Health & Fitness
7 Tips to Help You Avoid Lyme Disease
Tick bites and Lyme Disease- what you should know to reduce your risks.
Spring is in the air, but warm weather means ticks and exposure to Lyme Disease.
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Did you spend time outdoors this weekend? Gardening? A walk in the woods? Camping? Or maybe just a pick-up game of softball in the park? All of these activities and more are part of the reason we look forward to Spring. But- in our area especially- it is important when spending time outdoors, to be aware of the risks of ticks and Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. People become infected when an infected blacklegged tick, also known as a “deer tick” bites them.
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Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
7 Tips to Help You Avoid Lyme Disease
Avoid Direct Contact with ticks. Stay on the trail. Avoid, if possible, high grass and wooded areas.
When hiking, wear long sleeves and long pants over tall socks. Pull your hair back and wear a cap. Light colored materials make it easier to spot any hitchhikers. Tuck the bottom of your pants into your socks, or band the bottom of your pants and sleeves. (Another great use for duct tape!)
Apply repellents that contain 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) on exposed skin. Re-apply every few hours. Make sure to follow directions and avoid applying to hands, eyes and mouth.
Apply repellents that contain permethrin to clothing and gear. A coating on pants, socks, etc. will last through several laundry cycles. (Outfitters make clothing that is pre-treated and can last for 50 or more laundry cycles)
Bathe or shower immediately after coming indoors. Conduct a thorough search with a partner if possible, or a hand mirror. Parents- check your children! Pay special attention to the scalp, under the arms, between the legs, and inside the ears.
Stow your gear outside until you get a chance to check it. Pets, coats, day packs- all should be checked before coming into the house. Clothing can be laundered and dried on high heat for an hour to kill any remaining ticks.
If you’ve been bitten by a tick- follow these tick removal instructions from the CDC.
For more information about Ticks and Lyme Disease, check out the Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library.
Follow these guidelines and you can still enjoy the great outdoors, so go ahead… Get Out!
