Caring for kids, occupational safety, Alzheimer's resource

By Carol Lindsay, RN
October 6, 2003

The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools, a policy and program resource center at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, has worked for 20 years to test and strengthen the health care delivery system for children and adolescents. The center tests model programs, analyzes policy options, advises government officials and school leaders, researches the effectiveness of school-based programs and informs policy-makers about alternative approaches to school-based health programs.

The Web site features an e-journal that contains news articles, reader responses to articles and recent school health-related survey results. Visitors to the site can access a parent resource center as well as links to dental and mental health services. Also included are links to the latest pertinent news and emerging issues such as HIPAA in the schools and changes in Medicaid.

From across the drink

Interested in comparing the woes of nurses in the United Kingdom with our own? The Royal College of Nursing is the United Kingdom's professional union for nursing whose mission is, in part, to act as the voice of nursing at home and abroad.

The site provides information about the history of nursing, how to become a nurse, pay scales, international nursing, nursing specialties and midwifery. Other topics include working conditions, job profiles and the need to value nursing.

Family reunion

Having cared for my father as he battled Alzheimer's disease, I am saddened when I see a news story about a search for a person who has wandered off and become lost. The Alzheimer's Association administers a program called "Safe Return," in which families of people with Alzheimer's register their loved one with the 24-hour help line, staffed by personnel who are trained to facilitate the return of lost people with dementia.

Registration requires a recent photo, description, wrist circumference, contact names, local law enforcement information and a registration fee. Safe Return then sends the family an identifying wrist bracelet and clothing tags. The bracelet is latched so that the wearer cannot remove it.

My father wandered out of our neighborhood and we had been searching for him for only 20 minutes when the Safe Return operator called to tell us where to pick him up. Please encourage all your families of Alzheimer's patients to visit the site and register their loved one.

Construction zone

Occupational Health and Safety: The National Magazine for Safety, Ergonomic, and Occupational Health Professionals provides a wealth of information for nurses working with construction workers. Information sheets list the standards and trends in construction with topics such as forklift alarms, safety gloves and work shoes.

An e-newsletter provides weekly updates on news, products and events.

Sound health

Rock Medicine, or Rock Med, is an organization that has been providing mobile emergency clinics at West Coast rock concerts and festivals for 20 years. Doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, paramedics and EMTs volunteer their time and expertise to provide free care at these events.

The Web site offers tips for concertgoers, including information on crowd syndrome, taking appropriate medications, tips on camping shows, outdoor shows and mosh pits. Multiple pictures of Rock Med clinics are included, as well as links to stories that have been published about the organization.