To Some It Is Given to Nit-Pick

Dear Parents: I want to let you know that I just finished up a "louse-y" week, in what is stacking up to be a pretty "louse-y" year. I don't know why the little buggers are so prevelant this year--maybe it's the mild winter. I was hoping that coming back from Christmas Break would be uneventful, meaning no head checks and nit-picking. Unfortunately, no such luck. So what can you do if you receive a letter saying that your child was exposed to or has head lice? First, do not go running and screaming the other way. Lice is a pain in the rear, but it is not life-threatening. Second, do not bury your head in the sand and think it won't happen to your child because after all, your child takes a bath, changes their clothes, lives in a clean house, etc. Those louses really could care less about your socio-economic status. So, gather your wits about you, pull your child close, and start looking. The only real way to combat head lice is to be vigilant in watching for the nits and being diligent in picking them out. The little lice combs are great for getting out lice, but are worthless for removing nits. You literally have to pick them out--hence the term "nit picking". Not sure what you are looking for? Schedule an appointment with your school nurse. I am sure he/she would be happy to educate you on what lice and nits look like. Some school nurses might even have a very cool magnifying lamp that makes spotting the nits so easy. I know I am hoping this was the last of the "louse-y" weeks, but it will only be so if I have your cooperation and help. Remember, only you can prevent the spread of head lice. Insist that your child follow some preventative measures: put all belongings in a plastic bag that gets hung on the back of their chair so there is no touching in the cubbies; don't share combs, brushes, or hair ties; discourage them from trying on hats at the mall; and allow you to check their heads every day for the next couple of weeks. Thanks for your help. Sincerely, Nurse Graham