| Industry
Hot Topics
We hope this section
is a valuable resource to find out information on hot topics and current
events in your industry. If there is a hot topic in your industry that
you would like us to write about, or if you would like to gather information
about a hot topic, submit it to School Health Corporation. Please contact
us at info@schoolhealth.com
Click on the Hot Topics below.
In Support of My School Nurse
(A Speech Delivered at the Sixth Annual School Health Advocacy Day)
Fourth-grader Anthony Delmonaco
 My
name is Anthony Delmonaco. I am 10 years old, and I live in Pembroke,
Massachusetts. I go to Bryantville Elementary school. A few months back
I heard that Governor Romney was going to cut back on school nurses. It
made me very upset and mad. I was yelling, and my mom told me getting
mad isn't going to help and that if it means a lot to me that I need to
write a letter. So I wrote my letter and sent it out to the papers. I
didn't think that anyone would print it because I was a kid. But I was
wrong. People did listen to me, and people from all over read my letter.
I even got a call from Baltimore Maryland. They asked if they could reprint
my letter and I said yes. I like my school nurse. She is also my friend.
I have known her since the first grade. I have asthma. Mrs. Regan has
taught me how to use my inhaler. Some other things she has helped me with
- I broke my leg last year. Mrs Regan said my cast was too tight, and
she was right. I had to go back to Children's, and they gave me a new
one. Just a few months ago I had my eyes tested, and I didn't pass. My
glasses were only 4 months old. I can see much better now.
I speak not only for
myself but for my friends. Yesterday my friend, Aaron, cut his finger
bad at recess. Blood was gushing out. He went to the nurse. I have friends
in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade who have asthma, peanut allergy and diabetes.
I am afraid what will happen to them if we don't have a nurse at our school.
What will happen if at North Pembroke someone hurts themselves real bad
and at the same time my friend's blood sugar goes too low. It scares me.
I don't want my friends to die. People can die.
We need a school nurse
for every school. I don't understand why Governor Romney wants to spend
money on changing the cape rotary, and at the same time take away our
school nurses. To me a school nurse is more important than a rotary.
Detergent - The Hidden Problem
Patients with
atopic dermatitis often have generalized or localized dry skin. Dry skin
seems to be worse during winter and best during summer months. The mechanism
of this seasonal variation is not well understood. Two likely reasons
are that sebaceous gland secretion decreases in the winter and that indoor
humidity is lower in winter, too. But this does not explain why wintertime
problems are often worse on skin around one's trunk. To determine whether
residual washing detergent in cotton clothes plays a role in wither deterioration
of dry skin, 148 children and adults (ages 6 to 58) with atopic dermatitis
who visited a dermatology clinic were examined for distribution of their
dry skin. These patients were asked to switch for two weeks from a common
laundry detergent (typically anionic; with many additives like whiteners
and proteolytic enzymes) to a nonionic detergent that was additive-reduced.
Photographs were taken before and after switching detergents. An improvement
in dryness occurred in 76% of patients after two-weeks of the new detergent.
No patient showed worsening of dry skin. The authors concluded that residues
of common washing detergents in cotton underclothes play an important
role in winter deterioration of dry skin among patients with atopic dermatitis.
(Kiriyama T et al. J Dermatol 2003; 30:708-712.)
Grants
and Grant Writing Information
Marcia Groves-Bixby, MPH
School Health Corporation
Federal
Funding Sources
Health
Resources and Services Administration
This site contains information about grants available from HRSA's Bureau
of Primary Health Care, the Bureau of Health Professions, Bureau of Maternal
and Child Health and the HIV/AIDS Bureau.
Department of Education
The US Dept. Of Education maintains links to programs and offices that
provide information on funding opportunities related to school health
programs.
Or use this additional
site.
National Science Foundation
National Institutes of
Health
GrantsNet
GrantsNet is a tool created by the Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) Office of Grants Management (OGM) for finding and exchanging information
about HHS and other Federal grant programs. The site provides general
grant information, how to find grant information and search for funding,
and administering grants and awards.
School Health Specific Sites
School
Grants
Posts all types of grants for schools, teachers and students. Provides links
to federal and state agencies. Gives grant-writing tips.
The
Center for Health and Health Care in Schools
(CHHCS)
Core support for CHHCS is provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
(Formerly Making the Grade).
The
School Health Finance Project (NCSL)
1.
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Click
on folder "pp"
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Click
on School Health funding information |
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The National Conference
of State Legislature, with funding from the Division of Adolescent
and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, developed
the School Health Finance Project to gather information about how
states and territories fund coordinated school health programs. |
School
Health Program Finance Project (CDC)
The School Health Program Finance Project (SHPFP) database contains information
on federal, foundation and state-specific funding sources for school health
programs.
Technical
Assistance Guide on Medicaid and School Health
Federal Medicaid requirements are complex and the implementation of Medicaid
varies by state. This guide provides information and technical assistance
regarding Federal Medicaid requirements associated with implementing a
school health services program and seeking Medicaid funding for school
health services. The Medicaid program has been supportive of school-centered
health care as an effective method of providing access to essential medical
care to eligible children.
The National Association
of State School Nurse Consultants, Inc.
Position Statement-Medicaid Reimbursement for School Nursing Services.
Gives a good explanation of the federal/state funded medical assistance
program for low income families through Title XIX of the Social Security
Act. Medicaid pays for periodic preventative health screenings and medically
necessary treatments through the Early Periodic Screening, Detection and
Treatment (EPSDT) Program.
Click on Position Statement-Medicaid Reimbursement for School Nursing
Services
Additional
information on EPSDT:
School-Based Health Related Services Under Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA)/Medicaid
Health
Care Financing Administration Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) maintains an informational
web site on the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The site provides
materials of interest to various audiences regarding the passage of CHIP;
also known as Title XXI, as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
Foundation Funding Sources
Grant Select
Offers more than 10,000 funding opportunities from non-profit organizations,
foundations, federal and state agencies
Foundation
Center
They maintain and regularly update four distinct directories of annotated
links to more than 1,700 grantmaker Web sites. The links are organized by
grantmaker type, which are described below. Select a grantmaker type to
search or browse the summaries of the sites collected here.
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Private
Foundations
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Corporate
Grantmakers
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Grantmaking
Public Charities
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Community
Foundations |
Council
on Foundations
The Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation
W.K.Kellogg Foundation
The Ford Foundation
John D. and Catherine
MacArthur Foundation
Walmart
Grants
& Funding
Grantsmanship Center
The Grantsmanship Center is the world's leading source of fundraising
training and information for the non-profit sector. This site includes
TGC's Federal Register Grant Information, which updates daily.
Technical Writing Aids
A
Grant Seeker's Guide to the Internet: Revised and Revisited
Equipment Donation and
Grants To Education
KidSource
OnLine: Computing EDGE
Computing EDGE helps match needy schools with excess, unused or obsolete
computer equipment donated by individuals and corporations.
Peanut Allergies In School
Approximately
2%-3% of all school age children in the U.S. suffer from true immunological
food allergies according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases. In a school of 500 students, that means 15 students may have
some type of food allergy which is life threatening.
There are many types
of food allergies but the one getting a lot of attention lately is peanut
allergies. Peanut allergies appear to be on the rise. Parents and school
health officials need to work together to keep their children safe at
school. Many schools are turning to "peanut free" zones.
For free informational brochures on allergies and anaphylaxis or referral
to an allergist in their area, parents of allergic children are encouraged
to call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information line at 800-822-2762,
or visit the Academy's Web site at http://www.aaaai.org.
To obtain emergency action plans for food allergy, the public may contact
the Food Allergy Network (FAN) at 800-929-4040, or visit FAN's Web site
at http://www.foodallergy.org.
Schools
and parents create "peanut-free" zones to keep kids safe
http://www.med.umich.edu/prmc/radio/2003/nuts.htm
Peanut
Allergies in Young Children - Early Childhood Information Clearing House
Approximately 2%-3% of
all school children suffer from a food allergy. The most common allergens
are milk, peanuts and tree nuts, wheat, soy, eggs, fish and shellfish.
Peanut allergies appear to have become more prevalent over the years and
have received a massive amount of attention in the media recently. These
changes may be linked to an increased number of vegetarians and children
consuming peanut butter. The focus on increased peanut allergies has sparked
radical movements such as peanut bans on airlines and in schools. What
are the facts pertaining to peanut allergies?
http://www2.state.id.us/dhw/ecic/HW/Qpeanut_allergies.htm
Students
with Peanut Allergies Need Special Monitoring
Learn how to manage a
peanut allergy in elementary school.
http://www.pta.org/parentinvolvement/healthsafety/hs_oc_peanutallergy.asp
Skippy Peanut Butter
- Allergy Education
Education from the American
Peanut Council and helpful tips to manage food related allergic reactions.
http://www.peanutbutter.com/allergy.asp
Emergency Preparedness in
Schools
In these times of heightened alert, schools need to be prepared. Across
the United States, schools and communities are preparing and developing
plans for responding to emergency situations. Schools are expected to
not only have a plan in place, but also have the necessary supplies ready
to handle a variety of possible emergency situations. You must ask yourself,
in these times of heightened alert - is your school prepared?
School Health offers a variety of products that are required while preparing
your school for emergency response. Click
here to view products that we specifically recommend and special pricing.
Many organizations
and agencies are making recommendations for Emergency Plans of Action
and listing emergency supplies and medical equipment that should be available
for different scenarios. Based on these recommendations, School Health
has compiled some websites that address School Emergency Planning and
websites devoted to helping school staff, parents and adults in dealing
with the questions, fears and anxieties children are facing.
Websites providing information for School Preparedness:
U.S. Department of Homeland
Security
Information on preparing for potential terrorism.
U.S. Department Announces Website for School Emergency Plans
In an effort to provide school leaders with more information about emergency
preparedness, a new section Office of Safe Drug-Free Schools (DOE) Web
site entitled: Emergency Planning to help School Officials Plan for an
Emergency, including natural disasters, violent incidents and terrorists
acts.
United
States Department of Education Press Release
Paige, Ridge Unveil New Web Resource to Help Schools Plan for Emergencies
> $30 million available to school districts for emergency planning
> Applications for this program will be available in early spring 2003.
> Funding decisions will be made in the summer.
American
Red Cross
Recommended Emergency Supplies for Schools
Homeland
Security Advisory System
Recommendations for Individuals, Families, Neighborhoods, Schools, and
Businesses
National
Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities
Resource List-Disaster Planning and Response
Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
Guidance for Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical,
Biological, or Radiological Attacks, May 2002
UCLA School Mental
Health
Project Responding to a Crisis at School: Relevant Publications on the
Internet Selected Materials from Our Clearinghouse Related Agencies and
Websites and Relevant Publications That Can Be Obtained from Your Local
Library. Links to crisis, trauma, and grief concerns-see the button labeled
"Responding to a Crisis".
Websites providing Resources for Helping Students
Cope with War, Terrorism, Bio-Chemical Disasters, Fear, Violence and the
New Uncertainties Facing the United States:
About Our Kids
At War with Iraq: Help Answering Tough Questions and other articles
Aetna InteliHealth
Experts
to Parents: Follow Your Child's Lead When Talking about War
Talking
to Children about the War Requires Calm
Numerous
resources (English, espanol)
Talking
to Children about War and Terrorism Tips for Parents and Teachers
American Psychological
Association
Resilience
in a Time of War
Tips for Parents and Daycare Providers of Pre-school Children
Tips for Parents and Teachers of Elementary School Children
Tips for parents and Teachers of Middle School Children
Tips for Parents and Teachers of Teens
Resilience for Young People (Teens) in a Time of War
Children's Hospital of the
King's Daughters
Helping Children Cope with the Fear and Uncertainty
How Children React to Stress: An Age-Specific Guide
Ways Parents Can Reduce Their Own Stress-How to Help a Child in Crisis
Schools
Helping Students Handle War Fears
Help
with the Healing, on the Web-Multiple resources
National Center for Children
Exposed to Violence-Yale University Child
Study Center
Parents' Guide to Talking with Their Children about War (English,espanol)
Teachers' Guide to Talking with Their Students about War
Educators
for Social Responsibility
Lesson plans and guides on Iraq and other pressing issues
Kids Health-The Nemours
Foundation
Worrying about War-Pages for Parents, Kids, Teens
National Association
of School Psychologists
Helping Children Cope in Unsettling Times
Coping in Unsettling Times-Tips for Students
Parents Called to Active Duty: Helping Children Cope
Children and Fear of War and Terrorism-Tips for Parents and Teachers
Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in Unsettling Times
Crisis
Website Links: Additional NASP crisis resources
PBS
Parents
Talking with Kids about War and Violence and other resources
Talking with Kids
about Tough Issues
Talking
with Kids about the News Today
Talking
with Kids Parent Booklet
News-related
Resources
Explore
Age-Appropriate News
TeachersFirst.com
Articles, lesson plans, and links to organizations to aid elementary,
middle, and high school educators in dealing with and teaching about the
conflict in Iraq
Dealing
with War in the Classroom-articles, lessons, and advice to help
students understand war and peace
Time for Kids Online:
America at War
Time Online:
A New Kind of War Teacher's Guide
Living
with Terrorism: A How-to Guide
Talk
to Kids about the War in Iraq
From teachers magazine:
The National
Association of School Psychologists provides guidance on
helping children cope in unsettling times. Includes "Parents Called
to
Active Duty: Helping Children Cope."
 Children's
Oral Health
In an effort to promote the importance of proper brushing and flossing,
regular dental visits, and good oral health education, look at the following
shocking facts:
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Over 51 million
school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness |
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Dental care is the
most prevalent unmet health need among American children |
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Surgeon General's
report found that 37% of children have NOT had a dental visit before
starting school |
The following news release from the American Academy of Periodontology
brings to light these disturbing facts and offers valuable tips on making
a change in today's children.
Don't
Brush Off Importance of Children's Oral Health
CHICAGO - February is National Children's Dental Health Month, but in
children good oral care is critical every day. The first comprehensive
study on the nation's oral health released recently by the Office of
the U.S. Surgeon General calls dental and oral diseases a "silent
epidemic," even in children. The report states that more than 51
million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness. In
fact, a recent study pointed to dental care as the most prevalent unmet
health need among American children.
To help counter this, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is
launching an effort to educate children and parents about the prevention
of dental diseases - including periodontal disease - in children.
"This is important because oral problems can impact self-esteem
for children and lead to problems eating, speaking and attending to
learning," said Michael McGuire, D.D.S., president of the AAP.
Common dental problems seen in children are cavities and gingivitis,
which is found in the majority of U.S. children. "When these problems
are not caught early and treated, they can develop into more severe
problems and cause unnecessary suffering," said McGuire. "However,
much of the time, oral problems are avoidable problems."
In the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, a group of more than 120 dentists
volunteers to deliver dental care to thousands of low-income children
each year with its Mobile Dental Unit that travels from school to school.
"In the Rio Grand Valley, dental disease is the number one cause
of absenteeism among elementary school children," said AAP member
David Woolweaver, D.D.S., a periodontist and the program director for
Dentists Who Care. "It's vitally important that all children see
a dentist at an early age. I've found that those children see a dentist
on a regular basis are the ones who take better care of their teeth
and gums and don't have the significant problems that I often see in
children who haven't seen a dentist previously."
"According to the Surgeon General's Report, about 37 percent of
children have not had a dental visit before starting school," said
McGuire. "When children don't see dental professionals they miss
the opportunity to have problems caught early before they escalate into
larger, more expensive problems to treat, and parents miss the opportunity
to learn how to promote good oral habits in their children."
In addition to advising regular dental visits that include a periodontal
examination, the AAP offers these tips to parents to help ensure good
oral health in children:
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Establish good
oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you
can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. However,
only use a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the
bristles so your child won't eat it. And, when the gaps between
your child's teeth close, it's important to start flossing. |
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Serve as a good
role model by practicing good oral health care habits yourself. |
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Check your child's
mouth for any signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums, swollen
and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth
and bad breath. |
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Make sure your
child consumes a balanced diet. Studies have shown insufficient
levels of calcium and vitamin C may make people more susceptible
to periodontal disease. |
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Educate your child
regarding the health risks of using tobacco products. Smoking is
the number one preventable risk factor for periodontal disease. |
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Call 1-800-FLOSS-EM
or use AAP's online form to request a free brochure that provides
instructions helping your children brush and floss properly. |
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Read AAP's online
feature on children's oral health for more information. |
The American Academy
of Periodontology is a 7,500-member association of dental professionals
specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases
affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the
placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of
nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3243
or 312/573-3242.
Here are a number of
other websites that include valuable information on the importance of
good oral health:
Children's
Oral Health - Related Products
Click
here for a complete listing of all our Dental Health products.
Head
Lice Prevention Lasts All Year
Head lice prevention needs to happen all year round in order to keep this
problem under control. Children transmit the lice most often during the
back-to-school months, August through November, resulting in huge manifestations
by December and January. Periodic inspections can help detect individual
head lice early, when they are easier to control. Parents are the key
to this success by being properly educated about head lice detection and
removal. The National Pediculosis Association has an excellent program
called "All Out Comb Out" that was specifically designed to
reach the parents before outbreaks occur. It teaches them how to safely
and effectively keep their kids lice and nit free without the use of unnecessary
and potentially harmful chemicals. Join in the effort by learning more
about this valuable program.
Did
Your Family Have a Lousy Holiday Vacation?
The All Out Comb Out™ Back-to-School campaign isn't just in
September. It happens after the holiday break, winter vacation and spring
break too! These are important times to be proactive and encourage parents
to screen their children so that they are lice and nit free and ready
to learn. The NPA encourages everyone to participate... "Because
it's not about lice, it's about kids.™"
Head
Lice Prevention Lasts All Year Long!
A
Special Message from Boss Louse™...
Star of the NPA's new instructional video featured in the LiceMeister
Head Lice & Nit Removal Kit
Jesse's
Project - Reaching out to families at a time when they need help
Related
Products
The
Debate Over the Harmful Effects of Soda Drinks
There
is a new debate brewing out there regarding the effects of drinking soda
pop. New studies have found that soda drinking, especially by teenagers
and children, can be more harmful to their health than once thought. School
nurses, such as Nancy Sandrella from Youngstown State University, have realized
the importance of this topic and the role their profession plays in spreading
the word. Nancy's research and comments are shown below along with helpful
links regarding this very important health issue. Thanks to Nancy for allowing
us to post this information!
Hi! My name is Nancy Sandrella and I am a registered nurse enrolled in
the School Nurse Licensure Program at Youngstown State University. I am
also, a new school nurse for the middle and high school in my district.
I was very interested in this topic and thus did some research, and here
is what I found.
There is
a lot of debate going on regarding the value or non-value of soda drinks.
If you ask the soda companies they will tell you that the sodas do not cause
you any harm and that they are actually good for you. However, if you check
other resources there is a lot of concern on this very important topic.
The disease osteoporosis is commonly associated with old age, however it
starts as early as 11 in girls and 13 in boys. School nurses play a very
important role in helping to educate everyone. We need to get this information
to the students, parents, teachers, administration, cafeteria workers, community
etc.
One website claims that soda actually triggers a complex chemical reaction
in your body. The researchers believe the phosphoric acid content of cola
alters the way calcium is metabolized, both preventing the skeleton from
absorbing calcium, and causing calcium to be leaked out of the bones. This
will cause a decrease in bone mass due to a loss of calcium.
Another website states the problem with soda drinks is the caffeine content.
It further states that the problem with caffeine is that it increases the
excretion of calcium in the urine. Thus, the calcium loss leads to osteoporosis.
This is a crucial problem for teenage girls who need calcium at a critical
time in their growth and development. The National Soft Drink Association
of America claims that osteoporosis is more closely linked to protein and
sodium intake. They state that while caffeine does cause some calcium to
be excreted in the urine, the amounts are negligible.
Another website source presents the concern with high soda consumption because
it might displace milk from the diet in this vulnerable population (teenage
girls). They are finding out that teenagers are drinking more soda drinks
and larger (bigger size) amounts, which are taking the place of milk or
drinks with calcium. Actually, this source claims that teenagers are drinking
twice as much soda drinks compared to milk. Thus, research is suggesting
this has the potential to lead to early osteoporosis.
This is such an important topic and I was glad to help do some research
for others. We (school nurses) are in a very unique position to help get
the word out, as well as, to help model the behavior we would like to see.
So remember when you go to the pop machine, make sure you get water and
not pop. It really makes a difference. If you have any further questions
or comments, please do not hesitate to e-mail me at the address below.
Sincerely,
Nancy Sandrella, BSN, RN
School Nurse, Warren, OH
Youngstown State University
Kent State University
wrandjn@aol.com
Resources
Elementary
Students at Risk for Osteoporosis
Liquid
Candy - How Soft Drinks are Harming Americans' Health
Center
for Science in the Public Interest on Banning Soda Sales in L.A. Schools
The National Soft Drink
Association
The
Harmful Effects of Soft Drinks
Consumer
Group: "Teens are Drinking Too Much Soda"
JAMA
information on osteoporosis
The
Curse of the Soft Drink
Interesting
info although no sources listed
Caring
for Children with Diabetes
The role of a health care coordinator/school nurse has come a long way
to help students effectively manage diabetes at school. Effective management
can achieve the following results for the child with diabetes:
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Provide a supportive
learning environment for students with diabetes |
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Reduce absences |
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Reduce disruption
in the classroom |
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Provide necessary
support in an event of emergency |
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Achieve full participation
in physical activities |
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Foster self esteem
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Basic
Diabetes Information
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce
or properly use Insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert
sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
The cause of diabetes I is currently a mystery, although both genetics
and environmental factors such as obesity and exercise appear to play
a role. The two major types of diabetes are: |
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Type
1 - A disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, most
often occurring in children and young adults. Individuals with Type
1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. Type
1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diabetics. People without
diabetes produce insulin in their pancreas. |
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Type 2 - A metabolic
disorder resulting from the body's inability to produce enough, or
properly use, insulin. It is the most common form of diabetes. It
accounts for about 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes.
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Important
information for Diabetes Health Care Providers
Most health care providers will more than likely run across a child
with Type 1 diabetes at some point in their career. This section will
give additional important information regarding children with diabetes,
offer suggestions for how to care for children with diabetes, and
other good sources of information.
Children with diabetes face two problems that need to be understood
by the healthcare provider in their care. They are hypoglycemia and
hyperglycemia. The symptoms and how to treat each one are listed below:
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Hypoglycemia,
or low blood sugar, occurs when the blood sugar is too low due to
too much insulin, too little food, or too much exercise. Children
with low blood sugar sometimes behave erratically or act sleepy, are
often very hungry and shaky. You must treat this immediately by giving
the child foods with simple sugars, such as glucose tablets, fruit
juice or regular (not diet) soda. If you suspect that a child in your
care has low blood sugar, do not leave that child unattended because
the child could lose consciousness. |
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Hyperglycemia,
or high blood sugar, occurs when the blood sugar level is too high,
due to too little insulin or too much food. These children often act
lethargic and sleepy, and are often very thirsty and need to go to
the bathroom a lot. High blood sugar is treated by giving additional
insulin and sugar-free drinks, such as water or diet (not regular)
soda. You must treat this condition immediately. They must be given
free access to water and to the bathroom whenever they feel the need.
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How
is Diabetes Treated?
Children with Type 1 diabetes are treated with insulin injections,
blood sugar monitoring, and a carefully managed diet and exercise.
Frequent blood glucose tests help determine the correct amount of
insulin to inject and help identify low and high blood sugars. Children
must be allowed to test their blood sugar at school. Depending on
the arrangement set-up by the parent, testing can be done in the classroom
or in a health clinic/school nurses' office.
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Insulin Injections
- Insulin must be injected because normal production in a diabetic
is broken down by the digestive system and is rendered ineffective.
Some children use an insulin syringe for the injections. They must
inject several times a day, usually before each meal.
Other students in your care may use an insulin pump instead of taking
injections. A thin tube connects the pump to a small canula (thin
tube) inserted under the skin that delivers insulin continuously.
Children usually give themselves extra insulin to cover each meal.
Pen injectors may also be used by the children and again, can be done
in the classroom or health clinic/school nurses' office. In this case,
injecting through the clothes is perfectly safe.
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Blood sugar monitoring
- Children with diabetes check their blood sugar many times per day.
A blood sugar check involves pricking a finger with a lancet and placing
a drop of blood on a special test strip. A blood sugar meter analyzes
the test strip and reports the blood sugar level, usually in less
than one minute.
Some children with diabetes are required to do blood sugar checks
during the school day. Many do a check before lunch. Doing a blood
sugar check is simple enough that most grade school children can be
taught how to do it themselves. Younger kids might need some adult
supervision.
Depending on the arrangement made with the parent and the school staff,
blood sugar monitoring may be done in the classroom or in a school
clinic. Regardless of where a child performs blood sugar checks, they
must be allowed to check at school according to the Americans with
Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
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Meal Planning -
Children with diabetes usually follow a meal plan. The parents should
notify teachers and health care providers of any specific instructions,
such as what foods should be avoided and what to do when other students
bring in food treats.
Children with diabetes who require snacks during the school day should
be allowed to have them to ensure proper medical care.
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Exercise - Diabetes
does not prevent a child from participating in any exercise or outdoor
activity. However, it can be a challenging time for kids with diabetes
since exercise, like insulin, works to lower blood sugar. Children
with diabetes often eat an additional snack before participating in
strenuous exercise. It is a good idea to have a supply of emergency
glucose on hand to treat hypoglycemia.
|
Helpful
Links:
Diabetes
Management at School
Healthcare
Needs of Students with Diabetes
CDC Diabetes
Features state contacts, articles, and a diabetes fact sheet and opportunity
to ask about diabetes
Diabetes
in Children and Teens
Comprehensive information on juvenile diabetes including advances,
treatments, and special considerations for parents, caregivers, teachers
and others who will interact with children and teenagers with diabetes.
Diabetes
Management and Training Centers, Inc.
Offers training and courses to diabetes professionals.
Guidelines for the Care of Students with Diabetes in the School Setting
New Jersey Department of Education official guideline on care of students
with diabetes.
Children
with Diabetes - School Health Care Action Plans for Diabetes/ Hypoglycemia
Children have Rights
in School
Their mission is, "We would like to make changes in local and
national legislation regarding this.."
School
Nurse Checklist for Diabetes Care at School
|
 |
Grant
Writing/Creative Funding
Grant Opportunities for School Based Health Centers
The National Assembly on School-Based Health Care offers helpful information
on grant opportunities for School Based Health Centers. They offer six core
areas that can offer a sizable revenue source and offer a good starting
place for your own fundraising efforts. They also offer guidance regarding
writing the grant and what the expectations are for the Healthy Schools,
Healthy Communities program for 2003.
To learn more go to http://www.nasbhc.org/APP/Grant_Opportunities.htm
Grant Writing/Creative Funding through Billing
for School Health Services
There are several steps involved in writing a successful grant. Before you
even get started the following steps should be taken:
| 1. |
Identify
your organization's needs. |
| 2. |
Identify
a project that is a priority in your agency. |
| 3. |
Prepare
a concept paper, about 2-4 pages, describing the problem, previous
work performed to solve problem, the proposed solution, required resources,
a time line and desired/anticipated outcomes. |
| 4. |
Research
potential funding sources. |
| 5. |
Involve
people at all levels of your organization. |
| 6. |
Identify
a funding source |
| 7. |
Obtain
guidelines and information on the application procedure. |
| 8. |
Read
the guidelines and follow the directions. |
| 9. |
Ask
questions. |
| 10. |
Decide
who will write the proposal and get started. |
The
following links will help you with grant funding:
|
|
Basic
Diabetes Information
