Email the nurse:  kaiello@melrose.mec.edu

Healthy Food Choices
 
Here are some tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that show you easy ways to make sure your kids get healthy food choices at home.
 
For healthy snacking, keep these foods in the refrigerator:
*A bowl of fruit.  Try slices of apple, fresh berries, orange slices or cut up pineapple.  Keep the bowl covered with plastic wrap to keep the fruit fresh.
*A bowl of fresh vegetables.  Try cucumber sticks, carrot sticks, celery sticks, broccoli, slices of red or yellow pepper, or zucchini slices.  Offer low fat ranch dressing for dipping.
*Slices or chunks of low fat cheese.
*Non-fat or low fat yogurt.  Serve it alone or as a dip for fruits.
 
When you go food shopping, read labels to help choose healthy foods:
*Choose 100% whole grain breads.  The first ingredient on the label should start with “whole”.
*Choose cereals that are low in sugar and made from whole grains.  Read the label and look for rolled oats, whole wheat, brown rice, rye and barley.  Oatmeal is a good choice.
*Choose chicken or fish.
 
Do these simple things to make each meal healthier:
*Add 1 or 2 slices of low fat cheese to a sandwich.
*Serve milk or soy milk with meals.
*Add more vegetables and beans and less meat to meals.
*Broil, bake, grill or steam your food.
 
Other easy tips for healthy eating:
*Give kids water to drink during snack time and when they are thirsty.  Serve milk with meals.
*Always start the day with breakfast.  No time in the morning?  Grab a slice of cheese and a glass of milk, or maybe a banana or apple to eat in the car.
*Turn off the TV during meals and enjoy conversation.
*Remember that kids will do what you do.  If you make healthy choices, they will too!

Remember the best defense against illness is thorough and frequent hand washing with soap and warm water!	Get the Buzz on Scuzz -- learn how and when to wash your hands
	Required immunizations All students must present evidence of immunizations in compliance with the requirements of Mass. General laws, Ch. 76, Sec. 1, which specifically prohibits admitting a student to school without a physician's certificate showing that the child has been successfully immunized against Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Polio, Hepatitis B, Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis, Haemophilus Influenza type B (HIB), and Varicella, unless religious or medical exemptions apply. Children who are not fully immunized against these vaccine-preventable illnesses are not allowed to attend school.  A physical exam with lead screening is required upon entering Kindergarten. **Requirements subject to change
Healthy Snacks Here is a list of snacks that are healthy, and meet guidelines for classes with children who have either a gluten or nut allergy. Gluten and nut-free snacks	Nibbles newsletter-tips on healthy eating	Please remember that all classrooms are now nut free.  Check labels carefully when packing snacks for your child.  Nut products are allowed at lunch in the APR.
Healthful Websites	Create your own Activity Calendar Play it Safe -- take a quiz on how to be safe while doing your favorite activity