Clinic Information

Emergency numbers

• Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
• Animal Control 972-216-6283
• National Runaway Switchboard 1-800-621-4000
• Child Protective Service 1-800-252-5400 (to report abuse)
• Texas Youth Hotline (need to talk to someone) 1-800-210-2278
• Suicide Hotline 1-214-828-1000
• YMCA Casa Shelter (project Safe Place) 214-358-4504
• Star Services to At Risk Youth 214-321-4555
• Teen Help Line 972-233-TEEN
• Adult Help Line 972-233-2233
• Mesquite Social Services 972-285-3000
• Mesquite Public Health 972-329-4535
• New Beginnings (shelter) 972-276-0057
• Kids first (health insurance for children) 1-888-814-2352
• Mission East Dallas 972-682-8917

Medications should be administered at home whenever possible. However, medication that is given during school hours, must be kept in the school clinic, and administered by school nurse or school personnel when the following guidelines are followed:

• The medicine is prescribed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the United States or an advanced nurse practitioner that has prescriptive rights and is working under the directives of a licensed physician.
• The medication has been filled by a pharmacist licensed in the United States
• All medication must be in the original container properly labeled with the student’s name, type of medication, and direction for administration.
• Parent/Guardians will send only a two (2) week supply of prescription medication. (Exception include liquid and inhaled multi-dose medications)
• Over the counter (OCT) medication will be administered if a written request to administer medication is received from the parent or guardian and written instruction are received from a licensed physician.
• In accordance with HB 1688, a student with asthma is entitled to possess and self-administer prescription asthma medicine while on school property or at a school-related event or activity. Please contact the school nurse to obtain the forms that must be completed and returned to nurse by parent and physician for this to happen on MISD campus.
• All medication must be kept in the clinic.
  

When your child becomes ill at school with fever, vomiting, and/or other symptoms of infectious disease; the parent, guardian, and/or emergency contact will be notified to pick student up from school. Since this contact will be by phone, it is important to have the current phone numbers to reach in the case of illness, injury, or other emergency situation. Please update this information with the office and nurse as needed during the school year.

Hand washing is the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of germs that cause many common illnesses. Cold and Flu season is rapidly approaching with coughing and runny noses. Hands through person-to person contact most often spread germs. Hand washing also keeps you from spreading germs to other areas of your body and to other people and objects.

Parent permission is not required for health screenings but if there is a concern or a question please contact the school nurse. The state of Texas requires the following health screenings:

• Hearing screening (for PreK, K, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students) to identify through mass screening any student with hearing impairment as early as possible and referral for medical treatment to minimize effects on language development and learning in the classroom.
• Vision screening (for PreK, K, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students) to identify through mass screening any student with vision difficulty and refer for medical treatment to insure learning through sight in the classroom.
• Spinal screening (for 5th grade students) to identify signs of possible abnormal curves of the spine and referral for evaluation and treatment if indicated. Early treatment can prevent the development of a severe deformity that can affect a person’s appearance and health.
• Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) (for 3rd and 5th grade students) appears on the skin as a light brown-black, velvety marker. These markings may be an indicator of a condition called insulin resistance, which could develop into Type 2 Diabetes. Early detection and intervention can be very important to the child’s health. For more information log on to www.panam.edu/dept/tmbhco.

Nutrition
The number of overweight children and adults in America is increasing. This increase may be attributed to “fast foods”, a decrease in exercise, and increased consumption of empty calories in sodas and sweets, Overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults, who are at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Regular exercise helps maintain weight, builds muscle, strengthens bones, and boost “good” cholesterol levels.

Being a parent is the most challenging and rewarding job you can undertake. Children need your supervision and encouragement at each stage of development. Be an active role model and create time for family physical activities. Ride bikes, walk, play basketball, or do yard work together. Be supportive of your child’s involvement in school or community sports events. Stress the importance of participation as much as “winning”

Physical activity is good for the body and the mind. Team or individual sports help a person to set goals, improve self-discipline, build self-confidence, reduce stress, and develop social skills.

Children adopt the eating habits of their parents. Encourage them to eat breakfast. Bagel with low fat cream cheese, toast with peanut butter, cereal, fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, and low fat granola bars are a quick and healthy way to have breakfast. Teens often choose to eat foods high in fat and sugar. Keep a variety of fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, and canned) in plain view. Help children build a positive image of them selves.

If you have a concern about your child and eating disorders please consult your doctor as soon as possible. For additional information log on to www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.

Little Known Fact:
Osteoporosis is a disease resulting in the reduction of bone mass leading to increased risk of bone fractures. We tend to think of this as an older person’s disease. Although the actual disease does not show symptoms until 50 years of age or older, what children do for their bones today and from this moment on may affect whether or not they develop osteoporosis later in their lives. You can help your child avoid osteoporosis and it’s painful and crippling effects on their bodies when they grow older by doing a few simple things now. Females age 10 to 24 years of age need approximately 1300 mg. of calcium a day.

1. Increase calcium in their diets by drinking milk and milk products such as yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and cottage cheese. Other foods rich in calcium are broccoli, tofu, almonds, sardines, salmon, and turnip greens.
2. A brisk walk that includes 60 seconds of running or weight lifting will help keep calcium in the bones.
3. Limit caffeine because caffeine leaches calcium from the bones.
4. Excessive fasting results in decreased calcium in the body.
5. Smoking causes decreased calcium in the body.
6. If you are unsuccessful trying to increase calcium in your child’s diet in the foods they eat consider asking your family physician about a daily supplement. If your physician suggests supplemental calcium the chewable calcium supplements that are available can be a pleasant and easy way to make sure your child is receiving enough calcium to help her/him avoid this crippling disease later in life.

Immunizations
It’s the law; all students must be current with all needed immunizations to attend school! Shots are due upon entering school no longer are the shots determined by student’s birthday. If you are interested more information log on to www.dshs.state.tx.us.

Immunizations required for elementary school

• DPT, DTaP, DT, Td: Five doses. If the fourth dose was received on or after the fourth birthday, only four doses are required
• Polio: Four doses, one of which must have been received on or after the fourth birthday. If the third dose was received on or after the fourth birthday, only three doses are required.
• Measles: Two doses are required. The first dose must have been received on or after the first birthday.
• Mumps: One dose received on or after the first birthday
• Rubella: One dose received on or after the first birthday
• Hepatitis B: Three doses are required for the following grades for the following school years
• 04/05 for K through 5th and 7th through 10th grades
• 05/06 for K through 11th grades
• 06/07 and thereafter for K through 12th grades
• Varicella: One dose received on or after the first birthday is required for the following grades for the following school years

• 04/05 for K through 4th and 7th through 10th grades
• 05/06 for K through 5th and 7th through 11th grades
• 06/07 and thereafter for all students K through 12th

Web sites that may be helpful
www.immunizetexas.com (immunizations)
www.agr.state.tx.us (nutrition)
www.keepkidshealthy.com (general health)
www.diabetes.org (diabetes)
www.missioneastdallas.org (medical and dental help)
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org (eating disorders)
www.nimh.nih.gov (mental health)
www.tdh.state.tx.us/ (general health)