Town of Rehoboth Nurse’s Notes

Can you believe it is time for Back to School? Though the jingle “the most wonderful time of the year” comes into my head, I hope our young families and their loved ones have all had a safe and enjoyable summer. Though many of you will be reading my notes here as Labor Day looms, I’m sure all have gotten health records in to the schools. As our little petri dishes head back to the classroom, it is a good time to review handwashing and cough etiquette with them. And of course, if your child does become sick, please keep them at home, particularly if the child has a fever. If your child becomes ill, staying home until symptoms are resolving and until the child is fever free, without medication, for 24 hours is advised. These are also the newest recommendations for all respiratory illness, including COVID, ‘flu and RSV illnesses. For those who have followed my notes over the years, I know your have heard me say, it is a challenge to have to stay home from work with a sick child, I know. But the other side of this is that the illness will spread around the classroom and school and your child will likely become sick again. Check in

The risk level for tick and mosquito borne illnesses continues to rise, so please don’t forget tick and mosquito safety as sporting events continue into the fall: long pants, insect repellant, body checks when you have returned indoor and showering as soon as you come inside, particularly after being outside during peak biting times (dawn and dusk)

Over the course of the summer, I have received multiple donations of health-related product from community members. These items include personal care products, including incontinence products, shower chairs, walkers and glucometers. I also have a supply of needle boxes for those who need containers for used syringes. At the time of this writing though, I do not have any more COVID test kits. If I receive more from the state, I will post an update on the Public Health Nurse’s web page on the town web site.

Also, there are a number of health and safety events planned for the fall. Keep an eye out for further information those on my web page too.

Our BP and Blood Glucose screening clinics continue to run every Monday and Wednesday at the COA/Senior Center from 1130am-1pm. No appointment need, just stop by and stay for lunch! The Bereavement Support Group runs on Wednesdays from 930am to 11am in the Public Health Nurse’s office at 27 Francis farm Road in the white farmhouse. All are welcome, but just give me a quick call at 508-962-4558 to let me know you are coming. This helps me to plan on a big enough space. The group has been running successfully over the summer and is proving to be very helpful to those who attend. I will tell you; it is those who attend who provide the most support to each other. I have learned much from being with these kind and compassionate people. One item is very pragmatic, please be sure your loved one’s know your wishes in the event of a health threatening event. The others are wise reminders we might hear often. Live life to the fullest, never go to bed angry and never forget to tell those you love, that you love them. So, don’t just hear them, heed them.

Until pumpkin season, be safe, be well, be kind.
Sincerely,
Geri