Dr. Caitlyn Hark has some helpful information on how to deal with ticks this summer
Lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacterium carried by some ticks and transmitted to humans when ticks attach to the skin for an extended period of time. Only deer ticks can transmit Lyme disease. Larger dog ticks do not transmit disease to humans in this area. For a tick to transmit Lyme disease, it must attach to a person’s skin for at least 36-48 hours and feed. If a tick does transmit Lyme disease, early symptoms (within 30 days of a bite) can include an Erythema Migraines or “Bulls-eye” rash and/or flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches. The rash might be warm to the touch, or may not be felt at all. If the initial infection is not detected, infection may spread to other parts of the body.
Lyme disease is easily treated with a course of oral antibiotics. If symptoms persist, an alternate diagnoses may be considered. In some situations, we will prescribe prophylactic antibiotics, which can be started within 72 hours of tick removal, to prevent the transmission of Lyme Disease after a tick bite. These situations include:
Some of the best ways to avoid tick bites:
The best way to remove a tick is to get a firm grasp with a good pair of fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Once the tick is removed, wash the skin well and you may apply some antibiotic ointment for a few days.
For more information:
Did you know? Meningitis B vaccine is strongly recommended for those entering college in the fall. We recommend beginning the two dose vaccine series in June or July. Please call the office with questions or to schedule an appointment.
Are your kids going to camp this summer?
Most camps require a copy of your child's latest well visit. Please drop off any required paperwork to our office as soon as possible so that we can complete it in time. The summer will be here before we turn around.
Did you know? Drowning is the leading cause of death in children. Swim lessons and water safety save lives.
Katelyn Castro, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS answers the question:
My kids have busy sports schedules, how can I make sure they’re fueling appropriately?
Whether it’s after school tennis practices or weekend baseball games, fitting in time to eat and finding easy options for fuel can be challenging. Having some quick ideas for meals and snacks that are easy to eat on-the-go can be a life-saver! Including a combination of carbohydrates and protein at meals and snacks can ensure there’s enough energy on board for both the brain and muscles to shift into sports mode. If there are a few hours before sports or between sports, fueling with a meal or big snack is ideal - peanut butter and banana sandwich, turkey veggie and cheese wrap, yogurt parfait with fruit and granola, trail mix with a granola bar, pretzels hummus and cheese stick, are some examples.
If there’s less than an hour before sports, sticking with mostly carbs can give a boost of energy while being easy to digest - fruit (banana, applesauce, box of craisins, etc.), homemade or ready-made smoothies or yogurt drinks (i.e. Stonyfield, naked juice, etc.), pretzels or crackers, and granola bars (i.e. clif z-bar, nature’s bakery fruit bars), are some examples. Some kids may have a more sensitive stomach, so finding easy-to-digest options may be important for them.
In case nerves kick it on game day, experimenting with some portable meals/snacks before games can help ensure that there are some familiar options to rely on in the moment. Refueling after sports can be just as important as fueling beforehand, as well as hydrating! You can find more tips on hydrating and fueling for sports as well as other resources listed on our Nutrition page.
Did you know? May 31st is National Smile Day; a reminder to prioritize oral health, spread joy, and recognize the positive effects of smiling.
How long have you been at Framingham Pediatrics? : Almost 2 years
Favorite ice cream flavor : Moose Tracks and Prestigio
Fun Fact: Yasmin is the proud Mama of 6 beautiful female guinea pigs - Cappuccino, Gordin, Peluda, Tuffo, Cubeludo, Capacete
Favorite Disney movie? Encanto
What is the best part about working at Framingham Pediatrics? I came here from Brazil in 2016. It is very rewarding for me to be able to be a resource for our Portuguese speaking patients and help them navigate the healthcare system. The environment at Framingham Pediatrics is warm and welcoming and I have made many personal connections while here. I enjoy being part of the team and having the opportunity to expand my knowledge and ability to help patients.