Wellness Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 3
Moving Forward with ADHD...
ADHD (Attention - deficit/ hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting one's ability to pay attention, control impulsive behavior, or be overly active; and affects about 1 in every 10 school aged children. Since October is National ADHD Awareness Month lets take this opportunity to learn and refresh what we know about this brain based disorder.
There are three ways in which ADHD presents itself, however these symptoms and presentation can change over time:
- Inattentive Presentation:
- Difficulty organizing or finishing tasks
- Lack of attention to details
- Difficulty following directions or conversations
- Easily distracted or forgets daily routine details
- Hyperactive - Impulsive Presentation:
- Fidgets & talks a lot
- Feels restless
- Impulsive
- Combined Presentation:
- Has symptoms of both types are equally present
At this time there is no known cause, however research is showing a genetic link. Other possible causes being studied include brain injury, exposure to environmental risks such as lead, as well as details around pregnancy and birth (premature delivery, low birth weight, alcohol and tobacco use).
Unfortunately, ADHD is a condition that affects individuals "across the lifespan" and has no cure. With the right treatment plan, symptoms can be managed. Each treatment plan will look differently for each individual. Behavior therapy, medication, counseling, skills training, and educational support may all be utilized to manage ADHD.
National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the US, claiming over 356,000 lives every year, including over 23,000 kids under the age of 18. SCA is a life-threatening emergency occurring when the heart suddenly stops beating. Typically the person will collapse and does not respond or breath normally; they may appear to gasp or shake like they are having a seizure.
Survival rates of SCA are less than 10%. However quick and appropriate interventions can improve outcomes. Hands-only CPR can triple a person's chance of survival, and using an AED in the first minute of collapse can increase survival to 90%.
In 1999, Adam Lemel, a 17 year old high school student suffered from SCA while playing basketball. Ultimately, early CPR and an AED could have saved his life. This resulted in the foundation of Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adams' Memory) with the mission to "save lives by empowering schools and communities to be prepared for a sudden cardiac arrest." Project ADAM equips schools and communities to be "heart safe" by implementing a quality sudden cardiac arrest program. Over 200 lives have been saved nationwide due to Project Adam's initiative for early cardiac intervention. Proper education and awareness is key.
While Rolla is not a Project ADAM Heart Safe School, we do meet many of the criteria on the checklist. All schools within our district have AED's and I challenge you this month to familiarize yourself with their locations should you ever need to grab it. If you are interested in taking a CPR class please watch for upcoming opportunities later this year through the district or go to the AHA link below.
School Nurse Corner:
October 4th-8th is Malnutrition Awareness Week:
According to Feeding America, in Missouri, 1 in 9 people face hunger and 1 in 8 children face hunger. It is estimated an additional $436,393,000 per year is needed to meet the food needs of those facing hunger in Missouri alone.
There are benefits available through organizations such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), but unfortunately it is not enough to cover all of the needed food expenses in the state. Charitable organizations are also needed to help bridge the gap.
Common signs and symptoms of malnutrition we may see in our students include:
- Unplanned weight loss
- Tiredness or low energy levels
- Changes in mood (lethargy or depression)
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty keeping warm
- Dizziness
Malnutrition can greatly impact academic performance for our students. There are many organizations within our area that are available to our families. Studies through the CDC have shown there is a close relationship between health and education.
Visit our rolla31.org home page to see community resources for families for more information or click the link below.
Pumpkin zucchini muffins
Not sure these are 100% healthy, but...
(Maybe without the frosting)
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup shredded zucchini
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 eggs
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled (or sub melted butter)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
1 cup oat flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the frosting:
4 oz cream cheese softened
2 Tbsp butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1-2 tsp milk of choice
For the topping: Extra chopped nuts & Cinnamon for dusting
Instructions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tin with muffin liners and grease the inside of the liners with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2) Shred and measure out zucchini, then place in a paper towel or cheese cloth and squeeze out all the excess moisture. Mix zucchini and all other wet ingredients together until well combined.
3) Mix in dry ingredients with a wooden spoon until just combined; fold in nuts if using.
4) Evenly divide batter into prepared liners and bake for 23-27 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5) Make the cinnamon cream cheese frosting: Beat frosting ingredients together until smooth, then spread over muffins. Sprinkle chopped nuts and a little cinnamon if desired to make them pretty. Enjoy!