Health Office Update: June 6, 2024
June 06, 2024
We remember our WWII veterans with appreciation this D-Day.
Nurse Ellen will return medications that students have had at school, the week of June 10th.
Summer Food Program for Lower Income Students
There is money available for summer lunches ($120 per child). If you already have an EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card, these funds should be added to your EBT card. You should receive a letter in July. This is the link for the summer food program. If you are not readily able to access this program Nurse Ellen suggests calling Vermont Economic Services in White River, 800-479-6151.
Illnesses
• We had more cases of a stomach bug and continue with a few cases of viral sore throat. We’ve had no cases of strep throat and no new cases of Covid.
• Covid test kits are available in the health office- if you need them as you gather with family/friends or if you travel this summer.
• NEW — Protocol for return after Covid is here: Thetford Academy Health Office/COVID page
• Covid Frequently asked Questions
During High Temperatures Take Care of Each Other
Stay hydrated.
Remember young children and the elderly are the most vulnerable.
Check on your elderly neighbors during heat waves.
This link gives advice to prevent heat stroke and where to find cooling locations: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/climate/hot-weather
Poison Ivy, Poison Parsnip
Photos of poison ivy & poison parsnip
If you walk through poison ivy or poison parsnip wash thoroughly with soap and water & put your clothes & shoes in the washing machine.
There are Measles Cases in Several U.S. States
Measles can cause severe illness including blindness and deafness. Vaccination against measles does an excellent job preventing this illness and complications. Please be mindful if your student is unvaccinated and you are planning on traveling.
Link to map showing states with measles cases
When Outside:
Please check daily for deer ticks
• There are lots of deer ticks.
• Shower & wash clothes if you are out in tick territory.
• If a deer tick is attached to you for more than 24-36 hours, call your pediatrician & get a one-time antibiotic to prevent Lyme Disease.
• Also, save the tick – show your doctor or Nurse Ellen
• Ellen’s Lyme Disease prevention video
Women’s Self Defense Course
The City of Lebanon is offering a women’s self defense course. The course is April 8, 9, 10 and 13. These courses are very important in helping women protect themselves.
Link for Self Defense Course
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen
-Prevent sunburn by using your sunscreen. Your skin will be much happier later in life!!
Swimming Safety – 4 rules:
1. Always swim with a buddy
2. Alcohol & marijuana use can cause drowning. Don’t do it.
3. Diving— only in clear, deep water
4. If a thunderstorm comes up – go indoors or get in your car.
Tips for Better Mental Health:
Smiling Mind is a helpful, free app for stress/anxiety/sleep issues Smiling Mind
Save a Life – Naloxone Trainings
The U.S. has a marked increase in fentanyl – disguised to look like pain pills. These trainings may save someone’s life:
Lay Mental Health Trainings
Thetford Town Service Officer
– A resource for winter: the town service officer can help with gas cards, fuel oil, etc. The town service officer can connect families with other supports.
– Jessica Eaton is the Thetford Town Service Officer and can be contacted for assistance for a wide variety of needs.
Email: [email protected]. Phone: 802.333.9491
Thetford Food Shelf
– The food shelf is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10 to noon. The food shelf serves residents of Thetford, Fairlee, West Fairlee, Vershire and Strafford.
Corinth, West Topsham & Bradford Food Shelves
– West Topsham’s food shelf is at the Riverside Grange & open Fridays 5:30 -630 PM
– Bradford Academy’s food shelf, in Bradford, is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 3-4 p.m.; Wednesday, 5-6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-noon
Help for the Gaza Strip and Israel.
The International Red Cross is helping in the Mideast
UNICEF is helping children
Doctors Without Borders is helping in Gaza, Ukraine and in western Sudan
Ellen Gnaedinger, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Thetford Academy School Nurse