CALOOCAN HEALTH DEPARTMENT “Summer Health Programs”

May 3, 2012

ALIS KUTO FOR GIRLS

The Caloocan Health Department, in its unending effort to address the most common health issues, noted that one of the problems plaguing the communities is head lice infestation. Kuto, being known as a summer disease, has been a constant problem both parents and children. In view of this, through the assistance of various organizations, Dr. Raquel M. So-Sayo, the City Health Officer, spearheaded the shampoos to all health centers to address the problem of kuto among children ages 3 – 11, with particular attention to young girls as they are the most at risk.

Pediculosis capitis, known as kuto locally, is an infection of the head particularly the hair and scalp. It is caused by the insect Pediculus humanus var. capitis. Head lice infestation is widely endemic especially among children. It is spread most commonly through had to head contact, and less frequently through sharing of beddings and other fomites (i.e. comb, headband, hats). Overcrowding encourages the spread of lice. The most common symptom is itching; however, some children also manifest superimposed infection of the bite and excoriation. Young girls with long hair are at a particular risk simply because of the larger surface area for insect survival and growth. The insect itself is wingless, flat and cannot jump. Each female insect can have 1 - 8 feedings and lays 3 - 6 eggs per day. These eggs hatch after 7 - 10 days, leaving behind nits that are commonly known as lisa.

Treatment of head lice is simple enough; however, all household members proven to have head lice and all household members sharing a bed with the patient regardless of whether head louse is found should be treated. There are a variety of shampoos available for the treatment of head lice. It is very important to seek medical consult regarding the proper administration of such treatment. If there is a presence of superimposed infection, it must also be properly treated.

The distribution of treatment shampoos, with proper medical advice from health center physicians, and a free haircut, the Caloocan Health Department hopes to address this public health concern. However, proper hygiene on the part of the families in the community must be observed to stop its recurrence.

TULE FOR BOYS

The summer months are here again and along with the heat comes the rite of passage young boys undergo to become men - it’s tule time once again!

In response to the increasing number of availers, Caloocan Health Department purchased four units of cautery machines to answer the request of different barangays for circumcision (tule) of the young boys in their area. These machines will aid in the attainment of a virtually painless and bloodless circumcision.

The creation of 4 Tule teams headed by Dr. Warren Gali, Dr. Edgar Marasigan, Dr. Rolando Rodriguez and Dr. Enrico Marasigan, together with the nurses, BHWs and the Health Center will ensure that the local constituents will be able to avail of free and safe procedures.

SCHEDULE OF OPERATION TULE
(April, May, June 2012)