For most of us, ticks have always been one of those things we try not to think about until we’re suddenly standing in the bathroom with a flashlight, inspecting a child who spent twenty minutes running through tall grass.

They’re right up there with sunburns, poison ivy, and finding something mysterious stuck to your kid’s shoe.

You know they’re part of outdoor life, but you hope they stay someone else’s problem.

Unfortunately, ticks have become a much bigger conversation in recent years, and for good reason.

Parents are hearing more about Lyme disease. More stories are surfacing about Alpha-gal syndrome, a condition linked to certain tick bites that can trigger allergic reactions to mammalian meat. Researchers continue studying other tick-borne illnesses, and health agencies are putting more attention on prevention, awareness, and diagnosis.

If it feels like this topic is suddenly everywhere, you’re not imagining it.

And while there’s no reason to panic, there is a good reason to pay attention.

Why You’re Hearing More About Ticks Lately

For years, doctors, researchers, and patient advocacy groups have been raising concerns about the growing impact of tick-borne illnesses.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced increased efforts aimed at improving research, awareness, surveillance, prevention, and treatment related to tick-borne diseases and conditions such as Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome.

Part of the reason is simple: more people are spending time outdoors, and tick populations have expanded into areas where they weren’t previously as common.

At the same time, awareness has increased. Conditions that may have gone undiagnosed years ago are now being recognized more often, helping families connect symptoms with possible causes.

For parents, the takeaway isn’t fear.

It’s awareness.

The more we understand, the better equipped we are to recognize symptoms, seek appropriate care, and reduce risks when spending time outside.

More Than Just a Bull’s-Eye Rash

When people think about tick-borne illness, Lyme disease is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, often called a deer tick.

One of the most widely recognized symptoms is the bull’s-eye rash, but here’s something many people don’t realize: not everyone develops that rash.

Other symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Muscle aches

• Joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

Because these symptoms can resemble many other illnesses, Lyme disease isn’t always immediately recognized.

Many parents are surprised to learn that some people never notice a tick bite at all. Others never develop the classic rash that gets shown in health class posters and online articles.

When caught early, treatment is often effective.The challenge is recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention when something doesn’t seem right.

For more information on Lyme disease, symptoms, and prevention, visit the CDC’s Lyme disease resource center.

The Tick-Related Condition Many People Have Never Heard Of

Most parents have at least heard of Lyme disease.

Alpha-gal syndrome, on the other hand, often gets a response that sounds something like:

“Wait… a tick can make you allergic to hamburgers?”

As strange as it sounds, the answer is yes.

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy that can develop after bites from certain ticks, including the lone star tick, which is common throughout much of the southeastern United States.

Unlike traditional food allergies that cause reactions shortly after eating, Alpha-gal reactions often occur several hours later.

People with Alpha-gal syndrome may experience reactions after consuming mammalian meat such as:

• Beef

• Pork

• Lamb

• Venison

Also things like dairy, gelatin capsules, etc.

Symptoms can vary widely and may include:

• Hives

• Itching

• Digestive distress

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe allergic reactions in some cases

Because symptoms can occur hours after eating, many people spend months or even years trying to figure out what’s causing them.

This is one reason awareness has increased so dramatically in recent years.

Families interested in learning more can visit: https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome

A Few Other Illnesses Worth Knowing About

While Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome tend to get the most attention, they aren’t the only health concerns linked to ticks.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Despite the name, this disease occurs in many parts of the United States. Symptoms may include fever, headache, rash, nausea, and muscle pain.

Ehrlichiosis

This bacterial illness can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Anaplasmosis

Often producing flu-like symptoms, anaplasmosis is another condition transmitted through tick bites.

The good news is that these illnesses remain relatively uncommon compared to the number of people spending time outdoors every year.

Still, awareness helps parents know when symptoms warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider.

When Something Doesn’t Feel Quite Right

One challenge with tick-related illnesses is that symptoms often don’t appear immediately.

Sometimes a tick bite goes completely unnoticed.

That’s why it’s helpful to be aware of symptoms that develop days or even weeks after spending time outdoors.

Parents should consider contacting a healthcare provider if a family member develops:

• Unexplained fever

• Persistent fatigue

• Joint pain

• Muscle aches

• New rashes

• Unusual allergic reactions

• Digestive symptoms that seem connected to certain foods

Keeping track of outdoor activities and recent tick exposure can provide helpful information for healthcare providers.

As moms, we’re usually pretty good at noticing when something feels “off.” Even if you can’t quite put your finger on it, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Can You Get Tested?

Many parents wonder whether testing is available.

The answer is yes, although the type of testing depends on the condition being investigated.

For Lyme disease, healthcare providers may order blood tests that look for antibodies associated with infection. Timing matters because the body may not produce detectable antibodies immediately after exposure.

For Alpha-gal syndrome, a healthcare provider or allergist may order an Alpha-gal IgE blood test. Medical history, symptoms, and dietary patterns are often considered alongside laboratory testing.

If symptoms are ongoing or concerning, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare provider rather than relying solely on internet searches or social media posts.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Family Outdoors

No parent wants to spend the entire family hike conducting tick surveillance.

The goal isn’t to turn every outdoor adventure into a military operation.

A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk while still letting kids do what kids do best: run through the woods, climb things they probably shouldn’t climb, and come home covered in dirt.

Using insect repellents can help reduce tick exposure. Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment can be applied to clothing and gear, while OFF! FamilyCare repellents remain a popular option for outdoor activities.

Wearing light-colored clothing can make ticks easier to spot.

Long pants tucked into socks may not win any fashion awards, but they can be surprisingly effective during hikes or walks through tall grass.

And perhaps most importantly, perform tick checks after spending time outdoors.

Checking behind the knees, around the waist, under arms, along the hairline, and behind the ears can help catch ticks before they remain attached for extended periods.

So You Found a Tick. Now What?

Let’s be honest.

Finding a tick attached to yourself is unpleasant.

Finding one attached to your child somehow feels worse, even though the removal process is exactly the same.

The good news is that experts recommend a straightforward approach.

Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure.

Avoid twisting, crushing, or using folk remedies such as nail polish, petroleum jelly, or matches.

After removal:

• Clean the area thoroughly

• Wash your hands

• Monitor for symptoms

• Note the date of the bite

Some families choose to save the tick for identification, particularly if symptoms develop later. A GOOD IDEA!

Services such as TickCheck offer tick identification and testing options for those who want additional information.

Where to Learn More

For families looking to learn more, several organizations provide reliable information and educational resources:

CDC Tick InformationCDC Alpha-gal Syndrome InformationGlobal Lyme AllianceLymeDisease.org

The Good News

Camping trips. Soccer tournaments. Nature walks. Fishing weekends. Backyard adventures that somehow end with everyone needing a bath.

Those experiences are part of childhood, and they should stay that way.

The goal isn’t to make families afraid of the outdoors. If anything, it’s the opposite.

Knowing what to look for, understanding the symptoms, and taking a few practical precautions can help you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the things that make being outside worth it in the first place.

Because the outdoors is still one of the best places for families to make memories.

We just know a little more now about what to watch for along the way.

If this topic has you thinking more about family health, wellness, and some of the conversations more parents are having right now, you may also enjoy:

The Rise in Childhood Anxiety: What’s Behind It?
A closer look at the factors many experts believe are contributing to increasing anxiety levels in children and teens, along with resources families may find helpful.

Bright Colors, Big Questions: What to Know About Artificial Food Dyes
Why more parents are paying attention to ingredients hiding in everyday foods and drinks, and what to know about the growing conversation surrounding artificial dyes.

From Sneezes to Surprises: Motherhood Is Beautiful and Also a Little Leaky
A lighter, relatable look at some of the physical realities moms experience that nobody seems to talk about until you’re living through them.

The Low-Effort Travel Trend Moms Are Embracing
Why more families are choosing simpler, less stressful vacations and what that shift says about modern family life.

Because when it comes to raising healthy families, many of these conversations are connected, from what we eat and how we feel to the environments we’re spending time in every day.

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Spring typically delivers more allergen triggers than any other time of the year – however, this year, allergy sufferers will feel even more miserable with what doctors are saying will be one of the worst allergy seasons, a pollen tsunami.

Thanks to the polar vortex that was responsible for frigid, snowy weather this past winter, plants, grass and trees have all received plenty of moisture and are blooming simultaneously and releasing higher pollen levels. Dr. James Love of the Tulsa Allergy Institute also warns of that with the wet and warm weather occurring, mold is another allergen that will be in the air.

In order to limit the amount of suffering you will experience during this volatile allergy season, here are 13 ways to prevent allergy triggers from infesting your home.

1. Identify Your Triggers

The first step in managing your allergies are to know what sets them off to begin with. If you can’t pinpoint what you are allergic to, an allergist can help identify your triggers. Knowledge is power, and once you know your triggers, you can target prevention of symptoms.

(Credit: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock)

2. Install Allergy-Friendly Window Dressing

Avoid installing window dressings that are allergy magnets such as frilly curtains or venetian blinds. Opt for metallic blinds that can easily be dusted, or simple drapes that are machine washable.

(Credit: Dmitriy Kiryushchenkov/Shutterstock)

3. Encase Your Bedding

Prevent allergy-causing dust and mites from taking over your bedding by encasing your box spring, mattress and pillows in allergy-proof casing. This is greatly cut down allergens aggravating your symptoms.

(Credit: VGstockstudio/Shutterstock)

4. Upgrade Your Vacuum

Give your sinuses a break by using a hardshell contained vacuum cleaner or one that uses a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum bag to prevent allergens from blowing back out as conventional ones will do. Vacuum your home 1–2 times a week and always empty out your vacuum outdoors.

(Credit: Vely/Shutterstock)

5. Allergy-Friendly Containers

When storing items away, avoid cardboard boxes as they are magnets for mold, especially when stored in dark, moist spaces like our basements and attics. Instead, stash away items in waterproof plastic containers that will prevent mold buildup, and are easier to see into when you need to find something in particular.

(Credit: Jaimie Duplass/Shutterstock)

6. Limit Your Clutter

Take this opportunity to spring clean and declutter areas of your home that are hiding allergens. Ditch items such as old magazines and minimize the number of decorations you keep.

(Credit: bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock)

7. Mold-Proof Your Bathroom

Your bathroom can be a mold magnet with the amount of moisture it has. If you have wallpaper on your bathroom walls, replace it immediately with mold-resistant paint or with tile to eliminate the walls absorbing moisture and growing mold. Be sure to always air out your bathroom by using the fan and opening windows when possible.

(Credit: ckchiu/Shutterstock)

8. Use High-Efficiency Filters

You should replace your furnace filter about every three months with a high-efficiency filter with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) of 11 or higher. They cost a little more, but the allergy sufferers in your family will greatly benefit from these filters since they capture 99% of airborne allergy triggers including pollen, bacteria and fumes.

(Credit: Serenethos/Shutterstock)

9. Balance Humidity Levels

You’ll want to purchase a dehumidifier for your home to cut down on moisture levels in your home. Low humidity levels will decrease the growth of mold and mites in your home. Be sure to clean out filters and trays regularly.

(Credit: Kellis/Shutterstock)

10. Allergy-Proof Pets

You may not be directly allergic to your pet family member, however, their fur can be a magnet for allergy triggers. They can roll around plants or the floor, picking up pollen and dust. Banning them from furniture and your bed may be hard, so give your pets a good washing once a week to lower the risk for allergens.

(Credit: 135pixels/Shutterstock)

11. Maintain Your A/C Unit

Clean your A/C unit of debris and leaves to prevent mold spores from entering your home. Check your yard to ensure there aren’t pies of decaying compost with spores inside that the wind can carry and flow into your open windows. Jump on this clean up in the springtime, and then check on it throughout the year.

(Credit: GSPhotography/Shutterstock)

12. Avoid Early Mornings

Experts say that pollen levels are the highest between 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. so try to avoid being out during this time. Although the cool night air feels good during warmer weather, avoid these peak allergen hours by also keeping windows closed overnight and running the A/C unit instead.

(Credit: iravgustin/Shutterstock)

 
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“Allergen avoidance and environmental control are important parts of any asthma and allergy management plan,” say Dr. Beth Corn, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital and Medical Director of the Division of Immunology Faculty Practice Associates, “that means a patient should try and avoid contact with allergens like dust mite particles and pet dander that can be found in the dust of most homes. Exposure to irritants, like strong scents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be found in some common household cleaners should also be avoided by patients with respiratory issues.”

If your cleaning routine doesn’t specifically focus on allergen control and removal, you may be only moving dust around, sending allergens and irritating cleaning chemicals into the air that could aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms. To create a “healthy home” this season, consider these simple tips from the asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program, a healthy home initiative of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):

• Use a certified vacuum that has a high efficiency filter with tight seams and seals to prevent particles from leaking out while you vacuum. Also, choose a style that requires minimal exposure during canister emptying or bag changes.

• Use moist cloths or special dry dusters designed to trap and lock dust from hard or flat surfaces that rarely get cleaned, such as baseboards, door jambs, air duct vents, ceiling fan blades and window blinds and shades.

• Certain cleaning products can contribute to airborne irritants, especially if they contain harsh chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or have strong odors. Also avoid “green” products with natural allergenic ingredients, such as lemon, coconut or tea-tree oils.

• Place certified allergen barrier covers on your mattresses and pillows. Wash your bedding at least once a week in 130 degree hot water to kill dust mites and their eggs.

• Mold, a common allergy trigger, can grow anywhere in your home where moisture is present. Look for cleaning products that help kill and prevent mold from returning. Also, keep your household humidity below 50 percent and fix leaky pipes and cracks to reduce standing puddles of moisture where mold can prosper.

• If you are unable to remove carpets and heavy rugs from your home, have a certified professional steam cleaning service care for them three to four times a year. The asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program has recently adopted a new standard for Professional Carpet Steam Cleaning Services. Visit www.AAFA.org/certified to learn more.

• If children live in your home, look for certified plush toys. Dust mites, mold and pet dander can accumulate on plush toys over time. Certified toys can be machine-washed and dried, or placed in the freezer for 24 hours then rinsed in cold water to remove dead mites. Dry completely. Do this monthly.

• Lots of air passes through window areas and airborne dust and allergens accumulate on all types of window treatments – which are rarely cleaned. In the family room and throughout the home, replace big, heavy linen drapes with more sensible window treatments such as wood blinds or flat screens that are easy to wipe and keep clean.

• If your home uses central air conditioning or heat, replace the filter in the machine regularly, typically every 30 to 90 days. Choose an HVAC filter that has been certified to effectively capture fine airborne particles like pollen, dust and dander.

AAFA’s asthma & allergy friendly certification program helps consumers evaluate and verify the allergen-reducing effectiveness of a variety of products, from cleaning supplies, air cleaning devices and vacuums to toys, bedding, home improvement products, paints, clothes washers and more. You can learn more at www.AAFA.org/certified.

*BPT

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(BPT) – For many, spring’s warmer weather is welcomed with spending more time outside. But for allergy sufferers, the season can mean facing symptoms that make them look and feel bad.

TV host, busy mom and longtime allergy sufferer Brooke Burke-Charvet has teamed up again with the makers of non-drowsy Claritin products to share her “My Claritin Clear Challenge”. The new two-minute video shares a sneak peek into Brooke’s daily life and gives an idea of how she’s able to handle some big and small everyday challenges without having to worry about her allergies.

Brooke’s story shows her tackling daily tasks related to family, work and friends that the 40 million Americans who suffer from indoor or outdoor allergies may also face. “Spring is a very busy time for me. I’m back hosting Dancing with the Stars so my TV season is in full swing, my kids are more active and demanding and we love spending as much time outdoors as possible. I certainly don’t have time for allergy symptoms to get in my way,” says Brooke. “That’s why I was happy to take on the challenge. It’s simple, as soon as your allergy symptoms start, take one 24-hour non-drowsy Claritin every day of your allergy season, as long as your triggers remain, for continuous relief or your money back. So for me it’s as long as the pollen keeps flying.”

Common allergy symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes and can really get in the way of people’s everyday lives – impacting sleep, performance at work and other daily activities.

According to a new survey of allergy sufferers commissioned by Merck this year:

* 72 percent of adults with seasonal allergy symptoms admit they don’t feel like themselves when they’re suffering from allergy symptoms, leaving them sluggish, irritable and miserable.

* Allergy symptoms were the cause of almost four missed work days in the past year. The majority of allergy sufferers say it’s hard to concentrate on work when suffering from allergy symptoms and nearly half of allergy sufferers admit to being less productive at the office due to allergy symptoms.

* 51 percent agree they are no fun to be around when they are suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms.

* Seasonal allergy sufferers spend less time exercising (55 percent), cleaning (45 percent), and having a social life (37 percent) than they would like to because of their allergy symptoms.

* And 62 percent of seasonal allergy sufferers’ sleep less during allergy season.

“The good news is there are ways to help manage allergies and relieve symptoms,” says Dr. Robert Eitches, an allergy specialist. Here are some tips to help you survive the spring season:

* Beat the clock: Peak pollen production can occur in early morning, so try to plan outside activities at other times of the day.-

* Wash wisely: If you are going to be outside, it’s a good idea to shower and wash your hair when you return indoors to remove the pollen, which can be an allergy trigger. This prevents it from being transferred to your furniture and linens.

* Check the forecast: People with seasonal allergies should check for pollen counts in their area.- Pollen levels can vary day-to-day depending upon several factors, including the weather.

This spring, Claritin is encouraging allergy sufferers to try the challenge for themselves for continuous relief and is offering a money back guarantee. For more details on the challenge and the money back guarantee, visit www.ClaritinChallenge.com and Brooke’s full story can be seen at YouTube.com/Claritin.

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(BPT) – Humans may sneeze and sniffle when trees and flowers start to bud in the spring, but many pet owners wouldn’t know if their pet was suffering from treatable allergy symptoms, which are likely to occur at the same time of year.

According to the Pet Allergy Worldwide Survey (PAWS) sponsored by Novartis Animal Health, 44 percent of pet owners are unaware that their pet can suffer from chronic seasonal allergies, just like people.

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common allergic skin diseases in pets and is estimated to affect 10 to 15 percent of animals. It is also among the top 10 reasons that pet owners take their cats to their veterinarians. The disease is chronic, recurrent and requires lifelong management.

Online quiz sorts out common symptoms

According to the PAWS survey, 80 percent of pet owners would like to know more about how to recognize and treat pet allergies. To determine whether a pet’s symptoms warrant a veterinary visit and possible treatment to relieve the symptoms, pet owners can take a simple online quiz developed by veterinarians at www.itchfreepet.com.

Signs of allergic dermatitis in pets may vary, but common symptoms include red, scaly patches, persistent itching and scratching, and biting or licking of paws. Hair loss and sores are also common, as a result of the itching and scratching, although the pattern for this differs between dogs and cats. By taking this online quiz, pet owners can determine if they should bring their pet to the veterinarian for testing.

What allergens cause these symptoms?

Just like people, dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies to pollen, as well as year-round allergies to dust mites and mold spores. Although the underlying mechanism of the allergic response is similar to what people experience, the symptoms are quite different. People with allergies sneeze, cough and suffer from runny nose, eye irritation and sinus problems. Allergic cats and dogs, by contrast, itch, scratch and lose their hair.

In the past, treatments were limited to creams and steroids, which either caused limited effectiveness or less-than-desirable side effects when used long-term. Today, while there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, there are more options to help animals find relief. Pet owners can ask their veterinarians about the drug that treats the problem from the inside out, at the pet’s cellular level. This treatment, ATOPICA(R) (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED for dogs or ATOPICA (cyclosporine oral solution, USP) MODIFIED for Cats, can reduce the itching and restore comfort to pets. Getting help for an allergic pet may be just one veterinary visit away.

“Allergic dermatitis for some pets means scratching or licking more frequently than what is considered normal, and for other pets it can mean sores and furless patches on the skin or painful paw biting that gets in the way of exercise, sleep and overall comfort for the animal,” says Dr. Keith Hnilica, DVM, MS, MBA, DACVD. “It is important to take your pet to see the veterinarian if you suspect your pet may have allergies, to determine whether it is a candidate for a long-term, comforting solution to this painful condition.”

Visit www.itchfreepet.com to learn more. For specific information on ATOPICA in the U.S., please visit www.us.atopica.com.

Editor’s Note: 

Important Information about ATOPICA (Cyclopsporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED 
As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In a field study, the most common side effects were gastrointestinal signs. Gingival hyperplasia and papillomas may also occur during the initial dosing phase. ATOPICA is a systemic immunosuppressant that may increase the susceptibility to infection. ATOPICA is not for use in reproducing dogs or dogs with a history of neoplasia. Please visit http://www.us.atopica.com/pdf/product-insert.pdf for full prescribing information. 

Important Information about ATOPICA for Cats (cyclosporine oral solution, USP) MODIFIED 
May cause some side effects in individual cats. The most common side effect in clinical trials was vomiting, which in most cases resolved with continued use. Adverse reactions occurred most often with daily dosing. Persistent, progressive weight loss can result in hepatic lipidosis, so monitoring of body weight is recommended during treatment. If you think that your cat is losing weight, you should contact your veterinarian. ATOPICA for Cats may increase susceptibility to infection and to the development of tumors. Please visit http://www.us.atopica.com/pdf/atopica-for-cats-insert.pdf for full prescribing information.

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