Summer is Tick Season in North Carolina
Summer is the time for outdoor activities. Unfortunately, we share these activities with ticks, which are small, bloodsucking arthropods that can transmit disease. Most of these diseases present with flu-like symptoms so it is important to treat them quickly, as they may lead to serious health problems.
PREVENT TICK BITES
- Stay out of grassy, brushy, or wooded areas.
- Walk in the center of trails.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents. (Read Instructions)
- Treat clothing with products containing 0.5 permethrin.
- Tuck pants into boots.
- Wear light colored clothing.
- Check clothing for ticks when you return indoors.
- Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors.
- Do a full body check of your body and your child’s body.
- If you find a tick attached to your skin, there’s no need to panic—the key is to remove the tick as soon as possible.
HOW TO REMOVE A TICK
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouthparts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
- After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.
FOLLOW-UP
If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor. Be sure to tell them about your tick bite, when it occurred, and where you most likely acquired it. Sources: www.cdc.gov.
Independence Day commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, ratified July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain. They became united, free, and independent states and we have enjoyed our freedom for 243 years!
The GFWC–NC Executive Committee wishes you a very safe and healthy 4thof July!
July is Fireworks Safety Month
Summer means festivals, barbecues, ice cream socials, parades, and fireworks. Enjoy the festivities and avoid trips to emergency rooms. It is best to leave fireworks to the experts!
Thousands are injured enough each year to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And while many of the incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade, or other illegal fireworks, most accidents are from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers. Exercise caution, provide supervision, protect your eyes, and have a bucket of water on hand.