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. With holidays starting at the end of the week, it’s a good time to think about our general health. It can be a good time to book those appointments to see the Doctor and the Dentist.

Simple ways we can maintain our general health is to:

Nutrition: Remember to eat regularly and have a balanced diet, going without food for long periods during the day is damaging to our bodies.

Exercise: While holidays are a time to have a break and reset it is still recommended around 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Whether it’s walking, dancing, sport or any other activity you enjoy.

Sleep: Maintaining a regular sleep routine and having good sleep hygiene helps our bodies

Oral Hygiene: Brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing, usually after breakfast and before going to bed helps maintain our oral health. Free public dental care with no out-of-pocket cost is offered to all children until the end of year 12. Through free public dental care or the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Regular dental check-ups (usually every 6 to 12 months) are important to keep teeth, gums and mouth healthy.

Personal Hygiene: Having a shower at least once a day, washing your hair at least once or twice a week. Every day remember to change your clothes especially underwear and use deodorant.

Sun Safety: The UV index has started to rise again, a reminder to be sun safe. Wear a hat, use sunscreen and seek shade when needed.

Have Fun: Do things you enjoy over the holidays, it helps maintain our mental health. Meet up with friends, find a hobby, go to the movies, spend time with your family, play games or go to the park or library. There are so many things to do, check out the Toowoomba Regional Council website for more ideas www.tr.qld.

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