| Research shows that head lice infect between 10 to | | | | Prevention plays a large role in keeping your family lice |
| 12 million people in the United States each year! Head | | | | free. There are many preventative treatments |
| lice thrive during the back to school months of August | | | | available which help deter head lice. Used regularly |
| & September with full blown infestations occurring | | | | during back to school season, these preventative |
| in December and January. Daycare centers, | | | | treatments uses natural Tea Tree, Andiroba and |
| pre-schools and kindergartens are more likely to | | | | Lavender oils to repel lice and other insects, preventing |
| become infested as these younger children tend to be | | | | that dreaded infestation. |
| in closer contact. | | | | What should you do if you discover your child has |
| There are many myths surrounding head lice. Here's a | | | | head lice... |
| few basic facts: | | | | - Speak with a pharmacist or doctor about a |
| - Lice do not live on animals so your child can not | | | | recommended treatment plan. Many over the counter |
| catch lice from the family pet. | | | | treatments contain harsh chemicals not suitable for |
| - Lice can not fly. They move from child to child by | | | | use on small children. |
| crawling or when combs, hats and other personal | | | | - Purchase a small toothed comb and use to |
| items are shared. | | | | repeatedly remove lice and eggs. |
| - Lice are happy to infest both clean and dirty hair. | | | | - One chemical treatments will remove 70% of lice |
| Having lice is not a reflection of poor personal hygiene. | | | | and nits so continued treatment is necessary to |
| Most parents tend to panic when a case of head lice | | | | ensure complete removal. |
| is discovered. Although being violated by these little | | | | - Wash all bedding, blankets, pillows in hot water. |
| creatures is pretty gross, they rarely cause infection or | | | | - Check carpers and rugs thoroughly. |
| disease and are really just a major inconvenience. | | | | - Continue to check hair and treat as necessary. |
| So how can you make sure your family stays lice free | | | | With the frequency of head lice outbreaks in local |
| this fall... | | | | schools and the priority of keeping kids in school not |
| - Avoid sharing brushes, combs, hats, scarfs, towels - | | | | out sick, many services have developed specifically |
| anything that touches the head and hair. | | | | for the removal of head lice. For a specific fee you |
| - Learn what to look for and check your children | | | | are able to take your child to a salon where an |
| frequently for that tell tale itching. | | | | experienced professional will apply treatment and |
| - Make sure you stay informed and check for any | | | | work on the hair until all lice and nits are removed. |
| notices coming home from school. Talk with your | | | | Many of these services will even come to your home |
| child's teacher and ask that the parents be notified if | | | | too. |
| an outbreak occurs. | | | | Please remember to contact your local pharmacy or |
| - Check bedding, towels and rugs during a school | | | | health care provider for more information. We hope |
| outbreak to make sure they have not reached your | | | | you stay lice free this season. |
| home. | | | | |