Tip of the week: How to avoid Lyme disease

Dress appropriately. More than 25,000 Americans will develop Lyme disease caused by tick bites this year. To keep from becoming a victim, wear long sleeves and pants tucked into your socks when you’re venturing through woods or fields. Deet-based mosquito repellents and clothing made with the chemical permethrin can help keep ticks from catching a ride.

Check skin regularly. Give yourself a thorough inspection once indoors. A tick nymph is about the size of a sesame seed, and ticks “like every part of the body, especially the hairline, ears, belly button, and groin areas.” Early detection matters, because ticks never transmit Lyme in the first 24 hours.

Clean up quickly. Bathe within two hours of being outside. To remove ticks hidden on clothing, tumble garments on high heat in a dryer for one hour.

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Source: Outside