Aspirus | Aspire | Spring 2018

aspirus.org 9 Ways to keep ticks at bay They’re creepy and crawly, and almost always hard to locate. That’s why it’s a good idea to take the following preventivemeasures against ticks to reduce your risk for Lyme disease. w w Dress in a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and shoes, not sandals. w w Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. w w Walk in the center of trails. w w Use repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET. w w Conduct a full-body tick check—don’t forget your kids, pets and clothing. w w Bathe or shower immediately after coming indoors. w w Wash clothing in hot water to kill off any remaining ticks. Even if you don’t remember being bitten by a tick, flu-like symptoms or an odd rash may be the first signs of Lyme disease, particularly if you’ve been in tick habitat. Check with your health care provider if you have symptoms. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PLAY ITSAFE Anytime you try a new activity, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before you begin. Visit aspirus.org/healthinfo for more health tips and information. Bonustips LATHER UP. There’s nothing cool about painful sunburns, early wrinkles or a raised risk of skin cancer. And yet that’s just what too much UV exposure can bring. When shopping for sunscreen, look for broad-spectrum with an SPF of 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Of course long sleeves, long pants, wide- brimmed hats and sunglasses are even better protectors against the sun’s damaging rays. WATCH OUT FOR HEATSTROKE. As the temperature rises, so does the risk of a heat-related illness, especially for young children and older adults. Heatstroke is one of the most serious. Symptoms include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately if you think someone has heatstroke. Move them to a cooler environment, and try to bring their temperature down with cool cloths or a bath. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.