CF at School
CF at School
IS THERE A STUDENT IN YOUR CLASS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS? Here is some information that may make it easier for you and your student.*The student’s privacy is paramount. Any sharing of information must have the student and/or the parent’s permission.
1) Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is hereditary and occurs in 1:3500 births in NZ. Both parents need to be carriers for a child to have CF.
2) CF causes abnormal secretion of salt. 5-10 times more than you or I.
3) CF results in an over production of mucus. This is thick and sticky and a great breeding ground for bacteria.
4) The organs most affected are the lungs, pancreas and bowel.
5) CF students are prone to lung and upper airway infections.
6) CF should not affect concentration in class under normal conditions: however tiredness can be a factor.CF students often describe their illness as having the flu all the time.
7) There should be no sudden decline in health which would concern the teacher from day to day.
8) CF students have a special diet high in fat and calories. It is essential when teaching healthy eating that you are aware that your CF student’s food pyramid is in effect upside down in relation to that of your other students. He/She needs high calorie intake and soft drinks, McDonald's, Moro, chippies etc will be an important part of their diet.
9) Prior to any food intake the CF student must take enzymes to ensure their food is digested properly. This may be up to sixty tablets per day. Most students are encouraged to be in control of this themselves but you must address this as a school in relation to your polices, with students health and self esteem being considered.
10) CF students may have a persistent cough and at times have breathing difficulties.
11) They need daily physiotherapy to help clear mucus from their lungs. This is usually done in the morning and at night.
12) They will need to visit the toilet more frequently and may need to be allowed to go without asking permission.
13) They may be underweight. This becomes a huge issue to teenage CF students to whom body image is so important.
14) They may have frequent absences from school. This may cause difficulty at keeping friends.
15) They will need to visit hospital at times for intravenous antibiotics, lung function tests and weight and dietary monitoring. Admissions may be for 10-14 days. Clinics may be held one day every 3 months.
16) They will have a growing awareness that they have a limited life expectancy.
SO, HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1) Don’t discourage coughing.
2) Be aware that they need to take enzymes and other tablets.
3) Be sensitive on the subject of "healthy" eating. What is healthy for some is definitely not for others.
4) If they need to - allow them to eat snacks.
5) Make sure that all staff that work with your student have the same information you have regarding toilet, food and exercise issues.
6) Check with the student and parents as to what can be expected in physical education participation. This may need to be reviewed frequently. Use the student to guide you – They are the EXPERT.
Allow them the choice of wearing more than one T Shirt during PE times if body image is an issue.
7) Be sensitive to weight issues.
8) At secondary level provide counselling time to address issues which concern the student. Make guidance time a regular occurrence.
Sound and realistic career advice is important.
9) Liase closely with the student’s hospital teacher and ensure that the teacher is aware of levels the student is working at and expect work to be completed during hospital visits but be realistic as to the amount completed. The hospital teacher will guide you .Each visit will be different.
WHERE CAN YOU GET EXTRA INFORMATION?
There is a selection of booklets written in NZ available to you and your school. Most of these are free or have a minimal charge to cover postage and photocopying.
*Information for teachers from Cystic Fibrosis Seminar. Summary of main points by speakers. Compiled by Auckland Hospital School 1996. (Available from Auckland Hospital School, Private Bag 92024 Auckland.
*Helping your student with Cystic Fibrosis. A practical guide for the Classroom Teacher. Written by Pat Jenner , Auckland Hospital School.1995. (available from The Cystic Fibrosis Association PO Box 6460 Auckland)
*The meaning of Life by Carol Walshe. (This book was written by a Cystic Fibrosis sufferer from Auckland, available from the Cystic Fibrosis Association)
*Cystic Fibrosis Teaching Manual. (A set of overheads to be used in conjunction with the hospital class teacher and/ or Paediatric nurse to use for staff/ and or classes.) Written by Trina Eastwood hospital class teacher Palmerston North (available from her- Palmerston North Hospital Ward 3 PO Box 2056 Palmerston North, New Zealand or Email hospclass@xtra.co.nz
*There are a number of Videos available. Try the local Association or your Hospital Class teacher or Paediatric Clinic nurse at your students hospital.
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