Happy Thanksgiving! - Lebanon School District

Nurse’s Corner
Important Safety Alert - Magnetic Fake Piercings
Medical professionals are warning about an increase in serious injuries to children and teens from
BB-sized magnetic balls. They are sold in sets originally marketed as an adult stress release toy.
Teens and younger children have swallowed the silvery magnets while trying to make it look as
though they had tongue or lip piercings, or while attempting to separate the pieces with their teeth
or place them on their braces. Very young children who find loose magnets run the risk of
swallowing or choking on them. If more than one piece is swallowed the powerful magnetic balls
may cause severe intestinal damage.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety tips:
- Regularly check toys and play areas, including carpeting, for dislodged or lost magnets.
- Warn teens to avoid placing the tiny magnetic balls near their faces, such as to mimic piercings.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you think a child has swallowed a magnet (and don’t
assume it will pass normally). Symptoms include abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea, all of which can be mistaken for other illnesses.
Reminders
Sixth grade physicals are now due.
Seventh grade dental choice forms are now due.
FIT TIP OF MONTH – NOVEMBER
Three surprise foods that keep your cholesterol and blood sugar in check:
1. Avocados - lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increase your HDL...limit
servings to 2 tablespoons a day. Avocados are also rich in soluble fiber, which help keep
blood sugar levels steady.
2. Pistachios - Eaten in moderation (one serving - 50 nuts) they will boost your heart health
three ways- Reduce LDL, improve HDL and raise blood sugar antioxidant levels. Pistachios
can help prevent post meal blood sugar spikes.
3. Peanut Butter - All natural peanut butter is a great choice for cholesterol watchers: lowers
LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol. Pistachio’s also help keep blood
sugar stable after eating.
NOVEMBER SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH – SEAT BELT SAFETY (FLYING ELEPHANT)
While you are traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, make sure everyone from infants to
grandparents are properly restrained. In a 30 mile per hour crash, an unrestrained adult is thrown with
a force of 3½tons – about the weight of an elephant. Click It or Ticket and avoid taking a flying
elephant along for the ride. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s seat belt laws at www.JustDrivePA.com
LMS Update November 2012