Community

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

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2024

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

Heat Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe During Hot Summer Weather

Published

5 days ago

June 29, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illness. Spending time outdoors, working in the heat, or even staying in a home without adequate cooling can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke if proper precautions aren’t taken.

How to Stay Cool

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Avoid sugary drinks and excessive alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, or seek shade if you’re outdoors.
Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Take frequent breaks if working or exercising outside.
Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from direct sunlight.

Protect Children, Older Adults, and Pets

Young children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and outdoor workers are at greater risk for heat-related illness. Check on elderly neighbors and relatives during periods of extreme heat.

Pets are also vulnerable. Always provide fresh water and shade, avoid walking dogs on hot pavement, and never leave a child or pet unattended in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. Symptoms may include:

Hot, dry, or flushed skin
Rapid pulse
Rapid, shallow breathing
Body temperature above 105°F
Confusion, dizziness, disorientation, or unconsciousness

If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler location, loosen or remove excess clothing, and begin cooling them with cool water, wet towels, or ice packs while waiting for emergency responders.

Taking simple precautions can help you and your family stay safe, healthy, and cool throughout the summer.

Community

Fawn Season Is Underway: Why You Should Leave Baby Deer Alone

Published

6 days ago

June 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As fawning season continues across the Hudson Valley, wildlife experts are reminding residents that if you come across a young fawn lying alone, the best thing you can do is leave it where it is.

Although it may appear abandoned, it is completely normal for a mother deer (doe) to leave her fawn alone for several hours while she forages for food. Does often hide their fawns in tall grass, gardens, wooded areas, or even near homes, where they hope predators will be less likely to approach.

The doe typically returns only a few times each day to nurse her fawn and may move it to a new location once it is safe. If people or pets are nearby, the mother may delay returning to avoid drawing attention to her baby.

Wildlife officials urge residents not to touch, move, or attempt to rescue a fawn unless it is clearly injured or its mother is confirmed to be dead.

Pet owners are also encouraged to keep dogs leashed when walking near wooded areas or tall grass during the next several weeks to avoid disturbing hidden fawns.

Remember: A fawn lying quietly by itself is usually not abandoned—it’s exactly where its mother expects it to be.