NASN Weekly Digest
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February 19, 2015
School Nurses: Supporting Education, Advancing Student Health


As harsh winter weather continues to affect many of us on multiple levels, we are reminded that preparation is the key to safety and health during the winter season. School nurses are well-positioned to teach safety reminding families to have updated first aid kits in their homes and vehicles, and also to teach how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers helpful tips for staying safe in winter weather conditions, especially for those participating in winter sports. Learn and share more tips from the CDC.   

Be prepared, stay warm, stay safe,

Carolyn Duff, MS, RN, NCSN, President of NASN
Quick Poll
My school district has health policies related to weather extremes (Cold weather issues, frostbite, etc. and/or hot weather issues heat exhaustion, etc.)? Take this week's poll.
CDC Flu Map


Widespread Flu Still Seen in Many States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that influenza activity is still elevated but is decreasing and some key indicators that measure severity are leveling off or decreasing also.
Flu activity is likely to continue for several more weeks.
Association News
Webinar Archive on Medication Administration Available
The second webinar in NASN's Winter Webinar Series Let's Talk School Nursing! series, Pills, Shots and Drops - Oh My! - Medication Administration in the School Setting, is available online. Access this recording for a discussion on the important components of administering medications safely and professionally.
School Nurses in the News
Flu Season Etiquette at Work and at School
The Kojo Nnamdi Show / WAMU  88.5 (Washington D.C.)
NASN's Executive Director Donna Mazyck participated in a discussion about flu etiquette as the Washington D.C. region, as well as the entire country, battles a rough flu season. So what's the best way to avoid contracting or spreading the flu at work and at school? Access the story. (Segment is at 22:00 minutes into the program)
National News That Matters to You
House Committee Marks up Student Success Act, HR5
The House Education and Workforce Committee marked up the Student Success Act, HR 5, that will replace the No Child Left Behind by a vote of 21 to 6. Access the Education and the Workforce Committee for more information, including opening statements by Members of the Committee and a webcast.
Health Office Toolbox
Share Our Strength - Cooking Matters at the Store
Eating healthy food does not have to break the bank. Empower families in your community to shop for and cook healthy food on a budget. Funding is available to help these efforts succeed. If your school is interested in providing Cooking Matters at the Store tours, they may apply for a grant to help support their efforts. 

Active Education: Growing Evidence on Physical Activity and Academic Performance
There is a growing body of evidence indicating that physical activity and fitness can benefit both health and academic performance for children. The Active Living Research brief reviews published scientific articles that examine how physical activity and fitness may help school-aged children maximize their academic performance. It also provides an overview of the effects of physical activity on the developing brain. Access the research brief.

Sesame Street Resources and Videos to Teach Good Oral Health Habits
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, has helped develop Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me, a bilingual (English/Spanish), multimedia outreach initiative. The initiative leverages the power of the beloved Sesame Street characters to motivate children 2 to 5 years of age, their parents, and their caregivers to care for children's oral health...early. Videos for younger students can be found at Mouth HealthyTM Kids.

Resources for Weather Extremes:

CDC Extreme Cold Tips
When the temperatures drop, like we have seen happen repeatedly this winter, it's important to help your school community know what to do. Check out vital information from the CDC.

CDC Extreme Heat and Your Health
It won't be long until we're concerned about extreme heat in some areas of the country - plan ahead with CDC information.
What's Happening
NASN's Calendar of Events lists upcoming events for school nursing professionals.  Events happening soon include:

Ohio Association of School Nurses Annual Conference
February 20-22, 2015
Dublin, Ohio

Healthfinder.gov's National Health Observances site lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics.