June/July 2024

Vol. 3, Issue 6 

You made it school nurses, summer is finally here! Please find some time to do the things you love. We have been planning for our summer school nurse workshops and hope you will join us virtually at one of the times that is convenient for you. Registration information can be found on www.myschoolnurse.net.

The Monthly Spotlight


Headache Tools for School Nurses


View the Headache Tools for School Nurses Slides here.

If you have any questions concerning school nurse workshops or any other school nurse resources available at Children's of Alabama, please reach out to our School Nurse Liaison, Ginger Parsons, via telephone at (205) 638-6287 or email at ginger.parsons@childrensal.org

Visit our website for more info
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National Safety Month


With sunny skies and school out for summer, there's a heightened risk of accidents from increased outdoor activities, including playtime, pool use, and cookouts. Many accidents can be prevented by keeping a watchful eye on your children. Infants and young children are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Reasons include higher metabolic rates and inability to communicate their needs or hydrate themselves1. With children being outside in the heat, dehydration can sneak up on them. Signs to look out for include urinating less and darker urine, feeling dizzy, and lightheadedness2. As more families take road trips for summer vacations, the chances of vehicle accidents and falls during travel rise as well. Talk to your child prior to the vacation about safety tips, and what to do in emergencies so they know what to do if anything should arise3.


  1. National Library of Medicine - Pediatric Dehydration
  2. KidsHealth - Dehydration
  3. American Academy of Pediatrics - Summer Safety Tips

Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when a child's temperature surpasses 104 degrees. Anyone can forget and leave their child in the vehicle. Contributing factors can include change in routine, distractions, and stress. Always check the back seat every time you leave the vehicle. If you see a child in a vehicle alone, call 911 immediately. A vehicle can heat up very quickly, so never leave a child alone even for a minute1.


  1. Children's of Alabama - Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH)

Workplace Safety

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia


Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of genetic conditions that affects the adrenal glands. In individuals with CAH, a genetic mutation leads to a deficiency in one of the enzymes necessary for hormone production1. The two main types of CAH are classic and nonclassic. Classic CAH is rarer and more severe and typically detected through newborn screening or during early infancy. Symptoms may include insufficient cortisol, adrenal crisis, and fertility issues. Nonclassic CAH is milder, more prevalent, and may not be diagnosed until childhood/early adulthood. Nonclassic often presents no symptoms at birth, and some may never exhibit any symptoms at all. If symptoms do develop, they typically appear in late childhood/early adulthood. Children with nonclassic may go through early puberty, rapid growth with more developed bones, and/or experience severe acne. While there is no cure for CAH, most people can lead full lives with appropriate treatment2


  1. KidsHealth - Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
  2. Mayo Clinic - Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Parents guide to CAH

Catch our presentation on June 20 where you will hear a Children's of Alabama NP speak on CAH. Remember to register for it on MySchoolNurse.net. We will also have it recorded for later viewing.

iLet Insulin Pump


Here are some resources for you to reference as you begin seeing the new iLet insulin pump used by your students.




View the iLet slides here.

Do you have students who have diabetes whose providers are at Children's of Alabama?

If you have students with diabetes whose provider is located at Children's of Alabama, please read the following notice regarding dietary needs in the school setting.

Read the notice here

June 20 - The World's Largest Swimming Lesson

Scoliosis Awareness Month


Scoliosis is characterized by abnormal sideways spinal curves exceeding 10 degrees. On x-rays, the spine of individuals with scoliosis appears as either an "S" or a "C" shape rather than a straight line. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis. The term "idiopathic" indicates that the cause is unknown, and it typically develops during preadolescence or adolescence. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is 10 times more prevalent in girls than boys1. Scoliosis can affect a person's posture, mobility, and quality of life2. Once the condition is diagnosed, treatment may include routine monitoring of the spine, physical therapy, wearing a brace to slow the progression, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary1.


  1. Scoliosis Research Society - What is Scoliosis?
  2. National Spine Health Foundation - About Scoliosis Awareness Month

School Nurse Recess

Healthy Living

Think First Alabama is part of a National Injury Prevention Foundation dedicated to preventing brain, spinal cord and other traumatic injuries. This program is available to your school FREE of charge, and is designed to provide age-appropriate injury prevention education for children of all ages.


For additional information, view the Think First Alabama flier, or to schedule a session at your school reach out to Julie Farmer via telephone at 205- 638-2729 or email at julie.farmer@childrensal.org


In the video below, you can find a more comprehensive overview of the ThinkFirst program.

Need help educating your students and parents?

Check out KidsHealth


  • Printable resources with advice on children's health, behavior, and growth from before birth through the teenage years
  • Information on a variety of topics including how the body works, homework help, and more
  • Approved by doctors, and has separate sections written specifically for parents, teens, and kids

If you have any suggestions on future content you would like to see featured in our newsletter, please reach out to us via email at healthedu.safety@childrensal.org.

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Inside Pediatrics 


Inside Pediatrics is a free monthly podcast series featuring specialists at Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Episodes cover topics related to child health and wellness, research and treatment, and frequently complement articles appearing in Inside Pediatrics magazine.

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