Back to school can mean the return of lice
The start of a new school year often means shopping for supplies, making new friends and getting acclimated to the teaching styles of new teachers. Unfortunately, a new school year also can mean head lice.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there is no precise data regarding how many people get head lice each year. However, an estimated six to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States among children between the ages of three and 11.
WHAT IS HEAD LICE?
The Minnesota Department of Health says a head louse is an insect that can infest people. Lice make their homes in human hair and feed on blood. Head lice multiply rapidly by laying small, gray-colored, ovalshaped eggs known as nits. The nits are sticky and attach to the base of the hair close to the scalp. Unlike other blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks, head lice are not known to spread disease.
WHO GETS HEAD LICE?
Head lice do not discriminate when they choose a person. They are equal
opportunity feeders and will hop on just about any scalp for a meal. Head lice are not indicative of a lack of hygiene.
The CDC says infestation with head lice is most common among preschool- and elementary school-aged children and members of their household, including caretakers.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEAD LICE?
Itching is the most common symptom of head lice, says the Mayo Clinic. A louse bite causes an allergic reaction. Itchiness may occur on the scalp, neck and ears. During visual inspections of the hair and scalp, one may be able to see lice and nits. However, both the eggs and the lice themselves are very small, so it can be challenging to spot them.
Parents and caregivers who suspect a child has lice should consult with a school nurse or a pediatrician. Studies show that many children are treated for head lice with home remedies or nonprescription medications when they didn’t even have lice. Dandruff, residue from hair products, scabs, or even dirt can be mistaken for lice.
HOW CAN HEAD LICE BE PREVENTED?
The most common way to contract
head lice is through head-to-head contact. Children should avoid head contact during play and other activities at school and home. Although transmission through shared brushes, combs, towels, hats, and clothing is less common, it is still possible, so sharing of these items should be discouraged.
The CDC says using a hot water cycle in the laundry and the high heat drying cycle can kill head lice on clothing and other items. Seal items
that cannot be washed in a plastic bag and store them for two weeks.
Vacuum the floor and furniture to remove any nits or lice that have fallen off the head. Fumigant sprays or fogs, which can be toxic if inhaled, are not necessary to control head lice, indicates the CDC.
A new school year may compel families to think about lice. Although lice is a nuisance, infestations can be treated. TF249280
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HEALTH MATTERS
Signs of ADHD in children
Rates of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children are high. A 2022 survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 11 percent of children between the ages of three and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Though ADHD is slightly less common among youngsters in Canada, affecting between 5 and 7 percent of the nation’s children according to the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada, it’s still considered one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in the country.
The name alone sheds light on the potential impact ADHD can have on students’ academic performance. Children who struggle to remain attentive and/or sit still are likely to have problems in a traditional classroom setting. But students and their families are not helpless against ADHD. The first step parents can take is to learn the warning signs of ADHD in children. The United Kingdom-based National Health Service reports that symptoms of ADHD can be categorized into two types of behaviorial problems: inattentiveness and hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
INATTENTIVENESS
Inattentiveness is marked by difficulty concentrating and focusing. Children experiencing inattentiveness as a byproduct of ADHD may exhibit the following symptoms:
• A short attention span and being easily distracted
• A tendency to make careless mistakes in schoolwork or when engaging in other tasks
• Forgetfulness and a propensity to lose things
• An inability to continue performing tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
• Difficulty listening to or carrying out instructions
• Constant pivoting between activities or tasks
• Difficulty organizing tasks
HYPERACTIVITY AND IMPULSIVENESS
Symptoms that fall under the category of hyperactivity and impulsiveness can adversely affect academic performance and also lead to difficulties with social interaction with other children and adults. Such symptoms may include:
• An inability to sit still, especially in
calm or quiet surroundings, such as a classroom
• Constant fidgeting
• An inability to concentrate on tasks
• Excessive physical movement
• Excessive talking
• An inability to wait one’s turn
• Acting without thinking
• Interrupting conversations
• Little or no sense of danger
Parents who suspect their child has ADHD are urged to speak with the child’s physician before drawing any
conclusions. Many youngsters, particularly those experiencing classroom settings or other disciplined, highly structured environments for the first time, may exhibit some of the aforementioned symptoms but not have ADHD. A frank discussion with the child’s physician can help parents determine if their child is exhibiting typical childhood behaviors or perhaps showing signs of ADHD. More information about ADHD is available at cdc.gov, www.nhs.uk and caddac. ca. TF249274
HEALTH MATTERS
Issues that can arise from poor dental hygiene
The importance of maintaining dental hygiene is emphasized from the time most people are small children. Indeed, parents start early by cleaning kids’ teeth the moment the first one pushes its way through a baby’s gums, and that hopefully kick-starts a lifelong devotion to dental care.
Appearance may be the main reason why many people prioritize dental hygiene, and few things set as strong an impression as a set of pearly whites. But health is another notable reason to make dental hygiene a priority. It goes without saying that dental health is adversely affected by poor dental hygiene habits, but the rest of the body also can suffer when individuals don’t take time to care for their teeth.
• Cardiovascular disease: The American Academy for Oral & Systemic Health reports that poor dental hygiene and inflammation of the arteries are directly linked. That’s because bacteria from the mouth enters the bloodstream and causes the arteries to harden, thus increasing a person’s risk for stroke or heart attack. The AAOSH also notes that poor oral health has been linked to high blood pressure and elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol, each of which pose a threat to cardiovascular health.
• Diabetes: The American Diabetes Association notes that periodontal disease causes inflammation in the gums. That’s a notable link, as the ADA points out that inflammation in the body can cause high blood sugar levels, which is a known risk factor for diabetes. Simple oral hygiene practices like daily brushing and flossing can protect against gum disease that can increase the risk for diabetes.
• High-risk pregnancy: Women should know that taking care of their teeth
could be a notable way to protect their unborn children. A 2021 study published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that periodontal disease is strongly associated with premature birth. Authors of the study note that premature birth is associated with a host of negative outcomes, including perinatal mortality, immature lung development, reduced feeding ability, and inferior weight gain.
• Respiratory issues: The mouth is vulnerable to bacteria growth, which is one reason why daily measures like brushing and flossing are so important.
The AAOSH notes that once bacteria reaches the lungs, an individual’s risk for infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues increases.
Dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing are simple measures, but they can have a profound effect on individuals’ overall health. TF24A347
Why you need dental insurance in retirement.
Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, throughemployer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.
Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.
When you’re comparing plans ...
Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.
Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid.
Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.
The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.
Previous dental work can wear out.
Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.
Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $222 for a checkup ... $190 for a filling ... $1,213 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
1 “Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2024. 2 “Aging changes in teeth and gums”, medlineplus.gov, 4/17/2022. 3 American Dental Association, Health Policy Institute, 2020 Survey of Dental Fees, Copyright 2020, American Dental Association.
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“I absolutely love my dental insurance. My dental office files the claims, leaving me with very little balance to pay.”
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