Assemblyman Thiele warns against the dangers of Lyme Disease

As summer approaches and East End families spend more time outside, one danger we all need to be aware of is Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that is contracted from deer ticks, usually occurring from May through July. There are a few protective steps that will lessen the chances of getting this disease.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that ticks contract from biting an infected animal, usually mice or deer. The tick can then pass the disease along to a human when biting skin. Ticks are usually found on the tips of grass blades or brush, and they use that cover to crawl on to you when you pass by. Lyme disease is a very real threat on Eastern Long Island and New York State at large where 2,385 cases were confirmed last year.[1]

To minimize your risk of being bitten, you should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in wooded or grassy areas to limit your skin exposure. These clothes should be light in color so the black ticks are easier to spot and remove. Ticks are tiny, so look closely for them after coming inside. Ticks tend to latch on to the backs of your knees, behind your ears, your scalp and your back, so make sure you pay particular attention to those areas.[1] You should also be aware that deer ticks often attach themselves to pets to find their way into homes. After walks, owners should give their pets a thorough once over to make sure no ticks are present. It is also recommended
that owners check with their veterinarian about products to reduce tick exposure.[1]

An infected deer tick must feed for an entire blood meal to infect the host, which can take up to 48 hours.[2] If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Use tweezers or a specialized tick-removal tool and pull the tick in a steady, upward motion away from the skin, without jerking or twisting the body.[3] Disinfect the bite area and wash your hands. If a tick has already embedded itself in the skin, it needs to be taken care of immediately.

There are many symptoms of Lyme disease and they tend to vary from patient to patient. Generally, the first symptom is a slowly expanding rash extending from the bite site in the shape of a "bull's eye." Other symptoms of Lyme disease can include chills, fever, fatigue, headache, a stiff neck, jaw discomfort and pain or stiffness in muscles and joints. Symptoms can be treated with antibiotics and the earlier the treatment begins, the easier it is to prevent long-term effects, which can affect the heart or central nervous system. Contact your doctor at the first sign of Lyme disease.[3]

Current law does not stipulate that Lyme disease and other tick borne related pathogens be covered under individual and group health insurance policies. Proper long term care is essential. Consequently, Assemblyman Thiele has introduced legislation (A.7696-A) which would require health insurers to provide coverage for long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne related pathogens.

By taking the proper precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease. For further information, visit the New York State Department of Health website (www.health.ny.gov), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website (www.hhs.gov) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov).

[1] www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/chartstables/reportedcases_statelocality.html

[2] www.mayoclinic.com/health/lyme-disease/DS00116/DSECTION=causes

[3] www.cdc.gov/lyme/removal/index.html

Source: Assemblyman Fred Thiele press release dated May 16, 2012.

Martha Clara Vineyards will host the second annual Wounded Warrior Project Car Show on Saturday, May 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All collectible vehicle owners are invited to participate in the event which is sponsored by the Peconic Bay Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America. The fee for pre-registered cars is $15.00, but owners may register on the day of the show for $20.00.

The admission fee for spectators is only $5.00 and children twelve years old and younger will be admitted free of charge if accompanied by an adult.

In addition to the classic cars there will be wine tastings, music, food, raffles, and auctions. Car owners will receive trophies for class awards.

Martha Clara Vineyards is located at 6025 Sound Avenue in Riverhead which is just east of Herricks Lane. All proceeds from the event will go to the Wounded Warrior Project and to Building Homes for Heroes.

For information call 631-727-3097 or 631-514-9765.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY May 16 to...Myles Buhner...Anthony Stimpfel...Michael Maiorana...Kenny Michalouski...Elise Littlefield...Marcos Benitez...Thomas Kruel...Derek Smith...Zeffira Scolza

The Riverhead Woman's Club held its annual awards luncheon and fashion show Thursday, May 10 at Vineyard Caterers in Aquebogue.

More than 100 people attended the event, a fundraiser for the club's scholarship fund. The club awarded several $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Photo Captions:

1) Fashion show models, wearing clothing provided by The Children's Place at Tanger Outlets, Riverhead

2) Fashion show models, wearing clothing provided by The Dress Barn at Tanger Outlets, Riverhead

3) Outgoing president Joan Davis is pinned by Carol Werther

4) Incoming president Sandra Reeve is pinned by her predecessor Joan Davis

5) Outgoing president Joan Davis, Abigail Fayette (Music Winner, Shoreham-Wading River HS), Morgan Gildersleeve & Kira Buckel (Art Winners, Mattituck High School), Mackenzie Feeley (Education Winner, Southold High School) and Emily McNalley (Science Winner and Valedictorian Shoreham-Wading River High School), Dr. Antonio Flores and incoming president Sandra Reeve.

6) Abigail Fayette, Shoreham-Wading River High School, winner in the music category, plays a selection on the violin.

RiverheadLOCAL courtesy photos. Photos 1-5 by Breanna Richardson; photo 6 by Lisa Richardson

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