Lice still a problem in winter months

While most parents think back-to-school time is peak lice season, school nurses still send home notices into the late fall and winter.

It makes sense that infestations occur frequently during the chilly days of fall and winter, when millions of children share and toss around hats, gloves and scarves.

The following are tips to prevent head lice:

•Sharing is not caring. Tell kids not to share hats, gloves, scarves, jackets or anything else that can transmit head lice. Be careful when leaving coats in cubbies or community closets.

•Head-to-head contact is the quickest way to get head lice. Children should stay away from rough playing such as wrestling. Sharing brushes, combs and hair accessories with friends and siblings should also be avoided.

•Avoid sweet-smelling shampoos and conditioners, to which lice are attracted.

•Neatness counts. Car seats, couches and chairs where kids sit should be vacuumed frequently.

•Go natural. Use hair care products that are natural, safe and effective. Shampoos that contain oils of rosemary, tea tree, citronella and lavender repel lice.

Lice infestations can be a major inconvenience, as the majority of schools require mandatory absences until the problem is absolved. Being vigilant is important in order to prevent the problem before it begins.