Poison ivy loves the sandy soil of area beaches, so there is a lot of it to avoid. (It also helps anchor the sand in place, so the plant has quite a positive role on the shore.) Poison ivy and oak generally have groupings of three shiny leaves. They may change color depending on the season.
If you know what to look out for and avoid it, you'll be fine. If you think you have come into contact with them, please wash the affected area with soapy water or use a product that can cut through the oils if used close enough to first exposure.
Hypothermia and heatstroke
While weather at Gateway is typically moderate, we can have summer days with temperatures in the high 90s, and below freezing temperatures in the winter with significant accumulations of snow.
Hypothermia, a medical emergency in which your body loses heat faster than it can replace heat, can occur even at temperatures above freezing. Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slow or slurred speech, memory lapses and incoherence and exhaustion. Immediate treatment includes giving victim warm, non-alcoholic drinks, seeking shelter from the weather and getting the victim into dry clothes.
Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or by doing physical activity in hot weather. Symptoms include high body temperature, lack of sweating, flushed skin, rapid breathing and unconsciousness.
Black Legged (Deer) Tick
CDC Photo
Ticks and Mosquitos
Ticks and mosquitoes may carry bacteria, parasites or viruses. Gateway is home to both deer and dogs ticks, as well as mosquitoes.
Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September). One of the most common tick-borne diseases in the U.S. is Lyme disease. Ticks are found in wooded areas, high grass, or leaf litter. They are most active during the spring, summer and fall, but in warmer areas may be active all year round.
One of the most common diseases carried by mosquitoes in the U.S. is West Nile virus infection. Mosquitoes may be found near standing water, or in weedy or wooded areas. They are usually most active during dawn and dusk in the warmer months.
Eliminate standing water to decrease mosquito populations:
Remove, turn over, cover, or store equipment.
Remove debris from ditches.
Fill in areas that collect standing water.
Place drain holes in containers that collect water and cannot be discarded.
Before You Go Outdoors
Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Always follow product instructions. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.
How do I protect myself?
Avoid Contact with Ticks
Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
Walk in the center of trails.
After You Come Indoors
Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into your vehicle and your home on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed.
Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.
If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed.
If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks.
Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Check these parts of your body for ticks:
Under the arms
In and around the ears
Inside belly button
Back of the knees
In and around the hair
Between the legs
Around the waist
Always Remember: To check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body.
If you develop symptoms of a vector-borne disease, seek medical attention promptly. Tell your doctor that you work outdoors and report any ticks or mosquito bites.
