Nurse’s Notes

June, 2025

I am sure many of our young families are getting ready for camp as the summer holidays are approaching. Just a wee reminder to be sure that all health records are in order when you are in the enrollment process. Be mindful also to prepare for sun safety with hats, sun glasses and appropriate sunscreen. The camp councilors can remind your child to reapply sunscreen but cannot apply the sunscreen for your child. If your child cannot apply the cream sunscreen safely, the spray on product might be their best solution. Be sure to pack plenty of water along with lunch and snacks. For our graduating high school seniors that are heading to college or university in September, be sure all your health and immunization records are in order. It’s also a good idea to make yourself acquainted with where the health services are, on your college/university campus.

I know many of you have heard me say this often, but because I am still getting reports of tick-borne illnesses, bare with another reminder. As we head back outside to outdoor activities, particularly the garden, or hiking, or the ball fields, please be mindful to protect yourself and your family from ticks. Wearing light colored, long pants and long sleeve clothing will help you see more readily, if you have a tick on you. It’s also important to be sure socks are tucked into your boots to really minimize the tick’s ability to attach to your skin. And it’s best to do a full body check when you go back inside. If you do find a tick attached to your skin be sure to remove it from as close to the skin as possible and monitor the bite site for any redness (the concerning “bullseye”) or swelling for a couple of days afterwards. If you notice either, contact your PCP as soon as possible to discuss a potential course of antibiotics. There are tick removal devices and I do have a few here in the office, but they are easy to obtain from many online shopping networks. It’s a good idea to have such a device available so as to be sure to remove the whole tick if you find one on attached to you.

Soon it will also be mosquito season. To keep yourself and your family safe, avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk hours. To minimize the mosquito population, empty any rain or standing water containers on your property often, and use an approved insect repellant if you are out during peak mosquito hours. I will keep my web page updated (on the town web site) with the arbovirus report weekly.

As we head into the summer months our precious children will be out and about. Please watch out for them as you go about your day and evening, particularly on the roadways. I am seeing more and more e-bikes on the roadways these days. Most of the pediatric journals I keep up with suggest the child should be 10-12 years or older, have training and show proficiency on an e-bike, before they ride alone. It is the law in Massachusetts that a child on a bicycle or e-bike wear a helmet. Because the e-bikes can reach speeds of 15 MPH or more, it is crucial that the head is protect during a fall. A fall at that speed, should the child land on their head, has the potential to result in a fractured skull or death. And remember, Weeble’s wobble, but children fall down. And behind every ball that rolls into the road, comes a child chasing it! So, as we drive around during these summer months, we may not get behind the school bus, but our children are outside playing or involved in outdoor activities. So, if you are behind a child on a bicycle, don’t pass until have plenty of room and a good line of vision to do so with. It’s a good reminder to our new young drivers adjusting to summer time roadway activities as well. It’s not a bad idea to review the rules of the road for biking with your child also.
https://www.massbike.org/laws 
• Obey traffic laws: Bicyclists, including children, must obey all traffic laws, including traffic signals, stop signs, and speed limits.
• Ride on the right: Children should ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
• Signal turns: When turning, children should use hand signals to alert other drivers and cyclists.
• Stay alert: Children should be taught to be aware of their surroundings and potential hazards, such as cars, pedestrians, and obstacles.
• Use bike lanes: When available, children should use bike lanes to ride safely.
• Single file: When riding with a group, children should ride single file.
• Don't ride too close to parked cars: Children should be aware of the possibility of doors opening unexpectedly.
• Wear a helmet: Children should always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. For children under 17 years of age, this is the law in Massachusetts (M.G.L. c. 85, s. 11B (2)(iii))
• Practice safe riding: Parents should practice safe riding with their children, teaching them how to handle their bikes and be aware of their surroundings.


The next topic in our Health Education Series is June 4th from 11am-11:50 am at the Arcade building @ 27 Francis Farm Rd. The topic for June is Beat the Heat and Breathe Easier. Coming on July 2nd is Understanding Dementia, same place, same time frame. All are welcome.

Our BP screening clinic has changed to Mondays only from 11:45 am-1:15pm, which centers around the Monday Luncheon, at the COA building @ 27 Francis Farm Rd.
The next Podiatry Clinic is July 3rd from 9am-12 noon, by appointment. There are a few appointments left, please call 508-252-5947 ext. 3127 to check availability.
Have a wonderful June and we’ll chat in July.
In the meantime, be safe, be kind, be healthy,

Sincerely,
Geri Hamel
Public Health Nurse