Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Reading, writing, arithmetic, & head lice…

With school starting, tis the season for outbreaks of head lice. I’ve compiled some helpful information for preventing head lice infestations for you and your kids. All of the information here can easily be found on the internet if you have more questions.

Most of the time lice spread from head to head contact during play-time at school or daycare.
The best way to prevent an infestation is to teach your kids the do’s and don’ts about lice and the methods of transmission.

Don’ts
Use friends brushes and combs.
Share hats or clothing such as scarves, hair bows or sports equipment.
Share towels.
Lie on beds, pillows or stuffed animals of other kids who have had a recent infestation.

If you find yourself with an infestation do the following.
Of course treat the person infested with an over the counter product for killing lice and follow all directions listed on that product.
Wash all washable clothing, bed sheets, blankets, pillows the person used two days prior to the treatment. Wash in at least 130 degree F and dry on high heat for more than 20 minutes.
You can also seal all items such as non-washables in a plastic bag for 2 weeks. Lice can’t live that long without a host to harvest blood from.
Throw away or soak in alcohol all non-electrical items such as brushes and combs used by the infested person.
Vacuum furniture and carpet, although risk of transmission through this route is limited.

If you need more information just go to Google and type head lice. You’ll end up with more information than you could possibly use.

God bless, and I wish you well,
Bill