Jo Luplau is our School Health Nurse. Her role is to support parents and the school in the health assessment and care of our students. Jo sends through helpful information on a range of different topics.
Tips for preventing head lice
The internet offers an exciting world of experiences for children and the whole family. It can be entertaining, educational and rewarding. However, using the internet also involves risks and challenges.
Community Health Nurses serve as a health contact point for children and their families, providing information, assessment, health counselling and referral. The services provided are free and confidential.
Head lice
Check your child’s hair regularly for head lice and eggs (‘nits’). Use a metal fine tooth ‘nit’ comb and plenty of hair conditioner applied to the dry hair, to make the task easier and more effective. To help children sit still for this, offer distracting activities, e.g. play a favourite video, provide games, encourage reading, offer a head massage
Tie long hair back. Braid long hair and/or put it up if possible.
Consider applying hair gel or mousse. These do not prevent or repel lice but may help to keep stray hair strands from contact with other heads.
Avoid sharing combs or brushes.
Remind your child to avoid head-to-head contact with other children, e.g. when working at the computer with others, or when playing, or hugging.
For more information:
· The Head lice Fact Sheet available from the school
Bike safety tips
Riding a bike is great fun and good exercise for children and teens. Here are a few tips to keep your children safe while cycling:
· Always supervise children under 10 years of age.
· Teach your child the rules of the road before they ride by themselves.
· Riding in the driveway should not be encouraged – it is a common place for nasty accidents. Children need to know that driveways can be dangerous. Teach your child to stop at the end of the driveway, look, listen, and think about whether it is safe to cross
· Make sure your child has a helmet that fits correctly. Helmets should be worn at all times when riding. Parents should set a good example by wearing a helmet themselves.
· Make sure your child’s bike is in good condition.
· Fit bikes with appropriate reflectors.
· Make sure your child wears bright coloured clothing when riding.
For more information visit www.kidsafewa.com.au/
How to keep your child safe online
Protecting your children from harm is just as important online as it is in the real world. As a parent or carer, you can play an important role in helping children have safe and positive experiences online.
Children might be exposed to content that is sexually explicit, violent, prohibited or even illegal. They may also experience cyber bullying or be at risk from contact by strangers.
Children may - unknowingly or deliberately - share personal information without realising they may be subject to identity theft, or that they are leaving behind content that might not reflect well on them in the future.
Talk with your kids about the risks, and answer their questions or concerns about things they find on the Internet. For more information visit:http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/home_users/protect_your_children
How much physical activity should my child be doing?
Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. But more is better, so encourage your child to be active for up to several hours each day.
Children need a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. ‘Moderate activity’ is any activity which is similar in intensity to a brisk walk e.g. bike riding or active playing. ‘Vigorous activity’ is any activity which makes your child “huff and puff” e.g. organised sports, ballet, running or swimming laps.
Any activity that requires your child to expend energy should be encouraged. Go tohttp://raisingchildren.net.au/nutrition__fitness/school_age_nutrition.html for more information.
Immunisation - information for parents
Immunisation programs in our community are designed to keep everyone well and safe, especially those people who are most at risk, such as babies.
Parents or legal guardians who do not immunise their child should note the following:
· In the case of a Measles or Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak, Western Australian schools are required by the Department of Health, to exclude students who have not received the appropriate vaccination.
Please make sure your school-aged child is fully immunised and that you have provided a copy of the ACIR immunisation record to the school.
Did you know that as parents you can ring the National registry or go to the web site to check out your child’s immunisation status? All you need is your Medicare number. Phone1800 653 809 or access the web site: www.humanservices.gov.au or emailacir@humanservices.gov.au
My name is Jo Luplau and I am the Community Health Nurse who visits your school.
Community Health Nurses work in schools to promote healthy development and wellbeing so students may reach their full potential. A major part of my work is focused on early intervention and the School Entry Health Assessment program.
f you have a concern about your child’s health or development, please contact me on
Sun safety
With the hot weather approaching, it is important to talk to your children about sun safety and teach them good sun protection habits.
· Slip on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible
· Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
· Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, neck and ears
· Seek shade
· Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.
For more information see the Cancer Council website: www.cancer.org.au.
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