Climate change has brought forth new challenges for parents, and one of the critical areas to focus on is Lyme disease awareness. As the prevalence of tick-borne diseases continues to rise, it’s essential for parents to be Lyme literate and take preventive measures to protect their families. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why Lyme literacy is crucial, share the alarming story of infant children bitten by ticks, and provide you with practical recommendations in an easy-to-follow bullet format.

Why Lyme Literacy Matters

1. Increasing tick populations due to climate change
2. Higher risk of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease
3. Ensuring the health and well-being of your children

The Alarming Story of Infants Bitten by Ticks
Two infants, just 5 and 6 weeks old, were bitten by ticks and contracted Lyme disease and Babesiosis on Long Island, New York. This alarming incident highlights the importance of Lyme disease awareness and emphasizes the need for taking measures to keep ticks out of your home to protect even the youngest family members.

Personal Protection Measures

1. Apply insect repellent on clothing and exposed skin
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks when outdoors
3. Conduct full-body tick checks after spending time outside
4. Inspect pets for ticks regularly
5. Put clothing in the dryer on high heat after being outdoors to kill any ticks

Yard Management Techniques

1. Keep your lawn well-maintained and trimmed
2. Remove leaf litter and brush from around your home
3. Create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and your lawn
4. Use tick tubes or tick-repellent landscaping plants to discourage ticks
5. Spray tick repellents in your yard as an additional protective measure

Conclusion
Sadly modern parenting in a post-climate change world requires us to be vigilant and proactive in protecting our children from emerging threats like Lyme disease. By embracing Lyme literacy, adopting preventive measures, and staying informed about the risks, we can ensure a safer and healthier future for our little ones in an ever-changing world.