www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, May 26, 2016 | 18 Prevent ticks to escape Lyme disease: Halton health by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Halton residents and travellers are being reminded to protect themselves from ticks and Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the blacklegged tick, and while the risk of tick-borne diseases in Halton Region is low, residents can still contract the disease, particularly in risk areas. "With an increasing amount of residents travelling outside of Halton over the summer months, it's important to know how to protect against Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, especially in wooded, brush or tall grassy areas," stated Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr in a press release. "While the number of blacklegged ticks in Halton is low, Halton Region continues to monitor, take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of our community." Residents engaging in outdoor activities in wooded, brush or tall grass areas and especially those travelling to areas of known risk for Lyme disease, such as Long Point Provincial Park, Pinery Provincial Park, Point Pelee Provincial Park, Rondeau Provincial Park, Rouge Valley, Turkey Point Provincial Park, Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area and St. Lawrence Islands National Park are being advised to visit halton.ca/Lymedisease to learn how to prevent tick bites. Some of the tips include: · Cover up. Wear lightcoloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pant legs The Lone Star tick found last summer on a dog in Oakville -- that hadn't been to the Lone Star state. Black-legged ticks are becoming more common in the GTA and they carry with them the possibility of being infected with Lyme disease. | Oakville Beaver file photo into your socks to keep ticks away from your bare skin; · Wear shoes that cover your entire foot, avoiding sandals or open shoes; · Stay on trails and avoid areas with tall grass; · Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin; · Check your clothing and body for any ticks, especially around the groin, armpits and hairline upon returning indoors; · Check your pets regularly for ticks. "If Halton residents find a tick on themselves or their family members, remove the tick with fine-tip tweezers and submit it to Halton Region Health Department's submita-tick program for testing and identification," said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health (MOH), in a press release. "With support from the community, this program will help us assess the risk of tick-borne diseases in Halton Region and take preventative actions if needed." Residents should contact their physician immediately if they develop a rash or symptoms such as muscle acres, fever or headache. Visit halton.ca/lymedisease or dial 311 for more details. SAMKO & MIKO 1000'S OF BRAND NAME TOYS LOWEST PRICES IN CANADA TOY WAREHOUSE May 28th tO JuNE 12th, 2016 OPEN Richmond Hill (North of Hwy #7, 1st St. West of 404) 2 Locations 77 Fima Cres. Hours: Mon, Tue & Wed............... 10:00-4:00 Saturday ......................... 10:00-5:00 Toronto (416) 532.1114 (905) 771.8714 Sunday............................ 11:00-5:00 (South of QEW / Gardiner & Hwy 427) 60 East Beaver Creek Rd. Thurs & Fri ...................... 10:00-8:00 SEE SAVE.CA FOR FLYER And FOR InFORmATIOn Are you not hearing clearly when a group of people are talking? 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