Just a Tick

Ticks are something to be aware of especially during spring and summer hikes. After our last hike at the Oregon Dunes, we found a Pacific Coast Tick (photo above) inside our son's ear. Luckily it hadn't bitten him yet and we were able to scratch it off (although the sucker was really holding on!). After familiarizing ourselves with types of ticks, what they look like and the diseases possibly carried by each, and arming ourselves with a couple of tick kits, we feel much more confident that in the event of a bite, we'll know what to do. Most people are familiar with Lyme Disease, but there are others that ticks can carry as well. One great preventative tip is to remember to brush off after a hike to rid yourself, your children, and dogs of any hitchhikers before buckling up for the ride home. The hope is to find and remove them before they have bitten and inserted their heads beneath the skin for a meal. After which point removal is much more tricky and infection more likely. Using insect repellents such as OFF which contains DEET is one option, though you want to consider risks of toxicity especially when using it on small children. The APA has made a cautionary statement about the use of products containing DEET, particularly NOT to use a combination sunscreen/insect repellent product due to the risk of overexposure to DEET from repeat applications. Other "natural" insect repellents are also available and may offer some protection although their degree of effectiveness often varies due to the body chemistry of the individual and many choose to opt for lightweight long sleeves, pants, and netting over any chemical repellent. This does bring up the issue of mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, which fortunately, is rare in Oregon. Nevertheless, don't let these pesky critters dampen your adventurous spirits or your outdoor excursions. Take some simple proactive steps to educate yourselves and your children and keep first aid supplies handy. Lastly, keep in mind that everything has to eat. In adopting a curious attitude toward nature and our part in it (even as your hair begins to stand up on end, you suppress a shudder, and begin to recall several disease horror stories) you can encourage your own health and that of your children.