Brava

September 2012

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live with family Empowering By Camille Albert I Like Myself! Empower your pre- schooler to embrace his or her uniqueness alongside this book's spunky storyteller, whose love of eccen- tricities is contagious. By Karen Beaumont, $12 Let your child's individuality shine with self-esteem boosting books for all ages Reads Stargirl Ideal for the middle- or high-school student struggling to fi t in and feel "normal," Stargirl teaches readers about popularity, nonconfor- mity and fi rst love. By Jerry Spinelli, $7 Ask Doctor Mom Staying ahead of head lice By Dr. Kari Hegeman The back-to-school season brings excitement and new challenges. This year, I am adding Prevention of Head Lice to our to-do list. In one study of ele- mentary-level students in the U.S., one in four children had active head lice! As a pediatrician, I know the facts: Lice are not signs of being dirty or sick, nor do they have serious or long-term health effects. They can be eliminated with proper treatment. As a parent, however, I dealt with the little critters last fall, and I can attest to the ridicu- lous amount of stress and manual labor required to rid a household of lice. If head lice are found in your family, examine all family members and any- one in close contact with a fi ne-toothed comb (literally). Lice are about the size of a sesame seed and grayish-white to brown in color. Adult lice can live for about one month, and females lay seven to 10 eggs (nits) each day at the base of the hair shaft. Treatment begins with the use of a topical cream or lo- tion applied directly to the scalp after shampooing. Many, such as Nix or Rid, are available over the counter. A second treatment is recommended seven to 10 days later, and prescription-only products may be used in persistent or recurrent cases. To rid your household of head lice, Odd Velvet An elementary-age boy or girl who marches to the beat of his or her own drum will relate to Velvet's mission: To teach others that being different is a powerful, special gift. This local author's colorful story will delight. By Mary E. Whitcomb, $15 wash all clothing, bedding, towels, hats, scarves, etc., in hot water and vacuum anything you cannot wash. Items that cannot be washed or vacuumed should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, after which time they can be returned to regular use. Once you rid your family of lice, prevent the spread to others (or back to your own!). Quick tips include keeping kids' hair short or pulled back; discour- aging shared combs, brushes, hats, helmets; and avoiding shared hooks or bins in classrooms. While not a long- term health concern, proper education and surveillance are key to prevention. Zilly: A Modern-Day Fable After being bullied, Zilly attempts to suppress her quirks—but she soon learns the value of loyal friends and staying true to herself. A local author's colorful read will inspire your school-age child to do the same. By Kelly Parks Snider, $17 22 BRAVA Magazine September 2012 Dr. Kari Hegeman is a pediatrician with Dean Health and mother of six.

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