Swine flu

If you haven't had it yet, you still have time to get it!! The "swine flu" in medical circles is actually referred to as the "novel 2009" H1N1 virus because most people have never been exposed to it before. Genetically, this strain of virus is more closely connected to the "spanish flu" of 1918 rather than the "swine flu" of the 1970's. This may be why the 2-24 year old population has shown less resistance to the novel 2009 virus, with those who are over 65 and healthy less susceptible to the virus. The CDC has prioritized those who should receive the vaccination first: healthcare providers, pregnant women, children/young adults 2-24 years old, and those who have chronic health conditions such as asthma/COPD, diabetes, heart disease, or immune-deficiency including those receiving chemotherapy or those who live with an immune deficient person. Pneumonia has become the common "secondary infection" resulting from having H1N1, so pneumonia vaccinations are also recommended for certain populations. Seek your physician's recommendation for your individual situation. For H1N1 immunizations, you can contact Clinton County Health Dept @ 816-539-2144. If you have any more questions, you can contact the H1N1 Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-877-FLU-4141 (FLU is 358)

Middle & High School Sports Physicals

This years sports physicals will be held in April. Health Express will visit the middle school on April 28th. The high school physicals will be on April 30th. We are also adding June 25th for those who are not able to make it in April. I strongly encourage everyone to try to make the April date.
There are two forms that will need to be completed by the parent and those can be obtained from the high school office or the elementary school office. I will also be willing to mail these forms if there is enough time to do so.
Physicals are $10 and payment can be made by cash or by check made payable to Health Express. Insurance will not be accepted.
If you are interested in making an appointment or have any questions, please call the health room at 816-528-7736. These appointments are first come, first served. They will begin at 8am and will end at 3pm.

Gastrointestinal Virus

We have had several students experiencing a gastrointestinal virus. This virus has typically started with stomach cramps and vomiting and in some cases results in diarrhea as well. The virus is lasting anywhere from 2-4 days depending on severity. Some children are experiencing fevers, while others are not. Please watch your children for stomach cramps and fatigue. - Karissa Hall

We have had a number of questions about the Wellness Policy, mandated in 2005 by the Federal government and required for all public schools. This policy affects our vending machines, school meals, wellness education and fitness goals for our students. You can read the policy approved by the Lathrop Board of Education on the District website by clicking on the "Health and Wellness" link. There are other links to reliable sites if you'd like to browse for nutrition and fitness, parenting, drug and alcohol use, smoking cessation, and topics such as Attention Deficit Disorder and overweight risks. We would like to be your "Home-School Connection" for health related information! -Tami RN

Welcome to the Lathrop Nurses Line!

Here is your chance to ask questions and find out what is going on in our school district when it has to do with the health of our students. We will post on the illnesses that we are seeing, and any events that we are planning. We encourage you to post things that are on your mind! We'd love for you to ask us anything that you would like answers to; whether it be nutrition, fitness or health. Feel free to stay anonymous!