Play is an important aspect of a child’s life. Whether it’s tumbang preso, luksong tinik, hide-and-seek, or playing house, it’s undeniable that kids just love to play. And it’s even better when they play outdoors!

No matter the weather, playing outside is good for kids. It is an opportunity for them to embark on various adventures, spend quality time with friends, and create the most cherished, fondest childhood memories. Aside from its fun and stress-relieving benefits, playing outdoors is also a way for them to think creatively, interact socially, develop physically, and connect with the environment.  In other words, outdoor play is a way for children to learn.

However, being exposed outdoors also poses harm to our children. In a study conducted by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of the Philippines, over 54.7% of the population of primary school children are infested by head lice, or kuto ~ a tiny parasite that feeds off human blood from the scalp of its host, which renders no benefit but rather pure discomfort, irritability, hassle, and other more serious conditions such as skin infection.

With the goal to continuously raise awareness on head lice infestation issues and promote prevention, Lamoiyan Corporation, maker of Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo shares tips and hacks to equip moms on how to achieve  kuto-free playdays with their kids!

Minimize Head-to-Head Contact

Head lice do not fly, hop, or jump from one head to another. In fact, their only mode of transmission is through head-to-head contact and the sharing of personal hair accessories according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention {CDC}. During playtime, children may naturally put their heads together, and a good way to minimize these interactions is to put long hair in a ponytail or braid. A small amount of hair spray can also help contain stray hairs. Children can also be taught the importance of privacy and ownership of personal belongings to maintain good hygiene. The best approach to instilling habits in children is to help them understand the underlying reasons ~ making it more likely they will follow through and eventually adopt the habits as their own.