School District Tells of Flu Precautions

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Ira Pendleton greeted Rotarians and guests. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a spirited rendition of "You’re A Grand Old Flag" to open the 3759th meeting of SGR. Richard Brown invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Paula Bell asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Grant Carter conducted an rousing Horseplay with fines, in support of Operation School Bell, collected by Nick Lang.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken reminded members of the Rotary Family Party at Staheli Farm / Corn Maze to Friday, October 2. Watch for more details.

Rotarian Gene Jones has two pinched nerves in his back and is unable to drive.

Fred Berthrong will speak on the subject of the RI Foundation at the Monday, November 2 meeting of SGR.

Ken Seefeld told members the Holiday Inn charges per plate. Members who may take 2 plates cost the club an additional $12 per week.

Board members are encouraged to attend the District Membership Workshop on Saturday, November 7 in Provo. Watch for more details.

NEW MEMBER: Darrell Wright, sponsored by Steve Radmall and initiated by Ken Sizemore, became SGR’s newest member in a ceremony before club members. Darrell is the 76th member of the club.

PROGRAM: Dr. LuAnn Forrest, Students Services Director for the Washington County School District shared the district’s planning for the H1N1 flu pandemic. With more than 25,000 students and 1300 teachers and faculty in five cities, it is imperative for the district to "mitigate, prepare, respond and recover. Every classroom is equipped with a backpack, a go kit and a flipchart outlining emergency procedures," notes the educator. "We are currently dealing with a flu pandemic Level 6 which means you can’t go anywhere in the world without being exposed."

Forrest noted the district is currently taking all necessary precautions, but schools remain open. As the virus continues to affect students, faculty, families and neighbors, the district will take a more aggressive approach such as screening students at the classroom door, increasing time spent at home after diagnosis, keeping family members of infected students home, or dismiss at-risk students (even if they have no symptoms).

H1N1 is highly contagious with the highest death rate among those in the 15-55 age groups, particularly those who are pregnant, obese or with chronic respiratory problems.

Symptoms include a fever of 101 or higher, cough, sore throat, aches and joint pain, fatigue and weakness, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stuffy nose or any combination thereof.

To reduce the possibility of contamination or contaminating others, cough into your shoulder or sleeve, wash hands regularly and get a flu shot. The seasonal flu shot is available now. The H1N1 shot will be available in late October or early November. For more information, see http://www.wcsd.org/ on the internet or contact the Southwest Utah Public Health Department.