They crawl up

As we begin to spend more time outdoors during the warmer months the threat of contracting a tick-borne disease increases. Personally I have already spotted two deer ticks on my clothing just from walking my dogs. Tick-borne disease pose a major health concern to the public nationally. Most of us are aware of the more common disease associated with tick bites...Lyme disease and spotted fever, but according to the Tick Encounter Resource Center, there are seventeen known tick-borne diseases of which eleven are known to infect humans.
It is important to develop a good plan to help protect yourself and your family members from the wide variety of tick-borne disease. Prevention strategies from a through body examine after being outdoors to the use of repellent sprays, tick repellent clothing or special designed leg covers
are your biggest defense against becoming infected. In addition to protecting yourself don't forget your four legged friends. Consult your vet as to the best treatment for your pet. Treatment for pets should be year round as it is possible for ticks to still be around in colder weather months.
Check out more helpful information and track ticks in your area on the website Tick Encounter Resource Center. 

"Six in one hand...half dozen in the other" Sunscreen &Vitamin D

Just in time as we are about to venture out to take in the spring/summer rays...studies are indicating that our use of sunscreen is contributing to the high incidence of low Vitamin D levels. According to a May, 2017 article in the Daily Mail.com..."three-quarters of the US population are deficient in the 'sunshine vitamin' including 95 percent of African Americans".

This finding definitely necessitates the need for finding a way to continuing the use of sunscreen to protect your skin exposed to sunlight and to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels. The study suggest midday walk in the sun of 5-30 minutes without sunscreen twice weekly and eating foods rich in Vitamin D may help maintain normal Vitamin D levels. The exposure time is dependent on where you live geographically and the pigmentation of your skin. Lighter skin synthesizes more Vitamin D than a darker pigmented person.

It is best to discuss your Vitamin D level with your physician who can guide you on the best solution for you.