FROM THE NURSES OFFICE:

As this is being written we have treated yet another student with a bone fracture.   We have seen more broken bones at Monroe this year than anyone can remember.   We are concerned with this increase.   What is causing it?   There have always been children participating in sports, which is where most of the injuries occur, but there must be some reason why there are more fractures.

One thought is that more of our children are consuming fewer dairy products, which contain calcium, at a time when there is considerable bone growth.   As you know, calcium is very important for strong bones.   Children in this age category should be consuming the equivalent of 3-4 glasses of milk a day.   Most of the students we talk to tell us they eat far less than that.   For those who are lactose-intolerant or don’t like milk, other foods that are rich in calcium are legumes, leafy green vegetables, tortillas made with limestone, tofu, nuts, and canned salmon or sardines.

While consuming less calcium, children are also drinking more pop, which contains phosphoric acid.   This chemical interferes with healthy bone growth, thus causing more porous bones and possibly leading to fractures.  

As health professionals, we hope that you will talk to your children and encourage them to eat better and drink more milk.   We know that it is difficult to control how much pop your student consumes when away from home, but encourage them to drink other fluids when they have a chance.

We have also noted an increase in the number of students who come to school when they are sick and then have to go home.   Conversely, there are students who stay home who should be in school.   Your student should be kept home if:

• a rash is present that has not been evaluated by a physician.
• your child’s oral temperature is >100.   A child should be fever-free for 24 hours.
• the child vomits and continues to experience nausea and/or vomiting.
• your child complains of severe, persistent pain.   He should see a physician.
• there are signs of conjunctivitis (pink eye) with itching, red, and/or crusty eyes.
• open sores that have not been evaluated by a physician.
• there are signs of lice (live lice, nits in the hair, or itchy scalp).

In the case of communicable disease such as strept throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, or conjunctivities, rashes, etc., students should return to school with written clearance from their doctor.   Thank you for your cooperation.

Mrs. Kathleen Schade, School Nurse