Pulling Together For The Children Of Oklahoma City Public

pulling together for the children of oklahoma city public schools calendar of events for february amd/low vision awareness month a

Pulling together for the Children of Oklahoma City Public Schools
Calendar of Events for February
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
American Heart Month
National Children’s Dental Health Month
Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Awareness Month
Joyce Foltz, RN, Editor February 2021
Dental Health
When to see a dentist
1st baby teeth, 1st birthday = 1st dental visit
Every six months for cleaning and check-up
Whenever you have problems.
Baby teeth save space for permanent teeth. They stay in the mouth for
8-10 years and affect speaking, chewing, and smiling. Untreated tooth
decay can cause oral infections that enter the bloodstream and lead to
other serious health problems and allow bacteria to spread to new
adult teeth. Make sure to clean baby’s gums daily with a damp
washcloth. Start brushing with the first tooth.
Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when sugary liquids combine with the
bacteria and produce acid. The acid attacks the enamel on baby teeth
and eventually can cause tooth decay. Liquids that contribute to this
include milk, formula, fruit juice, soda, and other sweetened drinks.
40% of children have tooth decay by the time they reach Kindergarten.
Children who have poor oral health are more likely to miss school due
to dental pain.
Brush teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Remember to floss
between teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. Bacteria hides
between teeth and caused cavities. Small cavities lead to larger
problems in the mouth.
Eat healthy snacks. Avoid sugary drinks. Drink lots of water to stay
hydrated. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or
sooner if the bristles are not standing straight up. (Children’s
Dental Health, Dental Association).
CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful
when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. All high school
seniors are required to have a class called Compressions Only CPR or
Hands Only CPR to graduate. This is not a certification class, but a
knowledge, practice and demonstration class. Anyone can learn this.
You only give compressions, never breathes. When someone is
unconscious and not breathing, call 911. The operator can assist you
with what to do. Classes for certification are easily available.
Performing lifesaving compressions may mean the difference in the
person recovering or not. Do not be afraid to help. Even if you do not
feel comfortable giving breathes, do compressions only. (AHA, ARC)
Blood Pressure
When your heart beats, it squeezes and pushes blood through your
arteries to the rest of the body. This force creates pressure on the
blood vessels. This is your top number or systolic blood pressure.
These are the important numbers for the systolic blood pressure:
*
Normal: Below 120
*
Elevated: 120-129
*
Stage 1 high blood pressure (hypertension): 130-139
*
Stage 2 hypertension: 140 or more
*
Hypertensive crisis: 180 or more. CALL 911.
The bottom number is called the diastolic reading. This is when the
heart rests between beats and the heart fills with blood and gets
oxygen. These are the important numbers for the diastolic blood
pressure.
*
Normal: Lower than 80
*
Stage 1 hypertension: 80-89
*
Stage 2 hypertension: 90 or more
*
Hypertensive crisis: 120 or more. CALL 911.
If your blood pressure is in the normal range, stick with an active
lifestyle and healthy diet. If your blood pressure is above the normal
range, consult your physician and consider making lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes include:
*
Reducing the amount of sodium (salt) in your diet.
*
Get more exercise. 60 minutes per day or 3-4 sessions per week,
each lasting at least 40 minutes or aerobic exercise. (the kind
that makes your heart beat faster).
*
Lose weight if you are overweight. You can expect to reduce your
blood pressure by about one point for each pound lost.
*
Limit the amount of alcohol to no more than one drink a day for
women or two for men.
What do the levels mean?
*
Normal Blood Pressure: Great. Keep up what you are doing?
*
Elevated blood pressure: Your systolic pressure is 120-129 and
your diastolic pressure is less than 80. Lifestyle changes and
monitoring your blood pressure may be all you need at this time.
*
Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89.
Lifestyle changes and possibly medication.
*
Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least
90. Lifestyle changes and possibly medication.
*
Hypertensive crisis: Your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher. You
may have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath,
numbness or weakness, and trouble with vision or speaking. THIS IS
AN EMERGENCY. CALL 911. (WebMD).