HEADLICE(And how to get rid of them!)Written by Linda Evans
Continued from page 1 SO HOW DO I GET RID OF THEM? To clear infestation is a long and tedious process, but it does work. First invest in a metal headlice comb, available at most chemists and a bottle of hair conditioner (any make or price). Wet hair thoroughly and rub all over with conditioner. Using metal comb, comb right from scalp to very ends of hair. Wipe comb with tissue and throw tissue away, or hold comb under a running tap (The lice cannot crawl back up drain). Work through hair in sections all around head, paying special attention to above ears and back of neck(warm spots). Repeat this process every 2 - 3 days for three weeks, by which time they should be gone. If you are still pulling nits or lice out, continue until they are cleared. HOW DO I CLEAN COMBS AND BRUSHES? Pull off any hairs or debris, then clean teeth using a needle or something sharp. Sterilize in boiling water. As brushes and combs are fairly inexpensive, you could replace them if you wish to do so. SHALL I WASH THE BEDDING? This will not get rid of any lice. Give bedding a good shake(outside) then vacuum bedding and matress. WHAT ABOUT FURNITURE AND CARPETS? Again, a good vacuuming. SHALL I THROW THE SOFT TOYS AWAY? No. As a precaution, you could seal them in a plastic bag for three weeks. After that, any lice will be dead. WHAT IF THEY COME BACK AGAIN? Then you'll have to repeat process. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO STOP MY CHILD CATCHING HEADLICE? Only a few things - Don't let them share hats, combs or towels. If your child has long hair, tie it up for school (kids love to huddle together). If your child has headlice, you MUST check all other family members and treat them if necessary. ARE LICE HARMFUL? NO! Although they're an unpleasant nuisance, lice are not harmful.

I am a 42 year old housewife with 3 children, aged 16, 13 and 10, living in the U.K.
| | WELCOME TO MY HOME Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
Continued from page 1
Color is most fun to work with. You can change it inexpensively and you can mix and match. Add seasonal favorites or holiday hues. Nature colors are beautiful and interesting, but favorite colors should be a major part of your scheme. Compromise always lends itself to peace on homefront. If you choose main color, let others pick secondary colors. This way, however you decorate, it will be a true reflection of everyone and not only one person’s choices. It really doesn’t matter how big or small your home is. It’s of no real importance if you own, rent, or live with family or friends. What is paramount is that your home is you and whoever else you may share it with. If everyone contributes and has a say then it becomes a “family” home. If we lend ourselves to sharing our lives with grandparents and treasures they give us, we give a definite feeling of continuity with their presence or their possessions. We also show pride in our heritage and backgrounds. Books, paintings, needlework, pottery, or whatever is important to you, display it proudly and let others admire and enjoy it. Keeping special items hidden will keep their beauty and special thoughts under wraps. Even a small child can appreciate texture, color, and he/she can take delight in “pretty” things or treasured objects. Decorating where we live is really an extension of who we are. Give it some thought and go with what is comfortable for you and your family. Rearranging, redecorating, or just adding and subtracting items makes our home fun, functional, enjoyable, and a pleasure to come back to. Guests will also feel more comfortable and at ease when they visit. They won’t feel that everything around them is untouchable and breakable. They will feel better, you will feel proud, and everyone can concentrate on great conversation, food, and other neighborly pursuits. Enjoy! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May

Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, cookbooks, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES Websites: http://www.arleenssite.com http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticlivig http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
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