From the Superintendent’s Desk
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From the Superintendent’s Desk
By Kurt Lindau Lake Holcombe District Administrator
Today’s cold weather is a reminder winter can come early to Wisconsin. With that being said, the cold and flu season will soon be upon us. Here are some helpful tips in ensuring your son or daughter stays healthy this winter season.
1. Pay attention to your symptoms. No one likes getting sick. Unfortunately, we tend to “push past” how we feel and keep going. Getting sick means slowing down – and sometimes stopping. Teach your kids this by what you say and do. Colds and flu usually give you symptoms in waves. Slow way down (or stop) when you feel really ill. Do quiet activities as you feel a bit better.
2. Get extra rest. If you’re sick, rest helps your body focus on fighting your illness. Take naps. Sleep longer. During cold and flu season, it may be helpful to try to get a bit more rest to avoid getting sick.
3. Wash your hands regularly. Experts recommend washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Teach young children to sing aloud one verse of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, to know how long to wash.
4. Follow the seven to 10-day rule. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that most viral illnesses (that can’t be treated with antibiotics) will last seven to 10 days.
5. Watch for other symptoms. If you or your child has allergies, asthma or another type of illness, a cold or flu can flatten them longer. 6. Don’t go to school or work until after a fever breaks. The sick person needs to be fever free for at least 24 hours (without the use of any medicine), before going back into the public.
7. Blow your nose often. Sniffing the mucous back into your head doesn’t help. Blow it out, but blow gently. Blowing too hard can cause earaches.
8. Support and care for the sick person. Help make the person comfortable. Give the person space to rest and recover.
9. Eat foods and liquids that help. Drink lots of liquids, especially hot liquids, for colds. If you’re vomiting from the flu, wait about an hour to eat or drink after vomiting. Try a little bit of water or flat lemon-lime soda, and see if it stays down.
10. Be patient. When you’re sick, it can feel like you’re sick for a long time. Give yourself (or your child) time to recover.
We want you here, but we want you healthy. Please let us know how we can assist in the health of your son or daughter.
