HEALTH APPRAISED AND..... AMAZED

Prepared By: Rosalia R. SantillanMapulang Lupa NHS, Valenzuela City

Something to Ponder OnHealth Appraisal and Screening Procedures

O When you were a child, your parents, older siblings, relatives, and other concerned adults made sure you ate the right food and had regular medical checkups, immunizations, and other health care.

O Now that you are already an adolescent, your personal health becomes your responsibility also. One way to do this is to know your health status so that you can take the necessary actions to improve your health habits and practices.

O In case there is a sign of a medical problem, early detection can help to prevent this from becoming serious that would need appropriate treatment.

O Monitoring health status can be done through regular health checkups and screening tests appropriate for you. It is very important to know your health status.

O For school age children and adolescents, the school health personnel, such as the school physician, school nurse, school dentist, as well as teachers and other school personnel perform checkups and screening tests at the beginning and towards the end of the school year.

O This is part of the school health service provided for students. Screening for blood pressure is added to the routine tests for height, weight, vision, and hearing. Immunizations are also updated.

O Adolescents who are experiencing growth spurts may also be screened for possible scoliosis. Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine, which causes pain and affects growth. Additional tests may be recommended by your physician or health care provider as needed.

O Evaluation of the results of checkups and screening tests is done by the school health personnel. Students who may need health counselling, referral, and follow up will be identified and guided for proper action.

O As an adolescent, you should always remember that you are also responsible for your own health. Monitor your body for changes that may need medical check up. This is often referred to as part of self- care.

O For girls, it is recommended to check your breasts for possible masses or lumps the moment you start menstruating. You should do this monthly, specifically one week after the onset of menstruation. You can do this while taking a shower or facing the mirror.

O This breast self-examination (BSE) can help females check any abnormalities that might need medical help. Remember, there are normal changes during and right before menstruation so it is better to perform BSE after menstruation. Develop the habit of doing BSE monthly.

Health AppraisalOThis refers to a series of procedures

to assess or determine the health status of the students through the use of teacher’s observations, screening tests, health histories or medical records, medical and dental inspections and psychological tests. They are dependent upon the cooperative effort of parents, teachers, physicians, dentists, health educators, nurses and others in the school program.

School Health Personnel• School Physician- takes charge of the

medical examination of students, teachers and other school health personnel.

• School Nurse- assists the physician in determining the health status of the students and other school personnel. She is also expected to plan, organize and administer or manage the school clinic.

• School Dentist- takes charge of the dental examinations of students, teachers, and other school personnel.

Duties of the School Health Personnel

OHealth AppraisalOHealth CounsellingOHealth ExaminationOFollow-upOEmergency Care ProgramOControl of Communicable Diseases

Health ExaminationsDental Examination- This is done by

the school dentist who will give information on proper dental hygiene and importance of the teeth.

Medical Examination- this is the final step in health appraisal with a physical examination and evaluation made by a physician.

Screening Test- part of the school’s health appraisal program that seek to provide for the students a comprehensive record on their health.

• A. Vision Test- with the use of Snellen Chart• B. Hearing Test- whisper test or audiometer C. Height and weight Measurement

Scoliosis Screening

OScoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the side. It is an abnormal lateral or side-to-side curvature of the spine. This condition commonly develops during growth spurt of adolescents. It affects girls more often. This condition can be corrected if treated early before the bones have fully developed.

O The following signs should be referred to a doctor for treatment.

O One of the shoulder blades is more prominent.O The head is not aligned to the center of the pelvis.O A hip appears higher or is more prominent than the

other.O The rib cage is uneven.O The waist is uneven.O The entire body is leaning to one side.In the school, your school nurse or your health teacher can do the scoliosis screening test. During the test, the school nurse will observe your posture for signs of scoliosis. Early detection can prevent scoliosis from progressing.

Screening ProcedureO Forward Bend Test:O 1. Stand facing away from the screener.O 2. Bend forward at the waist 90 degrees, feet 10 cm

apart, knees straight, and feet parallel to each other.O 3. Palms of the hands are facing each other and arms

hang down,O and are relaxed. The head is down. O It is normal if the screener observes the

following:O Both sides of upper and lower back are symmetrical.O Hips level and symmetrical.O There is possible scoliosis if the screener

observes the following:O One side of rib cage and/or the lower back showing

unevenO symmetry.O Curve in the alignment of the spine.

O It is very important that you are aware of any change in your body. Any deviation from the normal must be reported to your parents so that you can seek medical advice.

O You can go to your school clinic to seek advice from the health personnel there. Your teachers can also help you. Don’t wait for your health problem to get worse. You have to act now.

O Remember that the school health personnel, so with your barangay health personnel, are there to help maintain the health of the students/people in the school or community. Avail of any health service they offer.

Warning:•

The next slide is strictly for

• GIRLS ONLY!• SEE YOU NEXT MEETING GUYS…

Breast Self ExaminationO Every woman should do breast self- examination

every month. The steps in doing this are the following:

O 1. You can do this while taking a shower. With fingers flat, examine gently every part of each breast. Use the right hand for the left breast, and the left hand for the right breast. Check carefully for any lump, hard knot, or thickening.

O 2. You can do this in front of a mirror. Examine each breast with arms at the sides, and then raise your arms high overhead. Look closely for the following:

O •changes in shape of each breastO •swelling, rednessO •dimpling of the skinO •changes in the nipple

• Next, with palms on hips, press down firmly to flex the chest muscles. Check the breast again carefully.

• 1. Do the following lying down:• •Place a pillow or folded towel under the right shoulder.• •Place your right hand behind your head.• •With the fingers of your left hand flat, press gently in

small circular motion around an imaginary clock face. Start at the outermost top or 12 o’clock position of your right breast, and then move your left hand to 1 o’clock and so on around the circle back to 1 o’clock. Move the hand inch by inch toward the nipple. Keep circling to examine every part of the breast, including the nipple. Do the same on the left breast.

• Press the nipple of each breast gently between the thumb and index finger.

• Note any discharge such as milk or blood. Report this immediately to a doctor.

ReferencesO MAPEH I by. Perez, Luna and TomasO Health Grade 7 Teacher’s GuideO Health Grade 7 Learner’s Guide