Lynnfield School Nurses

Spring Health & Safety Update 2022/23

Greetings, Lynnfield families. We hope everyone enjoyed the February break and is feeling ready for the spring season! We wanted to share some notes on a few relevant topics as we enter the new season.

As a reminder, please remember that if your student is sick, we ask that you keep them home per our LPS Guidelines for Illness. Also, if your child has been injured outside of school, please remember to inform the building nurse so that the proper academic and safety accommodations can be put in place for your student’s return.

We are looking forward to a healthy and happy spring season with the LPS students and community!

REMINDER: Health Requirements for New & Existing Students

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HELP LINE (BHHL)

The Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) is a free service available 24/7, 365 days per year to all residents of Massachusetts. BHHL connects individuals and families to treatment services for mental health and substance use, including outpatient, urgent and immediate crisis care. They are available by phone call, text and online chat for real-time support, initial assessment, and connection to the right evaluation and treatment.

BHHL Contact Information

BHHL Frequently Asked Questions

DENTAL HEALTH

February was National Children’s Dental Health Month, so the LPS Nurses wanted to share some relevant information with the community! Although they are preventable, cavities (caries or tooth decay) are the most common chronic disease of childhood. More than half of children between the ages of 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (or primary) teeth. More than half of adolescents, ages 12 to 19, have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.

Here are some tips to health protect your child’s teeth:

Remember to have your child brush their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. If you have a child younger than 2 years of age, please consult your dentist or doctor before using fluoride toothpaste. If your child is younger than 6 years old, make sure you are watching them brush and ensure that they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and don’t swallow it.

Note on fluoride: According to the CDC, fluoride varnish can prevent 33% of cavities in primary teeth. Children who use a toothpaste with fluoride daily will have fewer cavities.

Encourage your child to floss regularly!
Limit added sugars in your child’s food and drinks. Encourage more fruits and vegetables. It is also important to include good sources of calcium (examples: broccoli, yogurt, or milk) in their diet to support them in building strong teeth.

HEART HEALTH

February was also National Heart Health Month! The LPS nurses wanted to bring awareness to this topic to help our community better understand the importance of a healthy heart and share a few simple actions that everyone can take to promote cardiovascular health. ❤️

Prioritize healthy meals & snacks
Get regular physical activity to help lower heart disease risk factors
Manage stress – meditation, counseling, relaxation techniques, talking with a loved one
Prioritize good quality sleep – sleep is important for maintaining overall physical health and to help heal and repair your heart and blood vessels

NUTRITION MONTH

March is National Nutrition Month! Here are a few notes and ideas to help you and your family prioritize nutrition in your home…

Aim for a good balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein & fats) on a daily basis. Here are some healthy & balanced snack ideas:

Carrots or celery with hummus
Apple or banana with sunflower butter
Turkey & cheese roll ups
Tortilla chips with smashed avocado
Yogurt with berries and granola

Stay hydrated! Adequate hydration has so many health benefits. If you or your family members find it hard to drink water throughout the day, try this:

Flavor your water! Try adding lemon, lime, orange, cucumber, watermelon or berries.
Make it a part of your routine. For example, commit to drinking a full glass of water each morning before eating breakfast.
Prioritize consuming fruits & veggies with high water content (cucumbers, melon, celery, etc.)
Get a reusable water bottle and fill it up before you leave the house. Having water accessible while you're on the go is an easy way for you and your family to hydrate yourselves throughout a busy day.

Organic Produce?

We know it can be overwhelming navigating the grocery aisles and trying to make healthy food choices for your family. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is here to educate you on deciding when to shop organic vs. conventional with their "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" guides. These guides are a great reference to quickly learn more about the most and least contaminated produce items. See here for more information & the guides.

OTHER SAFETY & WELLNESS NOTES

Spring is upon us! A few things to remember:

Move your body! Whether it’s a walk on a nice day, a family game of frisbee or any other movement you enjoy, there are so many benefits of physical activity for people of all ages.
Earth Day is on April 22nd. Here are some ways you and your family can support:

Switch to reusable bags when you go grocery shopping.
Utilize reusable utensils, tupperware & water bottles in your kitchen – buy glass or paper products.
Buy local & organic food when you can.
Recycle! See here for more information about how and where to recycle.
Save water by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.
Try to swap out your cleaning products for some eco-friendlier options.

As the weather starts to warm up and we begin to spend more time outdoors and riding bikes, the LPS nurses wanted to remind you and your families of the importance of wearing a helmet. See here for more on helmet safety.