To accommodate crews working on the Senior Center, from Thurs., Aug 1 through Sat., Aug 3 the Recreation Center elevator will be out of service. On Thurs., Aug 1, from 8am to noon, the Recreation Center locker rooms will be closed and the entrance to the Center will be limited to the southeast side, next to the lobby and the emergency exit.  Also, on Thurs., Aug 1, from noon to 5pm, the Recreation Center’s pool and locker rooms will be closed and the hot water will be shut off. We appreciate your patience during this time.

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Ticked Off: A Guide to Tick Protection and Prevention
Ticked Off: A Guide to Tick Protection and Prevention

June 21, 2023

Tick season is upon us, and with the warmer weather, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers are eager to spend more time exploring the great outdoors. However, it is crucial to understand how to protect yourself and your pets from tick bites and minimize the risk of tick-borne illnesses. Follow these tips to ensure your safety and make your outdoor experiences more enjoyable.

  1. Dress Appropriately: Ticks often reside in tall grass, bushes, and wooded areas. When venturing into such environments, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposed skin. Tucking your pant legs into your socks can be one of the most effective and easiest ways to prevent transmission.
  2. Use Tick Repellents: Apply Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents that specifically target ticks. These repellents usually contain ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or permethrin. Follow the instructions on the product label for proper application.
  3. Stay on Trails: When hiking or walking in wooded areas, try to stay on designated trails and avoid wandering into tall grass or densely vegetated areas. Ticks often reside in these areas, waiting to attach themselves to passersby. By sticking to trails, you can significantly reduce your exposure to ticks.
  4. Perform Regular Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors in a tick-prone area, thoroughly check your body and clothing for ticks. Pay close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, inside the belly button, around the waist, and between the legs. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so carefully inspect every part of your body.
  5. Shower and Wash Clothing: Take a shower as soon as possible after returning from an area with ticks. Additionally, toss your clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be clinging to the fabric.
  6. Protect Your Pets: Consult with your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pets, such as topical treatments, collars, or oral medications. Regularly inspect and groom your pets after they have been outdoors.

By following these tick safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and tick-borne illnesses. Enjoy your time outdoors while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe from ticks!