Pediculosis. Yes, that is what a student nurse checks for when visiting local schools,that and scoliosis. It has been my experience that people are not educated in either subject. Pediculosis is an infestation of the parasite head lice. The head lice choose only human hosts, so pets are not a factor. They do not fly or jump, they crawl. The brown sesame sized pests are hard to see as they scurry away at the first glimpse of light. What is most commonly found are the nits (eggs). From what I have seen, they look like a grain of salt cemented on the hair close to the shaft. Nits are not to be confused with dandruff which is easily moved by the fingers. If a louse or egg is found, shampoo must be applied and hair carefully combed through to get rid of the eggs and lice. Nix works the best and protects for 14 days after. All bedding must be washed in the hottest water available. Vacuuming is also important (stairs, bedrooms, living and family rooms, etc...). Stuffed animals are to be sealed in bags for two weeks because eggs can hatch up to two weeks after laid. Once an egg hatches, the nymph must find a human host to feed from within 24 hours to survive. The likelihood of this happening is slim. Nymphs cannot be seen by the naked eye. After checking each person's head, wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and dry completely. If soap and water is not available you may use hand sanitizer that is 60-70 percent alcohol. Soap and water is recommended if active lice is found however.

The biggest risks are sharing brushes, pillows, hair clips or accessories, hats, hugs, bedding, and stuffed animals. It is not recommended to treat other family members with the shampoos, unless lice or nits are present, for several reasons. A few off the top of my head are: the shampoo is a pesticide that can harm you, using the shampoo to prevent infection increases the resistance of lice to the treatment, simple precautions are effective if thorough, and shampoos can be expensive.

Now let's talk about scoliosis.

Scoliosis is idiopathic. Often found in middle school children, it appears that the spinal curvature occurs during the adolescent "growth spirt". The S or C shaped curve can be subtle and more common in girls. Observed by uneven clavicals, scapulae, or hips. Distance between arms and truck as well as uneven flanks are also significant. Mild forms are to be watched closely and usually do not need treatment. Moderated and severe cases are treated with braces and in extreme cases surgery.