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

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

Is your child ready for back-to-school? Sure, you’ve bought them new shoes, a new backpack, some new clothes, and school supplies. But are their bodies fully prepared for the onslaught of germs they’ll encounter when they re-join classmates in crowded classrooms?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 22 million school days are lost each year to the common cold alone. Unfortunately, schools are like giant petri dishes when it comes to spreading viruses and harmful bacteria. All it takes is one infected student to sneeze, cough, or touch a shared object (doorknob, table, glue stick) to transmit germs that can make other students sick.

Fight Germs on the Hands First

As a parent, your first line of defense is to teach your kids to wash their hands frequently. This simple habit is so effective in stopping the spread of germs that the CDC and other organizations have launched an international campaign called “Health in Your Hands.” The campaign is rallying support throughout the world for Global Handwashing Day on October 15, 2011.

Of course, soap and water are not always available, so it’s a good idea to send your child back to school with hand sanitizer in his/her backpack. Today you can find non-drying hand sanitizing formulas made with good-smelling herbal extracts packaged in convenient kid-sized bottles.

Stronger Immune Systems Combat Germs

Your second line of defense is to make sure your child’s body can effectively fight off diseases that come their way. Multivitamins containing essential vitamins and minerals come in kid-friendly flavored chewable tablets, liquid formulas, or powders you can mix with liquid for easy assimilation.

You can even find gummy worms containing Omega 3 fatty acids! These berry-flavored chewy worms are said to promote healthy brain and visual development while supporting immunity, memory and learning. And, as your child might say, they’re WAY tastier than fish oil.

- Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor