Have you seen the news lately? There's a new tick in town. It's the Gulf Coast tick and it's marched right into our area.
I have an active family and we love to hike in the woods. With an au pair, kids have more opportunities to get outside and take advantage of the natural areas around our house.
We've always been aware of ticks and do a "tick-check" every night. I have the philosophy that I can't shelter my kids from everything, but I can educate them so they're prepared. So, here's a little education on the Gulf Coast Tick...
The Gulf Coast tick is larger than the deer tick and also carries disease. It is also unique in the tick family because it stalks and attacks it's prey. The disease most associated with the Gulf Coast tick is Tidewater Spotted Fever which has symptoms of a rash and fever. The good news is that Tidewater Spotted Fever can be treated with antibiotics.
Any other advice out there? Let's share.
I have an active family and we love to hike in the woods. With an au pair, kids have more opportunities to get outside and take advantage of the natural areas around our house.
We've always been aware of ticks and do a "tick-check" every night. I have the philosophy that I can't shelter my kids from everything, but I can educate them so they're prepared. So, here's a little education on the Gulf Coast Tick...
The Gulf Coast tick is larger than the deer tick and also carries disease. It is also unique in the tick family because it stalks and attacks it's prey. The disease most associated with the Gulf Coast tick is Tidewater Spotted Fever which has symptoms of a rash and fever. The good news is that Tidewater Spotted Fever can be treated with antibiotics.
How do you avoid ticks? Always wear a hat when in the woods and try to wear light color long sleeves and pants. Why light colored? So you can see the ticks if they're on you. As I mentioned before, have your au pair or you do a "tick-check" on your children. Comb though hair, separating it into little sections, so you can see the tiniest of ticks. Also, make sure you check the private parts. Ticks can hide anywhere. A tick-check can become part of the routine for active families. My kids now do their own and even say as we walk inside from a walk in the wood, "I'll do my tick check before my shower".
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