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Health Edge Heart Check* (PDF File) - Click on link for more information
Sponsored by WXYZ, Channel 7 and Beaumont and Chelsea Community Hospitals
Beaumont Hospitals, Chelsea Community Hospital and Channel 7 are working together
to offer FREE screenings to student athletes on the following dates:
September 29 - Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
October 11 - Chelsea Community Hospital 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
October 16 - Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
October 17 - Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Ypsilanti Public Schools' grades 1-5 elementary physical education teachers attended a one-day workshop Oct. 1, 2008 to gain knowledge of the Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum (EPEC). This curriculum is being introduced as a means to teach nutritional information along with skill-building techniques, providing a balanced approach to physical education. The staff workshop along with PE kits for classroom use is made possible through the PE-Nut grant.

In addition to teaching students about the importance of both physical education and nutrition, there will also be a parent component that will encourage the practice of healthy lifestyle choices at home. Some of the objectives of this program include:

An increase in student consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, non-fat/low-fat dairy products and healthy snacks
Increase of hand washing before meals
Classroom teachers utilizing "Fit Bits" or physical activity breaks
Parents improving nutritional choices at home

This is one more initiative toward fulfilling the district's Wellness policy and the commitment to help students to live more active, healthy and productive lives.
PE-NUT Information (pdf file to print)

Ypsilanti Public Schools has actively pursued a number of healthy initiatives that are designed to teach students and staff the importance of nutrition, physical exercise and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Many programs have been introduced to the school environment to promote good health habits and to learn life saving measures. During 2008 staff in each building are learning how to operate the newly installed AEDs and how to perform CPR.

YPS staff are learning fundamental life-saving techniques including how to use an AED, how to help someone who is choking and administering CPR. School nurse Carolyn Falsetta is overseeing the sessions.

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
If you have been reading the newspapers, watching the news or talking with your co-workers, the subject of MRSA has probably been brought up. The school nurses have had questions about this bacteria from staff, so hopefully the following information will help:

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria that causes "staph" infections, ranging from minor skin infections, "pimple like" red bumps or boils, to serious infections like pneumonia. Staph infections have been around for a long time. The difference between MRSA and other common staph infections is it may be more difficult to treat and usually resistant to penicillin. But, MRSA is not always treated with antibiotics either, depends on the infection and the culture. Many times, opening, draining and cleaning the wound is enough.

Staph is passed from person to person through direct contact with skin or through contact with contaminated items. The bacteria may live in people's noses and on their skin and most of the time do not cause any problem. Staph can enter the body through breaks in the skin and sometimes cause infections. The main ways to prevent staph infection are to wash hands and care for wounds properly.

How do I protect myself from getting MRSA?
You can protect yourself by:
- practicing good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer). Also encourage students to do the same. Stores like Sams and Costco sell large bottles of hand sanitizer that would be good for a classroom.
- covering skin trauma such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until healed;
- avoiding sharing personal items (e.g., towels, razors) that come into contact with your bare skin; and using a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment such as weight-training benches;
- maintaining a clean environment by establishing cleaning procedures for frequently touched surfaces and surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin.

How is MRSA transmitted?
- MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection (e.g., towels, used bandages).

In what settings do MRSA skin infections occur?
- MRSA skin infections can occur anywhere.
- Some settings have factors that make it easier for MRSA to be transmitted.
- These factors, referred to as the 5 C's, are as follows: Crowding, frequent skin-to-skin Contact, Compromised skin (i.e., cuts or abrasions), Contaminated items and surfaces, and lack of Cleanliness.
- Locations where the 5 C's are common include schools, dormitories, military barracks, households, correctional facilities, and daycare centers.

Should schools close because of an MRSA infection?
- The decision to close a school for any communicable disease should be made by school officials in consultation with local and/or state public health officials. However, in most cases, it is not necessary to close schools because of an MRSA infection in a student. It is important to note that MRSA transmission can be prevented by simple measures such as hand hygiene and covering infections.

Should the school be closed to be cleaned or disinfected when an MRSA infection occurs?
- Covering infections will greatly reduce the risks of surfaces becoming contaminated with MRSA. In general it is not necessary to close schools to "disinfect" them when MRSA infections occur. MRSA skin infections are transmitted primarily by skin-to-skin contact and contact with surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection.
- When MRSA skin infections occur, cleaning and disinfection should be performed on surfaces that are likely to contact uncovered or poorly covered infections.
- Cleaning surfaces with detergent-based cleaners or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants is effective at removing MRSA from the environment.

Please Note: All Ypsilanti Public School's custodians are using a product called ZEP Tackle, which is effective against MRSA, when cleaning buildings.

Should students with MRSA skin infections be excluded from attending school?
- Unless directed by a physician, students with MRSA infections should not be excluded from attending school.
- Exclusion from school and sports activities should be reserved for those with wound drainage ("pus") that cannot be covered and contained with a clean, dry bandage and for those who cannot maintain good personal hygiene.

I have an MRSA skin infection. How do I prevent spreading it to others?
- Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages until healed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain staph, including MRSA, so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages and tape can be discarded with the regular trash.
- Clean your hands frequently. You, your family, and others in close contact should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound.
- Do not share personal items. Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms, that may have had contact with the infected wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent. Use a dryer to dry clothes completely.

Practical Advice for Teachers
- If you observe children with open draining wounds or infections, refer the child to the school nurse.
- Enforce hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers (if available) before eating and after using the bathroom.

“Healthy Kids and Seniors” program comes to YPS
Home Dental Management Group is Michigan’s largest provider of on-site dental care services to schools and nursing homes. It was established in 1997 and starting this year their dental professionals will be available at school sites to YPS students. Dental services include: Oral exams, fillings, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants to help prevent cavities, tooth extractions and preventative education. Home Dental Management does accept Medicaid and most insurances. For details about this program consult the school nurse.

AED Update
The district’s health initiative coordinator is in the process of developing policies and procedures for the use of Automatic External Defibrillators. Once that component is complete AEDs will be purchased for each school that has received donations or have monies in place to obtain one. Parents or interested residents who would like to donate to the purchase of an AED may call Carolyn Falsetta, district nurse, (734) 714-1019.

Help with asthma
Washtenaw County Asthma Coalition is hosting classes for students to educate them on how to manage asthma and to learn preventative measures to keep them healthy and in school. Program has started in East and West Middle Schools. To learn more about this class contact your child’s school nurse.