Allergies at the Middle and High School Levels

Coping with Allergens in the Junior and Senior Education Setting

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Aug 15, 2009 Stella Walsh

Even though young people are more independent at the middle and high school levels, allergic teens still need special considerations in these settings.

The middle and high school settings are different from elementary school in several ways. Students are older and more independent, generally taking more responsibility for their own safety. The allergic teen is also on the move more, being less confined to a single classroom with one main teacher.

Even though students at this level do not usually like to be labeled as different, it is important for the allergy to be discussed openly with the appropriate people. The more people who are aware of the situation, the more help there will be in the event of an allergic attack.

The Allergic Teen in Middle or High School

There are many proactive things that the allergic teen can do to stay safe:

• The allergic teen, along with a parent or guardian, should request a meeting with the administration and all staff involved with the student before school starts. An emergency medical plan, medications and procedures should be discussed.
• It is important to carry some form of medical identification and any medication at all times.
• Before any field trips the allergic teen and a parent should have a discussion with the teacher regarding an emergency plan, medications and any special accommodations.
• If the allergic student suspects that something in the environment is an allergen, she should see her physician and then ask for a meeting with a parent and the school administration and staff to discuss the findings.
• The allergic teen can set up a "buddy" system with one or more close friends. These friends will know where medication is kept and what procedure to follow in case of an allergic attack.

Administration and Staff of an Allergic Teen in Middle or High School

Even though the allergic teen is more independent in dealing with an allergy, the school administration and staff still have a role to play in creating a safe environment:

• The administration should ensure that all staff, substitute staff, monitors, assistants and bus drivers are aware of the allergic student’s situation and plan. The bus driver should have a way to call in an emergency if needed.
• It should be ensured that all follow-up meetings are accommodated as required. Routine reviews of the situation will need to be scheduled regularly.
• The administration should be familiar with any district policies that are required to be in place.
• Proper and regular cleaning of the school environment needs to be in place and monitored.
• If the allergic teen has a "buddy," the administration can arrange to have her placed in the same classes as the allergic student as much as possible.
• Food labeling and other policies in the cafeteria should be monitored on a regular basis.
• All food and materials used in activities with the allergic teen should be allergen-free.
• All students and staff should be educated about the seriousness of allergies and what is involved.

When the school administration and staff work together with the allergic teen and her family the school environment can be a safe place. A higher level of independence does not mean that the allergic student does not need supports.

Read more at Suite101: Allergies at the Middle and High School Levels: Coping with Allergens in the Junior and Senior Education Setting http://allergies.suite101.com/article.cfm/allergies_at_the_middle_and_high_school_level#ixzz0ox5OsxpU

Culprits

Children's illness: Top 5 causes of missed school

Do you know why children get sick so often? Or when it's safe to send kids back to school or child care? Here are answers to these questions and more.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Does it seem as if your child is sick all the time? In school or child care, your child's immune system is put to the test. After all, young children in large groups are breeding grounds for the organisms that cause illness. Here's a lineup of the infectious illnesses most likely to keep children home from school or child care, including how to treat and prevent these illnesses — and when it's OK to return to usual activities.

The top five culprits

1. Common cold
The common cold spreads easily through contact with infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Signs and symptoms may include runny or stuffy nose, itchy or sore throat, cough, sneezing and low-grade fever.

There's no cure for the common cold, and cough and cold medicines aren't recommended for young children — but you can help your child feel better while he or she toughs it out.

• Offer plenty of fluids, such as water, juice and chicken soup.
• Encourage your child to rest as much as possible.
• Run a humidifier in your child's bedroom, or have your child sit in a steamy bathroom.
• Try over-the-counter saline nose drops.
• For an older child, soothe a sore throat with hard candy, cough drops or gargled salt water.

An over-the-counter pain reliever — such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) — can reduce a fever and ease the pain of a sore throat or headache. Remember, however, low-grade fevers don't need treatment. If you give your child a pain reliever, follow the dosing guidelines carefully. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger.

2. Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)
Viral gastroenteritis typically develops after contact with an infected person or after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Signs include vomiting and diarrhea.

There's no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis. While the illness runs its course:

• Prevent dehydration with an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte, which can help replace lost fluids, minerals and salts.
• Encourage your child to rest as much as possible.
• Slowly return to a normal diet, starting with easy-to-digest items — toast, rice, bananas, potatoes. Avoid dairy products, which can make diarrhea worse.

Don't give your child over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications unless your child's doctor recommends it. These medications can make it harder for your child's body to eliminate the virus. If your child seems dehydrated — is excessively thirsty, complains of dry mouth, produces little or no urine, or seems severely weak or lethargic — contact the doctor right away.

3. Ear infection (otitis media)
Ear infections usually start with a viral infection, such as a cold. The middle ear becomes inflamed from the infection, and fluid builds up behind the eardrum. This fluid can become a breeding ground for viruses or bacteria. Your child may complain of ear pain, tug or pull at the affected ear, be unusually irritable or have trouble sleeping.

Most ear infections clear on their own in just a few days, and antibiotics won't help an infection caused by a virus. If your child is uncomfortable:

• Place a warm, moist cloth over the affected ear.
• Ask your child's doctor about pain relievers. He or she may recommend eardrops or an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Use the correct dose for your child's age and weight. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger.

4. Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the clear membrane that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball. Pink eye is typically caused by a virus, often in association with a cold — although sometimes bacteria or allergies are to blame. When pink eye is caused by a virus or bacteria, it's highly contagious. You may notice redness and discharge in one or both of your child's eyes. Your child may complain of itchy eyes or blurred vision.

If your child has bacterial pink eye, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. Viral pink eye simply needs to run its course. Use warm or cool compresses on the eyes to ease your child's discomfort.

5. Sore throat
Most sore throats are caused by viruses. They're usually associated with other respiratory signs, such as a runny nose and cough. Most sore throats go away without treatment. To help your child feel better in the meantime:

• Offer plenty of fluids. Try honey and lemon in hot water.
• Encourage your child to rest his or her voice as much as possible.
• Run a humidifier in your child's bedroom, or have your child sit in a steamy bathroom.
• For an older child, try gargled salt water, hard candy or cough drops.

If the sore throat lasts longer than a week, causes severe pain, or is accompanied by a fever or red and swollen tonsils, contact your child's doctor. Your child may have strep throat, a bacterial infection that's treated with antibiotics.

SODA POP

The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research has recently published a report entitled Bubbling Over: Soda Consumption and Its Link to Obesity in California [PDF]. In it are some real “gems” that the beverage industry likes to ignore or downplay. The data is based on research in the state of California, but it reflects on the entire country.
1. Over 10.7 million Californians over the age of one drink at least one soda a day (or other sugar-sweetened beverage).

2. 41% of children ages 2-11 drink at least one soda or other sugar-sweetened beverage every day.

3. That number goes up to 62% of adolescents ages 12-17.

4. Only 1 in 4 adults drinks pop though.

5. Adults who do drink one or more sodas or other sugar-sweetened beverages each day are 27% more likely to be overweight or obese.

6. The average American consumes 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day, vs the recommended 5-9. That 200-400% more than recommended.

7. If you think that’s a high number, just one 20 fl oz single use bottle of soda has 17 teaspoons of sugar.

8. Almost half of the additional calories growth in our diet since the 1970’s come from soda.

9. Each American consumes an average of 50 gallons of sugar sweetened soft drinks per year.

10. Soda is the #1 source of added sugar in the American Diet.

11. Two thirds of all High Fructose Corn Syrup goes into soft drinks.

12. The average size of a soda increased from 6.5 oz in the 1950’s to 16.2 oz today (149% increase!)

13. Milk consumption, on the other hand has decreased by 33% in the last 30 years.

14. Each additional daily serving of soda increases a child’s chance risk for obesity by 60%.

15. In the last 25 years, the obesity rate in California rose from 8.9% to 24.3%. That’s one in four Californians!

16. The cost in medical and health expenses to the state is estimated at $41 billion.
Gives some perspective on what the CEO of Coca Cola wrote in the Wall Street Journal about Coke not causing Obesity, doesn’t it?

What to do at the supermarket:

OK. Soft drinks in and of themselves are not evil, and there is room for them here and there as a treat, just like ice cream and candy. They can hardly be considered a daily staple, although that is exactly what they have become thanks to the efforts of the beverage industry.

But you can easily fight back. Just skip the beverage aisle at the supermarket on your next grocery trip. And the one after that. And the one after. In one year, you’ll have saved $500 for a family of four, AND most likely lost a few pounds too.

Soft Drinks, Hard Facts

By Sally Squires

More than 15 billion gallons were sold in 2000. This is equal to at least one 12-ounce can per day for every man, woman and child.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, soda provides more added sugar in a typical 2-year-old toddler's diet than cookies, candies and ice cream combined. Fifty-six percent of 8-year-olds down soft drinks daily, and a third of teenage boys drink at least three cans of soda pop per day.

A ccording to the National Soft Drink Association, soft drinks are now sold in 60 percent of all public and private middle schools and high schools nationwide. A few schools are even giving away soft drinks to students who buy school lunches.

As soda pop becomes the beverage of choice, public health officials, school boards, parents, consumer groups and even the soft drink industry are faced with an important question:

How healthful are these beverages, which provide a lot calories, sugars and caffeine but no significant nutritional value?

The presumed health effects of soft drinks is obesity, tooth decay, caffeine dependence, and weakened bones.

Obesity
There is a link between soda consumption and childhood obesity. One previous industry-supported, unpublished study showed no link. Explanations of the mechanism by which soda may lead to obesity have not yet been proved, though the evidence for them is strong.

Many people have long assumed that soda-- high in calories and sugar, low in nutrients -- can make kids fat. But until this month there was no solid, scientific evidence demonstrating this.

Reporting in The Lancet, a British medical journal, a team of Harvard researchers presented the first evidence linking soft drink consumption to childhood obesity. They found that 12-year-olds who drank soft drinks regularly were more likely to be overweight than those who didn't. For each additional daily serving of sugar-sweetened soft drink consumed during the nearly two-year study, the risk of obesity increased 1.6 times.

Could it be that the soda pop drinkers were simply living extremely sedentary lives? Or that they ate more than the kids who didn't drink soft drinks regularly? When lead author David Ludwig and his colleagues parsed the data to examine those possibilities, neither explanation panned out. Drinking soda proved to be "an independent risk factor for obesity," says Ludwig.

The soft drink industry quickly took steps to dispute the findings. Although the study included 548 ethnically diverse youngsters attending four public schools in Massachusetts, the NSDA knocked the research for including too few Caucasian kids: About two-thirds of participants were white, compared with 75 percent of the total U.S. population and 88 percent of Massachusetts residents.

The industry response also cited an earlier study conducted by Georgetown University's Center for Food & Nutrition Policy that showed overweight children consumed about 14 ounces of carbonated beverages per day -- only about two ounces more than kids of normal body weight. The Sugar Association paid for part of the Georgetown study, which was presented last April at the Experimental Biology 2000 meeting, but it has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Obesity experts, on the other hand, called the Harvard findings important and praised the study for being prospective. In other words, the Harvard researchers spent 19 months following the children, rather than capturing a snapshot of data from just one day. It's considered statistically more valuable to conduct a study over a long period of time.

But even those who lauded the Harvard report still underscored the usual caveats. "It's only a single study, and it needs to be repeated," says William H. Dietz, director of the division of nutrition and physical activity at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.

If soft drinks do prove to contribute to obesity, how might this happen? Is it simply a matter of drinking in too many calories?

Again, the jury is out, and there are several competing theories. But there are some tantalizing clues suggesting that excess calories alone can't explain the problem. The Harvard team also conducted a meta-analysis -- a number-crunching examination of similar research conducted over the past 25 years -- to explore this question. They concluded that drinking sugary calories doesn't register with the brain the same way that eating calories does. In other words, the brain seems to get confused by these sugary liquid calories that pass quickly through the stomach; they do not seem to trigger feelings of satiety in the same way calories from foods do. Absent a signal that calories have been consumed via soft drinks or sweetened fruit juices, the stomach does not tell the brain to quit eating at the current meal or to eat less at the next meal. In this way, the thinking goes, excess pounds are added.

Ludwig found that schoolchildren who drank soft drinks consumed almost 200 more calories per day than their counterparts who didn't down soft drinks. That finding helps support the notion, he says, that "we don't compensate well for calories in liquid form."

The soft drink industry doesn't buy that conclusion. "Childhood obesity is the result of many factors. Blaming it on a single factor, including soft drinks, is nutritional nonsense," noted Richard Adamson, NSDA's vice president for scientific and technical affairs.

On this point, the obesity experts tend to agree: "There are no data from the Harvard study that allow us to make an estimate of what proportion of obesity might be accounted for by changes in soft drink consumption," says the CDC's Dietz. "It's unlikely that we will be able to tie the obesity epidemic to any single change in the way we live. It is much more complex than that."

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/vaccines/view/?utm_campaign=viewpage&utm_medium=grid&utm_source=grid

I dont know if you are interested ingoing this route I think it would be interesting though to discuss peoples view points on vaccinations. This is a very long news broadcast and dont expect to watch the whole thing but key points include:

* Newborns recieveing 37 shots at birth

* harmful affects of vaccinations

* Why a new born must be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted disease

Healthy Eating

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html

The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is about your lifestyle. That includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and balancing calorie intake according to the number of calories your body uses. Staying in control of your weight contributes to good health now and as you age.

I have to finish this..

Healthy Living: Physical Activity Requirements

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/index.html

Children from ages 6 to 17 should get a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Some ideas may include brisk walking, or vigorous activity, like running. Children should participate in vigorous aerobic activity at least 3 days a week. Muscle strengthening should be a part of the 60 minutes or more three times a week. Bone strengthening activities like jumping rope or running three times a week should also be included in this 60 minute period. Activities should be age appropriate, so a 6 year old isn't doing the same exercise regiment as a 17 year old. Children can strengthen their muscles while competing in gymnastics, playing on a jungle gym or climbing trees. As children grow older and become adolescents, they may start structured weight programs. These programs can be completed along with their football or basketball team practice.