School Nurse

School Nurse

“It’s never too late–or too early–to start living healthier lives.”
Michael Greger, MD, FACLM  Founder, NutritionFacts.org
 
Happy 2024!

See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

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School Nurse

During the winter months and holiday season, consider what self-care activities you can model and do with your students. For holiday gifts, get creative and choose fun items that also support their health and wellness.

Holiday and Vacation Time “should” be fun and relaxing…but extra time with family and changes in routines can sometimes be stressful.
Here are a few reminders:

  • PACE your holiday schedule, whether you are at home or traveling. Schedule in downtime and rest breaks – otherwise they won’t happen.
  • Adjust your expectations- remember that we all experience a range of emotions and moods, even in the best of times, and make emotional and physical space for that.
  • Schedule in healthy activities to balance the “indulgences” of the season.
  • Ask your kids to help out with a holiday meal activity:
    • Sandwich Bar with different fresh breads and rolls, healthy proteins, different spreads, and colorful tasty veggies. Have a few salads on the side.
    • Oatmeal/hot cereal bar –  a steaming pot of hot cereal with a selection of various toppings (chopped fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, etc.).
    • Gratitude Tea Party – take even just 30 minutes where you set up “tea” with a different selection of teas, nice cups/mugs, and a combination of healthy treats. Gather in a cozy area, maybe by the fireplace. Choose a guiding question as the topic of conversation and go around sharing your answers. Agree to keep it positive!
    • Charcuterie platter – try it plant-based (healthy-ish) – hummus and pita chips, olives, vegetable crudite, guacamole, salsa and chips, nuts, dried fruit, cheese (or substitute), whole grain/seed crackers.
    • Fruit and Vegetable Platters in a fun holiday design!

See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

Read more

School Nurse

As we move into the winter months and holiday season, consider what self-care activities you can model and include your students in. For holiday gifts, get creative and choose fun items that also support their health and wellness.
 
Do your kids cook?
This week I gave a nutrition presentation in the Wellness Center during academy. I shared a really easy meal for students to make and encouraged them to include as many vegetables as they could: a jar of pasta sauce (add vegetables if desired), a package of pasta (choose whole grain or legume if willing), and add more vegetables, herbs and spices. Optional: add a can of cannellini beans and top with parmesan; or your protein of choice!
 
Eating (and making) a family meal is one of the best ways to support the health and wellness of your kids. Teaching your kids basic cooking skills/how to prepare a basic meal is one of the cornerstones of self-care. Give them some practice before they graduate!

See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

Read more

School Nurse

As we move into the winter months and holiday season, consider what self-care activities you can model and include your students in. For holiday gifts, get creative and choose fun items that also support their health and wellness.
 
Be hostile to germs! Consistent healthy lifestyle habits help create an inhospitable environment in your body for germs to take hold in. Make sure to get good sleep, healthy exercise, and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in your diet.
 
Do your kids cook?
This week I gave a nutrition presentation in the Wellness Center during academy. I shared a really easy meal for students to make and encouraged them to include as many vegetables as they could: a jar of pasta sauce (add vegetables if desired), a package of pasta (choose whole grain or legume if willing), and add more vegetables, herbs and spices. Optional: add a can of cannellini beans and top with parmesan; or your protein of choice!
 
Eating (and making) a family meal is one of the best ways to support the health and wellness of your kids. Teaching your kids basic cooking skills/how to prepare a basic meal is one of the cornerstones of self-care. Give them some practice before they graduate!
 
See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

Read more

School Nurse

I hope all Acalanes families had a restful and nourishing Thanksgiving break, whether you were here locally or traveled.
 
Be hostile to germs!  Consistent healthy lifestyle habits help create an inhospitable environment in your body for germs to take hold in. Make sure to get good sleep, healthy exercise, and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in your diet.
 
Easy Fall Recipe:  Chili and Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
This easy seasonal winter squash recipe is delicious and nutritious! This is also a really easy dish for kids and teens to make. Eating (and making) a family meal is one of the best ways to support the health and wellness of your kids. Try this easy recipe and let me know what you think!
 
See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

Read more

School Nurse

Sleep and Teens:
I listened to a great webinar this week on sleep and melatonin sponsored by Let’s Sleep. Check out their parentpage for great resources on sleep.

Easy Fall Recipe:Chili– andCinnamonRoastedButternutSquash
This easy seasonal winter squash recipe is delicious and nutritious!
This is also a really easy dish for kids and teens to make.
Eating (and making) a family meal is one of the best ways to support the health and wellness of your kids. Try this easy recipe and let me know what you think!
See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

Read more

School Nurse

Eat for Brain Health!
Here is a resource for foods high in omega-3, which is important for brain health, concussion recovery and healthy aging!

HERE is my favorite muffin recipe. You can swap out different kinds of flours and add a little pureed pumpkin to make them more seasonal! Make a batch or two and freeze some to have on hand. Defrost a couple at night for your kids to grab in the morning on the way to school!

Help your kids stay in school! 
Reminder:  Have you had your flu shots yet?  If not, they are widely available at doctors’ offices and local pharmacies.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

Read more

School Nurse

Eat for Brain Health!
Here is a resource for foods high in omega-3, which is important for brain health, concussion recovery and healthy aging!
 
Help your kids stay in school! 
Reminder:  Have you had your flu shots yet?  If not, they are widely available at doctors’ offices and local pharmacies.
 
Digital Vaccine Record
Go to THIS SITE to access your digital vaccine record.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

Read more

School Nurse

What’s more important than the health of your family?
More nutrition resources (to keep your family healthy): 
I am currently participating in an excellent training program about how to deliver nutrition education and culinary skills to families in their own homes. One of the resources shared is THISfree online program. Check it out and tell me what you think!
 
Help you kids stay in school! 
Reminder:  Have you had your flu shots yet?  If not, they are widely available at doctors’ offices and local pharmacies.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

Read more

School Nurse

Teens and Energy!?!
Which do your students like the best – Monster?  Red Bull? Many others are also popular. You probably won’t be surprised that it’s not hard to find scientificevidence proving that these drinks are NOT HEALTHY for our teens to consume. What’s important to consider is WHY they are drinking them (what are they NOT getting?). When we see students drinking these during the school day, we can make some quick assumptions: they haven’t slept enough (length and quality) and/or they haven’t eaten breakfast (or anything). Translation: not only are these energy drinks actually dangerous, they’re being used as a replacement for something healthy that supports your student’s well-being. Please consider having a positive, non-judgmental and open-minded dialogue on how you can best support your student to cultivate and practice healthy habits that support optimal learning and performance. Need ideas and help? Let me know.
Browniesforbreakfast?  Why not?

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurseSchoolNurseWebsite

Read more