Tick bite prevention is a key part of summer vacation plans on Cape Cod and all over New England. I just gave a talk on tick bite prevention, last week, a subject near and dear to my heart. Prevention is a key leverage point for Lyme disease. No one wants to get sick on vacation.
Most people in Massachusetts know a friend or family member strongly effected by tick borne illness. If you know someone with symptoms encourage them to get help from their health care team. Help friends and family to get informed, and if necessary get tested, get treated and get better. With Lyme disease information is power, prevent tick bites and help prevent further illness.
I changed my life by listening to a friends warning about Lyme disease. The information turned a downward spiral in my health around. As a person who has been in a personal struggle to heal from Lyme and one who helps others, I can’t in good conscience do anything but try to help people prevent infection or re-infection. Raising awareness is one of the best ways I know to help.
“Illnesses from mosquito, tick, and flea bites have tripled in the U.S., with more than 640,000 cases reported during the 13 years from 2004 through 2016. Nine new germs spread by mosquitoes and ticks were discovered or introduced into the United States during this time. “ – CDC
Plans are in the works to try and deal with Lyme disease vector animals like white footed mice. These are slated sometime in the future. This will not help you or your child now. What will is consistent prevention practices.
What tick bite prevention practices do you have in place to protect your kids? Share your ideas to help others who read this post.
Pay Attention to tick bite prevention on vacation
When you travel it is good to take a little extra care. Cape Cod Massachusetts is one of those beautiful places where taking care is a really good idea. Grassy meadows and low shrubbery make great habitat for the animals that carry babesia and borellia. As a result black legged ticks are abundant. You can be a blood meal for them and get an unexpected surprise. So tick bite prevention strategy needs to be part of your vacation plans.
“At first, tick-borne disease seemed to be tied to coastal environments, with the Cape and Islands serving as ground zero for Lyme in Massachusetts. Babesiosis has sickened hundreds of Cape Codders over the past few years.” – Cape Cod Times
Prevention is the best approach for fun tick free travel
- Stay on the center of trails.
- Wear light colored clothing so ticks are easy to see
- Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants
- Use natural repellents, apply and go.
- Try Permethrin treated clothing for extra protection
- Check for ticks regularly on your outdoor adventures, especially at the end of the day
- Shower at night and do a thorough tick check on all members of the family
For information on tick behavior and more ideas on prevention click here.
Pick up a great memory, mug or a t-shirt on your vacation. Skip the Lyme and or Babesia with consistent prevention practices.
The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment or advice. All the material here is for information purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.