HEALTH & WELLNESS

Mobile Dental Clinic Coming to GSA This Fall/Winter

Attention GSA families! We are excited to announce that the mobile dental clinic/Dental RV is coming to visit our school in late fall/early winter. This convenient service allows your children to receive essential dental care without having to leave school grounds, ensuring their overall wellness while minimizing any disruption to their academic day.

Why Sign Up?

Convenience: No need to schedule separate dental appointments or arrange transportation. The mobile clinic comes directly to GSA, making dental care easily accessible for all students.

Overall Wellness: Regular dental check-ups are vital to your teen's health. By participating, you ensure your student maintains a bright smile and good oral hygiene, which are crucial for preventing more serious health issues.

Reduced Absence: By utilizing the mobile dental clinic, your student will spend less time out of class, which means fewer missed lessons and a more consistent learning experience. Say goodbye to lengthy out-of-seat time for dental visits!

Look out for consent forms coming home soon. We encourage you to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity by signing up and returning the completed forms promptly to secure a firm date as Maine Oral Health and Wellness is trying to coordinate area visits with BHCS. 

Together, let's ensure our students have the best possible health and education experience at GSA!

P.S. For your convenience there is an easy jot form you can access through Maine Oral Health and Wellness' website at https://form.jotform.com/252218364773158

You can also visit their website for more information at https://maineoralhealthandwellness.com 

As the days grow shorter and we spend more time indoors, it’s important to be mindful of our health, especially during cold and flu season.

- Stay Home When Sick: If you experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, please stay home until you’re symptom-free for 24 hours without the aid of medication like Tylenol, Ibuprofen and/or Pepto-Bismol, etc.
- Use Masks: If you're unsure about your health, wearing a mask can help protect others. Feel free to pick one up outside of my office.
- Stay Active: Despite the shorter days, find ways to stay active indoors to maintain physical and mental health.

By staying informed and proactive, we can contribute to healthier communities and support those affected by these health issues.

Practice Good Hygiene: The best defense against winter germs is frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.

Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your inner elbow to contain respiratory droplets, then wash your hands immediately.

Stay Home When Sick: If you have flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, fatigue), staying home prevents spreading the illness to others and aids a faster recovery.

Avoiding Slips and Falls on the Ice:

Watch Your Step: Be aware of potentially slick areas like shaded sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots that may not appear icy.

Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose boots or shoes with good traction and non-skid soles. Avoid wearing footwear with smooth soles when walking on snow or ice.

Walk Like a Penguin: Take short, slow steps, keep your center of gravity over your feet, and walk with bent knees to maintain balance and reduce the risk of a fall.

Importance of Layering in Cold Weather:

Dress in Layers: Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing to trap warm air close to your body.

Inner Layer: Start with materials that wick moisture away from the skin, such as synthetic fabrics or wool. Avoid cotton next to the skin as it stays wet and can make you colder.

Middle Layer: This is your insulation layer (fleece, down, or wool) to retain heat.

Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket or shell is essential to protect against the elements.

Don't Forget Extremities: Hats, gloves, scarves, and warm socks are vital to prevent frostbite, as significant heat is lost through the head, hands, and feet.