If you as a middle-schooler or your parent/guardians haven’t noticed yet, be aware, your body is going through many changes.

As the school nurse here at the Middle School I would like to go over a few important ideas about personal hygiene before a new school year begins. I am talking mostly about body odor, bad breath, and hand washing.

 

You will learn about how your body is changing and other important health issues in your health classes this year. But I would like to mention some important points about your age group. Many of you are already aware that your body is changing and you may be noticing that at times of stress, irregular bathing, hot weather, or exercising that you have a certain “smell” about you. So you do the right thing and shower or bathe daily (some even more often) and use a deodorant under your arms. You may also know by now that putting on clean underwear and socks every day is important also. I know it is not always practical for everyone to put on a set of clean clothes every morning, but try to make sure the clothes you are putting on are as clean and odor free as possible.

 

Most of us have bad breath at different times of the day. However, many times I notice “morning breath” on students when they come to the health office. This indicates to me that neither breakfast was eaten nor teeth brushed. Please make sure you brush your teeth before coming to school, even if you eat breakfast at school. Include your tongue and all areas inside your mouth. Brushing twice a day is practical for most people, morning and before bed.

 

We hear more and more about how important it is for us to wash our hands often to avoid spreading germs and illnesses. There was a power point presentation in the library last year for those students who wished to learn the correct ways to wash hands, and it will be available again this year. I hope to work with the teachers and other staff to promote hand washing. Remember to wash your hands after using the bathroom, before meals, after sneezing or blowing your nose (if possible), and any other time your hands become visibly dirty or may have germs on them. I try to avoid doorknobs and handrails in public places, covering my hand with my sleeve if I have to. Sneezing and coughing into your arm area will avoid the droplets from getting into the air or onto your hands, which then can pass the germs to others or surfaces. Gel hand sanitizers have been proven to be very effective germ killers, as good if not better than hand washing, if hands aren’t visibly soiled. These gels work especially good because they are handy, fast, and easy to use.

We, at the Middle School, would like to make this a great year for you. We would like you to have a successful year - academically, physically, and socially.

Parents, please talk with your child about teasing and other mean spirited activities. This can be a very exciting age, but also a very tender and sensitive age. Also, take notice of your child’s hygiene and help them as much as possible with this issue. It can make a difference in their accomplishments and outlook at school.