Welcome to the MCS Health Office!


Carolyn Thibert RN                                                                                                          
School Nurse 
Morristown Central School 
315.375.8814  ext 21006 Fax 315.375.8604 or 315.375.4837
cthibert@mcsk12.org

"Hand hygiene is the most important measure to avoid the transmission of harmful germs."
World Health Organization                                                       


Flu Season
So far (Knock on Wood) we have not had many cases of Flu here at Morristown.  Ogdensburg and Lisbon have had many cases.  
Heads up to symptoms that come on rapidly with high fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and dry "croupy" cough.  If you get the flu, stay home until fever has been down without medication for 24 hrs.  
The number one prevention method in getting the Flu shot.  Hand washing and covering coughs/sneezes with a tissue are the other best ways to protect yourself and others from both colds and the flu.   


Copy this link to your browser for more information.  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

Head Lice don't hibernate.
 
Winter is an active time for head lice outbreaks as children have more close contact - often sharing coats, scarves, and hats with one another. Effective prevention and treatment can help you be prepared..

The most common head lice symptom is an itchy scalp, but that’s only if the person is allergic to head lice saliva. Some people feel a tickling sensation, as if something is moving in their hair. Others may have trouble sleeping, as lice are most active in the dark. Head lice are often mistaken as dandruff. An easy way to tell the difference is that dandruff can easily be removed from the hair shaft with your fingers, while nits will stay put.

Common Questions and Answers
Question: I’ve heard home remedies can kill lice. Can’t I use mayonnaise or a homeopathic shampoo?
Answer:   There is no clear scientific evidence to show that home remedies are effective. The last thing you want to do is to let head lice linger, as they are so easy to pass from person to person. It is best to consult your doctor right away to get appropriate care.1 There are a number of available treatments that are safe and do not require nit combing, although you can remove nits for aesthetic reasons if you’d like.

Question: Can I use an overthe-counter medication to treat head lice?
Answer:   While over-the-counter medications have been used for years, there have been recent reports that head lice may be resistant to them. A 2016 study showed that 48 states have head lice that may not respond to commonly used over-the-counter treatments.Treatment failure may also be caused by incorrect use of the product, misdiagnosis of the original condition, or re-infestation. That is why it is important to talk with your family doctor right away to get a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment recommendation.

Question: Does my whole family need to be treated for head lice?
Answer:   Head lice are easily transferred from person to person. All household members and other close contacts (including friends or relatives who have recently been to your home) should be checked for head lice. Anyone with signs of an active infestation should also be treated right away.

If you suspect your child has head lice, the best way to make sure is to get a diagnosis from your family doctor. Your doctor can recommend effective treatment options for you. 

Scabies; another pest

Scabies is a skin condition caused by mites.  It commonly leads to intense itching and a pimple like skin rash that may affect various areas of the body.  Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly in areas where people are in close physical contact.  It is usually spread by skin to skin contact with someone who has scabies.

CDC Scabies Fact Sheet  www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/fact_sheet.  Copy and paste the link in your browser, or go to www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/ for more information.


2018 2019 SCHOOL YEAR

When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?

New York State Dept. of Health Web site has published the 2018-2019 Immunization requirements for school attendance by grade levels.  The chart can be found at www.health.ny.gov


Highlights:

For Kindergarten: 5th dose of DTaP vaccine
                               4th dose of Polio vaccine
                               2nd dose of MMR and Varicella vaccines

For Grade 6: 2nd Varicella vaccine and Tdap booster 
    
For Grade 7, 8, 9, and 12: Meningitis vaccine.  
For grade 12, your child needs a booster dose if prior dose(s) were received before age 16.

Immunizations can be obtained from your healthcare provider and from the St. Lawrence Co. Public Health clinic in Canton NY.  


Health Examination Requirements 2018 - 2019

New York State Ed. has changed the requirement grades for Physical Exams for the 18-19 school year forward.  


Copies of exam completed by your child's healthcare provider are now required for

Students entering the school district for the first time, and in grades Pre-K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.  As Well as 
• to participate in strenuous physical activity, such as interscholastic athletics
• upon student's request for an employment certificate
• when conducting an initial evaluation or reevaluation of a student suspected of having a disability or a student with a disability 

A Dental Certificate is requested but NOT required for the same grades as above.  A list of Dental Providers that provide services at a reduced rate is available.  Contact the School Health Office.

Communication between private and school health staff is important for safe and effective care at school. Your healthcare provider may not share health information with school health staff without your signed permission. Please talk to your providers about signing their consent form for the school at the time of your child’s appointment for the examination.  


 

The district’s School Health Services program supports your student’s academic success by promoting health in the school setting.  One way that we provide care for your student is by performing the health screenings as mandated by the State of New York.  During this school year, the following screenings will be required or completed at school:

Vision

  • Distance and near acuity for all newly entering students and students in Pre-K or Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
  • Color perception screening for all newly entering students.

Hearing

  • Hearing screening for all newly entering students and students in Pre-K or Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.

Scoliosis

  • Scoliosis (spinal curvature) screening for all girls in grades 5 and 7, and boys in grade 9.

A letter will be sent home if there are any findings on the screening done at school that would cause concern or need medical follow-up.  Please call the school’s Health Office if you have any questions or concerns.