School Nurse

What to eat when you have the flu (or a stomach illness): If your student has nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, remember the BRAT (bananas, (white) rice, applesauce and toast) diet. You normally see me encouraging a focus on whole foods that are naturally high in fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds) but with an upset stomach, we tolerate bland foods with less fiber. I, myself, have been afflicted this week. I found that saltines, cheerios, bananas, applesauce and tea + honey have been helpful. Make sure to keep those poor kids well-hydrated!

Do your students take asthma medications? Many of those medications put them at higher risk for dental problems. Make sure your student is getting regular dental hygiene and exams, and that their own dental hygiene is excellent. I just learned that it’s recommended to rinse and spit each time you use your inhaler!

Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need.

My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pm

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

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School Nurse

Focusing on the Positive! Modeling a positive mindset contributes to our students’ health and well-being, as well as their academic success. Try using the practice of affirmations with your kids to focus on the positive. An affirmation is a positive statement you say to yourself about a positive characteristic you embody (I know, I’m using the word positive a lot!). The VIA Classification of 24 Character Strengths is a great tool to use for this practice. Try it and let me know how it goes!

Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need.

My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pm

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

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School Nurse

Did you know that 91% of cervical cancers in California are caused by HPV? January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month. You can start the HPV vaccine series at age 9 for optimal protection. Read more HERE.

You need this information before you think you need it: Preventing Underage Drinking: A Guide for Parents & Guardians.  

My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pmHappy New Year!

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

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School Nurse

Dear Acalanes Families,
The LA wildfires have consumed a lot of my attention over the last week+. Two of my kids’ families are there, as well as lots of relatives and friends. I’m sure that is true for many Acalanes families. We are no strangers to these types of catastrophes and it is a reminder that we need to always be aware and prepared. To that end, I want to encourage you to download this early version of a Go Bag list that I have compiled. I think this is a good family project to work on together. It’s particularly empowering for you kids to have a sense that they will know what they can do in case of an emergency evacuation.

Again, I want to encourage you to use the SMART goal framework to move forward with your emergency plan and preparation:

  • Specific: Set a specific task (I will gather all supplies on the list that I can find)
  • Measureable: You will know if you did it
  • Achievable: Is it something you can realistically do?
  • Relevant: I think emergency preparation is relevant for all of us!
  • Time-Bound: Set a timeframe (e.g. Sunday morning at 11 am)

I’d really like to hear what you think of this list and the SMART Goal Framework.  Can you think of additional items? Please share those with me.

ILLNESS PREVENTION
There is a surge in Norovirus in the Bay Area right now. Norovirus is passed by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, food and water, and infected persons. Have you forgotten to remain vigilant with hand hygiene? Regular hand washing is best, then hand sanitizers.
 
Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need.
 Here’s to a healthy and fulfilling start to 2025!

My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pmHappy New Year!

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

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School Nurse

Happy New Year! Last week I encouraged you to think about the pillars of a healthy lifestyle. This week I encourage you to move forward and actually set some small, attainable goals in at least 2 of the healthy lifestyle pillars: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and connection.
In my Health Coach training and practice, one of the most powerful tools is the SMART goal framework, with goals:

  • Specific
  • Measureable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-Bound

An example might be: I am going to bring a piece of fresh fruit to school with me each day this week. Try to make sure the goal is as specific as possible - instead of “fresh fruit”, write “apple”. Note that this goal is not “eating” the apple, but rather “bringing” the apple. Build the structure to create success for the goal. Make sure the goal is one that is realistic (in this case, make sure there is an apple to take to school each day). Relevant relates to a goal of being healthier to support well-being. Time-bound refers to assigning a very specific time/timeline to the goal – in this case that might be: pack an apple for my lunch at 7:30am each day. I’d love to discuss this more with you if you want to be in touch – I look forward to connecting with you to help you cultivate healthy habits for your students and your family. I want to hear your goals!

Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need. Here’s to a healthy and fulfilling start to 2025!

My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pm

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

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School Nurse

Dear Acalanes Families,

Happy New Year! As we begin a new semester in January, it’s a great time to reflect on health and wellness as a family. The start of the year often inspires resolutions, and I encourage you to approach these with a focus on small, sustainable habits that promote long-term well-being.

Think about how you can integrate the “pillars” of a healthy lifestyle—nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and connection—into daily life. This might look like preparing simple, balanced meals together, taking evening walks, setting consistent sleep schedules, or even creating a new family tradition of unplugged time to relax and reconnect.

The new year is also an opportunity to model intentional wellness for our children. By prioritizing self-care and balance, we show them the value of taking care of both body and mind. Remember, small, consistent efforts can lead to meaningful changes over time.

Let’s embrace this season of new beginnings as a chance to cultivate healthy habits, resilience, and joy as a community. Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need. Here’s to a healthy and fulfilling start to 2025!

My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pm

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

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School Nurse

SUPPORTING YOUR STUDENTS DURING FINALS
Sometimes less is more, which doesn’t always feel intuitive. Support your students in taking breaks when studying. Go for a walk, have a healthy snack (keep those available), stay well hydrated and do a mindfulness practice (try the CALM app). Making sure to have family meals also gives your students a chance to connect with you while eating healthy food, have downtime from studying, and to “release”.
 
Also, this is a good time to think about making appointments for regular MD check-ups for the upcoming year. Fostering your student’s connection with their pediatrician cultivates their sense of support and commitment to health and well-being.

My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pm

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

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School Nurse

Thanksgiving break is an opportunity to spend time with your family and take advantage of doing activities (or not!) that our regular busy schedules don’t always allow for. We all need to reset and have down time. I hope you all enjoyed the break together and enjoyed some simple activities together such as afternoon tea or game night.

I hope you liked the pumpkin pie oatmeal recipe I shared and had a wonderful week with your loved ones. Stay healthy! 

AHS School Nurse Calendar
See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

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School Nurse

Thanksgiving break is an opportunity to spend time with your family and take advantage of doing activities (or not!) that our regular busy schedules don’t always allow for. We all need to reset and have down time. I encourage you to think of some special practice that you can enjoy together. It can be as simple as afternoon tea or game night.

I also want to share a recipe I made this week that I really love. It’s a healthy and delicious way to use the nutrient-rich pumpkin. Maybe you can try it during your break. I actually make enough so I can pack for work in the morning.

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Serves 4
Ingredients:

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats: 1 cup dry
  • Ground flaxseed: 2 Tbsp
  • Pumpkin puree: ½ cup
  • Maple syrup: 2 Tbsp
  • Pumpkin pie spice: 1 tsp
  • Toppings: chopped roasted walnuts or pecans and diced persimmon

Cook oatmeal as directed. Just before finishing, add in ground flaxseed, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice. Add oat milk as desired and top with roasted walnuts and diced persimmon. Enjoy and tell me how you like it!

AHS School Nurse Calendar
See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

Read more

School Nurse

This is a reminder to consider getting flu and covid shots if your family members are due. Timing is a personal issue, but if you get it done now, you’ll be covered for the upcoming school vacation breaks!

I want to share information about this online program: Depression and ADHD in Adolescents: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding and Support.

AHS School Nurse Calendar
See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchool Nurse Website

Read more