Puberty advice for year 6 and 7 boys and girls

Two nurses who are clinical leaders in school health explain why education about puberty and adolescence is so much needed by 10 and 11-year-old pupils in Years 6 and 7. The transition from primary to secondary school coincides with the transition from childhood to puberty and adolescence. With such major physical, emotional and psychological development at this stage in their lives, boys and girls need support and information which the school nurse is well placed to provide. Based on extensive experience of giving talks and working with pupils of this age group, the authors provide some practical tips for school nurses and others giving sex and relationship education to Years 6 and 7.

Swedish school nurses' view of school health care utilization, causes and management of recurrent headaches among school children

The present survey was addressed to a representative, nationwide sample of Swedish school nurses and 174 (69%) responded. They were asked about their views on: (i) the most usual problems for students that prompt attendance at school nurses' offices; (ii) the causes and management of school children's headaches and (iii) the school nurses' own education with respect to headaches. Headaches were reported to be one of the most common problems among adolescents visiting the school nurses' offices and tension-type headaches were regarded as a more serious school health problem, compared with migraine. Various stressors such as family and peer problems were regarded as important causes of recurrent headaches. In addition, the school nurses mentioned too little physical activity, sleep problems and poor eating habits as related factors, in particular among students with tension-type headaches. Common management approaches used by the school nurses were to provide information about headaches or supportive discussion, recommend follow-up visits, perform vision tests and refer students to a school physician. About one-fifth to one-third of the school nurses often gave analgesic medication to students because of headaches, most commonly used were paracetamol followed by various NSAIDs. Most of the school nurses regarded relaxation training as an "effective or very effective" treatment for both migraine and tension-type headaches, whereas palliative and prophylactic drug treatments were seen as more effective for migraine. It is suggested that school nurses, who often provide the first line of treatment for school children and adolescents with recurrent headaches, also should administer a cost-effective treatment such as relaxation training in school settings, where many of the headache episodes occur. However, school nurses also need to be properly trained to ensure quality in delivering such treatment approaches.

Correlates of young adult tobacco use: application of a transition framework

Anticipatory guidance is a traditional nursing intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify factors to serve as targets for anticipatory guidance prior to high school graduation to reduce tobacco initiation among young adults after graduation. A sample of 203 randomly selected freshmen and sophomore students at a major midwestern university completed a survey that included questions about tobacco use, drug use, mental health issues, stress, smoking environment, and other lifestyle choices. The prevalence rate for tobacco use was 32%. Multivariate analyses indicated that students who had used marijuana and alcohol were more likely to use tobacco. Implications for health promotion starting at the high school level were drawn from the study findings.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in youth

In the United States, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in children and adolescents has been increasing at an alarming rate. Early recognition and intervention can delay the onset of type 2 DM and prevent the long-term complications. School nurses have an essential role in implementing the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended screening guidelines to identify youth at high risk for type 2 DM and in implementing student health programs that focus positively on the importance of physical activity and healthy eating habits. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, complications, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as the recommended screening guidelines for type 2 DM in the pediatric age group. The information provided will enhance awareness, promote screening, and empower the school nurse to more effectively promote healthy lifestyle education.

Health education in an inner-city Catholic grade school

The purpose of this article is to outline the process, content, and evaluation of a 14-week health education program for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in an inner city Catholic grade school who are at risk for multiple health problems. The process includes a needs assessment with findings, followed by construction of an age-appropriate program. A content outline displays the topics and information presented to the students. In conclusion, an evaluation presents the results and effectiveness of the program.

Facilitating children's grief

A program of education and support is essential for children and their parent or adult caregivers when the children have experienced the death of a significant person. Children need guidance on how to deal with their profound feelings of grief. The purpose of this article is to give school nurses the ability to help children face the strange new world that follows the death experience. The review of literature defines commonly used terms, describes the mourning process experienced by children, and offers school nurses basic information about grief. The article presents the critical elements necessary for planning and implementing a 6-week grief education and support program that offers children and their parent or adult caregivers permission to grieve and the tools with which to process grief.

Using active learning strategies to present bloodborne pathogen programs

Every year, school nurses have the responsibility for developing and presenting a bloodborne pathogen presentation to the education and clerical staff of their buildings. Although the information is similar from year to year, the manner in which the information is presented can be altered. Teachers are using active learning strategies in a variety of learning environments, engaging students in the learning process by having them play an active role. With some planning, preparation, and imagination, active learning strategies can be incorporated into bloodborne pathogen presentations. The purpose of this article is to define active learning, describe how to develop a program using active learning strategies, and provide some examples of bloodborne pathogen presentations that have already been developed. Several sources are identified that can provide the school nurse with information regarding bloodborne pathogens. Information about how computers can be integrated into the bloodborne pathogen presentation is also presented.

Identifying and intervening with girls at risk for violence

Youth violence has become a prominent national concern, largely focused on boys who have perpetrated highly publicized massacres. Less well-publicized is the rapid increase in arrests of girls for violent crimes and weapons violations. In just 2 decades, violent crime arrests for female juveniles increased by 108%. From research findings, a composite portrait of the violent girl can be drawn. This profile can be used to identify girls at risk for criminal behaviors. In this article, a three-pronged approach to girls' violent behavior is presented: (a) violence prevention and emotional literacy programs that can be implemented by school nurses, (b) parent education programs that can be conducted at Parent-Teacher Association meetings, churches, and community centers, and (c) counseling interventions that can be delivered to troubled girls by psychiatric nurses. Nurses can play vital roles in consultation to teachers and parents and in direct service provision to girls who are on a tragic trajectory of fighting, expulsion from school, and juvenile justice infractions.

A Lyme disease case study and individualized healthcare plan

The Atlantic and Pacific coasts are the boundaries of Lyme disease with the Northeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States continuing to report the majority of cases. New reported cases of Lyme disease doubled from 1991 to 2001 according to statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Within that population are more children between the ages of 5 and 9. The younger the child, the more difficult it is to diagnose Lyme disease. Children under the age of 19 are at high risk for Lyme disease because of the amount of time spent in outdoor activities during the late spring and summer. These months correlate with the tick breeding cycle and the peak time for outdoor recreational activities. Lyme disease can pose serious health risks in late stage illness. A Lyme disease case study on a school-age child provides comprehensive assessment data, interventions, and educational information for parents. A template of an individualized healthcare plan using standardized language is a guide for school nurses. The value of school nurses as guardians of the public's health is addressed.