Nurses Nook
As the School Based Youth Health Nurse, I work with the school community to promote health and wellbeing, create a supportive, healthy school environment and connect people with other support services. From 25th – 31st May is Food Allergy Week. It is estimated that 1 in 20 children have a food allergy. A food allergy is an immune system response to a food protein that the body (mistakenly) believes is harmful. This response can trigger potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Symptoms include:
Mild to Moderate
- Swelling of the face, lips and eyes
- Hives or welts
- Tingling mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Difficult/noisy breathing
- Swelling of the tongue
- Swelling/tightness of the throat
- Difficulty talking and/or a hoarse voice
- Wheeze or persistent cough
- Persistent dizziness or collapse
- Pale and floppy (young children)
We can all do our bit to help anyone with food allergies by:
- Always take food allergies seriously.
- Wash our hands before and after eating.
- Don’t share food with someone who has a food allergy.
- Know what friends are allergic to.
- Get help straight away if someone gets sick.
If someone is showing signs of a severe allergic reaction:
- Lay the person flat don’t allow them to stand or walk.
- Follow their ASCIA action plan if they have one.
- Administer their adrenaline (epinephrine) injector if available.
- Call an ambulance on 000
More information is available at the Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, you can call them on 1300 728 00 or on their website - www.allergyfacts.org.au
Pathways to Cessation
The Pathways to Cessation program is delivered by health professionals at the Queensland Quitline service and combines information and counselling support with a free 12-week supply of nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum, and lozenges. A reminder here at Wilsonton SHS we are working in partnership with Queensland Health, so members of our school community can access a free quit support program for parents, carers, siblings.
If you’d like to find out ‘what to expect from Quitline’ or request a call visit the QuitHQ website at https://www.quithq.initiatives.qld.gov.au/how-to-quit/get-help-from-quitline. Students can access the program by contacting Quitline directly.
Angela Kain
School Based Youth Health Nurse
Working Mon, Tues, Wed & every second Thursday based in the Support Hub


