Years ago, a friend called to say she’d spent the weekend getting rid of something her twin daughters brought home from school. No, it wasn’t a stray dog.

“Head lice! Yeccchh!” my friend said. “First I had to work this noxious-smelling stuff into their scalps, then I had to comb the lice eggs out of their hair, one by one. Then I had to launder all their clothes and bedding and spray the entire house…We’re at war over here!”

I was aghast. Until then, I didn’t know that children got lice from other children through head-to-head contact, or by sharing hairbrushes, hats, or barrettes. I learned that head lice are equal-opportunity pests; boys and girls of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds get them. And they’re a lot of work to completely eradicate. 

How to Recognize Head Lice

An itchy scalp is the first sign. You may see head lice first on the nape of the neck or behind your child’s ears. They are tan or grayish-white and about the size of a sesame seed.

Adult head lice must feed on the host’s blood every three to six hours to survive. They can live up to 30 days on a person’s head and lay between 50 and 150 eggs, or “nits.” Nits are very tiny—about the size of a knot in a thread—and stick like glue to individual hairs at the base of the scalp. Bathing will not kill head lice or nits.

Winning the Head Lice War

In battling any stubborn enemy, you must be persistent and use the right weaponry. The first line of attack here is the scalp treatment. Fortunately, today’s parents have more options than my friend did 10 years ago!

One treatment is a non-toxic, pesticide-free product that goes by the wacky brand name of Fairy Lice Mothers’ MagicMousse and claims to be 99-percent effective in removing head lice and easing nit removal. The company also makes an easy-to-grip “Magic Wand” nit comb as well as special shampoo and conditioner to help prevent reinfestation.

Speaking of reinfestation, did we mention that nits take seven to 10 days to hatch? That’s why it’s important to:

• Treat your child’s head a second time, seven to 10 days after the first treatment.
• Check for head lice on other family members, and begin treatment immediately if lice or nits are spotted. Don’t let them win the war!
• Vaccum carpets, furniture and draperies to capture any live head lice or nits that may have fallen there.
• Launder bed linens and clothes in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit).

 Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor

Throughout my 20s and 30s, I was an avid distance runner. I remember getting sore muscles in my legs and buttocks a couple of hours after a good run, and accepting it as a sign of progress. Sure, I might groan or wince coming down a flight of stairs, but by my next run, the sore muscles would be gone.

These days, it’s a different story. Sore muscles don’t show up for a good 24 to 48 hours after a strenuous workout. Which means if I take a high-energy aerobics class on Monday, I don’t feel the sore muscles until Wednesday morning. And instead of interpreting it as a sign of progress, I say to myself, “Man, I must be falling apart!”

 Sore Muscles Lag Time: Nothing to Worry About

Here’s the good news: sports medicine experts say delayed sore muscles are normal, no matter what your age or fitness level. They’ve even coined a term for it: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS. And precisely because of DOMS, people who are new to exercise often worry and incorrectly conclude they are doing themselves harm. They get discouraged and give up on their new fitness program early on.

The painful truth is, sore muscles go hand-in-hand with maintaining physical fitness. When a muscle is overworked, particularly by strenuous lengthening contractions, microscopic tears can occur in the muscle fibers. These tiny tears cause inflammation and swelling, which creates the pain response.

Relief for your Tender, Sore Muscles

There’s an old saying that definitely applies to sore muscles: “This, too, shall pass.” In the meantime, try to soothe your aches the natural way:

• Ice. Icing sore areas can be especially therapeutic for bringing down the inflammation and dulling the pain. If you don’t have an ice pack made for sports injuries, a bag of frozen peas or corn works just fine.
• Muscle rubs. You can find a variety of analgesic creams on the market for temporary relief of sore muscles. I especially like to use Tiger Muscle Rub at bedtime because it’s non-greasy, won’t stain clothes or sheets, and the menthol and camphor ingredients relax my mind.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines. Good old inexpensive aspirin is very efficient at reducing inflammation and thus controlling pain. Ibuprofen also works well.
• Massage.  Improve circulation to your sore muscles with gentle massage, which brings fresh blood in and carries waste products out. The soothing herbal ingredients in many of today’s massage creams, lotions and oils promote healing and give you the added pleasure of aromatherapy.
• Stretching, light exercise, and rest—in that order. Keep those sore muscles gently moving throughout the day, then get a solid 8 hours of sleep at night. Soon you’ll be back at the gym and ready to do it all over again!

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor

My good friend Ken, who just turned 57, had been complaining about feeling exhausted all the time. “I get eight hours of sleep every night, but just don’t have the energy I used to,” he told me.

Ken’s doctor suggested a blood test to see what might be going on. The test revealed Ken had a very low level of testosterone in his blood—not uncommon for a man his age. Men often experience declining testosterone levels in midlife, along with a decline in a hormone called DHEA. The lower levels of both hormones are thought to be associated with loss of energy and concentration, depression, and/or mood swings, a condition known as male menopause, or andropause.

Testosterone or DHEA Supplements?

On the recommendation of his doctor, Ken began getting regular injections of testosterone. Within about 6 months his testosterone level had climbed to the top of the normal range. Ken was feeling more energetic and youthful, with a stronger libido. But as his testosterone levels rose, so did his PSA level, which can be a warning sign of prostate cancer.

Ken was sent for a prostate biopsy. Fortunately, it came back negative, but his doctor decided to discontinue the testosterone shots and address Ken’s andropause with DHEA supplements instead.

What is DHEA, Anyway?  

DHEA (short for dehydroepiandrosterone) is sometimes called the “anti-aging hormone.” It is produced in the adrenal glands and converted into the major sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. Production of DHEA declines gradually in both men and women as they age. Many health authorities believe that by replacing some of the lost DHEA in the body, men in particular can re-capture their youth and counteract andropause symptoms.

Ken’s testosterone level decreased a bit when he discontinued the injections, but his daily dose of DHEA now seems to be holding it steady. He says he feels more vigorous and less depressed. It’s important to note that no studies have been conducted on the long-term effects of DHEA, so you should only use the supplement under a doctor’s supervision.

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus contributor

Health experts agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It starts your metabolic “engine” and supplies energy to your brain and body. Some people have learned by experience to eat a better breakfast than others—one that powers them through the morning instead of leaving them irritable and hungry by 10 a.m.

September is Better Breakfast Month, a good time to examine what you’re eating in the morning and what it’s doing for you nutritionally. You may be surprised to learn, for example, that a bowl of oatmeal can do more for your overall health than a bowl of fortified wheat flakes.

What Makes a Better Breakfast?

Nutritionally speaking, the best breakfast foods come from nature, not from a factory. Look for whole foods that provide protein, fiber, and vitamins. Here are some “better breakfast tips” to help you optimize your morning meal:

• Oats contain more protein than any other cereal, almost no fat, and an array of vitamins and minerals. Oatmeal also has plenty of heart-healthy fiber, especially the steel-cut variety.
• Steer clear of sugary, processed breakfast foods such as frozen waffles, toaster pastries, doughnuts, and candy-flavored cereals. These amount to empty calories that can cause your blood sugar to spike, then plunge a short while later.
• Yogurt is a better breakfast alternative to milk. It enhances immunity by promoting intestinal health, helps build bones, lowers blood pressure, and may have anti-cancer effects. Greek yogurt has more protein that regular yogurt, and a smooth, creamy texture that makes it pleasurable to eat.  
• Top your yogurt or oatmeal with fresh fruit rather than granulated sugar or artificial sweeteners. Fruit has fiber to fill you up and regulate digestion and essential vitamins and minerals to boot. 
• Concentrated fruit juices can add a boost of antioxidant power to your morning and make a “hurry-up breakfast” a better breakfast. Black cherry, blueberry, or acai juices are good choices.

Is Tea a Better Breakfast Beverage?

The merits of coffee as a healthful breakfast drink are still subject to debate, but tea has widely-recognized health benefits. All teas are rich in polyphenols, which detoxify cell-damaging free radicals in the body.  Studies suggest that tea reduces the risk of heart disease and may even help prevent cancer. If you’re looking for a better breakfast beverage to warm your soul, you can find black, green, white, and oolong tea in hundreds of satisfying mixtures, many without caffeine.

 Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor

According to a 2010 government study, 8.4% of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a form of developmental disability characterized by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

It’s back-to-school time—time for your kids to mentally depart from their summer vacations and focus on learning. That can be challenging for any child, especially when it still feels like summer outside. But for those with serious problems paying attention, it’s a very tough assignment.

Here are some typical behaviors associated children’s attention deficit:

• Has trouble sitting still
• Easily distracted
• Constantly in motion, touching everything in sight
• Has difficulty processing information quickly; becomes easily confused
• Often avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Very impatient; often interrupts others
• Frequently acts without regarding to consequences

Diagnosis and Treatment of Children’s Attention Deficit

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, true ADHD is not easy to diagnose. A licensed health practitioner needs to collect information about the child’s behavior, overall health, environment, and diet. Other conditions need to be ruled out first, such as learning disabilities, depression, and hearing or vision problems.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, parents dealing with children’s attention deficit can choose to put their child on a pharmaceutical drug, such as Ritilin, Adderal, or Focalin. These medications work well for many children, but do come with side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are sleep problems, decreased appetite, anxiety, and irritability. Less common side effects include personality changes (such as a lack of emotion), or developing “tics”—sudden, repetitive movements or sounds.

A Natural Approach to Treating Children’s Attention Deficit

In an effort to avoid the side effects of ADHD drugs—or the high cost, if one’s insurance doesn’t cover them—parents are increasingly turning to natural ADHD treatments. Some seek psychotherapy for their child. Some try to make changes in the child’s diet, such as cutting out sugar, caffeine, and dairy products; avoiding foods with artificial colors and MSG; and adding B Vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Yet another option is to treat children’s attention deficit with homeopathic and natural supplements designed to support a child’s ability to focus and concentrate. A key ingredient in many of these supplements is DMAE, a substance naturally produced in the brain which proponents like Dr. Nicholas Perricone say supports improved mental focus. Superfruits for anti-oxidant benefits and chamomile for calming effects are also commonly found in natural ADHD supplements, which come in child-friendly tablets, chewable wafers, soft gels, and liquid formulas.

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor