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.
01 December 2007
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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