Summer is officially here…it’s a great time to get outside and get moving…but the warm weather also brings an increased risk of tick encounters. Your best defense is awareness and prevention…the TickEncounter Resource Center (TERC) at the University of Rhode Island is a great resource, offering information on tick identification, tick repellent for clothing, how to remove a tick, and MUCH more. Check them out at www.TickEncounter.org (or on Facebook or Twitter). They also offer a tick testing service to determine if the tick you remove from yourself, a loved one, or a pet, carries any diseases (including Lyme Disease). TERC recommends treating your clothing (especially shoes and socks) with Permethrin once a month, May through August, and/or purchasing tick repellent clothing, which can be found at many outdoor retailers, including L.L. Bean and REI. We don’t want the fear of ticks to scare you away from your favorite outdoor activities, but education and awareness reduces the risk of negative consequences!
For more movement ideas and inspiration, check out the FitLabPGH podcast – we release a new episode (almost) every Sunday at www.fitlabpgh.blubrry.com (and on Spotify) – see the website for subscription options. Now get up and get moving!