A Quarterly Newsletter - Issue 9 - September 2018
Back to School Checklist
Summer was great but now it is time for all of us to get back into the groove of school, sports/activities and getting up early! Here are some tips for a healthy transition back to school.

  • Regular bedtimes and power off electronic devices well before bedtime
  • Start the day with a nutritious breakfast
  • Develop good homework and study habits
  • Meet the new teachers and tour the school
  • Connect with your student's friends
  • Discuss today's and tomorrow's plans
  • Stay in tune with your student's mood - don't take "fine" for an answer
  • Update immunizations

Read More: healthychildren.org
Health Tip: "Let's Cheer for the New School Year!"
Nursing Services Group Picture 2018
Your 2018 School Nurse Consultants
Low-Cost Health Insurance for Families/Students
Colorado's Medicaid Program is now Health First Colorado. To determine a family’s eligibility for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), the parent/guardian may apply online at Colorado.gov/PEAK .  For a quicker determination of eligibility, the parent may contact Tri-County Health to make an appointment at one of their six locations (contact Tri-County Health at 303-363-3013).  

For more information about applying for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) , please visit www.colorado.gov/hcpf/colorado-medicaid or call DCSD's Medicaid Reimbursement staff at 303-387-0227.
DCSD Medicaid Reimbursement Program
The DCSD School Medicaid Reimbursement Program (also known as Colorado’s School Health Services Program) allows school districts to seek partial reimbursement for health-related services provided to Medicaid-eligible students who have an Individual Education Plan. Claiming for health-related services given at school does not affect a child’s Medicaid benefits in other settings. Per Colorado’s School Health Services Program, reimbursements to school districts must be used to support health-related services and programs to improve or enhance health and wellness for all students. Reimbursement funds currently support:

  • School Nursing Positions
  • Mental Health coordination and program support
  • Emergency health-related funding for uninsured and underinsured students
  • Health-related materials, equipment and supplies
  • Health-related staff development
  • Health-related resource funding for schools
  • Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) Outreach and Enrollment

For more information on the DCSD Medicaid Reimbursement Program, visit DCSDK12 Medicaid Reimbursement https://www.dcsdk12.org/medicaid-reimbursement or contact our Medicaid Reimbursement staff at 303-387-0227 . 
Community Resources for Families
Services include infectious disease prevention, nutrition services, birth and death certificates, healthy workplace, emergency preparedness and response, health care services.
 
Offers assistance with food, toiletries, housing, clothing . Clients receive one-on-one assistance providing quality screening, service delivery and meaningful referrals for clients with financial hardship.

Dedicated to providing individuals and families with food and support services to help them become self-sufficient.
 
Planning process designed to create individualized plans to meet the needs of children and families by utilizing their strengths. Offered as a voluntary, free of charge service to Douglas County residents with children between the ages of 5-21.
 
Comprehensive list of community resources
 
AllHealth Network: AllHealth Network
Provides behavioral health and mental health services for children and adults including outpatient counseling.
 
Doctors Care:   https://doctorscare.org/
Offers affordable health care services for ages newborn to 50. Accepts Medicaid, CHP+ and self-pay/uninsured patients.
 
Metro Community Provider Network:   https://mcpn.org/
Provides services including primary care, well-child visits, physical examinations and immunizations.
 
Rest is Best
Picture of clock for sleep article
Sleep is a vital aspect of brain development in children. During sleep important body functions and brain activity occurs. Too little sleep can be linked to behavioral problems and cause a child to not perform as well in school. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk for many health and behavior problems. Learn how much sleep students need and how many are not getting it.

Read More:
Healthy Eating Habits
2015-2020 Dietary Recommendations:

A healthy eating pattern includes:
  • A variety of vegetables from all of the subgroups—dark green, red and orange, legumes (beans and peas), starchy, and other
  • Fruits, especially whole fruits
  • Grains, at least half of which are whole grains
  • Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages
  • A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts, seeds, and soy products
  • Oils
A healthy eating pattern limits:
  • Saturated fats and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium

Parents can check their knowledge about their child’s health. Take this quiz to test your parent knowledge.
Safe Fall Fun
Fall is in the air. The days are beginning to get cooler, the nights darker and fall celebrations are upon us. Whether it is a fall harvest, a visit to a pumpkin patch or a Halloween party, it is a chance to be active, make healthy decisions and learn about safety on and off the road.

Here are just a few Fall/Halloween Safety Tips:
  • Accompany young children on the neighborhood route
  • Travel in well lit, familiar areas walking in groups
  • Agree on a time children should return home
  • Instruct children to stick with their friends
  • Don’t run across the street and remember to put phones down when walking, keeping heads up
  • Avoid homemade treats and examine all treats

For more tips and tricks, click here: CDC Healthy Halloween
Healthy Snack: Asparagus Fries
A fun and healthy vegetable asparagus fries recipe that is baked in the oven to crispy perfection.

Ingredients
  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 cup Panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. In a bowl large enough to fit the asparagus, beat the egg whites and mayonnaise together.
  3. In a separate container large enough to fit the asparagus (a plate will do), add the flour.
  4. In a separate container large enough to the fit the asparagus, combine the Panko, Parmesan, garlic salt, and black pepper.
  5. Dredge a few pieces of asparagus in the flour.
  6. Then coat the asparagus in the egg.
  7. Lastly, coat the asparagus in the Panko mixture making sure to press it on.
  8. Repeat these steps until all the asparagus have been coated.
  9. Bake the asparagus in a single layer for 10-13 minutes until golden and crispy.
  10. Serve warm.
    
  • Prep Time: 10 min(s)
  • Cook Time: 10 min(s)
  • Total Time: 20 min(s)
  • Servings: 2-4 as a side dish
Your School Nurse Consultants say "bon appétit"!
School Reminders for 2018-2019 School Year
School Reminders for Beginning of the School Year:

  • Be familiar with your school's attendance policy
  • Update emergency contact information
  • Complete medication paperwork
  • Update immunizations or yearly exemptions
  • Update parent portal health information
Additional Resources