H B}|_D)| E|| F G Controlling Head Lice (NAPSA)—Parents can help keep their children from falling victim to a common and some- times embarrassing health problem—headlice. It is estimated that 12 million school aged children are diagnosed with headlice every year. In fact, the condition is so common that school principals surveyed by the National PTA named headlice their number one children’s health concern. Headlice is characterized by a persistent itching at the back of the head and around the ears. Children with headlice feel a tickling sensation caused by something moving and may havesores from scratching. To see if your child has head lice, use a comb to separate his or her hair into sections. Look for tiny creatures or rice grain-sized eggs. The following tips can help parents and children deal withlice: Know how children get head lice—Direct head to head touching spreads lice. Lice do not fly or jump, they crawl. Tell your children how lice is spread and not to share the following items: hats, hair scrunchies, scarves, combs, towels, linens, nap-time blankets, stuffed animals, dolls or headphones. In addition, children should not hang clothes together in locker roomsor on coat hooks. Know what to do if your child has head lice—Head lice can be treated with a number of products available over-thecounter. “Treatments that are safe and kid friendly will make your task mucheasier,” says Fran Marseille of the online help group called Lice Angels. “Never use kerosene or gasoline,” she says, “and avoid drug store products Knowing whatto useif a child gets head lice can help you protect your kids from the condition. with the ingredients pyrethrin or permethrin—lice are resistant to them.” Marseille’s group recommends a lice removal kit called HairClean 1-2-3. The product is non-toxic and worksin aslittle as 15 minutes. After parents wash their children’s hair with lice treatment, it is important that they thoroughly comb thehair. The process can take time, but is the only way to remove all thelice. Know how to control lice in your home—If a family mem- ber has lice, machine washall of his or her clothing, bedding and towels and dry in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Then, soak all brushes and combsin rubbingalcohol or hot, soapy water. Finally, be sure to vacuum. Clean all carpets and furniture, then carefully dispose of or empty the vacuum bag. For free information, visit www.quantumhealth.com or call free 1-877-LICE-877.
