Are your kids scratching their heads?

It's time to discuss the four letter word that every parent hates - LICE!

If your child has been a bit itchy lately, it’s time for a head inspection. Check behind the ears, near the neck and don’t forget eyebrows and lashes. The lice are tiny and brown, while the nits are white or clear. If you find any, don’t panic. Lice are a huge nuisance but they are relatively harmless. Over-the-counter lotions and shampoos work pretty well to get rid of them. If you’ve still got a problem after a home treatment, check with your doctor – some cases of head lice require a prescription for something stronger.

Kids age 3-12 are most at risk. Be sure to remind them to try to keep their heads away from other heads – and don’t share hats or helmets. If you do wind up with lice it’s important to know it’s not a case of bad hygiene – but more a stroke of bad luck.