Head lice hit most school districts.

• Position: Hygiene

When a child comes home from school with head lice and a note from the school nurse, parents usually experience a variety of emotions. According to a survey by Harris Interactive for SafeTek Lice Removal Kit, 54% of women indicated they were embarrassed to learn that they or a family member had head lice, 52% were disgusted, 27% felt panic, while 66% reported "concern."

"In reality, there is nothing to be panicked or embarrassed about; head lice do not carry diseases and even the cleanest children get them," declares Cheri Hayes, certified school nurse and author of There's a Louse in My House. "With children constantly sharing personal items and partaking in close group activities, it is no surprise that head lice are easily spread."

From kids sharing brushes, combs, helmets, and head phones, head lice are passed from one child to another, which translates to millions of missed school days.

While there is no connection between poor hygiene and head lice, 50% of women worry that, if their child came down with a case, other parents would think their home is dirty and unsanitary. Forty percent of women with children in their...