Health & Wellness Updates
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Great Information On How Much Sleep Your Child REALLY Needs Going Back To School!
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How’s your child doing in school? An improvement in his grades may be no further away than a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is a complex process with many stages including drowsiness, moderate sleep, deep restorative sleep, and dream sleep. Dream sleep, when we work through problems from our waking life, is better known as rapid eye movement or REM sleep.
Children who don’t get enough REM sleep have trouble concentrating during the school day. Sleep is so important that many educators are actually starting to ask parents whose children regularly come to school groggy and unfocused, “what time does your child go to bed?” Often it’s too late and the child doesn’t get important REM sleep, affecting their focus and attention the next school day.
Sleep is a complex process with many stages including drowsiness, moderate sleep, deep restorative sleep, and dream sleep. Dream sleep, when we work through problems from our waking life, is better known as rapid eye movement or REM sleep.
Children who don’t get enough REM sleep have trouble concentrating during the school day. Sleep is so important that many educators are actually starting to ask parents whose children regularly come to school groggy and unfocused, “what time does your child go to bed?” Often it’s too late and the child doesn’t get important REM sleep, affecting their focus and attention the next school day.
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68): What You Need To Know
What is Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)?
Enteroviruses are very common viruses. There are more than 100
types of enteroviruses. It is estimated that 10 to 15 million enterovirus
infections occur in the United States each year. Most enterovirus infections in
the U.S. occur seasonally during the summer and fall. In fact, enteroviruses are
the second most frequent cause of “the common cold.”
Unlike the majority of enteroviruses that cause a variety of
symptoms, EV-D68 has been associated almost exclusively with respiratory disease
and causes mild to unusually severe respiratory illness. EV-D68 infections occur
much less often than other enterovirus strains, but like other strains, EV-D68
spreads through close contact with infected people.
What are the symptoms?
People who are infected with EV-D68 can have a range of symptoms,
from mild to severe illness requiring hospitalization. Symptoms may
include:
How is it transmitted?
EV-D68 can be found in an infected person's secretions (such as
saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum). An infected person can spread the virus even if
they don't have symptoms. You can get exposed to the virus by:
Who is at highest risk?
EV-D68 is most often seen in children ages 6 – 16, but occurs in
all ages. People with a history of asthma may be at an increased risk.
How do you prevent EV-D68?
There is no vaccine to protect from EV-D68 infection. Since many
infected people do not have symptoms, it is very important to remember to
protect yourself and others by following these tips:
How do you treat EV-D68?
There is no treatment for EV-D68 infections; specifically there are
no anti-viral medications or vaccinations currently available for this purpose.
Many infections will be mild and self-limited, requiring only symptomatic
treatment. Some people with severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 may need
to be hospitalized and receive intensive supportive therapy.
Click below for more information
http://www.cdc.gov/
What is Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)?
Enteroviruses are very common viruses. There are more than 100
types of enteroviruses. It is estimated that 10 to 15 million enterovirus
infections occur in the United States each year. Most enterovirus infections in
the U.S. occur seasonally during the summer and fall. In fact, enteroviruses are
the second most frequent cause of “the common cold.”
Unlike the majority of enteroviruses that cause a variety of
symptoms, EV-D68 has been associated almost exclusively with respiratory disease
and causes mild to unusually severe respiratory illness. EV-D68 infections occur
much less often than other enterovirus strains, but like other strains, EV-D68
spreads through close contact with infected people.
What are the symptoms?
People who are infected with EV-D68 can have a range of symptoms,
from mild to severe illness requiring hospitalization. Symptoms may
include:
- Difficulty breathing
Cough - New onset wheezing
- Fever
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
How is it transmitted?
EV-D68 can be found in an infected person's secretions (such as
saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum). An infected person can spread the virus even if
they don't have symptoms. You can get exposed to the virus by:
- Having close contact, such as touching or shaking hands, with an infected person
- Touching
objects or surfaces that have the virus on them
Who is at highest risk?
EV-D68 is most often seen in children ages 6 – 16, but occurs in
all ages. People with a history of asthma may be at an increased risk.
How do you prevent EV-D68?
There is no vaccine to protect from EV-D68 infection. Since many
infected people do not have symptoms, it is very important to remember to
protect yourself and others by following these tips:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid kissing, hugging, shaking hands, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people
who are sick - Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone
is sick - Stay home when feeling sick, and talk with your doctor
- Cover your cough
How do you treat EV-D68?
There is no treatment for EV-D68 infections; specifically there are
no anti-viral medications or vaccinations currently available for this purpose.
Many infections will be mild and self-limited, requiring only symptomatic
treatment. Some people with severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 may need
to be hospitalized and receive intensive supportive therapy.
Click below for more information
http://www.cdc.gov/
Smart Snacks: Is Your Fundraiser, Vending Machine, or School Store USDA
Compliant?
Beginning July 1, 2014 schools participating in the National School Lunch and
Breakfast Program (that’s most schools) must ensure all foods sold to kids
during the school day (called “Smart Snacks”) meet U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) nutrition guidelines. But what does it all mean? Which foods
are considered a “smart snack”? And how do I know if my PTA’s fundraiser is
compliant? We get it – it can be confusing! But we’re hoping to clear up some
confusion here and get you the resources you need to be successful. If you don’t
see an answer here, feel free to ask a question in the comments.
And stay tuned for additional resources to help make sure your PTA is ready
to help support healthier foods in school!
What foods are you talking about when you say “Smart Snacks”?
For the purpose of USDA guidelines, the foods that must meet minimum
nutrition guidelines are those sold during the school day in school
stores, vending machines, fundraisers, and a la carte lunch lines (think “grab
and go” food items not part of a full meal). There are already updated USDA
nutrition guidelines for the federally-subsidized school meal.
Foods sold outside of the school day (we’ll get to that in a second) – do not
need to meet USDA guidelines.
Wait, did you say fundraisers?
Yes, fundraisers will need to meet the nutrition guidelines if they are sold
to kids during the school day or immediately before and after school and are
intended to be eaten on the spot.
What do you mean when you say “before and after” school?
The guidelines apply to any food sold:
on school grounds before the school day beginsduring the school day; and
30 minutes after the traditional school day ends (think unhealthy fundraisers or unhealthy vending
machines as soon as the bell rings).
What about our fundraisers and foods sold on school grounds but not
during school day?
The USDA guidelines do not apply to afterschool or weekend events like
football games and musical performances, so long as they are not before school
or 30 minutes after the traditional school day ends. Your school may have
additional restrictions on what can be sold on school grounds, so it’s always
important to check first. Additionally, many PTAs are adopting healthy
fundraising and event practices. The USDA guidelines are scientifically-backed
based on nutrition needs for students. Your PTA may want to use the guidelines
as a healthy lifestyle resource for your PTA!
What do you mean when you say foods that are intended to be eaten “on
the spot”?
The USDA guidelines are only intended to target “ready to eat foods”. If a
student is selling a food product through a catalog-type sale where the food is
not intended to be eaten by the student at school, it wouldn’t need to meet USDA
guidelines. But your local school may have additional restrictions.
But I heard there can be some fundraisers during the school day that
don’t meet the guidelines?
Yes, there is flexibility for states to provide exemptions for infrequent
school-approved fundraisers that do not meet the nutrition guidelines. Your
administrative office may know this number, but you can also check the National
Association of State Board of Education (NASBE) database for “fundraising exemptions” under your
state. If your state has not determined the number of exemptions allowable, it
is automatically zero, meaning that no exemptions are allowed for fundraisers
that do not meet nutrition guidelines.
What about birthday celebrations and food our PTA gives to
kids?
While PTA supports healthy food offerings throughout the day, USDA guidelines
only apply to foods sold to
kids during the school day. So if a parent or other group is providing food free
of charge, they do not need to comply with USDA guidelines. Keep in mind that
state and local rules apply – and your school may have stronger restrictions on
these items.
How do I know if what we’re selling meets the guidelines?
Good news! There is a simple way to check this using this tool from the Alliance for a Healthier
Generation. Just enter what kind of product you’re selling (for the purpose of
vending machines, school stores or fundraisers, it’s generally going to be a
“snack”) and answer a few simple questions. The tool will let you know if your
product is compliant. Just make sure to have the nutrition label handy!
Note: State and local regulations can differ and may be stronger. This is
only related to USDA
guidelines, which are designed to be minimum guidelines that schools must meet.
However, schools are allowed to go beyond these guidelines. You should check
with your school about additional guidelines or restrictions to vending
machines, school stores and fundraisers. It may also be part of your school’s
Local Wellness Policy.
Have a question we didn’t answer? Please ask below and we’ll do our
best to answer!
Excited about these changes and want to become more involved? Consider
becoming at PTA Champion for Smart School Foods here!
Could your state PTA or council benefit from an in-person training?
Shoot us an email at schoolfoods@pta.org.
Compliant?
Beginning July 1, 2014 schools participating in the National School Lunch and
Breakfast Program (that’s most schools) must ensure all foods sold to kids
during the school day (called “Smart Snacks”) meet U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) nutrition guidelines. But what does it all mean? Which foods
are considered a “smart snack”? And how do I know if my PTA’s fundraiser is
compliant? We get it – it can be confusing! But we’re hoping to clear up some
confusion here and get you the resources you need to be successful. If you don’t
see an answer here, feel free to ask a question in the comments.
And stay tuned for additional resources to help make sure your PTA is ready
to help support healthier foods in school!
What foods are you talking about when you say “Smart Snacks”?
For the purpose of USDA guidelines, the foods that must meet minimum
nutrition guidelines are those sold during the school day in school
stores, vending machines, fundraisers, and a la carte lunch lines (think “grab
and go” food items not part of a full meal). There are already updated USDA
nutrition guidelines for the federally-subsidized school meal.
Foods sold outside of the school day (we’ll get to that in a second) – do not
need to meet USDA guidelines.
Wait, did you say fundraisers?
Yes, fundraisers will need to meet the nutrition guidelines if they are sold
to kids during the school day or immediately before and after school and are
intended to be eaten on the spot.
What do you mean when you say “before and after” school?
The guidelines apply to any food sold:
on school grounds before the school day beginsduring the school day; and
30 minutes after the traditional school day ends (think unhealthy fundraisers or unhealthy vending
machines as soon as the bell rings).
What about our fundraisers and foods sold on school grounds but not
during school day?
The USDA guidelines do not apply to afterschool or weekend events like
football games and musical performances, so long as they are not before school
or 30 minutes after the traditional school day ends. Your school may have
additional restrictions on what can be sold on school grounds, so it’s always
important to check first. Additionally, many PTAs are adopting healthy
fundraising and event practices. The USDA guidelines are scientifically-backed
based on nutrition needs for students. Your PTA may want to use the guidelines
as a healthy lifestyle resource for your PTA!
What do you mean when you say foods that are intended to be eaten “on
the spot”?
The USDA guidelines are only intended to target “ready to eat foods”. If a
student is selling a food product through a catalog-type sale where the food is
not intended to be eaten by the student at school, it wouldn’t need to meet USDA
guidelines. But your local school may have additional restrictions.
But I heard there can be some fundraisers during the school day that
don’t meet the guidelines?
Yes, there is flexibility for states to provide exemptions for infrequent
school-approved fundraisers that do not meet the nutrition guidelines. Your
administrative office may know this number, but you can also check the National
Association of State Board of Education (NASBE) database for “fundraising exemptions” under your
state. If your state has not determined the number of exemptions allowable, it
is automatically zero, meaning that no exemptions are allowed for fundraisers
that do not meet nutrition guidelines.
What about birthday celebrations and food our PTA gives to
kids?
While PTA supports healthy food offerings throughout the day, USDA guidelines
only apply to foods sold to
kids during the school day. So if a parent or other group is providing food free
of charge, they do not need to comply with USDA guidelines. Keep in mind that
state and local rules apply – and your school may have stronger restrictions on
these items.
How do I know if what we’re selling meets the guidelines?
Good news! There is a simple way to check this using this tool from the Alliance for a Healthier
Generation. Just enter what kind of product you’re selling (for the purpose of
vending machines, school stores or fundraisers, it’s generally going to be a
“snack”) and answer a few simple questions. The tool will let you know if your
product is compliant. Just make sure to have the nutrition label handy!
Note: State and local regulations can differ and may be stronger. This is
only related to USDA
guidelines, which are designed to be minimum guidelines that schools must meet.
However, schools are allowed to go beyond these guidelines. You should check
with your school about additional guidelines or restrictions to vending
machines, school stores and fundraisers. It may also be part of your school’s
Local Wellness Policy.
Have a question we didn’t answer? Please ask below and we’ll do our
best to answer!
Excited about these changes and want to become more involved? Consider
becoming at PTA Champion for Smart School Foods here!
Could your state PTA or council benefit from an in-person training?
Shoot us an email at schoolfoods@pta.org.
