May 20, 2013

The 5th grade students will be receiving their puberty lesson from me on Tuesday, May 21st. Please talk with your child about the lesson. I always encourage students to talk with their families. Communication is key during these years. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know. Thank You.

Your Nurse,
Joann Harrigan

March 21st, 2013

It seems like cold and flu season is lasting longer than usual. We have several students who have been out for 3 or more days with colds, coughs and fevers. Some classes are affected more than others. Just a few reminders to help keep us all healthy:

HANDWASHING- probably the most important health practice. Please practice with and remind your child about the importance of washing wih soap and water.

COVER UP THOSE COUGHS AND SNEEZES- again please practice covering up with the bend of the elbow.

If your child wakes up not feeling well, or has a temperature of 100 or more, please keep him/her home. Your child should not return to school until he/she is fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication. If your child has been vomitting or has a productive cough please keep him/her home.

Be sure to get enough rest and nutrition to fight off these germs. Ms. O’Neill has asked the custodians to clean all surfaces and air out classrooms to keep germs at a minimum. Our goal is to keep all of our students and staff healthy. If you have any questions or concerns please call me at 973-378-7686, ext.5003

Your Nurse,

Joann Harrigan

February 2013

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Dental health is an extremely important part of overall health. The American Dental Association sponsors this month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits will help children maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. To remind your child to brush at least twice a day, make a toothbrushing chart. Make one for the whole family and put a smiley face each time the whole family brushes. Also, sing a fun song while brushing to make sure your child takes enough time to brush.

Remember diet is so important to good oral health. We are a CATCH school so be sure to eat more GO foods then Whoa foods. This will also help keep those precious teeth healthy.

On a personal note: I can not begin to thank the PTA enough for my beautiful new office. It is almost finished and it is beautiful. As I enter my 25th year of being Clinton School’s nurse, I am filled with pride and gratitude. I am overwhelmed by this generosity and have been honored to serve so many wonderful families. Your children are special and amazing people that make me smile everyday. I have learned so much from them. I look forward to many more years of working in the beautiful Harrigan Health and
Wellness Center. Thank you so very much.

Your Nurse,
Joann Harrigan

January 2013

I hope you and your family had a restful, happy and healthy holiday. Last year
certainly ended in interesting fashion here at Clinton. As you know, we had four confirmed cases of chickenpox. All of these students had been vaccinated. I thought it might be helpful to share a little information about this virus.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It spreads easily through the air or by contact with the fluid from a blister. A person who has chickenpox can spread the virus before he or she has any symptoms. It is most contagious two to three days before the rash appears and until all the blisters have crusted over. It can take 14 to 16 or even up to 21 days for someone to develop symptoms after being exposed to the virus.

After a “spot” appears it takes one to two days to go through its stages. New “spots” can appear every day for up to five to seven days, and it takes about 10 days for all blisters to crust over. Healthy children usually need little or no treatment for chickenpox. But teenagers, adults, pregnant women, and people with health problems should consult their doctor if they have been exposed to chickenpox.

Hopefully winter break has brought an end to our mini outbreak. If your child develops chickenpox, please be sure to let me know so we can be sure that everyone has the information needed to keep our students and staff healthy.

I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2013. If 2012 has taught us anything, we know we need to cherish family and friends and enjoy every moment big and small. As always if you have any questions or concerns please call me or stop in my office.

Your Nurse,
Joann Harrigan