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Protect Yourself and Your Family from Tick Bites This Spring And Summer

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11 months ago

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As the warmer weather is welcomed and families spend more time outside, remember to protect yourself and loved ones from tick bites. A bite from an infected tick can cause Lyme Disease and other diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Powassan.  The risk of encountering an infected tick in the Hudson Valley region is high.  

“Ticks, like many of us, become more active during warmer weather.  Ticks that carry Lyme disease continue to be found in Rockland; therefore, we advise residents to follow these precautions for an enjoyable and healthy season,” said Dr. Chitra Punjabi, Rockland County Department of Health Director of TB & Communicable Disease Control: 

  • Avoid contact with ticks – stay on cleared, well-traveled trails, walk in the center of trails, avoid dense woods and bushy areas, and avoid sitting directly on the ground or stone walls. 
  • Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors. Brush any ticks off before they attach. Do a complete check of your skin when you go back inside. Be sure to check for ticks on your children and pets, too!  It is easy to check when you bathe or shower, preferably within two hours, to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you. Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets) and remove ticks promptly. 
  • Remove any attached ticks using this safe method: Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick near the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible. Do not twist, turn, or squeeze the tick’s body. Instead, pull the tick in a steady, upward motion away from the skin until the tick lets go. To lessen your chance of infection, remove an attached tick as soon as possible. 
  • Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks, and shoes. Tuck your shirt into your pants and pant legs into your socks. Wear sneakers or boots, not sandals. Tie back long hair or wear a hat. 
  • Consider the use of an insect repellent. Carefully read and follow the directions on the repellent label. 

If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, contact your health care provider immediately to discuss any treatment and further prevention options. 

For more information visit these webpages: Rockland County Department of Health and New York State Department of Health.

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Down to Earth Living Is Offering Free Workshops To Get Your Garden Ready For Spring

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3 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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This April, Down to Earth Living in Pomona (1040 Route 45) is offering a series of free, hands-on workshops designed to help you get your garden and outdoor spaces ready for the season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone—covering topics like pruning, landscape design, veggie gardening, and even a special visit from the Hudson Valley Humane Society. All workshops begin at 1 PM, and no registration is needed—just come by, learn something new, and get inspired! Additional workshops for May will be announced soon, so stay tuned for more spring gardening opportunities.

Workshop Schedule:

  • Saturday, April 5 – Pruning with Mike
    Wondering how or when to prune your plants? Mike will demonstrate the best pruning techniques for trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, showing you how to keep them healthy and looking great.

  • Sunday, April 6 – Landscape Planning with Stuart
    If you’re planning a new garden or reworking your outdoor space, join Stuart as he discusses how to choose the right garden size, select plants that fit your sun/shade conditions, and blend colors, shapes, and textures for a beautiful yard. He’ll also share tips on using materials to bring your vision to life.

  • Saturday, April 26 – Hudson Valley Humane Society Visit
    This isn’t a workshop, but a chance to meet adoptable pets from the Humane Society. Come support a good cause, learn more about pet adoption and care, and maybe even find a new furry friend. This event is great for families and animal lovers.

  • Sunday, April 27 – Starting a Veggie Garden with Mary
    Mary will guide you through the basics of starting your own veggie garden, covering everything from picking the best spot and preparing your soil to choosing what to plant and maintaining your garden throughout the season.

About Down to Earth Living: Down to Earth Living is a garden center on 12.5 acres in Rockland County, offering a variety of perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new arrivals every week. Their 10,000-square-foot showroom features a unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional outdoor furniture. The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona. For more information, visit www.dteliving.com or call 845-354-8500.

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Child Abuse Awareness Month A Continued Effort for Community Awareness and Support April 2025

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3 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Child abuse is a serious issue requiring continuous attention. The first National Child Abuse Awareness Month was declared in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, with April officially recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. These efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in preventing abuse.

Each year, 646,000 children are victims of abuse, with 1,580 fatalities, many of which could be prevented through early intervention and stronger community support. Child Protection Services receives around 4 million referrals annually, demonstrating the widespread nature of the issue.

Abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual, leading to long-term emotional and relational problems for victims. Substance abuse by parents also increases the risk of neglect and mistreatment. Children affected by abuse often struggle with emotional expression and building healthy relationships. Additionally, child abuse affects both boys and girls at similar rates, meaning that both genders require equal attention and support to ensure their safety and well-being.

Addressing child abuse requires awareness, community support, and preventative measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

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