Ridgewood Health Department will host a Discussion on How to Protect Yourself from Lyme disease on April 25th

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, on April 25 the Ridgewood Health Department will host a discussion on how to protect yourself from Lyme disease. The event will be held on April 25th 10:30 – 11:30 am at Village Hall in the Anne Zusy Youth Lounge .

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. With the arrival of warmer weather, ticks become more active, increasing the risk of Lyme disease transmission. However, there are steps individuals can take to prevent Lyme disease and reduce their risk of infection. Here are some important tips:

1. Use insect repellent: When spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas where ticks are commonly found, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply it to exposed skin and clothing, following the product instructions carefully.
2. Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when venturing into areas where ticks may be present. Tuck your pants into your socks and wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot.
3. Perform regular tick checks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body and clothing for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, armpits, groin, and behind the ears. Promptly remove any ticks you find using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure.
4. Shower soon after outdoor activities: Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash away ticks that may be crawling on your skin. Be sure to conduct a full-body tick check after showering.
5. Create tick-safe outdoor spaces: Reduce tick habitats around your home by keeping lawns well-maintained, removing leaf litter and tall grasses, and creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and lawns or recreational areas.
6. Protect pets: Pets can also contract Lyme disease from ticks and bring them into the home. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pets, such as topical treatments or tick collars.
7. Consider landscaping modifications: Consider landscaping modifications that can help reduce tick populations, such as creating a buffer zone of gravel or wood chips between wooded areas and your yard, and removing brush, leaf litter, and tall grasses.
8. Be aware of peak tick season: Ticks are most active during the warmer months, typically from April to September. Take extra precautions during this time, especially if you’re spending extended periods outdoors.
9. Know the signs and symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, which include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a tick or develop symptoms of Lyme disease, seek medical attention promptly.

By following these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease and enjoy the great outdoors with greater peace of mind. Remember to stay vigilant and take precautions whenever you’re in areas where ticks may be present.

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