Wellness Corner

  • This department has important information about immunizations and other health topics.  The School Health Program link provides guidelines for parents regarding policies for student medications at schools, as well as other important information.

                          
    Ashley Ratliff, Nurse

    Our Mission:
    The Alachua County Public School Health Services Program provides professional and compassionate health care to students during their school day. It is our mission to promote and maintain the physical and mental well being of our students to ensure their success at school. As nurses, we encourage healthy lifestyles. School health staff follow Health Handbook procedures which are updated yearly by the School Health Advisory Council. The School Health Plan is updated bi-yearly and outlines specific nursing interventions for the school year. Parent and staff involvement and input is welcome.

    For copies of The School Health Plan or the School Health Services Yearbook please contact the Health Services Department at 955-7671, ext. 233 or hughesp@sbac.edu.

    To access an index to the ACPS Fit Newsletter, click HERE and then choose the issue you would like to view.

    Clinic News

    Parents of students with Asthma and Allergies:

    Does your child have asthma or allergies? We need to know your student 's medical management. Please bring in an inhaler and /or nebulizer medicine for use during school hours. 


    Medications at school:
                Does your student need to take medication during school hours? Do they have headaches, muscle problems, etc., where they could take medication, rest and return to class? Do they need to take an antibiotic during school hours? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you should consider bringing medication to the clinic. We can store the medication and give it to students as needed. We do not buy medication for general use.

    Flu Season:
    We have been seeing many students with flu like symptoms.
    Please read the following information on prevention:

    *The flu virus can live for hours on surfaces (doorknobs, phones, keyboards and hands), so remember: Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and water or hand sanitizers.
    *Cover your mouth and nose. To stop the spread of infectious diseases through sneezes and coughs, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, your hands, or the crook of your elbow. Then, remember to wash your hands.
    *Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes. They are good portals of entry for viruses.
    *Don’t share or refill your water bottles. They accumulate germs.
    *Keep your immune system strong. Eat right, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids and don’t smoke.
    *Avoid close contact. A fever or symptoms of a contagious illness are clear signs to you or your child to stay at home and away from other people. If you are sick and go to school, you place others at risk for getting sick as well.

    Lice:
                Winter months are the time we see lice outbreaks. To help prevent your child from getting lice, don’t share or borrow combs, brushes, headbands or other personal items. Also don’t borrow hats, sweaters, coats, pillows, or stuffed animals. If your child has long hair, keep it pulled back in a ponytail.

     

    District Health and Wellness Site

    To view some valuable Health Resources, click on the logos:


    Healthy Families
    352/392.4491


    Women and Infant Care (Wic)
    352/392.4491


    Acorn Medical & Dental Clinic
    352/485.2772


    Choices Health Services
    352/264.6772


    Haven Hospice
    352/378.2121


    Early Learning Coalition
    352/335.1429


    Medicaid
    866/762.2237


    Florida Kid Care
    888/540.5437