It's Great Outdoors Month!
Posted on June 13 2018
Because June is the kick-off to summer, it only makes sense that this month is declared to be Great Outdoors Month. June is the perfect time of year to do all the things individuals and families alike love to do outside: gardening, biking, camping, hiking and swimming. Because many of us will want to feel the warm summer sun on our skins, we want to have a quick review of ticks.
Deer ticks are most active in the spring and summer months when individuals are outside in grassy and wooded areas. Ticks feed on warm-blooded mammals including deer, adults, children and pets. While not all ticks carry tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease, the risk is present with every tick bite - this means that doctor or vet care should not be postponed.
Recall Lyme Disease symptoms; and know how to promptly, but effectively, remove a tick.
Signs of Lyme Disease:
- Muscle Aches
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Swollen Glands
- Nausea
- Fever
Removing a tick:
- Clean the infected area with rubbing alcohol or soap;
- Pull the tick straight up without bending or twisting the head or body;
- Clean the infected area once more
- Take the tick to a doctor or vet for tick ID
- Ask for a Lyme Disease test on yourself, child or pet
Tips for being outdoors and spotting a tick:
- Apply tick and insect repellent - especially around ankles;
- Wear bright, long-sleeved clothes while outside working in the garden;
- Carry a tick removal tool in pockets or purses at all times.
#GreatOutdoorsMonth
