Ah summer, isn’t it wonderful? Sunshine, birds chirping, little ones playing outside, yard work, deer ticks... wait, deer ticks? Yes, as the warm weather starts to creep in, so do those pesky insects.
Although these ticks can be small, don’t be fooled by their size. What might initially seem like a harmless bug can actually carry a serious illness: Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is caused by the bite of blacklegged tick infected with borrelia bacteria. Not all deer ticks carry these bacteria, but the rates are increasing each year. According to the Government of Canada, there has been 17,080 cases of Lyme disease in Canada since 2009, with the actual number estimated to be higher as many cases are undetected or unreported.
The likelihood of encountering a deer tick is higher in rural regions, especially in farmyards, as they love wooded areas, tall grasses, and bushes.
But don’t let this news ruin your summer plans. You can still enjoy your summer outside and stay safe at the same time by learning about prevention.
Amongst the resources available to learn about preventing Lyme’s disease is a children’s book, Teegan and the Teeny Tiny Tick. Written by Deb Crunican, this book is dedicated to educating children and their families about ticks and how to reduce the chance of a tick bite.
The light-hearted, relatable, and fact-filled nature of Teegan and the Teeny Tiny Tick is perfectly situated to inform Canadian children, parents, and teachers about the importance of tick-awareness. The book is also packed with specific tips for parents to note such as the most effective way to perform tick-checks.
On top of sponsorship from Lyme Ontario and AtlanTick Repellent Products, Crunican has received support from Middlesex London Health Unit and notable reviews from knowledgeable Lyme disease professionals.
For example, Lisa Dennys, B.Sc.(OT), D.C.M., D. Ac., celebrated Teegan and the Teeny Tiny Tick by saying:
“Deb Crunican’s colourful and upbeat children’s book is an important contribution to the serious topic of the prevention of tick-borne diseases. By reaching a younger population directly, as well as their parents and teachers with its key educational pointers, it is an excellent resource. Checking for ticks and preventing tick bites can become a necessary part of daily self-care. The addition of tick-bite related resources for adults is an appreciated inclusion in this book as well. Well done!”
Enjoy a care-free summer by taking a moment to learn about the daily practices you can implement to stay safe. Education is the key to preventing Lyme’s disease, and it’s never too early to start!
Click here for more information about Teegan and the Teeny Tiny Tick.