By:Robert Remler
Infected mosquitoes and drivers changing lanes without signaling are not the only concerns on Long Island through September. The black-legged tick rates right up there, too.
Infected ticks carry Lyme disease, which is transferred to humans (as well as dogs) through a bite. These insects, which resemble ladybugs in shape and the size of a small pencil's eraser, cling to the skin and feed on blood.
The infected ticks are known to transmit the disease as they feed. The effect on humans is debilitating and worse on dogs.
Last year, there were 4,027 reported Lyme disease cases in New York State, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And this year, the CDC reports, there were 336 cases reported statewide through June 9.
Dr. Russell Porter, a general practitioner in Rockville Centre, said one early symptom of Lyme disease is a slow-expanding rash at the site of the tick bite. Porter, a staff physician at Mercy Medical Center, said flu-like symptoms are also associated with the disease. Specific symptoms include a feeling of fatigue, mild headaches, pain and stiffness in muscles and joints, along with a slight fever or swollen glands.
Porter advocates treating Lyme disease with antibiotic therapy. He suggested Amoxicillin three times a day for 10 to 21 days, along with Doxycycline, another antibiotic, two times a day for the same duration. Porter said the antibiotic treatment is not prescribed for young children or pregnant women.
Possible allergic reactions to the antibiotics include a rash or an upset stomach and diarrhea, he said.
"Early treatment is the key," Porter said. "Patient education is the
best defense against Lyme disease."
People who have spent time in dense wooded areas owe it to themselves to perform a self-examination for ticks clinging to their bodies, Porter said. The examinations need not be any more extensive than searching the body with an open palm for ticks. This simple procedure can be conducted as frequently as twice in the morning and twice in the evening, when appropriate. If a tick is found at this early stage, the insect can be removed without concern. If necessary, sterilized tweezers may be used to remove the tick.
A period of 12 hours has to lapse before a tick can inject the Lyme infection, Porter said.
The National Arborist Association advocates a strategy of property management against Lyme disease. One strategy for reducing the number of ticks on a property is to reduce the humidity in your landscape by pruning trees. Other strategies include clearing brush, removing litter and mowing grass short. Moving shrubs and overgrowth farther away from areas frequented by people are other suggestions made by the Association.
SUBHED (B) Lyme Disease Contacts (UB)
(N) New York State Department of Health
(518) 474-4568
NYS Lyme Disease Surveillance Coordination
Arthropod-borne Disease Program
Albany, N.Y. 12237
(N) Lyme Disease Network
(O) http://www.lymenet.org
(N) National Arborist Association
(603) 314-5380
www.natlarb.com
SUBHED (B) Controlling pests without pesticides (UB)
Using pesticides against household pests might not be the most effective tactic, according to The Medical Society of the State of New York.
Pesticides are harmful to humans and the environment. Addressing the issue of some pests could be as simple as using a flyswatter or setting a mousetrap. The medical society suggests various alternatives to pest control that include using behavioral, physical and biological strategies.
(N) Behavioral:
Remove grass piles from the lawn. Keep your home and yard clean. Wipe up spills. Store dry goods in tightly covered jars and empty the refrigerator drip pan to remove a source of moisture that could invite pests.
Properly dispose of garbage and remove clutter that could be a breeding ground for pests.
(N) Physical:
Create blockades by using fencing, netting, screening, caulk, plaster and traps to keep pests out of your living areas.
(N) Biological:
Rely on natural enemies. Use frogs, birds and spiders to reduce insect populations and a cat to help with mouse control.
For further information, visit the Web site of the New York State Pesticide Management Program, http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/pesticid/pesticid.htm.
(B) Notes and lectures (UB)
(B) Franklin Hospital Medical Center (UB) asks members of the community to participate in its blood drive Friday, July 6, in the Valley Stream hospital's Shankman Auditorium, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. People between 17 and 76 years of age, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are eligible to donate. For further information, call (516) 256-6141. ... A golf tournament Monday, Aug. 20 is being sponsored by (B) Franklin Hospital Medical Center (UB). The benefit will be at the Seawane Club in Hewlett Harbor. Information about the $375-per-player event can be gotten by calling (516) 256-6360. ... (B) Winthrop-University Hospital (UB) is offering a leukemia support group that will meet at 7 p.m. July 17 and Aug. 21. Winthrop is at 259 First Street, Mineola. The free sessions will be in the New Life Center, Conference Room D. For further information and to reserve your space, call (516) 663-8843. ... (B) The Nassau County Department of Health (UB) reminds residents that in the hot weather, food is more susceptible to spoilage. Temperature, time and personal hygiene are critical factors that can lead to food-borne diseases. The following cooking temperatures render these foods safe to eat: poultry - 165 degrees Fahrenheit; ground beef, 158 F; pork, 150 F; meat or fish, 140 F. The health department reminds people that food that is ready to eat should not be touched by bare hands. Wash hands after sneezing, coughing, using the toilet or changing diapers. For more information, call the health department weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at (516) 571-3680. ... With warm weather and vacations starting, the (B) Nassau County Department of Health (UB) reminds residents to swim only at permitted bathing facilities, during open hours. For information about pool and beach facilities on the South Shore, call the department weekdays at (516) 571-3693, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ... (B) The American Red Cross in Nassau County (UB) is asking Long Islanders to help those in Texas and Louisiana devastated by Tropical Storm Allison. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Internet users can make a secure, online, credit-card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org ... (B)The Nassau County Legislature (UB) recently adopted a local law that requires tattoo parlors to be licensed with the Department of Health. The law also requires that anyone under the age of 18 must have notarized parental consent before obtaining a tattoo or having body piercing or branding. Pending a signature by the county executive, the law stipulates a set of stiff penalties. For more information, call (516) 571-6226. ... (B) The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition (UB) is sponsoring a Concert for the Cure on Aug. 10 in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, call (516) 357-9622. ... (B) The Cigna Health Care Run For the Cure, (UB) a 5K walk/run, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23. To register and for more information, call (516) 357-9622.
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