By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
VACATION is over, and I’m going back to school. Generations of Bermudians are still haunted by the W.J. Boyle’s advertising jingle, which gleefully proclaimed that the end (of fun) was nigh for the Island’s schoolchildren – usually with weeks of the holidays still left to go.
But now that the new school year really is upon us, it might be worth making a detour into Pharmacy Corner next time you’re in Lindo’s. After all, what’s the worst that can happen…
COVID
After a summer spent outdoors, the shift to a classroom setting – with lots of kids, trapped indoors together – means homework is not the only thing they’ll be bringing back with them at the end of the day.
Covid is making a comeback all over the world at the moment. And it makes sense to have some tests ready, in case someone in your family starts exhibiting the telltale signs. Ditto masks. If you’re like most of us, the lockdown reserves have now dwindled to…next to nothing.
Hand sanitiser is a good idea, too – who knows, your children might actually use it, if you tuck some in their backpack. We have a wide range of pocket-sized products in store.
HEAD LICE
Students putting their heads together – often literally – to work on a joint project…or just share gossip at break time…means that head lice often make an unwelcome appearance at this time of year, too.
The perceived wisdom used to be that Pediculus Humanus Capitis were attracted to dirty hair; and getting them reflected (badly) on the state of your home, and your person. But modern research has shown that they actually seem to prefer clean hair.
Over the years, treatments to combat these tiny, wingless insects have ranged from home remedies – mayonnaise, to ‘smother’ the blighters – to harsh chemicals. And back again.
Now, a more natural approach appears to be gaining the upper hand.
Most schools recommend checking your child’s hair regularly. There are three culprits to look for: the eggs (‘nits’), the immature lice, which are white (‘nymphs’), and the dark adults. If you spot any/all of the above, try ‘wet combing’. This involves washing your child’s hair, slathering it with conditioner – ones containing coconut and lavender may have some deterrent qualities, and also smell delicious – and then, using a ‘detection comb’, working from root to end to tease them out.
We have everything you’ll need for this unwelcome but necessary bonding exercise, right in Pharmacy Corner. For stubborn cases, an over-the-counter remedy – a medicated lotion or spray like Lyclear or Hedrin Treat & Go Spray – may be necessary. Thankfully, these are much milder nowadays, and designed to harm the lice, not your child (or you, if they have helpfully ‘passed it on’). Talk to one of our pharmacists if you need guidance in deciding which is the best form of attack.
EXHAUSTION
This is sort of linked to item number one. After the lazy days of summer, getting back into a routine for school – with early starts – can leave everyone in the family feeling shattered. And exhausted people are prone to catching bugs. Again, prevention is better than cure. So maybe now’s the time to start you and yours on a regime of probiotics – to boost your immune systems.
Olly do a Kids Immunity gummy – Cherry Berry flavour – which your little ones will need no persuading to take. There are adult versions, too (including – yes – gummies, because it’s not just kids who like them). But remember: if you are pregnant or have any underlying health issues (or are just unsure of what’s OK for you to take) please ask one of our helpful pharmacists.
BLISTERS
W.J. Boyle were trying to boost sales of their school shoes with that annoying jingle, all those years ago. And it’s true that getting new shoes for school is one of the silver linings of the holidays coming to a close. But often kids don’t have the time (or the inclination) to break them in properly first. Which means blisters. Why not grab a couple of packs of Compeed or Scholll heel plasters, so you’re ready for the first blister of term?
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
