Health and Wellness

The well-documented "September Asthma Epidemic" marks a notable spike in asthma cases, particularly during the third week of the month, known as "Asthma Peak Week." According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, 25% of all childhood asthma attacks requiring hospitalization occur during September, with numbers for asthma flares, hospitalizations, and ER visits typically peaking 2-3 weeks after Labor Day. 

Why September? It's the perfect respiratory storm:

  • Back-to-school germs: Kids share more than just summer stories

  • Allergen ambush: Fall pollens and molds make their grand entrance

  • Trigger torrent: Indoor irritants and air pollutants invade inhalations

  • Routine rebellion: Summer breaks often disrupt medication schedules

  • Weather whiplash: Fluctuating temperatures affect sensitive airways

Amidst the back-to-school bedlam that this time of year brings, don't forget these important measures to help your school nurse keep students breathing easy:

  1. Asthma Action Plans: Ensure that all students with asthma have current and comprehensive action plans on file with school nurse.

  2. Medication Management: Ensure your student's rescue inhaler is at school and the school nurse is aware of it's location.

  3. Infection Prevention: Promote hand washing, respiratory hygiene, and staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines (respiratory viruses, including the flu, are one of the primary causes of asthma attacks in the fall).

District Lead Nurse

district nurse

Melinda Southerly

melinda.southerly@pgitgers.org

Junior High Nurse

jh nurse

Kellye Lamb

kellye.lamb@pgtigers.org

Middle School Nurse

middle nurse

Kristin Jeremiah

kristin.jeremiah@pgtigers.org

Elementary School Nurse

es nurse

Pre-K School Nurse

es nurse

Amber Squire

amber.squire@pgtigers.org

When should I seek medical attention for my child?

  • Fever over 101 with a sore throat

  • Fever with earache/drainage from ear

  • Any rash accompanied by a fever

  • Any illness that does not get better in 2-3 days

  • If your child misses school frequently or leaves school early for a specific problem

  • Toothache

  • Crusted eyes or eyes that are red and swollen and also have drainage

When should my child stay home from school?

  • Fever of 100.4 or higher

  • A fever accompanied by any one of the following:  cough, runny nose, or sore throat (flu like symptoms)

  • Rash with a fever or rash of unknown origin.  This needs to be checked by your child's doctor.

  • Strep throat (if awaiting culture results or less than 24 hours of antibiotic treatment)

  • Suspected pink eye

  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea

  • Asthma symptoms not responding to medication

  • If it is recommended by a physician that your child remain at home

  • Pain in children, especially young children, should be taken seriously.  Earaches, toothaches, and persistent headaches should be evaluated by a doctor.

Vaccination Information

Follow the link for vaccination information from AR Children's hospital.

HPV VACCINATION INFORMATION