19 November 2009
H1N1
Reported cases of confirmed H1N1 in Geneva are on the increase. Current numbers are no doubt much lower than real cases, however as testing is not always done. Whether H1N1 or other seasonal illness, several actions remain the same: handwashing and other appropriate hygiene (such as coughing or sneezing into a sleeve) and staying at home when ill are key measures in decreasing the spread of any infection in the student population. More information can be obtained from the school website at http://www.ecolint.ch/
20 January 2009
Influenza!
Influenza is currently reported to be at high levels throughout Switzerland. On 20 January we had the first reported case in the Campus des Nations community. Parents wishing vaccination or prophylactic treatment for influenza for their children should contact their physician. (Parents of students with a history of chronic illness – for example diabetes or asthma – should particularly discuss vaccination or prophylactic treatment with their physician.)
Symptoms of Influenza are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscles aches and fatigue. Any students with these symptoms should be seen by a physician for diagnosis of possible influenza.
More information about influenza can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/parents/
Symptoms of Influenza are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscles aches and fatigue. Any students with these symptoms should be seen by a physician for diagnosis of possible influenza.
More information about influenza can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/parents/
08 December 2008
'Tis the Season
It is once again the season of colds and other viral illnesses. The past weeks have seen an increasing number of students visiting the Infirmary for coughs, colds, sore throats, stomachaches, etc. Students who are not well enough to participate in class, those having a persistent cough, acute cold symptoms or fever should remain at home until they have recovered.
Important for all members of the school community to remember is the role of hand washing in reducing illness. The Center for Disease Control states that hand washing is the single most effective means of reducing the spread of infection.
At Campus des Nations students in Year 3 and 4 have been educated on the importance of hand washing. Posters and handwashing reminders have been placed throughout the school. Parents can reinforce the clean hands message with their children at home - hand washing reduces absenteeism in school and has a potential impact on overall school performance due to a reduction in days missed.
Other key ingredients to maintaining good health throughout the winter season include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, adequate hydration and regular exercise. Something to strive for throughout the entire school year!
(For a humorous - but educational - video on coughing, sneezing and the spread of germs see http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html)
Important for all members of the school community to remember is the role of hand washing in reducing illness. The Center for Disease Control states that hand washing is the single most effective means of reducing the spread of infection.
At Campus des Nations students in Year 3 and 4 have been educated on the importance of hand washing. Posters and handwashing reminders have been placed throughout the school. Parents can reinforce the clean hands message with their children at home - hand washing reduces absenteeism in school and has a potential impact on overall school performance due to a reduction in days missed.
Other key ingredients to maintaining good health throughout the winter season include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, adequate hydration and regular exercise. Something to strive for throughout the entire school year!
(For a humorous - but educational - video on coughing, sneezing and the spread of germs see http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html)
09 October 2008
An Overview of Infirmary Activities
The start of the school year is a busy time for the Infirmary. With several hundred new students at Campus des Nations, September is generally spent collecting, reviewing and filing new medical certificates - along with the re-filing of medical certificates for all previously enrolled students. Students who have allergies or medical conditions are noted and individual action plans developed. Parents of children in need of further information are contacted and emergency cards are collected and filed as well. From day 1 of school there is also a fairly steady stream of students visiting the Infirmary, generally for seasonal illness or minor sports-related injuries. It is not until October that there is a chance to look ahead!
Plans for the coming months include health education classes for students in Year 7 (Back Health, with an emphasis on backpacks) and Year 9 (Maximizing Health for Learning), the administration of Influenza vaccinations for staff, and the start of Year 7 health checks. There will as well be an activity for older students related to World AIDS Day.
If you would like to contact the Infirmary for any reason, please do so: virginia.odell at ecolint.ch
Plans for the coming months include health education classes for students in Year 7 (Back Health, with an emphasis on backpacks) and Year 9 (Maximizing Health for Learning), the administration of Influenza vaccinations for staff, and the start of Year 7 health checks. There will as well be an activity for older students related to World AIDS Day.
If you would like to contact the Infirmary for any reason, please do so: virginia.odell at ecolint.ch
09 May 2008
Hearing and Hearing Testing
Our world is noisy: our ages ears are bombarded with noise from multiple sources. Studies have proven that prolonged exposure to loud noises causes hearing loss at increasingly younger ages. Noise-induced hearing loss is a permanent condition that can affect your child’s ability to learn and retain information.
Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, however. Parents should be adamant that their children
- Turn down the volume (if you have to shout it is too loud) and use personal music players with volume control
- Wear earplugs at events where noise levels are high (music, sports, etc.)
- Reduce the amount of time playing games with very high noise levels (e.g. video arcades)
Campus des Nations now has an audiometer – and hearing tests have been undertaken on all students in year 4. Testing will as well take place at Pregny in these last few weeks at school. In the coming school year, hearing testing will be added to the Year 7 health checks, as well being available to any students whose hearing is in question.
16 April 2008
Measles
For those parents who are unaware, there is currently a measles (rougeole) epidemic in Switzerland. In recent weeks cases have been reported in the Canton Vaud.
Measles is a normal childhood infection – most children who have it will simply have cold-like symptoms, a rash, fever and general malaise (feel poorly). A small number will go on to have more serious complications, however. In some cases measles can be fatal or lead to permanent disability.
A child who has followed a routine set of childhood vaccinations will have been vaccinated against measles. MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) is one of the standard childhood inoculations. MMR is generally given at 12-18 months of age and again at 4-6 years of age. Vaccination can be given at any age, when required, however.
The first vaccination with MMR is believed to provide protection in 95% of cases. The second dose covers approximately 90% of those not protected by the first dose. Measles vaccination is no longer given alone. It is always in combination with mumps and rubella.
Measles vaccination is not mandatory in Switzerland, but is strongly recommended by the local health authorities in light of the current epidemic. Parents requiring more information and/or wanting vaccination for themselves or their children should contact their General Practitioner or Pediatrician.
Measles is a normal childhood infection – most children who have it will simply have cold-like symptoms, a rash, fever and general malaise (feel poorly). A small number will go on to have more serious complications, however. In some cases measles can be fatal or lead to permanent disability.
A child who has followed a routine set of childhood vaccinations will have been vaccinated against measles. MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) is one of the standard childhood inoculations. MMR is generally given at 12-18 months of age and again at 4-6 years of age. Vaccination can be given at any age, when required, however.
The first vaccination with MMR is believed to provide protection in 95% of cases. The second dose covers approximately 90% of those not protected by the first dose. Measles vaccination is no longer given alone. It is always in combination with mumps and rubella.
Measles vaccination is not mandatory in Switzerland, but is strongly recommended by the local health authorities in light of the current epidemic. Parents requiring more information and/or wanting vaccination for themselves or their children should contact their General Practitioner or Pediatrician.
05 March 2008
Sleep - and the lack of it!
Do your children get enough sleep? Many students, whatever their age, do not. Lack of sleep is especially an issue for adolescents (as well as adults). Besides resulting in irritability and decreased school performance inadequate sleep is thought to increase the risk of both chronic health problems and accidents. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Children ages 5 to 12 should get nine to 11 hours and those 11 to 17 need 8-1/2 to 9-1/2 hours. In order to ensure adequate sleep there are basic recommendations to follow
- avoid changes in sleep schedules (e.g. significantly later bed-times on weekends or holidays)
- avoid computer, TV or strenuous exercise immediately before bed-time
- ensure adequate exercise during the day or early evening
- adjust lighting - dim lights before bed-time and increase lighting on awakening
- avoid large meals before bed-time (but do encourage a bed-time snack)
- avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, chocolate, etc.)
30 January 2008
Preventing Head Injury in Skiing and Snowboarding
Helmet use is mandatory for students in the Primary Years Ski Program. While it is optional for students in the Secondary School we strongly recommend that all students use a helmet, however, and urge parents to discuss this with their older children. With the increase in number of people participating in Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, the number of accidents in recent year have increased as well. While not all accidents are preventable, helmet use is seen as one way to avoid life-threatening head injuries. For more information please see the following links: http://www.lidsonkids.org/home.asp and http://www.bfu.ch/French/sport/kampagnen/Pages/Sportsdeneige.aspx
In addition to discussing helmet use it is useful to have an overall discussion related to safety on the slopes. Knowing the "rules of the road" is important to safe skiing/snowboarding. This information is as well included in the links above.
In addition to discussing helmet use it is useful to have an overall discussion related to safety on the slopes. Knowing the "rules of the road" is important to safe skiing/snowboarding. This information is as well included in the links above.
01 January 2008
Causes of Illness among students
During the winter months seasonal illnesses are at their peak. At Campus des Nations we have been seeing an increasing number of students and staff with colds, sore throats and gastrointestinal symptoms. (Follow this link for an article for more information on common illnesses among children http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childrens-conditions/CC00059 ). Important to remember is that children that are ill should not be sent to school - both for their own and others well-being. Students requiring medication at school (e.g. antibiotic treatment for strep throat) should bring the prescription and supply of medication to the Infirmary.
01 December 2007
HIV/AIDS and Alcohol and Drug Use
HIV/AIDS Awareness
1 December is World AIDS Day (WAD). Students at Campus des Nations marked the event in a variety of ways. Year 12 students were addressed in November in their Global Affairs Class by a young woman working in HIV prevention through an International Organization – and who is infected with HIV herself. On WAD itself, 20 Nations students (aged 14-18) participated in a HIV/AIDS workshop held at the World Health Organization, while another Nations student participated in a prayer service at the World Council of Churches. In addition, several Class 12 students organized activities for WAD – including a student assembly and fundraising (with proceeds going to a community center in Tanzania).
Teen Drug and Alcohol Use
Parents of adolescents are often concerned about drug and alcohol use – and for good reason. By the time they graduate from secondary school, more than half of students will have experimented with drugs and alcohol, and some will have become regular users. (After alcohol, marijuana is the next most used substance by secondary students.)
Key to keeping adolescents away from such risky behavior is good teen-parent-community relations. Knowing where your child is and with whom is basic – but more than that is required. Students who have good relationships with parents (engaging in regular conversations, eating meals together, etc.) and who are active in other social groups (e.g. church, school) are generally at lower risk for drug or alcohol use.
As part of the health program at Campus des Nations, sessions on drug and alcohol use are integrated into the curriculum. In year 5, as part of the Unit of Inquiry that looks at the Human Body, students will have a special presentation on the brain. Older students will be visited by the Geneva Police’s Task Force on Drugs (years 12-13) while younger students (years 10-11) will be addressed on the subject of “Kids in Town”. A visit with the school nurse for students in years 7 and 8 will address the topic of substance use in both individual and class discussions.
If you are concerned that your child may be using drugs or alcohol, talk to someone about it. This could be a family physician – or your school nurse, psychologist or one of your child’s teachers. If there is a problem, early intervention will be more effective than waiting.
1 December is World AIDS Day (WAD). Students at Campus des Nations marked the event in a variety of ways. Year 12 students were addressed in November in their Global Affairs Class by a young woman working in HIV prevention through an International Organization – and who is infected with HIV herself. On WAD itself, 20 Nations students (aged 14-18) participated in a HIV/AIDS workshop held at the World Health Organization, while another Nations student participated in a prayer service at the World Council of Churches. In addition, several Class 12 students organized activities for WAD – including a student assembly and fundraising (with proceeds going to a community center in Tanzania).
Teen Drug and Alcohol Use
Parents of adolescents are often concerned about drug and alcohol use – and for good reason. By the time they graduate from secondary school, more than half of students will have experimented with drugs and alcohol, and some will have become regular users. (After alcohol, marijuana is the next most used substance by secondary students.)
Key to keeping adolescents away from such risky behavior is good teen-parent-community relations. Knowing where your child is and with whom is basic – but more than that is required. Students who have good relationships with parents (engaging in regular conversations, eating meals together, etc.) and who are active in other social groups (e.g. church, school) are generally at lower risk for drug or alcohol use.
As part of the health program at Campus des Nations, sessions on drug and alcohol use are integrated into the curriculum. In year 5, as part of the Unit of Inquiry that looks at the Human Body, students will have a special presentation on the brain. Older students will be visited by the Geneva Police’s Task Force on Drugs (years 12-13) while younger students (years 10-11) will be addressed on the subject of “Kids in Town”. A visit with the school nurse for students in years 7 and 8 will address the topic of substance use in both individual and class discussions.
If you are concerned that your child may be using drugs or alcohol, talk to someone about it. This could be a family physician – or your school nurse, psychologist or one of your child’s teachers. If there is a problem, early intervention will be more effective than waiting.
01 November 2007
Tobacco, Staph infections and HPV vaccine
Students in Classes 7 through 10 at Campus des Nations are participating in a Swiss no-smoking campaign. Throughout the year there will be discussions related to tobacco use and its ill effects on health. Classes that are able to commit to not smoking are eligible for a drawing. Last year all participating classes adhered to the regulations – and one lucky homeroom won a 500 Sfr. travel voucher. We hope for the same this year! For more information on the “Experience Non-Fumeur” go to http://www.experience-nonfumeur.ch/topic6013.html
Many parents and students will be aware that infection with community acquired methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) has been in the headlines in North America in recent weeks. While not currently making headlines in Europe, MRSA is nonetheless prevalent to varying degrees throughout the European Union. At Campus des Nations we will be maintaining a focus on the importance of hygiene in the prevention of illness. Good hand-washing is cited as a key action in preventing both seasonal viral infections and community acquired bacterial infections such as MRSA.
Several parents have recently asked for information about the new human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). Persistent infection with certain types of Papillomavirus is responsible for the majority of cases of cervical cancer. The newly released HPV is reported to be highly protective. HPV vaccine is provided in a 3-dose schedule with the second and third doses administered 2 and 6 months after the first dose. The U.S. Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends HPV vaccine for females aged 11-12 years; the vaccination series can be started in females as young as age 9 years; and a catch-up vaccination is recommended for females aged 13-26 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the full vaccine series. Parents interested in having their daughters vaccinated should contact their pediatrician or family doctor.
Many parents and students will be aware that infection with community acquired methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) has been in the headlines in North America in recent weeks. While not currently making headlines in Europe, MRSA is nonetheless prevalent to varying degrees throughout the European Union. At Campus des Nations we will be maintaining a focus on the importance of hygiene in the prevention of illness. Good hand-washing is cited as a key action in preventing both seasonal viral infections and community acquired bacterial infections such as MRSA.
Several parents have recently asked for information about the new human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). Persistent infection with certain types of Papillomavirus is responsible for the majority of cases of cervical cancer. The newly released HPV is reported to be highly protective. HPV vaccine is provided in a 3-dose schedule with the second and third doses administered 2 and 6 months after the first dose. The U.S. Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends HPV vaccine for females aged 11-12 years; the vaccination series can be started in females as young as age 9 years; and a catch-up vaccination is recommended for females aged 13-26 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the full vaccine series. Parents interested in having their daughters vaccinated should contact their pediatrician or family doctor.
10 October 2007
General Information
There have apparently been a significant number of cases (700 to date) of “rougeole” (measles) in Switzerland this year. Parents are advised to contact their family physicians regarding the need for vaccination.
Please note that only new students are required to have a newly completed medical certificate. As well, new students coming from countries considered to be at-risk for tuberculosis require a Mantoux test. All students, new and returning, require a new (pink) emergency card. Parents of children who are allergic or who have specific medical conditions should contact the school nurse.
The Infirmary should be provided with a prescription and supply of any medication that students may be required to use during the school day.
Given the number of children who come to school weighted down by heavy backpacks, there will be an information stand and the possibility to weigh backpacks in reception in the coming weeks. Please do speak to your child about backpack health. Overloaded bags can cause both acute and chronic injury.
Please note that only new students are required to have a newly completed medical certificate. As well, new students coming from countries considered to be at-risk for tuberculosis require a Mantoux test. All students, new and returning, require a new (pink) emergency card. Parents of children who are allergic or who have specific medical conditions should contact the school nurse.
The Infirmary should be provided with a prescription and supply of any medication that students may be required to use during the school day.
Given the number of children who come to school weighted down by heavy backpacks, there will be an information stand and the possibility to weigh backpacks in reception in the coming weeks. Please do speak to your child about backpack health. Overloaded bags can cause both acute and chronic injury.
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