Essential Tips To Reduce Your Risk Of Lyme Disease

Reduce Your Risk of Lyme Disease is the first in a five-part series.  We will take a close look at how Ridgefield, CT, an area hit particularly hard by Lyme disease suggests their residents protect themselves from tick bites to reduce their risk of contracting Lyme disease.  Each article will take a closer look at each of the letters in the acronym and how we can learn from our neighbors to the north on how best to protect ourselves. 

The Center for Disease Control announced this week that reported Lyme disease cases were much higher than previously thought.  In fact, Lyme disease cases are ten times higher than expected with approximately 300,000 Americans being diagnosed annually.  Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.  The disease can be quite serious, particularly if it is left untreated.  New Jersey residents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and get prompt medical treatment if they suspect they may have Lyme disease.  Often times it is necessary to seek out a Lyme-literate doctor for treatment options if your family doctor is not well versed on the disease.

With the new CDC numbers being reported, New Jersey residents need to take a serious look at how they protect their families from ticks.  The town of Ridgefield, CT, an area hit particularly hard by Lyme disease, has developed a program that is based on the latest research from the Connecticut Emerging Infectious Program at Yale University and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. They use the acronym BLAST that teaches the public how to:

1. Avoid tick bites
2. Find and remove ticks safely and effectively if they do get bit
3. Recognize symptoms of Lyme disease and seek timely treatment

Through this and the next four blog articles, we will take a close look at each of the five letters in the acronym and what it stands for.  New Jersey homeowners can use this lesson from our Connecticut neighbors to best protect their families. 

Bathe soon after spending time outdoors.

Look over your body for ticks daily and remove them properly.

Apply appropriate repellants correctly

Spray the yard to reduce tick numbers.

Treat your pets. 

The ‘B’ in the BLAST acronym stands for Bathing.  It is important to know that a tick needs to be on your for about 24 hours in order to transmit Lyme disease.  Therefore, reduce your risk of having a tick stay on your body during that period of time.  A recent study showed that people who bathed or showered within 2 hours of coming indoors did not contract Lyme disease as frequently as those who did not shower or bathe soon.

Bathing is a simple act but one that may just prevent you or your loved one from contracting Lyme disease.  Take time for this important step after enjoying time outdoors.  It just may be the thing that stands between you and a bout with this terrible disease.