Clinic
Pat Porter Clinic Aide
email:
patricia_porter@sarasota.k12.fl.us
INFORMATION FROM SMA CLINIC:
News from the Clinic
For more information on how to have healthier cadets, see our links or call the clinic at 926-1700 or School Health services at (27-9000 x 32101
All 9th graders were weighed and heights measured the last of February by the SMA clinic staff and the two nurses from our school health department. If your cadet falls too far below or above the national average, you will be receiving a letter from the health department explaining the BMI. If you have any questions upon receiving this letter, do not hesitate to call the school for more information.
All new cadets have been drug tested as well as at least ten “old” cadets and faculty each week and we are continuing this process until the end of the year. We will take time out for our FCAT testing so as not to interrupt the cadets. Please make sure your cadet gets a full nights rest and a good breakfast during testing time (we would love for them to eat a proper breakfast all year too) but we hear all sorts of stories of why they don’t eat.
DRUG TESTING AT SMA
As our policy states we have been drug testing the freshmen as well as all new cadets registered at SMA for the 2006-07 school year. We will now begin testing on a random basis as well as continuing to test any new cadets. We strive to continue to have a “drug free” high school. Parents will be notified if their cadet ever tests “non negative” and steps will be taken to further verify the results. The cadet would then have to attend counseling sessions until they would test drug free. If you have any questions concerning the drug testing policy, please call 926-1700.
HEAT DISORDERS HEALTH BULLETIN
During hot Florida days, certain health risks exist for students who participate in outdoor activities. All students are at risk for heat disorders. Predisposing factors include: click here
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPRAIN AND A STRAIN
Each involves the partial stretching or tearing of a soft tissue. The difference lies in where the injury is located: A sprain refers to a stretched or torn ligament, while a strain applies to a muscle or tendon. Both can require anywhere from a few days or weeks of reduced activity to surgery if the tear is bad. And remember to follow the “RICE” principle (rest, ice, compression and elevation) Always check with your doctor to ensure safe treatment even if you consider the injury to be minor.
A FEW TIPS FROM THE CLINIC:
Did you know--- Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns? We can’t us it at schools but you might want to try it at home.
Did you know--- You can mix ¼ cup of vinegar with ¼ cup of honey and take one tablespoon a day for a sore throat. The vinegar kills the bacteria!! Who would think?
HEALTH HABITS OF THE 100 YEAR OLDS
· They adapt to life’s changing events.
· They’re self-sufficient.
· They stimulate their brain with constant intellectual activity.
· They can laugh at themselves.
· They’re spiritual or religious.
· They forge connections with other people.
· They appreciate life’s simple pleasures.
· They don’t smoke or drink heavily or use drugs.
· They play a musical instrument for enjoyment.
Shortcut
to: Getting a Cut to Heal
The number one rule for speedy healing is to keep the wound moist, says
Ron Bangasser, a family physician in
Redlands,
California, and president of the California Medical Association.
"Bandages alone will retain moisture," he says. "For a minor cut, all
you need to do is clean it with soap and water, then cover it with a
Band-Aid for five to seven days -- nothing more."
WHY WE CAN’T USE PEROXIDE AND ALCOHOL IN SMA CLINIC
Myths About Cuts and Scrapes (taken from Readers Digest Oct 2004)
When the skin isn’t broken, it is hard to beat iodine for killing bacteria. This is why doctors use it to clean area before surgery or when you donate blood. But when there is an open cut; iodine, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol can be toxic to skin cells and impede healing. The bubbling that occurs with hydrogen peroxide isn’t only cleaning the wound; it is KILLING HEALTHY CELLS. The stinging from alcohol is wiping out healthy tissue. Mercurochrome also kills bacteria, but as the name suggests, it contains mercury and is not safe.
BETTER BET: The most effective way to get rid of debris and bacteria without damaging healthy tissue is to flush and wash the wound with water and then cover with a bandage that doesn’t stick to the wound.
HOW DANGEROUS IS TONGUE PIERCING?
It’s long been known that piercing the tongue can cause chipped teeth and nerve damage, but new research reveals another danger: the piercing creates a wound that lets bacteria into the bloodstream, which can cause "endocarditis", an infection of the heart.
It can also lead to an infection in the jaw that causes swelling severe enough to block the airway! We don’t allow piercing at SMA, but if your child asks, have them speak to a dentist and doctor.
Please note--- School policy is that if your cadet becomes ill during the school day, he/she needs to report to the clinic to determine the degree of illness.
(THEY ARE NOT TO CALL HOME WITH CELL PHONES FIRST)
If after 15 or 20 minutes of rest, the cadet is not able to return to class, the parent or guardian will be called from the clinic to pick up the student.
MEDICATIONS: If medications are to be given at school, please follow the county school policy and use the medication authorization form available in the clinic.
A parent or guardian and a doctor must sign and the medication will be kept in the clinic to be administered when necessary. Any OTC medications must arrive in the original container and be labeled with student name, birth date and date of transfer along with the proper medication form signed by the parent and doctor.
PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR CADET KEEP MEDICATIONS IN BACKPACKS AS IT IS AGAINST COUNTY POLICY.
ONE MORE IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE CLINIC
SMA students need to eat breakfast and lunch in order to have energy needed to participate in ROTC activities and don’t forget to bring WATER—WATER—WATER!!
Links
Medical Treatment Authorization Form
THE TRUTH
ABOUT MYOPIA (NEARSIGHTEDNESS)
KidsHealth
the Web's most visited
site about children's health
Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/