Salem Public Schools Nursing News

SBIRT Partnership with MGH and Harvard Medical School

Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School chose Salem Public Schools to be part of an exciting research opportunity. This 5 year study is looking at better ways to implement SBIRT screenings in schools. Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a screening tool used by mental health professionals to identify, reduce and prevent problematic use of substances. Mass state law dictates that this survey be administered to students in grades 7 and 10. Salem Public Schools was randomized to be part of the "treatment group" arm of the study. This means that Wellness Coaches will be performing the survey and interventions. Please click HERE for more information about the investigator and the study.

February is American Heart Month.

Did you know.....

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US
• 1 in 3 adults in the US are currently living with some form of heart disease
• Every year, 605,000 people will have their first heart attack.

Know the warning signs of heart disease:

• Unexplained nausea, heartburn or indigestion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Numbness, prickling, pins and needles
• Shortness of Breath
• Unusual Sweating
• Chest discomfort
• New or unexpected anxiety
• Fatigue
• Changes in your heartbeat

Tips to prevent heart disease:

• Routine annual physical and dental exams
• Avoid tobacco in any form - smoking, vaping, chewing
• Aim for 30-60 min physical activity per day
• Eat a diet rich in lean meats, plants with heart healthy, lean fats while avoiding processed foods, refined carbohydrates, trans fats and sodium
• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage stress

Locrio De Pollo - Dominican Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

• 3lb Bone-in chicken, cut into small pieces
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, more or less to taste
• 1 tsp dry, ground oregano
• 1 sprig of fresh coriander
• 1 cubanele or bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon mashed garlic
• 1/8 cup pitted green olives, halved
• Juice of 1 lime
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 cup kabuca squash or carrots (or both), diced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups rice

Click HERE for full recipe, cooking instructions and video.

On behalf of the SPS Nursing Team

Happy Dominican Independence Day!