The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor The Flin Flon School Board has dropped plans to hire a school nurse for Ruth Betts Community School. The board had voted in April to employ a nurse, likely on a part-time basis, in large part to address head lice within the school. But following a meeting between the school division and the NRHA, a different plan was developed that does not warrant a school nurse. As such, trustees voted Tuesday to rescind their April decision. Trustee Glenn Smith, board chair, said there were other health and educational issues that a nurse could have tackled, but lice was what people were most "frustrated with." Facts In an article appearing on Lice.ca, Bonnie Kuehl, Ph.D, outlines the following facts about lice: Lice are not related to cleanliness and anyone can become infested by them. Lice are transmitted mainly through close head to head contact. Children working or playing in small groups are all at risk for transmitting lice. Lice may also be transmitted by sharing personal items such as combs, towels, earphones, hats, stuffed toys, pillows and clothing (especially sweaters or fleeces with hoods). The most common sign of lice is persistent itching, especially around the ears. More damage may be done by scratching the scalp than from the lice themselves. A lice infestation can only be proven if live lice or nits (lice eggs) are found in the hair. To look for lice examine the head for lice or nits by parting the hair in narrow, vertical sections with a comb or toothpick. Look carefully behind the ears and in the nape of the neck. It is important to get rid of lice as soon as possible so that other members of the family or close associates may avoid infestation. Lice are not known to transmit any diseases to people.
