Cougar Health Hub

A healthy smile is about more than having clean teeth. Good oral health helps children eat, speak, learn, sleep, and feel confident. Healthy habits started early can last a lifetime.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, so this month we're putting our Cougars' smiles in the spotlight!

To better serve our students and respond more efficiently to their health needs, we are implementing a new process this year to help us maintain accurate and up-to-date health information for every student.

Please complete the new Student Health History Google Form for each of your children. This information will help me quickly access important health details should your child need care during the school day. We need EVERY parent to complete a form for EVERY child attending school.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.

If your student was recently sent home with health paperwork that requires signatures, please take a moment to sign and/or get it signed and return the paperwork as soon as possible.

One of the easiest dental habits to remember:

Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes!

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.

Morning ☀️ + Night 🌙 = Healthy Smile!

For younger children, parents should help or supervise brushing. The ADA recommends a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for children ages 3–6.

Brushing doesn't reach every surface between teeth.

Floss—or use another method of cleaning between the teeth—once a day.

Parents may need to help younger children until they have the coordination to do it independently.

Family Challenge: Pick a consistent time of day to make flossing part of your routine.

Brushing and flossing at home are important, but regular dental visits are an important part of keeping teeth and gums healthy. Dentists can identify cavities, gum problems, and other concerns early and provide individualized prevention and treatment recommendations.

Family Reminder: Make sure your Cougar has a dental home and stays current with recommended dental visits. The American Dental Association recommends that children establish a dental home by age 1 and continue regular dental care based on their individual needs.

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a schoolwide dental clinic for students in grades K–12 right here at school November 2–6!

The clinic will include a limited oral evaluation and, for students who are eligible and whose parent/guardian choose to participate, an opportunity to receive dental sealants.

This is a great opportunity for students to receive important dental care without having to leave campus. Keep an eye out for more information and details coming soon, including consent information. Consent forms will be due NO LATER than Monday, October 26.

We look forward to bringing this valuable resource to our Cougar families!

Is your toothbrush ready for retirement?

Replace a toothbrush about every 3–4 months, or sooner when the bristles become frayed or matted.

Look for:

• Soft bristles
• A comfortable, appropriately sized brush
• Fluoride toothpaste
• A toothbrush that is kept clean and allowed to dry between uses

🚫 Don't share toothbrushes!

Toothbrushes are personal items. Keep them personal!

Good news: Both can be effective! The American Dental Association says either a manual or powered toothbrush can be used effectively, as long as you brush properly with a soft-bristled brush for 2 minutes, twice a day.

So which should you choose? The best toothbrush is the one you will use correctly and consistently. An electric toothbrush may be especially helpful for someone who has difficulty brushing thoroughly or maintaining the recommended brushing time.

What we eat and drink matters to our teeth too.

Help your smile by choosing more:

🥛 Milk or calcium-rich foods
🍎 Whole fruits
🥕 Vegetables
🥚 Protein-rich foods
💧 Water

And limit frequent sugary drinks and snacks.

🥤 A Cougar Tip:

Water is a great everyday drink!

Instead of sipping sugary drinks throughout the day, encourage water between meals and snacks.

October + Halloween = CANDY! 🎃🍫

We don't have to completely eliminate Halloween candy to take care of our teeth. Help your Cougar enjoy treats in moderation.

🎃 Halloween Smile Tips

• Enjoy candy with a meal rather than constantly snacking on it throughout the day.
• Avoid carrying candy around and eating it all day long.
• Drink water after eating sweets.
• Brush twice a day.
• Sticky or chewy candies can be especially difficult to remove from teeth.
• Keep candy portions reasonable and enjoy treats as part of an overall balanced diet.

👻 Family Challenge:

Pick a few favorite Halloween treats rather than eating every piece of candy in the bucket!

Fall sports are in full swing!

For Cougars participating in contact or collision sports, make sure your Cougar has a properly fitted mouthguard and wash it after each practice or game. A properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue during sports and other activities where there is a risk of impact. Replace it when it becomes worn, damaged, or no longer fits properly.

And remember:

A healthy athlete needs a healthy smile! 🏈😁

Your mouth is part of your overall health.

Taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about preventing cavities. Regular oral hygiene and dental care are important parts of maintaining overall health. The ADA recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth daily, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining regular dental care.

For more information on keeping your smile healthy visit:

Brushing and Beyond: Oral Health Tips for Anyone with a Smile

Home Oral Care

Little Teeth Need BIG Care!

Young children may still need lots of help with brushing.

Families:

• Brush together.
• Let your child watch you brush.
• Use the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Help your child reach all surfaces of the teeth.
• Make brushing fun!

Try This:

🎵 Sing a 2-minute brushing song together.

Start Taking Ownership of Your Smile

Elementary students are learning to become more independent with their health.

Challenge them to remember:

Brush → Floss → Rinse/Spit → Smile!

Ask your child:

"Are you brushing long enough to get every tooth?"

A two-minute timer can help!

😮‍💨 Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by food, bacteria, dry mouth, or not brushing and cleaning between teeth regularly. Persistent bad breath can sometimes be a sign of a dental problem and should be discussed with a dentist.

😁 Braces/Orthodontics
Braces create extra places where food and plaque can collect, making careful brushing and cleaning between teeth especially important. Follow your orthodontist's instructions and don't skip dental checkups while wearing braces.

🦷 Retainers
Retainers can collect bacteria and plaque if they aren't cleaned properly. Clean your retainer according to your orthodontist's instructions and avoid eating while wearing it unless you've been told it is okay.

✨ Whitening Products
Whitening strips, gels, and other products can cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, especially when used incorrectly or too often. Talk with your dentist before using whitening products, particularly if you have braces, cavities, or other dental concerns.

🥤 Sports Drinks
Many sports drinks contain added sugar and acids that can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion, especially when sipped frequently. For most everyday activities, water is an excellent choice for hydration.

⚡ Energy Drinks
Energy drinks can contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar, and their acidity can be harmful to tooth enamel. Children and teens generally do not need energy drinks for hydration or everyday energy.

🚭 Tobacco/Nicotine Products & Oral Health
Tobacco and nicotine products can negatively affect the mouth and gums and are associated with problems such as gum disease, tooth discoloration, and other oral health complications. Even smokeless tobacco and nicotine products are not harmless to oral health.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

🪥"What time of day is easiest for you to remember to brush?"

🍬"What's your favorite Halloween treat, and how can we enjoy it without overdoing it?"

😁"What is one thing you like about your smile?"

🦷"When was your last dental appointment?"

🐾 THE OCTOBER COUGAR SMILE CHALLENGE

14 Days to a Healthier Smile!

Can your family complete the challenge?

For 14 days, check off:

☐ Brushed in the morning
☐ Brushed before bed
☐ Cleaned between teeth
☐ Chose water
☐ Ate a fruit or vegetable
☐ Limited sugary drinks
☐ Enjoyed candy and treats in moderation
☐ Took care of my toothbrush
☐ Visited or scheduled the dentist when needed

14 Days = 🦷 SMILE STRONG! 🐾

💊Fentanyl Awareness Month

October is Fentanyl Awareness Month and we're joining the fight to spread knowledge and protect our communities. Fentanyl is a powerful and dangerous drug and awareness is key in preventing its devastating consequences.

Learn more:

https://txopioidresponse.org/fentanyl

https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/content/one-pill-can-kill

🩷 Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Know the signs: A new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or redness, nipple changes, unusual nipple discharge, or persistent breast pain should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Some breast cancers have no noticeable symptoms, which is why recommended screening is important.

Screening: For people at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years from ages 40–74. People with a personal or strong family history or other increased-risk factors may need a different screening plan and should talk with their healthcare provider.

Prevention: Not every case of breast cancer can be prevented, but healthy habits such as regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco can help lower risk. Knowing your family history and discussing your personal risk with your healthcare provider are also important.

Family Reminder: Encourage the women in your family to know what is normal for their bodies, report changes, and stay current with recommended screenings.

Cancer affects more than the person diagnosed—it affects entire families and communities. October is a time to spread awareness, support those affected, and encourage appropriate preventive care.

🧠 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

World Mental Health Day is observed every October 10.

Cougar Reminder:

It's okay not to be okay. Talking to a trusted adult is a healthy choice.

Encourage your Cougar to:

• Talk about their feelings
• Ask for help
• Support their friends
• Take care of themselves
• Speak to a trusted adult when something feels wrong

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, focused on kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and creating safe environments for children and teens.

Cougar Challenge:

See someone sitting alone? Invite them over.

Hear someone being teased? Speak up.

Notice someone having a hard day? Be kind.

Kindness is a health habit, too. 🧡

Have a fire-drill practice at home this month!

Our CNA students have been busy learning the hands-on skills they will need to provide safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care! From making beds and assisting with bathing to feeding patients, providing oral care, walking and transferring patients, our students are gaining valuable experience through hands-on practice.

Each new skill gives students the opportunity to learn not only the correct procedures, but also the importance of communication, safety, dignity, infection control, and treating every patient with respect and compassion.

Our students have been working hard, practicing their skills, asking questions, and learning from one another along the way. It has been exciting to watch their confidence grow as they become more comfortable with skills that were completely new to them just a few weeks ago.

I am so proud of the effort our CNA students are putting into their learning! They are developing skills that will prepare them for their upcoming clinical experiences and, most importantly, help them become caring and competent future healthcare professionals.

Be sure to keep an eye out for more CNA classroom highlights as our students continue learning, practicing, and preparing for the exciting work ahead!

You should definitely keep your child home if they experience any of the following:

• Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F or higher. They should remain home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Keep them home until 24 hours after their last episode to ensure they are not contagious and are capable of staying hydrated.
• Severe Symptoms: Uncontrollable coughing, shortness of breath, severe ear pain, or sharp abdominal pain, eye drainage or discharge.
• Contagious Illness: If they are diagnosed with a highly contagious illness (flu, COVID-19, pink eye, or chickenpox).

If your child visits a healthcare provider and misses school, please send a doctor's note with your child when they return to school or submit it to the school office as soon as possible. Providing documentation when applicable helps us maintain accurate attendance records and ensures absences are recorded appropriately.

If your child needs to take medication during the school day, please deliver the medication directly to the school nurse's office. For the safety of all students, medications should not be sent to school with students unless absolutely necessary.

Students are not permitted to self-administer any prescription medication while at school. The only exceptions are rescue inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens), which students may self-carry and self-administer only with the appropriate physician documentation, parent authorization, and school approval in accordance with district policy.

All other prescription medications must be brought to the nurse's office by a parent or guardian and will be securely stored and administered by the school nurse according to the healthcare provider's instructions.

Please provide:

• The medication in its original, properly labeled container
• Written instructions from your child's healthcare provider, if required
• Any completed medication authorization forms required by the school

Once the medication has been received, it will be safely stored in the nurse's office, and I will ensure your child receives it as prescribed.