Medications: According to school board policy chaperones are prohibited from dispensing any medication, even for headaches. Students are prohibited from sharing medication. Some students have medical issues like severe allergies to food/bees, diabetes or asthma that can result in a medical emergency on campus.

It is the parent’s responsibility to make to inform the band director/chaperone coordinator(s) about any medical issues ahead of time, and provide the student with any necessary remedies. The appropriate paperwork must be on file with the school main office. Here is a link to the school websites policy page and the authorization form.

It is the student’s responsibility to have quick access to those remedies at all times. (e.g. in case of allergy, the Epi-pen must be outside on the field with the student, not secure
in their band locker.) Chaperones will gladly store the supplies for the student under the shade tent during outside rehearsals. If even one student has a medical emergency, it affects the functioning and morale of the entire band. With a little planning and communication, we can make sure that all students remain healthy and on their feet.

Sun Safety: The American Cancer Society says the people in their 20′s are now reporting skin cancer, it used to occur in people in their 30′s. Skin cancer can be caused by extended mild sun contact, but  Marching Band requires long hours in the intense FL sun. We want you to protect your long-term health. People who are most vulnerable are those who have the following: fair skin, light eyes, red or blonde hair, freckles, moles. However, even dark-skinned people are vulnerable because of the amount of time spent outside and the high UV index of the FL sun.The best protection is covering up skin and wearing sunscreen. We take this very seriously.We expect all students to take the following precautions:

1. Apply sunscreen in the morning and again for the evening rehearsal. Arms, legs, face ears, back of the neck.The sunscreen needs 3 qualifications:

• It must say “Broad spectrum” (protects against UV-A and UV-B rays)
• It must be SPF 45 or higher
• It must contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and mexoryl.
• Check the expiration date — sunscreen is very perishable!

2. Cover up. Wear a broad-rimmed hat. Sunglasses. Wear a shirt with sleeves.

Remember that UV rays are just as intense on cloudy days and in the evening. Please do not put yourself at risk for future skin cancer!

Click here for an article on sunscreen. Click here for an article on skin cancer.

Dairy myth: Some students are under the mistaken impression that they should avoid dairy for breakfast. This is true ONLY for students who are lactose-intolerant. (Their bodies cannot break down the enzymes in dairy.) If you can usually drink milk or have yogurt without gas, cramps or nausea, your body does fine with dairy. You can safely include milk, yogurt and cheese as valuable parts of your healthy breakfast. They provide the protein and energy that you need for an active day. Your morning glass of milk or cup of yogurt will not cause you to feel ill on the field — in fact being well-nourished will protect you in the heat. Nausea is a sign of heat-exhaustion and dehydration.