Staying Well This Term at School
Wednesday 3 November 2021
Since returning to school last week, the season of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’ is definitely upon us.The mornings have been decidedly chilly and with the changing of the clocks, the evenings are now dark by the time we finish the school day.
It is especially important at this time of year, that we all keep fit and well as we enjoy a busy half-term, and participate in our exciting programme of Christmas events.
Unfortunately, colds, flus and other respiratory illnesses are more common in colder months as people are indoors more often, allowing viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. If pupils are unwell at school, our three Registered Nurses - Sister Cornish, Sister Kemp and Sister Bacon, each with twenty or more years experience, are on hand to look after them.
In our state-of-the-art Medical Centre, pupils are assessed by a nurse and treated appropriately in our treatment room. They may need to rest in one of the four private side rooms or in the cosy lounge area. For full boarders, our visiting GP is available for private appointments twice weekly and for anyone experiencing Covid-like symptoms, there is an isolation suite.
So how can pupils help themselves to stay well at this time of year? Here are our top tips:
Layer Up
As the temperature turns colder, layering up is key! Pupils can stay warm by wearing a warm black coat over their blazer; the Queenswood bench coat is ideal for this and can be ordered from Stevensons at the school uniform shop. A hat, scarf and gloves are perfect for a frosty start and can then be taken off once at school.
Keep Exercising
Your PE lessons will help to keep up your fitness levels throughout the colder months and you can also use Queenswood’s indoor facilities if you prefer training inside. All year groups can attend the PE Department’s Fitness Club or Strength and Conditioning Class in the Fitness Studio, with a class taking place every morning before school. Students can email [email protected] for more information or speak with a member of the PE team.
Catch it, Bin it, Kill It!
Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Germs can live for several hours on tissues so dispose of your tissue as soon as possible in a bin. Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.
Eat Well
According to the British Heart Foundation, sticking to a healthy diet won’t prevent you from picking up autumn or winter illnesses, but it can help maintain your immune system to better protect you. And should you fall ill, a nutritious diet can help speed up your recovery. Our Catering Manager - Emma King and her fantastic Catering team, provide a choice of healthy, delicious meals every day and pupils can enjoy warming lunches which ensure they still benefit from their 5-a-day, even as the fruit and vegetables in season change.
Rest Up
For some of us, turning back the clocks by just one hour can affect our general wellbeing and our 'circadian rhythms' can be disrupted. Circadian rhythms are the 24-hour cycles that are part of the body’s internal clock, running in the background to carry out essential functions and processes. One of these essential processes is the sleep/wake cycle, and changes to sleeping patterns can affect how alert our girls are at school and their ability to engage fully in their learning. Try to maintain a consistent and healthy sleep schedule. This will support your circadian clock and help you not to feel over-tired at school.
Hello Sunshine
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones; it helps us to absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. Our bodies create vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin, but in the winter we rely on getting vitamin D from food sources as well as sunlight. Try including oily fish or fortified cereals in your diet and taking care not to burn, enjoy short periods outside when the sun is smiling!
If any pupil feels unwell in class they should ask their teacher if they may be excused to visit the Medical Centre and any student, parent or carer wishing to contact the Nursing team can do so by emailing [email protected]
Remember it is important to ask for help at school if you need it. You can always talk to the School Counsellor, the Chaplain or any adult at school.