Life will always be full of legitimate hazards. The only thing we can truly control is how we prepare for and respond to the myriad of everyday perils. When we practice growing our sense of awareness within our surroundings, we minimize stress and develop the habit of mindfulness. This includes every aspect of life, especially having fun in the outdoors. Being observant of changes in weather, wearing sun protection, and always having the proper protective gear for your activity of choice are just a few ways of being mindful. Another consideration when planning outdoor adventures is to be alert and prepared for what I formally call “bitey things.” Here is a quick guide about one of the most notorious bitey-things, Ticks.
Ticks are theoretically bloodsucking arachnids that can be found in every state in the U.S. and on every continent on earth. They exist in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Ticks can be black, brown, or reddish and range in size from a grain of sand to a kernel of corn. Although most commonly active in the warmer months, they can survive and bite warm-blooded mammals anytime the temperatures are above freezing.
Ticks are mostly found in grassy, wooded areas but can live in a wide range of environments, such as beaches and coastal regions. They hang out on the tops of low-growing grasses and plants, waiting for potential hosts to brush by so they can grab on with their front legs. Even if you find a tick near your head, it most likely crawled up from a lower extremity, as they cannot jump or fly.
Avoid the sides of the trail and bushwhacking through grassy areas when walking in wooded areas. Wearing light-colored clothing can help make ticks easier to see, and tucking your pant legs into your socks can prevent them from crawling up your legs. There are effective repellants that can be used on clothing and gear, such as Permethrin and others that are applied directly to the skin.
Blacklegged ticks, often called “deer ticks,” are the only ticks that transmit Lyme disease, but all ticks can transmit a variety of potentially serious illnesses. Many folk remedies have been passed down about removing embedded ticks, but the most effective way is to grasp the head as close to the skin as possible and firmly pull upward. Clean and disinfect the skin and monitor the bite area for several weeks. It can take 24 to 72 hours for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease to be transmitted, although other diseases can be transmitted much more quickly.
Prevention is the best way to avoid tick bites. Make a habit of always performing a quick “tick-check” after spending time outdoors. Bringing mindfulness to everyday activities can prevent issues with “bitey things,” and all the complexities of a life well lived. The most important thing is to enjoy the magic of the outdoors without fear.
Namaste
