Head Check.

Head lice was a hot health topic in the summer of 1999 and left some camps in a quandary. While most camps check for head lice during the initial health screen, some cases slip through and, unfortunately, these cases often multiply. What's a camp director to do? Most directors agree that there is no simple way to check for and treat lice.

"I don't know of any 'easy' method other than sitting the person in a well-lit area and physically checking for nits and/or live lice," says Linda Erceg, executive director of the Association of Camp Nurses. She mentions that some camps use wooden applicator sticks to separate hair and check for lice and that a few camps are using black light. Also, camps that are in session for longer than two weeks are rechecking campers' heads.

So, how do you treat head lice, especially when lice are becoming resistant to common over-the-counter treatments? One home remedy suggests suffocating the lice by rubbing mayonnaise or olive oil into a child's hair and covering the child's head with a shower cap overnight. The National Pediculosis Association (www.headlice.org) offers that regular screening and manual removal are the best options and markets a product called the LiceMeister combing tool to help thoroughly remove lice and nits. Whatever treatment you choose, the best defense seems to be a thorough look during the initial health screen.