Norton Wellness

Summer Sun Safety

2010-06-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

As we approach a hopefully fun filled summer, please remember to enjoy your time in the sun responsibly. 2 blistering sunburns before age 20 can leave you with a 80% higher chance to getting a form of skin cancer. Apply sunblock often and especially if you have been sweating or in the water. If you take care of your skin now, it will take care of you later. Happy Summer!

National Nutrition Month

2010-03-15T07:49:00.001-07:00

March is National Nutrition Month! Here are some ways to incorporate the theme of “Nutrition from the ground up” into your diet:

To include more veggies in your diet try some of the vegetable-based soups!

To include more fruits in your diet try visiting the “salad bar” at breakfast!

To include more whole grains in your diet try making a sandwich with one slice of whole wheat bread and one slice of your favorite bread!

To include more nuts in your diet try snacking on a handful a day, vary the type!

To include more beans in your diet try the hummus!

Town Hall Meeting: Underage Drinking Prevention

2010-03-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

Discussion on Underage Drinking

The Norton Task Force and Norton Public Schools will be sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting on the dangers of Underage Drinking. This meeting is open to all members of the community. Parents of students in the Norton Public Schools are encouraged to attend this meeting. State Rep Jay Barrows will be moderating the discussion and a panel of experts has been put together to give their feedback on this issue. Audience members will get an opportunity to ask questions of the panel at the end. Hopefully as a community we can come up with some ideas on how to combat the issue of underage drinking within our community.

Please contact Mr. Vitelli with any questions
508-285-0160

Bullying

2010-02-24T07:43:00.001-08:00

Bullying occurs frequently during a regular school day. Without giving out personal information and/or names...please describe different types of bullying you see on a day to day basis. Understand that you yourself may be guilty of even some subtle degrees of bullying.

Distracted Driving

2010-02-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

From discussing this topic in class and watching clips from the Oprah Winfrey Show you learned about the dangers of distracted driving. Has your opinion about how distracted you may be as a driver or how distracted the person driving you may be changed as a result of what you learned? What can you do to help prevent distracted driving accidents from happening in the future? Why is distracted driving more dangerous than even drunk driving? Share a personal story if you so chose.

Role Models

2009-12-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

We often use the term "role model" too loosely in our society. I've seen blog posts, tweets, articles, etc from people who are disappointed in someone like Tiger Woods because he was such a "role model". Do we place too much emphasis on what the person is athletically able to do and less about who they are? Who are your role models and why? What SHOULD a good role model say or do? What type of character should they have? Is it fair to celebrities for us to just assume they live the perfect lives so we can look up to them??

Rachel's Challenge

2009-12-02T05:38:00.000-08:00

What an amazing day yesterday was for Norton High School and also the Norton Community. A special thanks to Craig Scott for his presentations and also thanks to the student body for being so open minded and allowing their hearts to be vulnerable. I honestly believe with the work we've done as a Wellness department leading up to this presentation and also the committment from students to make Rachel's Challenge happen, that we can affect a cultural change for the better at NHS.

Wellness Assignment #4

2009-10-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

What role does our current culture and societal norms play in not only comfort level with our own sexuality but also it's influence regarding sexual harassment?

Wellness Assigment #3

2009-10-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Wellness Assignment #2

2009-09-27T18:24:00.001-07:00

IMPACT of Your Choice

There was a lot of raw emotion from victims and victims families in the video that we saw. What particular emotion, statement or feature of the video really stood out to you and why? What impact might it have on your life, OR have you already been impacted by a similar scenario? Elaborate on personal situations only if you feel comfortable doing so...

Wellness Assignment

2009-09-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

We learned about the 5 Components of Rachel's Challenge. Which challenge is most personally important to you and what can YOU do to help spread Rachel's challenge based on that particular component? Be specific please...

1. Choose Positive Influences
2. Dream big and Journal about it
3. Practice Acts of Kindness
4. Eliminate prejiduce
5. Start a Chain reaction of compassion

Rachel's Challenge

2009-09-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed accompanying members of our Leadership Council to the presentation of Rachel's Challenge at Medway High School today. This was an extremely powerful presentation that will hopefully have a long lasting imprint on NHS. We'd like to get this initiative up and running at NHS and I want as many people who believe in this crusade to join me. If you don't know what Rachel's Challenge is, you need to check out this website kyvoice.com/winchestersun/newerworld/?cat=18 Be prepared to question what type of person you are and if you are living up to Rachel's Challenge. HERE is her challenge:

1. Choose Positive Influences
2. Dream big and Journal about it
3. Practice Acts of Kindness
4. Eliminate prejiduce
5. Start a Chain reaction of compassion

I would like to start the F.O.R. Club here at NHS. Please let me know if you are interested in being a part of this and what you would like to do to help.

Attention Athletes!

2009-08-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

As you know, poor eating habits such as not eating breakfast, a diet high in fatty foods and low in nutrients and late night fast food runs, can derail any athletes’ performance. There are many benefits to eating well for athletes such as improved athletic performance, decreased stress, healthy weight maintenance, etc. Make your season a more efficient one by taking care of your body. Best of luck to all of our NHS athletes as you start the fall season.

Mock Crash Video

2009-05-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a link for the Mock Crash Video...thanks to the SADD members who participated and to the Norton fire, police and ambulance units for helping make this a great production.

http://www.schooltube.com/video/34174/NHS-Mock-Accident-2009

Many Thanks!

2009-03-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those who volunteered and gave the gift of life at our bi-annual blood drive. I'd have to double check the numbers, but I'm pretty sure that this was our most successful blood drive to date. Including teachers, the Red Cross was able to serve over 100 donors. Awesome job everyone!! Also, HUGE thanks and congrats to our SADD group who did an absolutely flawless job. YOU guys are the biggest reason the blood drive has garnered so much attention and that it runs so smoothly. If you didn't get a chance to donate, we'll be hosting the blood drive again next fall and we plan on using the whole gym so as to serve all those people that we had to unfortunately turn away. Thanks again to everyone who played a part.

Melanoma Newsletter

2009-03-17T05:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a great Newsletter to check out regarding Skin protection and the dangers of melanoma. With prom season approaching and warm weather on the horizon, keep in mind that the sun, natural or "fake" can be harmful.

http://skincheck.org/Newsletter3_09.pdf

Blood Drive/March 20th

2009-03-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Once again, the Blood Drive is coming to NHS. The SADD group will be running this event and it is set to take place NEXT Friday, March 20th. Please sign up during lunches for this life saving event. You can sign up with Mr. Barth, CJ McMahon...or any other member of SADD, or myself (Mr. Vitelli). REMINDER!!! Under new policy, 16 year olds are eligible to give blood with a signed consent form. Minimum weight limit to give blood is 110lbs.

It DOES NOT hurt more than a tad and it goes a long way towards helping to save lives. If you've had tattoos or piercings in the last year you are NOT eligible.

Kathi Meyer Presentation

2009-03-05T06:23:00.000-08:00

Kathi is the mother of Taylor who was the young girl that lost her life in an alcohol related accident. Kathi will be sharing her personal story in hopes of influencing other teens to make safer decisions. She will discuss the underage drinking epidemic and strategies to protect against a similar situation occurring.

Kathi will be speaking to parents the night of March 12th at 6pm. She will then address the student body during the school day on March 13th. Parents are asked, encouraged and suggested to join us and members of SADD for her presentation the night of the 12th to help support in the fight to curb underage drinking.

National Nutrition Month

2009-03-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month®? The American Dietetic Association suggests following these tips to help make healthy changes in your lifestyle.

Make a plan: Adopt a few specific small changes. “When you make a realistic plan, the changes won’t seem so overwhelming,” says Ginn-Meadow. “A few small healthy changes, such as adding one piece of fruit to your diet each day, aren’t difficult to do and can make a huge difference to your health.”

Focus on your food: “Plan out your meals so you aren’t forced to make unhealthy decisions based on convenience,” says Ginn-Meadow. “Making sure you eat balanced meals with appropriate portions will help you manage your caloric intake.”

Make calories count: “Make meal choices that focus on nutrient rich foods,” says Ginn-Meadow. The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients.

Increase physical activity: Regular physical activity is important for overall health and fitness. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults be physically active for about an hour a day.

Play it safe: “Even the right food choices can affect your health if you don’t follow food safety rules,” says Ginn-Meadow. Always clean hands and food-contact surfaces, keep raw and cooked foods separate, cook foods to a proper temperature and chill leftovers promptly to avoid illness.

Be aware of special needs: Nutritional needs change depending upon your age and overall health. “Older adults need more vitamin D and calcium to help maintain bone health,” says Ginn-Meadow. “It’s important to check with a registered dietitian to figure out what your specific nutritional needs are.”

The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

Influenza Update (THE FLU)

2009-02-09T08:12:00.001-08:00

What is Influenza:

The flu is a very contagious disease of the respiratory (breathing ) system. The flu is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. It is usually very unpleasant, but for most people symptoms get better after 7-10 days.

The flu usually starts suddenly with: These symptoms are accompanied by:
· Fever (from 102⁰ to 104⁰) lasting 3-4 days • Dry cough
· Headache • Sore throat
· Severe muscle aches • Runny or stuffy nose
· General weakness/extreme fatigue

What to do if you have the flu:

· Avoid large crowds
· Rest in bed
· Drink lots of fluids
· Take non- aspirin pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen
· Take a flu break, go home
· If possible stay home from work, school, errands as long as you have symptoms

How to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu:

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or an alcohol based hand gel.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
· Avoid close contact. Don’t hold, hug or kiss anyone who has a cold or the flu
· Clean things that are touched often like door handles, phones, computer keyboards and water faucets

Heart Health

2009-02-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Think you’re too young to worry about your heart? Think again! What you eat now affects your heart health for years to come.

What’s good? Fiber, omega – 3 fatty acids, mono and polyunsaturated fats.

What’s not so good? Cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats.

Find out how much fat you need in your diet using this tool by the American heart association:
www.myfatstranslator.com

Get Active in '09!

2009-02-03T19:58:00.000-08:00

Looking for reasons to get active this year? How about these:

1. Less Risk of Health Problems
2. Stronger Bones
3. More Endurance
4. Trimmer Body
5. Stronger Muscles
6. Better Mental Outlook
7. Better Coordination and Flexibility
8. Injury Protection
9. Stress Relief and Better Sleep
10. Feel Younger Longer

Whatever the reason, make it a New Year’s Goal to achieve a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

New Year's Resolutions!

2009-01-23T05:33:00.000-08:00

This New Year, make resolutions realistic...

For 2009, resolve to do something you really can carry out. Don’t resolve to completely give up certain foods, lose an unreasonable amount of weight, or set unrealistic exercise goals.

Resolve to develop an eating and exercise plan that you can follow. Assess your eating habits, including what and how much you eat. Check your list against the Food Guide Pyramid to determine where changes need to be made.
Then, make one small change per week: Switch from whole milk to 2 percent or add one serving of fruit or vegetables to your diet each day, gradually working up to at least five a day.

If you make your goal realistic and achievable, you’ll have a much better chance of keeping your resolutions.

Eating Mindfully

2009-01-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

What does it mean to “eat mindfully”?

Eating mindfully means taking the time to focus on what you are eating. It means noticing the taste, look and smell of the food which in turn makes it more fulfilling and enjoyable to eat.
The next time you eat a snack or meal, take a minute to notice how it looks. Is the bagel soft, is the toast crunchy, is the apple bright red or the chicken a nice golden brown. Next notice how the food smells. Does it sweet, spicy, rich and creamy or does it have a pungent smell. Now take a bite, a small bite and keep the food on your tongue for a moment before swallowing it. Notice how the flavors are affecting your taste buds. Is it sweet, salty, sour or bitter? Now take time to chew the food and notice how flavorful it feels. Is there butter or a creamy sauce on it that makes it taste rich and smooth or is there a hint of pepper and seasonings that perk up the senses. Finally, after you swallow the morsel, notice how fulfilling that bite just tasted. Did that bite of food taste better to you?
It is important in our busy, on the go, hectic lives to take the time to enjoy food. Food is our nourishment, it sustains us and keeps us moving and meeting our goals. Food nourishes us and gives us energy to play sports, study for a test or any number of tasks that we ask of our bodies each day.
By eating on the go, while watching TV, playing on the computer, talking on the phone, driving in the car, walking to class or any number of other things we multitask while eating, we do ourselves and our bodies a disservice.
We don’t fully appreciate and enjoy the food.
We don’t feel as satisfied with the meal/snack.
We feel hungry soon after because our mind wasn’t fully focused on the meal and still thinks its hungry.
We tend to overeat when we don’t pay attention to what we’re eating and when we eat while we’re distracted.
So when you eat your next meal or snack, try to be more mindful of what and how you’re eating.
Your body will thank you for it!

Don't Like to Shovel??

2009-01-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

According to the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, just 15 minutes of snow shoveling counts as moderate physical activity! And seeing as how the optimum stay-in-goal for aerobic activity is 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 3 times a week - then shoveling snow certainly fits the bill! The flip side of this is that just like any other kind of sports activity -- if you’re going to shovel snow you need to warm up first and stretch out a bit. Think of shoveling snow as an exercise similar to bent-over rowing that you would do with a barbell in the gym. Or compare it to bicep curls with a dumb bell or barbell. You wouldn’t just go in the gym and start doing those exercises without a warm-up. Researchers have reported an increase in the number of fatal heart attacks among those who shovel snow after heavy snowfalls. This rise may be due to the sudden demand that shoveling places on an individual's heart. Snow shoveling may cause a quick increase in heart rate and blood pressure. One study determined that after only two minutes of shoveling, a sedentary man's heart rates rose to levels higher than those normally recommended during aerobic exercise. Hey -- shoveling represents an intense workout even for healthy college-aged students! A study performed by researchers at North Dakota State University determined that, based on heart rate, shoveling was a moderately intense activity for college-aged subjects most of the time but was vigorous activity during about one-third of their shoveling time of 14 minutes. Shoveling can be made more difficult by the weather. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds some extra strain on the body, so think before you shovel. Stretch out first, dress warmly in layers and bend at the knees when you’re hurling that shovel-full of snow. Remember to lift with your legs not your back.Now that I’ve presented a few safety concerns to you, let’s talk about snow shoveling technique! The goal here is to clear your sidewalks and driveway AND get in a nice cardio workout. !Make sure you have a good snow shovel. Most snow shovels have open ends that allow you to easily toss the snow off to the side. - Consider your physical condition. If you are out of shape you should proceed with caution. When you shovel you are simultaneously pushing, lifting and lunging, and this will have a quick effect on your muscles and stamina. Come to think of it, shoveling snow has a lot in common with chopping wood. Snow is heavy and shoveling is hard work - you don't want to risk a serious injury or jeopardize your health. If you have a heart condition or back problems, you should definitely not shovel snow unless your doctor approves it.- Work toward the areas where you are depositing the snow so that you have less distance to toss it as you tire. Chip away any ice that you find under the snow and remove the chunks with the shovel. - Spread rock salt over the cleared area to avoid icing. Sand any areas that remain slippery. As snow falls, you will find yourself outside shoveling every few days, which coincidently is what you want to be doing if you want to feel the benefits of shoveling snow! Shoveling snow presents challenges even for those of you who are reasonably fit. The National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling: - Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's permission. - Do not shovel after eating or while smoking. - Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety. - Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way. - Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one. - Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately

Awesome Job!

2008-12-12T05:05:00.001-08:00

Great job on the Santa Fund! There were 4 classes that raised over $100 for the cause. Yes my class won, but the bigger issue here is that our goal as a school was reached AND surpassed from last year. Way to dig deep. I did get a lot of..."you cheated to win", "what did you do to raise so much money", etc, etc etc. Really??? Are people REALLY concerned that my class was able to raise that much money?? I thought the point WAS to raise as much money as possible. Aside from reaching into the jar from another class (which we don't do), there are no rules to raising money. I suppose if people would like me to stop making an effort to raise so much I could...but then who loses? The same people complaining are the same people who's class raised $5. The only cheating going on is the cheating of the family we are trying to support. I get excited about increasing competition amongst kids and classes. What I've gotten my class to understand is that in order for another class to beat us they are going to have to raise a ton of money and if that happens then we as a school have done a great job. I think the people wrapped up in how my class gets the money, she expend their energy in figuring out a way to get their class to raise money. Our kids are very generous kids, just ask them.

STRESS!!!!!!!!

2008-12-08T06:26:00.000-08:00

Between the holidays and finals this is a very stressful time of year for students. What you eat may help…..or hurt!

Here are some nutrition tips to help during this stressful time:

EAT BREAKFAST – Breakfast provides carbohydrates and protein to help get your brain and body ready to concentrate and perform.

EAT CARBOHYDRATES – Carbohydrates stimulate the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps reduce pain, decrease appetite and calm nerves. Healthy carbohydrates include whole grain breads, pasta, and cereals as well as fruits and vegetables.

EAT PROTEIN – Protein helps your body produce epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine – brain chemicals that boost mental alertness, memory and thinking. Lean protein-rich foods include fish, poultry, eggs, lean cuts of meat, legumes, milk, yogurt and low fat cheese.

EAT MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY – Eat 3 meals a day and snacks. Snacks keep you going. Healthy snack options include nuts, fruit, milk & cereal, and popcorn.

WATCH CAFFEINE – Caffeine may help you focus for a short time, but too much can leave you jittery. Hydrate yourself with water.

Many Thanks

2008-12-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to thank everyone for doing such a fantastic job with the CPR Anytime program. It was so exciting to hear many of your parents telling us at conferences that their child had come home and talked at length about the program. Knowledge is power...and all of you who have shared this are empowering people. Congrats to you!!

Santa Fund

2008-12-05T07:17:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again to scrape the pennies and dimes out from under your carseats and couch cushions to help raise money for a great cause. This time of year is always challenging for people in terms of money and especially this year with the state of our economy, but remember, there are a lot of people who are even less fortunate than we may be. Are you a coffee drinker or a Rock Star energy drinker? If so, can you go a day without one of those guilty pleasures?? Nobody is asking you to contribute your college savings, but a few dollars here and there from everybody would make a huge difference. I've always tried to make Santa Fund a competition. I enjoy the "trash talking" and comraderie amongst the homerooms during this time. The more we really get into the spirit of the competition...the more money we are going to make for a great cause in the end. It's not really about which class wins, but just so you know...my class ALWAYS wins!! Best of luck.

Give Blood

2008-11-20T05:38:00.000-08:00

If you qualify to give blood you should seriously consider joining your fellow classmates and teachers on Thursday May 20th and give the Red Cross some of your blood. It doesn't take long and it could help save a life.

Thinking About Being More "Green"?

2008-11-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

Did you know...

For every ton of paper that is recycled, the following is saved: 7,000 gallons of water; 380 gallons of oil; and enough electricity to power an average house for six months.
You can run a TV for six hours on the amount of electricity that is saved by recycling one aluminum can.
By recycling just one glass bottle, you save enough electricity to power a 100-watt bulb for four hours.
In the United States, 426,000 cell phones are retired every day. Bring your old cell phone in to be recycled.

Paper or Plastic?

Neither! Paper bags can hold more stuff per bag and are easily recycled, but even at 100% recycling rates, plastic bags still require less energy and create fewer airborne emissions during the life cycle of both types of bags. Ultimately, neither paper nor plastic bags are the best choice; choosing reusable canvas bags instead is the way to go.

Updated Speedball Tournament

2008-11-03T04:47:00.000-08:00

The DECA sponsored Speedball fundraiser tournament has been re-scheduled, due to conferences, to Thursday November 20th. Again, contact DECA reps to sign your team up. Yours truly (Coach Vitelli) will be refereeing the games...that means lots of whistles to keep the game clean! If you don't like it, don't sign up.

Late Night Snacking

2008-11-03T04:46:00.000-08:00

Many people think eating late at night causes weight gain. Actually, it’s not when you eat that matters, it’s what and how much you eat.
Fueling the body is a matter of timing. The longer you wait between meals, the more you tend to eat at the next meal. Three to four hours between meals is about the right amount of time to keep blood sugar levels in control.
Plan snacks with small portions in mind. Crackers and low fat cheese, yogurt and fruit, cereal and milk or peanut butter and apple slices are good options. Eating snacks with both carbohydrate and protein helps the body stay fueled.
If weight loss is your goal, space meals and snacks three to four hours apart, no matter what time of day, and watch portion sizes.

Speedball Tournament

2008-10-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

DECA will be sponsoring a Speedball tournament set to take place November 24th at 6pm. See a DECA representative for more details on cost per team and players per team.

MRSA Concerns

2008-10-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- A 6-foot-4 football player is more than a million times the size of a typical Staphylococcus bacterium. But under the right conditions, that athlete could find himself defenseless against the microscopic bug.

Kellen Winslow recently had a second staph infection and has accused his team of covering it up.

The problem came to the forefront last week with Cleveland Browns player Kellen Winslow, who recently had his second staph infection. He is reportedly the sixth player to acquire staph among the Browns in five years.
Winslow recently said the Browns treated him like a "piece of meat" when he was hospitalized for the condition, and he claimed they covered up the cause of his illness.
After Winslow spoke out, the organization suspended him for one game, then rescinded the suspension after a settlement with Winslow over the weekend. The Browns said in a statement Saturday that the team and Winslow had worked through their differences, and that the team looked forward to his return. Winslow joined the team again Monday.
Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts was revealed to have a staph infection, the Indianapolis Star reported Friday. University of North Carolina-Asheville fans also recently learned that Kenny George, the 7-foot-7 center on the basketball team, had a staph infection complication that led to part of his foot being amputated.
It's unclear how these high-profile athletes acquired their infections. But the topic is generating buzz throughout the sports world as more players' staph cases are revealed. Hospitals have long been known to be hot spots for transmitting staph, but recently cases have cropped up in other community settings. Regardless of where these players got their infections, the close quarters of a locker room raise questions about overall risks.
About 30 percent of people carry staph in their noses without exhibiting symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Don't Miss
CDC: Questions and answers about MRSA among athletes
Experts say Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, a form of staph resistant to common antibiotics, has become a more prevalent problem in settings such as contact sports that involve skin-to-skin touching.
Most MRSA infections acquired in community settings present themselves as sores or boils and often appear red, swollen, painful or with drainage such as pus, the CDC says. Infections often occur in cuts and abrasions but also on body parts covered in hair, such as the back of the neck, armpit or groin.
Schools, prisons and other crowded environments are particularly known for transmitting MRSA, said. Elaine Larson, professor of epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.
MRSA may spread particularly easily among athletes because they have repeated skin-to-skin contact, share items and surfaces that touch skin and have a hard time staying clean, the CDC says. Athletes often get cuts and abrasions; MRSA can enter uncovered skin breaks and cause infection.
Dr. James Steinberg, medical director at Emory University's Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, said that environment plays a role in the spread of MRSA but that it's less a factor than coming into contact with a person's skin.
"If you have somebody who has an infection -- he has a draining infection -- and he gets some of his pus on a bench, that staph's going to be there for hours or days before it dries out," he said. "But the higher concentration is going to be on that person's skin."
A second infection in the same person could result from re-exposure or from treatment that didn't get rid of the bacteria colonization, he said.
MRSA has been around in hospital settings since the 1970s, but community-associated MRSA was born in the late 1990s, and is now widespread in the community, said CDC spokesperson Nicole Coffin. A report from the CDC said that the deaths of four children from MRSA in North Dakota and Minnesota during the late 1990s "demonstrate the potential severity of community-acquired MRSA infections."
A study on the St. Louis Rams published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003 found that during the 2003 football season, there were eight MRSA infections among five of the 58 Rams players.
Health Library
MayoClinic.com: Staph infections
To protect against MRSA, the CDC recommends practicing good personal hygiene and taking care of your skin, which includes wearing protective clothing and covering cuts and abrasions with clean, dry bandages. Also, do not share items that come into contact with your skin, such as towels, razors and ointments. Put something between your skin and shared equipment -- for example, sit on a towel on a bench.
Larson said she is not directly familiar with Winslow's situation but understands the dilemma that a team would face if a player contracted a staph infection. There could be economic and psychosocial repercussions -- for example, another team might not want to play against that one, she said.
But in general, other team members should be made aware of the situation so they do not share towels or engage in other behaviors that might transmit the infection.
Still, there is a danger of overreaction, she said. In some instances when a child in a public school has died, the whole school panicked and fumigated the facility, she said.
"It's a good idea to avoid that level of fear, because it's costly and it scares people unnecessarily," she said.
On Thursday, the Brown's General Manager Phil Savage said the team did not alert players to Winslow's staph infection partly because of the health privacy laws and partly because the team was in "game mode" when Winslow had a confirmed diagnosis.
"To come out and talk about that just was going to be another distraction," Savage said on his regular weekly appearance on WTAM radio in Cleveland, Ohio. "That's our job, is to limit distractions as much as we can."
Winslow said in a statement released through his publicist, Denice White of EAG Sports Management, that he had been discouraged from making the issue public.
"This has nothing to do with football, and this has nothing to with my current contract situation," he said. "This is a health concern."

Managing Your Food and Your Mood

2008-10-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

How we feel can often be a result of what we eat. But what we eat can also be due to how we feel.
Food and body chemicals interact to keep us going. When our moods change, so do our body chemicals. There are things we can do to manage the foods we eat when our moods change.
Stress often leads to a craving for carbohydrates, because they boost serotonin, which has a calming effect. Choosing more complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain products, beans and vegetables, can help you increase the nutritional content of your meals and snacks.
“Afternoon lows” are often a result of poor meal timing or food choices. Space meals three to four hours apart and choose low-fat protein and complex carbohydrates for your meals.

Cold Weather Blues??

2008-10-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

Feel down? In a funk? Even a short interval of physical activity might be the mood booster you need! Research shows that regular physical activity may help reduce stress and may lower the chances of—or speed the relief of—depression.

What’s the exercise link to mental health? The reasons aren’t clear. But it might be partly chemical: perhaps more endorphins released in the brain or more phenylethylamine (a natural amphetamine) released with aerobic movement. Or maybe it’s the feeling of accomplishment that comes with meeting a fitness goal or the distraction from stress-provoking events.
Let the mood-boosting benefits get you in the mood to move today!

Fit in at least 10 active minutes of walking today. Then work up to 60 minutes—regularly!

Get going with a friend. Camaraderie is mood-boosting, too.

S.O.S. Prevention

2008-10-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

We will be running a program for all freshman and sophomores at NHS regarding Suicide Prevention. If you are taking place in this program you need to have your permission slip passed in asap. See Mr. Vitelli with any questions.

Get Fit!

2008-10-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

If you've got $20 and access to your own OR your parents checking account then you can join Planet Fitness DIRT CHEAP! The $20 is for the the sign up fee and then your checking account (or your parents) will be deducted only $10!! a month to workout at Planet Fitness. $120 a year is an absolute steal for a membership. Along with your membership you also get a free t-shirt just for signing up. All you need to do is bring your Norton ID and tell the people at the front desk that you'd like the "Norton High School" membership. Good luck and happy working out. This deal applies to any NHS student, not just those currently in the Wellness class. See Mr. Vitelli if you have any questions.

Cold and Flu Season

2008-09-29T05:19:00.000-07:00

Your Guide to the Cold and Flu!

So you aren’t feeling well and you want to know if it’s just the common cold (not as bad) or if you have the flu (more serious). Here are the signs and symptoms of the flu.

Source: www.flufacts.com

Symptoms
Fever Aches (usually very severe)
Chills (very common)
Tiredness (severe)
Sudden Symptoms (can appear very quickly, 3-6 hours)
Coughing (dry, unproductive cough)
Headache
Chest Discomfort

Flu Prevention Information Question:

What is the best way to prevent getting the flu?
Answer: Get the flu vaccine and wash your hands regularly.
Question: What are the peak flu months?
Answer: January and February.
Question: Is the flu vaccine 100% effective in preventing the flu?
Answer: No, it’s 70%-90% effective. It depends on the strains of flu that is in the vaccine compared to the strain that is spreading during flu season.
Question: Besides the vaccine, what are other effective ways of preventing the flu?
Answer: Hand washing regularly, coughing into your shoulder not your hands or forearm, limiting the amount you touch your face, as this is one way of getting the virus.
Question: How many flu viruses are in the vaccine?
Answer: Three.
Question: Who should be vaccinated? A
nswer: The elderly, children, those with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and those living in close living environments (college students).
Question: Who shouldn’t get vaccinated?
Answer: If you have a severe allergy to chicken or eggs, have had a severe reaction to the shot in the past, children under 6 months, of if you have a fever.
Question: How does the flu spread?
Answer: The flu spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. The person becomes infected through inhalation, or my touching something with the virus on it then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. What to do if you get the flu? Get rest, drink plenty of fluids, take some over the counter medications to relieve they symptoms and stay home to prevent spreading the virus. See a doctor if symptoms worsen or if you have a high fever that doesn’t break after a day.

Prevention of the flu: (Source: www.cdc.gov) Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent other from catching your illness. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or turn into your shoulder when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.

FOX 25

2008-09-19T04:16:00.000-07:00

Click here to vote for the Norton vs. Dover-Sherborn football game to be covered by FOX 25!!!

SNACK ATTACK??? How to Snack Healthy!

2008-09-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

You may find yourself wanting to snack more after Wellness class. This is totally normal, AND...it's a good thing! Between our agility workouts, fitness walks, and resistance training you are effectively raising your resting metabolic rate which burns more calories and can leaving you craving a healthy snack. However, fight the urge to grab a twinkie or cupcake and instead go for something healthier. You'll find that the more healthy you get, the more healthy your body wants you to eat. Here are some snack facts and also some snacks that are tasty and healthy. Enjoy!!

Snacking
Why is snacking good for you?
Healthy snacks are good for you!
They give you vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.
Give you energy and improves concentration.
Keeps you from overeating at meals or splurging on unhealthy foods.
Helps control weight and may keep blood cholesterol down.
Snacking Tips
“Plan ahead. Bring fruit, veggies or other healthy snacks with you.”
“Snack consciously. Pay attention to what you’re eating so you won’t over eat. Try snacking without doing anything else.”
“Choose nutrient rich foods (fruit, vegetables and whole grains).”
“Watch for fat and calories. Read food labels and make sure you’re not eating more fat/calories per serving then you think.”
Space meals and snacks 3-4 hours apart to keep the body fueled.
Control your portions and monitor the serving size.
If you’re hungry late at night don’t ignore it, choose low-fat low calorie foods, and eat small portions.
Healthy Snack Choices
Toast with Jelly or peanut butter
Crackers and low fat cheese
Crackers with peanut butter
Yogurt (plain or add extra fruit or granola)
Fruit: Fresh, canned, frozen – eaten plain
Fruit with cheese
Cereal, Pretzels
Raisins or other dried fruits
Peanut butter and apple slices
Raw veggies and low fat dip
Pudding made with low fat milk
Micro-waved low fat popcorn
Half a bagel with hummus and a slice of tomato
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds, mixed nuts and dried fruit (watch portions)
A glass of Milk or a Yogurt smoothie
Homemade fruit pops
Frozen “chips”: Sliced banana, frozen
Homemade baked tortilla chips
Pita bread with cheese, hummus, or bean dip
Mini pizzas on English muffins or a mini pita (just add sauce and some cheese)
Ants on a log: Celery with peanut butter and raisins
Rice cake with peanut butter and jelly

New Look Wellness

2008-09-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

I've begun to get some feedback on our new look wellness program and most of it has been very positive. I'd like to thank those of you in the wellness class who have done such an amazing job of participating. I have a hunch that even those of you who were a little reluctant to do some of the agility work are actually, dare I say it, enjoying it. Those of you who are slow to warm up to the notion of the new format, please understand that THIS is how wellness programs are run around the country. The days of people just sitting on the sidelines and bouncing a ball are over. Being active is HEALTHY and being healthy is being FIT FOR LIFE! Please share your comments about the new program. Also keep in mind that we really want to take advantage of our outdoor time since the cold weather months are fast approaching.

Exciting News!

2008-09-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Think about something that REALLY gets you excited. It may be a video game, items of clothing, weekends, restaurants, etc. I wanted to preface this blog entry with that so maybe you can understand better why what I'm about to share excites me. It has to do with CPR and saving lives!! THAT is the kind of thing that excites Wellness teachers. It may be boring to you (as video games are to me) but what I'm about to share is something as a Wellness department that we are stoked about.Through the cooperation of Wheaton College and the Norton Fire Dept. each student is going to get an opportunity to learn some basics about CPR AND to take home an inflatable "Annie" doll that comes with a life saving DVD and get the opportunity to share their knew found knowledge with others in their life. If someone dropped in front of you and was in cardiac arrest, would you be able to do anything to help keep that person alive long enough for medical personal to arrive? Anyone can call 911, but can you keep the heart pumping and keep oxygen going to that person's brain long enough? What if that person were a neighbor, a teacher, a friend or worse a familly member?? Even if you didn't have the courage to perform the task, you might be able to walk someone through it that could. This presentation along with the take home "practice" doll might be the difference between someone you love living or dying. This is a one of a kind program right now and we at NHS are very fortunate to have been selected to take part in this program. I am excited that we all get an opportunity to learn some valuable "life saving" skills and also get a chance to pass it along. If you're not excited about this or you can't embrace it the way we as a department will, then we ask you to pass it along to your family members so that they can appreciate the importance of this opportunity. We really feel like this ties into our "new look" Wellness program and really puts the emphasis on a healthier living style. Fit for now, FIT FOR LIFE!

One Day, One Cause, One Cure

2008-09-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

Did you know that one in every eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? That’s one every three minutes. There’s something you can do to fight back against this disease, and we asking for your help.
Lee National Denim Day® is one of the largest single-day fundraisers for breast cancer. On October 3rd, millions of people nationwide will slip into their favorite jeans and make a $5 donation to support the Women’s Cancer Programs of EIF, who are bringing together world-class scientists to develop an early detection blood test and working in Lee Labs nationwide to find less toxic, more effective treatments for breast cancer patients. Stonehill College is proud to support this event and the fight against breast cancer. Just send in your donation by cash or check to my attention with one of the attached tribute cards if you would like and your name & department. We will let your supervisor know that you support Breast Cancer Research and can wear jeans to work on 10/3!
Once we have received all of our donations we will publish the names we pay tribute to unless you choose that they remain anonymous. Please indicate on your tribute card if you would prefer it to be anonymous.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Mr. Vitelli, Mr. Currle, Ms. DeSorcy

2008-09-10T09:16:00.001-07:00