Oklahoma City Indian Clinic promotes safe outdoor habits for Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants you to keep safety in mind during outdoor activities this summer.
Lyme Disease Awareness Month is observed every May to remind people of common risks when spending time outdoors. These four important tips will help you and your loved ones stay safe this summer.
1. Take measures to prevent tick bites.
“Tick exposure can happen any time, but they are most active during the spring and summer months,” said Janice Hixson, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer. “Prevent tick bites by walking in the center of trails, avoiding areas with high grass and using insect repellants.”
Another way to prevent tick bites is by drying your clothes on high heat after you come indoors. Remember to check your hair and body for ticks and take a shower within two hours of being outside.
2. Make your yard less friendly for ticks.
Many people get tick bites in their own yard. Keep ticks away by clearing tall grass and brush from your yard and mowing frequently. If you have playground equipment, keep it in a sunny area. A three-foot barrier of wood chips or gravel will keep ticks from migrating between the grass and the play area.
3. Remove ticks as fast as possible.
If you have a tick bite, your first priority is to remove the tick quickly. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers and pull the tick upward with even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick because the mouth parts could break off and stay in the skin.
After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with either rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Do not crush the tick; dispose of it by flushing it down the toilet.
4. Monitor for symptoms.
“If you have been bitten by a tick, monitor for symptoms over several weeks,” Hixson said. “If you develop a rash or fever, see your provider and tell them when and where you were bitten.”
In addition to rash and fever, other symptoms include headache, muscle pain, fatigue and joint pain.
Outdoor activities like camping and hiking are summer staples, but they can put you at risk for disease. Follow these tips to stay safe.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 21,000 patients from over 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.