Ticks:How dangerous are they?

 

Definition

 

Tick: any of numerous bloodsucking arachnids of the order Acarina, including the families Ixodidae and Argasidae, somewhat larger than the related mites and having a barbed proboscis for attachment to the skin of warm-blooded vertebrates: some ticks are vectors of disease. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tick?s=t)

 

Dangers if Bitten

• Skin infection
• blood loss
• Lyme Disease
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Embedded Tick

 



 

Some are so small

they are nearly

impossible to see. So,

examine all skin closely!

 



   

 

Also, the longer they are left

to burrow, the further under the skin

they go, the harder they are to see

and the more damage they can do.

 



Lyme Disease

• caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria usually found in other animals
• transferred by the Black Leg Tick (Deer Tick) biting infected animal then biting person
• not all ticks have the bacteria
• not contagious, only contracted by tick bite. If bitten by infected tick, risk of infection from bacteria increases the longer the tick is attached to skin (usually over 24 hours)

Signs of infection include

•  target/ring like rash (appearing within 1-4 weeks after bite
• fevers, aches, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fatigue
• untreated, extends to surrounding areas such as joints, heart and nervous system-more rashes or spreading of rash may occur
• untreated, late stages cause can chronic joint inflammation like arthritis, irregular heartbeat, peripheral neuropathy (unusual numbness in the lower extremities)
• confusion
• test to determine: blood sample, spinal tap, skin biopsy
• treatable with antibiotics-long periods of infection require long antibiotic treatment
• prevention: tick repellent, wearing long sleeves while in grassy/wooded areas,  thorough skin examination and removal of tick if present 

 

Lyme Disease Rash

 



 

 



Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

• caused by the Rickettsia rickettsia organism
• transferred by tick bite or infected blood from tick entering into broken skin, eyes or mucous membranes

Signs of infection include

• high fever (around 102F or greater)
• nausea/vomiting
• fatigue
• severe headache
• muscle aches
• red, non-itching rash beginning a few days after initial signs and start on wrists and ankles but can spread to torso
• tests to determine: biopsy of rash, blood test and test on tick
• treatment is antibiotic therapy  (Doxycycline if not contraindicated) and is started ASAP, usually before test results are completed

Can Cause Life-Threatening Condition!

 

Seek medical treatment as soon as first symptoms are noticed. Take tick in with you for testing if possible.

 

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rash

 



 

 

 



How to properly remove a tick

• Remove tick that is embedded into the skin by using a pair of pointy edged tweezers.
• Get as close to skin without pinching to ensure removing all of the tick head. Squeeze and pull in one straight motion.
• Witch Hazel is sometimes used to suffocate the tick, causing it to release from the skin
• Examine skin to make sure all tick is removed.
• Cleanse area with antibacterial soap/alcohol
• Continue to observe area for any redness/swelling or any signs of systemic infection such as fever for the next few days



Diet Wrecking Meals

 

 

When dining out, ordering from the salad section

of the menu is not a fool proof way of choosing

a healthy, low fat, diet conscious meal.

 

You may be surprised to find that the plate

of lettuce covered with tasty toppings and dressing

has more calories that the steak you passed up.

 

Opting for a lean meat like chicken seems wise

until it's cooked in oils and covered in coating

or heavy sauces.

 

So, how do you know what is good for you?

Read labels when shopping. When dining out,

look at the nutritional information if given.

If not, ask your server for a copy.

The best defense is to educate yourself

and be aware of the numbers of your

favorite foods BEFORE going out. Most restaurants

have websites describing what they offer, how it's

prepared and some even give detailed

nutritional information.

 

 

REMEMBER

Avoid:

• anything fried
• heavy sauces
• heavy dressings
• highly processed

 

Less processing/more natural means lower in fats, simple carbs and salt.

 

 

For a concise slideshow go here.

 

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-worst-restaurant-meals?ecd=wnl_wmh_060514&ctr=wnl-wmh-060514_ld-stry&mb=bZdPSn3A133ywrFSnfPE%2fuHnVev1imbCcG8q6YsCV4A%3d

 



Dangers of Sun Worshipping



Fun in the sun is always great!

Just remember to protect yourself

now with sunscreen to avoid damage

that can show up years later and may

be anything from unsightly to deadly!

 

Kids, sunscreen is cool! Use it!

Trust me! You'll be glad you did

when you reach 30ish and beyond!

 

 The link below is a WebMD slideshow

of how bad the damage can be!

 

 

 

TIPS FOR PROPER SUNSCREEN PROTECTION

 

• Use broad spectrum sunscreen (protects from UVB and UVA rays) of at least SPF 15 ANYTIME you have a possibility of sun exposure

• Reapply every 2 hours, more if perspiring or in water

• Don't stay out for extended periods of time. Especially, between the hours of 10am-2pm when the UV rays are the strongest

• Hats are great for keeping  sun off head and face

• The more skin that's covered the more protection you get. If you don't wear long sleeves and long pants in the summer (and who does that? Especially here in the south!)

• Many moisturizers contain an SPF of 8-30. This makes it easy, for ladies at least, to protect their face and neck from needless sun damage.

 

FDA Sunscreen Guidelines 2014

 





 



http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-broad-spectrum-sunscreen.htm

http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/ss/slideshow-sun-damaged-skin?ecd=wnl_wmh_053114&ctr=wnl-wmh-053114_ld-stry&mb=bZdPSn3A133ywrFSnfPE%2fuHnVev1imbCcG8q6YsCV4A%3d

The First Memorial Day

 

The first Memorial Day was officially declared by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the grand Army of the Republic in 1868. He instructed that the day be set aside to place flowers and decorations on the grave sites of soldiers who died defending our country. This first display of nationally organized respect for our fallen heroes took place in Arlington National Cemetery (where the wreath is placed each year on the tomb of the unknown soldier). This day of recognition has happened every year since then and has grown to include outings such as picnics with family and friends as well-showing respect to those who died to protect our freedom while celebrating that freedom and cherishing life with our loved ones still living.

http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/recon/jb_recon_memorial_1.html

(this photo taken by me and enhanced

with MagicSplash) (=