Spring is Here and the Ticks are Now Awake

The monthly Y Active Adults Day event welcomes the Tick Squad - John Celmer and Martin Theys as Lunch guest speakers Thursday April 4^th at 12:20 PM. They lead the Tick-Borne Diseases Support Network that educates communities on tick borne illnesses. Their traveling presentation includes information on how to identify disease-carrying ticks, the types of complications that can arise from contact with a tick, preventative suggestions and tips on what to do in the event of a bite. John Celmer warns the public "It's not always easy to get an accurate diagnosis with a tick-borne disease because they tend to present very common, flu-like symptoms."

Spring is here. Unfortunately, people are not the only ones looking to make the most of the warm weather. Many think ticks die off over the winter. This wishful thinking is sadly not true, Ticks have year-round staying power even in the winter months. Martin Theys states. "At best, they might go dormant for a few months. At this point in the season (early spring), they're wide awake and out looking for a meal."

Lyme disease is the most common and well-known of the tick-borne diseases that plague the Garden State. However, Lyme disease is just one of many that have been on the rise in recent years.

Ticks are a part of life, especially in rural areas like Sussex County. You need to be vigilant, and you want to make sure that you’re taking whatever precautions you can to protect yourself. Check yourself regularly for ticks. Use insecticides. “Do what you can. It’s not about being scared, it’s just about being smart”. That is the take-away message from the Tick Squad.

Thinking of joining the “Y” as your fitness place? This event presents a perfect opportunity for visiting Community members to check out this YMCA facility that has a pool, saunas, indoor courts, exercise equipment and great group fitness programs like their Active Adult program. You can also visit their website to see their program offerings and time schedules at sussexcountyymca.org.

Talk attendees are encouraged to bring a cover dish to share for this Pot Luck Lunch Talk. The cost is $5 for Community members and free for SC YMCA members. Participants can register for this event at the Welcome Center desk or by phone 973-209-9622. The Sussex County YMCA is located at – 15 Wits End Road Hardyston, NJ 07419.