Dear Parents/Caregivers

We are seeing a number of boys presenting to the wellness centre with issues relating to dehydration and lack of food intake.

In many cases the lack of fluid can be attributed to students either not bringing a drink bottle and/or simply not drinking adequate amounts of fluid. This results in headaches, lethargy, stomach aches, constipation and generally not feeling well.

The issues with food intake relate to some of the boys poorly managing themselves and not eating breakfast or simply having a cup of coffee and then complaining of stomach aches, nausea, and feeling tired.

We are also seeing a lot of injuries secondary to not wearing footwear during PE.  This is particularly prevalent with those boys with foot conditions such as flat feet (as some of these students require extra support to prevent injury).

Please note that the Wellness Centre is not a GP clinic.  We are seeing boys who are presenting to us on a Monday morning with injuries and illness which they have sustained or been suffering from over the weekend. We are more than happy to see boys if they become unwell or injured during the school day, but it is inappropriate for us to be treated as a GP clinic.

Things to remember:

• Ensure that you are eating adequate amounts to provide your body with the fuel it needs throughout the day, this includes breakfast. Some people are not big breakfast eaters, but even a slice of toast and jam or a piece of fruit is better than nothing and essential to get through the first part of the day.
• Adequate nutrition is particularly necessary for those participating in sports or sitting exams/assessments.
• Drink plenty of water: The fluid requirements for the average teenager in a temperate environment varies greatly, however, the US Food and Nutrition Board recommended in 2004 that teenage boys 14 - 18 years of age drink 3.3 litres of water per day. 
• Wear adequate footwear including when participating in PE and especially if you have diagnosed foot problems requiring extra support. This will make you less likely to sustain foot and leg injuries.
• Don't come to school if you are sick. You won't be able to concentrate or participate adequately, it will take you longer to recover, and you will likely make your classmates and teachers sick too.

Thank you
HBHS Nurses