Community

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

Published

6 months ago

May 23, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

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.

Community

Rockland Repair Café Residents Can Bring Broken Items To Be Fixed For Free

Published

4 days ago

November 19, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

This event brings together skilled volunteer Repair Coaches and residents seeking to repair household items. Participants are invited to bring items such as lamps, clothing, small appliances, wooden items, small furniture, toys, and electronics for evaluation and repair.

Items powered by gas engines (e.g., lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other gas-powered landscaping equipment) are not eligible for repair. Additionally, computers and digital devices will not be repaired at this event.

Repair Coaches will evaluate and fix items for free, provided the necessary materials are on hand. These talented volunteers are eager to share their expertise, preserving the art of repair while fostering community connections.

“The ability to fix and repair items is becoming a lost art,” said County Executive Ed Day. “The Repair Café not only celebrates this essential skill but also encourages its transfer to the younger generation, ensuring these talents continue to thrive in Rockland County. Events like this reduce landfill waste, foster sustainability, and strengthen our community ties.”

The Rockland Repair Café is a free, youth-friendly event made possible through the support of Rockland Conservation & Service Corps, a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, along with Rockland Green, Pearl River United Methodist Church, and the Pearl River Library. Volunteer Repair Coaches from Woodcraft & Willow and IBEW LU 363 will also participate.

For more information, or to confirm if a Repair Coach can fix your item, please call Kathy Galione at (845) 364-2932, or email [email protected].

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Pearl River United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY

Community

The HVHS Had A Herpetology Expert From The Bronx Zoo Assess The Alligator Found

Published

5 days ago

November 18, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The rescued alligator has captured a great deal of interest from the community so HVHS wanted to provide an update. “The herpetology expert from the Bronx Zoo was kind enough to come by and take a look at our friend to assess his overall health and “HE” is in pretty good shape! Yes … we have a BOY! We have two names going for him one is “Philippe” the other is “Al E. Gator” and we would like help from the community to weigh in on which name is preferred.” The HVHS continue to support him in warming up. The DEC has been a great help too and they are assisting us with placement which, in NYS, requires specific credentials. Stay tuned for more updates. #hvhsny #haverstrawpd #alligator #safeatthehvhsny #bronxzoo #reptileinnewyork #ittakesavillage #garnervilleny #rescued #grateful