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The Virtual School Nurse is in!

This issue is power packed with information and ideas to help keep your school communities healthy, active, and safe. Find out when it is right to call 911, become a champion for school or community gardens this spring, learn how to get students to “power off and play”, plus we have background information you need to know on legislation and research about youth and vaping. All this and more in your Virtual School Nurse Newsletter.
Paramedic and ambulance

Right Call, Right Care: A Message from Paramedic Services 

Have you ever found yourself wondering if you should call 911 but you weren’t sure if it was necessary? The “Right Call, Right Care” campaign was developed to help people explore other healthcare options that are available, often resulting in quicker and more appropriate care for the patient while allowing paramedics to be available for life-threatening emergencies.

Although calling 911 would seem to be the quickest way to get care, ambulance transport does not guarantee a faster response at a hospital. Patients are assessed regardless of how they arrive and are seen according to their condition. Residents of Waterloo Region are encouraged to take the time to explore other options prior to calling 911 to ensure that paramedics are available when needed most.

If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath or symptoms of stroke 911 is always the right call.

Want to learn about school food gardens?
Join us for a free workshop

Region of Waterloo Public Health and Seeds of Diversity are offering an interactive workshop for parents and teachers to attend on Saturday, March 24, 2018 to inspire a school food garden movement. RSVP online or email Carol Popovic, RN.

To learn about the benefits and how you can get involved visit Waterloo Region School Food Gardens.
Replace screen time with physical activty

Launching Healthy Kids Community Challenge Theme Four!

We are excited to launch the fourth theme of the Waterloo Region Healthy Kids Community Challenge (HKCC): Power Off and Play!

During Theme Four, HKCC communities will be working to encourage children and families to build a balanced day that is not filled with screen time. 

If your school would like to know more about the challenge, resources, and how to participate, contact Healthy Kids.
Spring flowers
Save the Date! Spring Walk to School Day is Wednesday, April 25, 2018.
Hand washing kit

Teaching Resources

The Public Health Resource Centre is a leading reference and lending library for educators.

Information and activity kits can be booked in advance for healthy eating, active living, prenatal and child health, parenting, hand washing, sexually transmitted infections, cancer prevention, food security and systems, and more.
Hand washing kit
This month's featured resource is Hand Washing Education Kits.

Interactive and hands-on! Use these kits to teach practical hand washing skills. Kits are available for all age groups.

Book in advance so they are ready when you need them. Contact the Public Health Resource Centre, 519-575-4400 ext. 2256 or visit the Public Health Resource Centre
Board Courier available for delivery and returns
Building toy

Service Referral List 

The updated list of Services and Referrals to Support the Development of Children Aged 0-6 in Waterloo Region by Area of Concern is now available.

This list can be used by teachers, early childhood educators, and parents to identify appropriate support, assessment, and intervention services for children (0-6 years) when a concern is identified in one or more of the following areas:
  • Speech and Language
  • Hearing
  • Vision
  • Development
  • Mental health
  • Behaviour
  • Nutrition / Feeding
  • Dental 
  • Parenting /Family need 
The list also includes program and contact information to support timely service referrals for children. For any further questions, please contact Rebecca Dahle, RN.
Cigarette and e-cigarette

Youth and Vaping

Electronic Cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping is becoming increasingly popular among youth. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that are used to heat and vaporize a liquid substance which contains propylene glycol, flavourings and sometimes nicotine. 

The evidence suggests that non-smokers should not use e-cigarettes. Nicotine exposure in adolescents may have a long-term effect on brain development and on nicotine addiction.  

The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit created a video called “E-Cigarettes: To Vape or Not To Vape?” that answers some key questions such as:
  • Should non-smokers vape?
  • Is vaping less harmful than smoking?
  • Can smokers quit by using e-cigarettes? 
New legislation will be coming into effect that will prohibit the smoking of tobacco, cannabis (recreational and medicinal), and vaping (including e-cigarettes containing medical cannabis) at primary and secondary schools and on their grounds.  

Mark Your Calendar!


Conferences and Workshops

Grants

Note: Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services does not endorse any specific listed funders.
Copyright © 2017 Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3

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Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services · 99 Regina Street South · Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4V3 · Canada

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