Stressing that having head lice is nothing to be ashamed of, The Lice Busters is designed to educate children, parents, and caregivers about the transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of head lice infections--a health issue second only to the common cold in preschool and elementary school students (with 6-12 million infestations annually). Lice or nits (louse eggs) are spread through head-to-head or other physical contact, and eggs hatch in 10 days, hence the importance of effective screening and successful remedies to break the cycle. Combining myth-busting assurances (lice don't target "dirty" kids--the tiny creatures feed on blood, not dirt), interesting details (the color of lice change depending on the hair color of the victim), and treatment instructions (kill the lice with store-bought products or olive oil, thoroughly clean the environment, etc.), the program features clips of live-action “Lice Buster” kids and “GZ,” a.k.a. the Germ Buster, a chirpy computer-animated creature. Despite mediocre production qualities (such as a visible cameraman) and annoying self-referential nods (tykes are seen watching The Lice Busters; a “parent” asking for advice is given this program; etc.), this is a useful tool overall. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)
The Lice Busters
(2004) 13 min. VHS: $49.95. KidSafety of America. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 1-884413-65-X. Also available in Spanish. Volume 19, Issue 6
The Lice Busters
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