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Spring 2025
Measles: It Isn't Just a Little Rash
What IS measles?
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. In the past few months, more than 378 people in the United States have become ill with measles and two people have died. This includes a large and growing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. In this outbreak, more than 19 of every 20 people who got measles were unvaccinated or did not know their vaccine status. Measles outbreaks also are common in other parts of the world.
How contagious is measles?
Measles is so contagious that if one person becomes infected, 9 out of 10 people close to that person who are unvaccinated or not immune will also become infected. It is spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. This can include on airplanes, in classrooms, stores, or other areas where people share space.
Is measles serious?
Measles can cause serious health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 1 in 5 people who get measles end up in the hospital. Measles can cause severe complications like a lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), and possibly death, even with medical care.
What are symptoms of measles?
Symptoms of measles typically include:
How can I prevent measles?
The best way to protect a child from measles is by getting the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. The first dose of MMR is routinely given between 12-15 months of age, and the second dose is given at 4 to 6 years.
Can getting measles vaccine also protect my community?
The MMR vaccine not only protects you or your child, but it also helps protect others who cannot be vaccinated. If the measles virus comes into a community where 95% or more of people are vaccinated against it, it is unable to spread. This is called “community immunity” and helps protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated or people with weakened immune systems due to illness or medications.
International travel plans?
If you plan to travel abroad or to an area with a measles outbreak, check with your healthcare provider before leaving for your trip to ensure all travelers who are able to be vaccinated have been vaccinated. Infants 6 to 11 months old should receive 1 dose of measles vaccine before traveling. Children 12 months and older should receive 2 doses before traveling.
Am I fully vaccinated?
If you and/or your family members are unsure of your vaccination status, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine if you or your loved ones need additional doses, including adults who may have been vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 with a vaccine that was not as effective as the current one. If you are from Virginia, you can also request your Virginia immunization records through the VDH Immunization Record Request form.
Does Your Child Have All Their Required Immunizations?
 Students are required to have certain immunizations to attend school in Virginia. The General Registration Immunizations webpage has a list of the required immunizations. Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization are at risk of exclusion from school.
Does your child have all of their required immunizations? Select an answer below and click the link to identify next steps and available supports.
Call your child’s school today if you need help completing the immunization requirements.
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders
Additional immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade.
- All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
- All students entering 12th grade are to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.
- To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older. Note: a dose given prior to the age of 16 will not fulfill this requirement.
Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Eating Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Support
What are eating disorders?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions.
Although there is no one cause for the disorder, several factors such as biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors can converge to develop a person’s predisposed vulnerability. Frequently, an eating disorder co-exists with an additional diagnosis such as, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, depression and/or substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, intensifying the eating disorder and impacting treatment.
Eating disorders can have a serious effect on health and affect every aspect of the person’s life. They are not identified based on weight changes as much as behaviors and attitudes.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by self-starvation and weight loss resulting in low weight for height and age. Dieting behavior in anorexia nervosa is driven by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. This form of eating disorder has the highest mortality rate than any psychosis other than opioid addiction.
Bulimia Nervosa: Characterized by alternating dieting, or eating only low calorie “safe foods” with binge eating on “forbidden” high calorie foods. Binge behavior is usually secretive and associated with feelings of shame or embarrassment.
Binge Eating Disorder: Characterized by episodes of binge eating in which the individual consumes large quantities of food in a brief period, experiences a sense of loss of control over their eating and are distressed by the binge behavior. Unlike bulimia nervosa however, they do not regularly use compensatory behaviors to get rid of the food by inducing vomiting, fasting, exercising or laxative misuse.
Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Characterized by a disturbance in eating, resulting in persistent failure to meet nutritional needs and extreme picky eating.
Unspecified feeding or eating disorder: Characterized by eating disorders or disturbances of eating behavior that cause distress and impair family, social or work function but do not fit the other categories. The frequency of the behavior does not meet the diagnostic threshold or the weight criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa are not met.
For additional types of eating disorders, check the American Psychiatric Association.
Signs and Symptoms
Emotional/Behavioral:
- Preoccupied with weight, calories, fat grams, dieting, shape and appearance
- Weight loss, dieting, body checking
- Hiding food or finding large amount of food gone, control of food
- Food rituals/rules- eats only particular food groups, cuts food into small pieces, spreads food on plate
- Social withdrawal, limits regular activities
- Extreme mood swings
- Uses mouthwash, mints or gum
- Frequent bathroom use after meals
- Frequently not hungry, skipping meals or avoiding mealtime
Physical:
- Noticeable weight fluctuations
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating, sleeping
- Issues with dental, skin, hair, and nail health
- Exercises excessively despite of energy level, weather conditions or illness
There are many health consequences resulting from eating disorders to include but not limited to: muscle loss, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, sore throat, tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, obesity, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, difficulty concentrating, and impairments in relationships.
Support
If you think your child is showing signs of a possible eating disorder, please contact your child’s healthcare provider.
Parents can also find additional information and resources below:
FCPS Eating Disorders webpage
Grace Holland Cozine Resource Center- NEDA
Home - F.E.A.S.T.
Eating Disorders - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information | Fairfax County Public Schools
Academy for Eating Disorders (AED)
Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T.)
National Eating Disorders Association, Toll free, confidential Helpline, 1-800-931-2237
Beyond the Gym: How FCPS Physical Education Shapes a Healthy Community
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and it's the perfect chance to highlight how important physical activity, fitness, and sports are in our lives and community. Regular exercise plays a key role in keeping us healthy and feeling good. People of all ages are encouraged to adopt active lifestyles that bring them joy. This is a great opportunity to shine a light on the Fairfax County Public Schools K-12 Health and Physical Education programs (HPE), which guides our students and families to make lifelong healthy choices and grow into active adults and community members.
Fairfax County Public Schools recognizes that a well-rounded education extends beyond academics. HPE plays a crucial role in shaping the physical, mental, and social well-being of its students, laying the foundation for a healthy community.
FCPS's HPE curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead active and healthy lives. From elementary school fundamentals to high school fitness and wellness courses, the program emphasizes:
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Skill Development: Students learn fundamental movement skills, team sports, individual fitness activities, and lifelong physical activities.
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Health Literacy: The curriculum covers essential health topics, including nutrition, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and personal safety.
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Social and Emotional Learning: Students develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through cooperative activities and team sports.
FCPS is committed to providing accessible and inclusive physical education for all students. Adapted physical education programs ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate and thrive. Many schools have implemented wellness initiatives that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management. These initiatives often involve partnerships with community organizations and health professionals and families. By fostering a culture of health and wellness, FCPS is empowering individuals to lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
*This article was written in collaboration with Gemini
Springtime Safety Tips
Spring is here! With warmer weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities. However, staying safe is just as important as having fun. Keep these essential safety tips in mind as you embrace the season.
Beware of Insects
With spring’s arrival, insects become more active. If you plan to spend time outdoors, wear appropriate insect repellent and protective clothing. Be cautious of stinging insects such as yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, honey bees, and fire ants. While these insects are not usually aggressive, they may sting if they feel threatened.
If you are stung:
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Leave the area immediately to avoid multiple stings.
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Remove the stinger by scraping it off with a fingernail or the edge of a credit card.
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Wash the affected area with soap and water and apply a cold compress.
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Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, hoarseness, dizziness, nausea, or loss of consciousness.
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If you have a known insect allergy and are prescribed epinephrine, always carry your epinephrine device like an EpiPen® with you.
Stay Safe While Playing Sports
Springtime means outdoor sports are back in full swing. Protect yourself from injuries by wearing appropriate safety gear. Be aware of concussion symptoms, as they can result from head impacts.
Symptoms of a concussion include:
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Temporary loss of consciousness
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Headache or pressure in the head
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Confusion or feeling foggy
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Amnesia surrounding the event
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Dizziness
Some symptoms appear immediately, while others may be delayed. If you suspect a concussion, seek medical attention right away.
Bicycle Safety
Biking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but safety comes first:
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Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
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Parents should set an example by wearing helmets as well.
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Avoid biking at night for better visibility.
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Ride in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic signs.
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Ensure your bicycle is in good working condition before heading out.
Hiking Safety
Hiking is a fantastic way to explore nature, but proper preparation is key:
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Wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
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Bring plenty of water and a small first-aid kit.
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Stick to marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Spring Cleaning Precautions
Spring brings blooming flowers and fresh grass, but it also means outdoor cleanup. When using tools or machinery, take the following precautions:
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Wear gloves, goggles, sturdy shoes, and long pants.
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Use hearing protection when operating loud equipment.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a fun and injury-free spring season. Stay safe and make the most of the great outdoors!
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/make-this-spring-a-safe-one
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/get-healthy-stay-safe-outside-in-spring
FCPS Wellness Reporting Begins
Beginning Tuesday, April 1, FCPS will implement annual wellness reporting, as required by FCPS Regulation 2100. Previous wellness reporting results for each school are available to the public and may be accessed on the FCPS Wellness Reporting Webpage.
On April 1, school principals will be asked to complete their wellness reporting tool for SY 24-25. The required reporting window will open on April 1 and close April 11, 2025.
Each school has identified a Wellness Committee, including a staff wellness liaison and two additional wellness team members. Wellness committee members may be asked by administrators to support wellness reporting in their school communities. Thank you, in advance, for your support of FCPS wellness reporting.
Every Kid Healthy Week — April 21-25
Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual observance to spread awareness regarding the health of children through nutrition, mental health, physical activity, and learning. Children who are healthy and active from a young age, grow up into healthy adults. Healthy kids are able to learn better and be more successful.
Daily health focus this year are highlighted below:
 Whether at school or at home, events and activities should promote and reinforce healthy habits, good nutrition, emotional health, and physical activity. For fun ideas and resources, please visit Action for Healthy Kids.
May 11-17 is Food Allergy Awareness Week
More than 33 million Americans live with food allergies, and nearly 6 million of those are under the age of 18. That’s 1 in every 13 children.
A food allergy is an abnormal response by the immune system to a food protein. A food allergy is serious and can be life-threatening. The only way to prevent a food allergy is to avoid the food.
Ninety percent of all reactions are caused by the following foods: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame, and soy. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and loss of consciousness. Symptoms can be severe and lead to an anaphylactic reaction which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
The following links provide tips and resources for managing food allergies and preventing life threatening emergencies:
Understanding Cancer and Reducing Your Risk
Cancer develops when damaged cells multiply uncontrollably. Right now, your immune system is quietly eliminating potentially cancerous cells, protecting you without you even realizing it. Since nearly every cell in the body can become cancerous, there are hundreds of different types of cancer. In Virginia, the most common cancers include female breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
The good news is you can cut your cancer risk in half by making simple lifestyle changes and avoiding harmful environmental factors. Since cancer takes years to develop after exposure to risk factors, making healthier choices now can help prevent cancer later in life.
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Avoid tobacco smoke: Tobacco smoke contains more than 69 cancer causing chemicals. Once inhaled, these toxins spread through the bloodstream, damaging vital organs like the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder, colon, and more. Quitting tobacco smoke and avoiding exposure can dramatically reduce your risk.
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Limit alcohol consumption: When alcohol (ethanol) is broken down in the body, it produces acetaldehyde, a toxic cancer-causing chemical. Reducing alcohol intake or switching to lower-strength drinks can help lower your risk.
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Eat a plant-based diet: What you eat plays a major role in cancer prevention. Diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary beverages increase cancer risk. In contrast, a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish can help protect against cancer and other chronic diseases.
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Protect yourself from the sun: Nearly half of all diagnosed cancers are skin cancers. While moderate sun exposure helps produce vitamin D, excessive exposure increases skin cancer risk. Wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and limit sun exposure to stay safe.
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Stay physically active: Regular movement is one of the best ways to lower cancer risk and improve overall health. Whether it’s walking, biking, dancing, or playing with family, every bit of physical activity counts.
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Prevent HPV-related cancers: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to several cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, and head and neck cancers. Since HPV is sexually transmitted, practicing safer sex and avoiding high-risk behaviors can reduce your risk. HPV vaccination protects against some types of HPV infection. It is strongly recommended for young people to get vaccinated before becoming sexually active to achieve optimal immunity and lower the risk of HPV-related infections.
By making these small but powerful changes, you can take control of your health and significantly lower your chances of developing cancer. Start today — your future self will thank you.
Dr. Bernard Kwabi-Addo
Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Howard University College of Medicine
Secure Gun Storage: Protecting Our Children
A recent report, Guns Remain the Leading Cause of Death for Children and Teens from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, reveals a concerning reality: gun deaths are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 17. Limiting access to firearms is a critical step in preventing these tragic deaths.
While gun ownership is a personal choice, secure firearm storage is a matter of public safety. Open conversations about safe storage with friends, family, and caregivers can enhance child safety. Be SMART provides valuable resources for navigating these important discussions.
Lock and Talk Virginia, a suicide prevention initiative, promotes conversations around mental wellness and the safe handling of lethal means, including firearms and medications. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) offers locking medication boxes and trigger locks to community members.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or harm to others, help is available. Contact emergency services by visiting the nearest emergency room or calling the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, emergency services at 703-573-5679, available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. You can also access free, 24/7 support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling, texting, or chatting.
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