Lately, I’ve been thinking the three B’s of burgers, beaches, and cold beverages—my to-do list at the start of warmer weather.
Along with outdoor fun, though, health and science experts say people should pay attention to a serious threat lurking in woods and fields—the black-legged tick. This pest is a carrier of the bacteria that can transmit Lyme disease to humans and pets. And now, it’s thought to be carried by ticks that reside in over 50% of United States’ counties.
That doesn’t mean you need to hide indoors. You just need to be cautious. The best ways to protect yourself from Lyme disease are:
- Avoid heavily wooded, bushy areas where ticks live
- Wear long pants and long sleeves when walking through these types of areas
- Check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks regularly, especially after spending time in the woods. Since ticks can be the size of a poppy seed, make sure to search carefully and thoroughly.
If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible by gently getting ahold of the tick with tweezers and pulling it carefully away from the skin. Don’t squeeze or crush the tick. If you think you’ve been bitten by a tick and start to experience symptoms of Lyme disease, contact your doctor immediately!
You don’t want to end up on death’s door like Kelly Osbourne. Yes, you read that right.
Just when I wonder if the warmer weather is finally here to stay, I hear the chorus of lawnmowers, pressure washers, and leaf blowers at the crack of dawn every Saturday. It’s the glorious reminder of the suburbs that Spring is here and here to stay.
It’s an exciting time of year. The daffodils and other spring bulbs have bloomed. The birds have started to flock to the backyard feeders. The outdoor adventures are calling your name.
If you plan to answer with open-air plans, then be careful of ticks and Lyme disease.
