a lot, like doorknobs, phones and remote controls, helps stop the spread of viruses.

• Use hand sanitizer – Put bottles of hand sanitizer around your home and in your car so you can quickly and frequently clean your hands.

Tips for Staying Healthy

In addition to working to prevent flu, you can also take general steps toward staying healthy:

• Get enough sleep – Not sleeping well can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to catching the flu. Aim for seven to nine hours each night to keep your antibodies strong.
• Eat healthy foods – A well-balanced diet with fresh foods and lean protein can help strengthen the immune system and boost health.
• Work out – Exercise is a great way to help keep the immune system strong. But don’t overdo it; if you feel under the weather, stick with moderate exercise. And skip your workout completely if you have body aches, chest congestion or a stomach bug.
• Quit smoking – Smoking can decrease immune response and hinder the respiratory system.
• Stay hydrated – Proper hydration is important for many body functions. Carry a bottle of water with you and drink from it often.

What to Do if You Get the Flu

If you get sick, taking care of yourself can help minimize discomfort and help you recover more quickly.

• Stay home – Staying home gives you the opportunity to rest, and keeps you from spreading flu virus to others.
• Consider an antiviral drug – Antiviral drugs can help shorten sick time and reduce symptoms, so talk to your doctor about a prescription if you notice flu symptoms.
• Take pain relievers – Over-the-counter medications including acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce fever.
• Rest – Get plenty of rest to help your immune system fight off the infection.
• Drink fluids – It’s easy to get dehydrated when you have the flu, so drink plenty of fluids including water, chicken soup and hot tea. A sports drink or other beverage with electrolytes is a good idea if you have a high fever or are vomiting.

When to Visit a Doctor

If your symptoms linger or get worse, or you’re concerned for other reasons, then visit a doctor. When in doubt, it’s better to seek professional medical advice.

Experiencing the flu is never fun, but by taking steps to prevent infection and taking care of yourself if you get sick, you can help stop the spread of flu viruses and improve your chance for staying healthy. 

My hope is that this will help educate you in ways to take care of yourself and your loved ones

Happy Holidays,

Kimberly Barbagelata

LUSD Health Clerk

[email protected]

209-323-0005

NOVEMBER HEALTH OFFICE NEWSLETTER

Stress management is something we all need to implement in our lives. Learning how to manage your stress takes practice, but you can do it. Here are 10 ways to make it easier.

 1.Exercise-Working out regularly is one of the best ways to relax your body and mind. Plus, exercise will improve your mood. But you have to do it often for it to pay off. Focus on setting fitness goals you can meet so you don’t give up. Most of all remember that doing any exercise is better than none at all. 

2.Relax Your Muscles-When you’re stressed, your muscles get tense. You can help loosen them up on your own and refresh your body by stretching, getting a massage, taking a hot bath or shower, and getting a good night’s sleep. 

3.Deep Breathing-Stopping and taking a few deep breaths can take the pressure off you right away. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel once you get good at it. 

4.Eat Well-Eating a regular, well-balanced diet will help you feel better in general. It may also help control your moods. 

5.Slow Down-Modern life is so busy, and sometimes we just need to slow down and chill out. Look at your life and find small ways you can do that. 

6.Take a Break-You need to plan on some real downtime to give your mind time off from stress. If you’re a person who likes to set goals, this may be hard for you at first. But stick with it and you’ll look forward to these moments. 

7.Make Time for Hobbies-You need to set aside time for things you enjoy. Try to do something every day (15-20 min) that makes you feel good, and it will help relieve your stress.  

8.Talk About Your Problems-If things are bothering you, talking about them can help lower your stress. You can talk to family members, friends, a trusted clergyman, your doctor, or a therapist. 

9.Go Easy on Yourself-Accept that you can’t do things perfectly no matter how hard you try. You also can’t control everything in your life. So do yourself a favor and stop thinking you can do so much. And don’t forget to keep up your sense of humor. Laughter goes a long way towards making you feel relaxed. 

10.Eliminate Your Triggers-Figure out what are the biggest causes of stress in your life. Is it your job, your commute, your schoolwork? If you’re able to identify what they are, see if you’re able to eliminate them from your life, or at least reduce them.

For more information on dealing with stress contact the LUSD Health Office for more information.

Kimberly Barbagelata

209-931-0818

[email protected]

WATERLOO SCHOOL HEALTH OFFICE

Hello Waterloo Families,

My name is Kimberly Barbagelata. I’m the Health Clerk for Linden Unified School District. The Health Office is dedicated to the health and well being of all of our students and staff. I’m available to connect with you and welcome our families to reach out to me:

         (c)209-323-0005                                                                                   

(p)209-931-0818 ext 804

          My office hours  at Waterloo school are Mondays and Thursdays 8am to 2pm 

                    You can call anytime and leave a message  and I will call you back!

Tips for staying well

While we are in school it is incredibly important to do everything we can to stay healthy and keep those around us healthy. Good hand washing and coughing/sneezing into your elbow is still super important. Keeping ourselves well rested as well as eating a balanced diet will help keep us healthy too. 

Update your student health records at school

*IMMUNIZATIONS

7th grade T-dap- It’s a good idea to make a doctor's appointment the summer your student is in 6th grade to receive their T-dap booster so that they’ll be ready for 7th grade. At that doctors appointment they will also administer #2 Varicella both are requirements from the state of CA.

AVAILABLE IN THE HEALTH OFFICE

• BAND AIDS                                                                                                   
• ICE PACKS
• COVID TEST                                                                                     
• DEODORANT
• FEMININE HYGIENE