Health Matters - December 2000  LEEDS, GRENVILLE AND LANARK DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
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The Good ol' Hockey Game Breakfast Improves School Performance in Children “RABIES” Through Education Head lice reduction strategies, a check list for schools Immunization - Your Best Protection " I Love Not Smoking " The O.B.S.P. 10 Years of Saving Lives through Early Detection HealthNET … Resource sites for you on-line	Head lice reduction strategies, a check list for schools: One step you can take to reduce the spread of head lice is by regularly checking your school population for head lice. Your school received 'Head Lice Screening Guidelines' from the Health Unit in the mail already this fall. Here is a checklist that may help you to identify other ways of reducing the spread of head lice. 1. Clothing storage Does every child have a separate hook for their coat? Are the coats still touching? Where are hats and mitts stored? Do you have a lost and found box? Any time clothing is stored and it is touching someone else's clothing, head lice can crawl. Head lice can live off of the body for up to 36 hours, provided that the temperature is suitable. 2. Reading corners Are there any pillows? Are there any stuffed animals? Is there carpeting? Once again, head lice can live off of the body for up to 36 hours, provided that the temperature is suitable. Vacuuming carpets and a hot dryer for pillows and stuffed animals for a period of about 20 minutes will generally eliminate any lice. 3. Dress up clothes Are they washable? Do they include hats? How often are they used and then cleaned? Are there alternatives that could be used which do not have fabric?{plastic, paper or vinyl} Head lice will have difficulty hiding here. 4. Class room etiquette Are children allowed to brush their hair in class? Do you discourage sharing of combs, brushes and hair accessories? By planning ahead, by holding regular screening sessions, and by looking at your school environment, the spread of head lice can be reduced in your school.
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