T.J. Samson | Destination Health | June 2018

June 2018 3 Get the facts about Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease that infects approximately 300,000 Americans each year. It’s transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected black-legged tick. If not treated, in- fection from Lyme disease can affect the joints, nervous system and heart. Check out these other must-know facts about the disease: Lyme disease is most common in warm weather. That’s when ticks are most active. If you’re bitten by a tick infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, you can get sick. Lyme disease can be avoided. Ticks often lurk in tall grass, thick brush and wooded areas. Steering clear of tall vegetation and staying in the center of hiking trails can help reduce your risk of tick bites. You can also use insect repellent on your clothes and uncovered skin that contains the in- gredient DEET. And always check your skin for ticks after you’ve been outdoors. Although they can attach anywhere, ticks like hard-to-see spots like the scalp, armpits and groin. The sooner ticks are removed, the better. In most cases, ticks must be attached for at least 36 to 48 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease. To re- move a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers. Grab the tick close to your skin and gently pull upward until you remove it completely. Don’t use home remedies like petroleum jelly or nail polish. Not everyone gets a rash. A red rash with a target-like appearance is a telltale early sign of Lyme disease. But some people get many red rashes, and oth- ers get no rash at all. Watch for other signs and symptoms, which include fever, fatigue, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle and joint pain. Most people fully recover. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. But even if it isn’t caught and treated until its later stages, most people become healthy again. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Food and Drug Administration No matter how conscientious you are about controlling your asthma, never lose sight of this: Asthma is serious. And it can even be life-threatening. When you have asthma, you can’t prevent every flare-up. But you can take steps to keep your asthma under control—so it doesn’t control you. Be sure to: Follow your asthma plan. Do you need to take medicine regularly? Are you checking your breathing with a peak flow meter? Stick to the plan you and your doctor made. And let your doctor know if your symptoms are getting worse. Take your asthma medicines as directed. Don’t change doses without your doctor’s OK. Know your triggers. Many things can cause a flare-up, including tobacco smoke, pollen, pet dander and perfume. Once you know yours, do your best to avoid them. KNOW THE DANGER SIGNS TOO Still, no matter how conscientious you are about controlling your asthma, never lose sight of this fact: Asthma is a serious condition. And it can even be life-threatening. Every day, in fact, 10 people in the U.S. die from asthma. That’s why it’s crucial to know when an asthma attack is a medical emergency. Among the warning signs: ●  ● You’re having trouble walking or talking because it’s hard to breathe. ●  ● Your lips or fingernails are blue or gray. ●  ● You’re hunching over. ●  ● Your chest doesn’t deflate when you exhale. ●  ● Your nostrils are moving rapidly. ●  ● You’re confused or less responsive than usual. Don’t take chances—call 911 right away if you have any of these emergency symptoms. Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; National Institutes of Health When is asthma an emergency? 1 4 5 2 3