TheMorrisonFamilyBlog

When I was 13, we lived in rural Appalachia. I remember waking up one morning and seeing this big, ugly, gray mass on my thigh. It was a tick that had been indulging in my blood all night long, maybe longer. As an adult, I monitor my children and pets to ensure ticks aren't feasting on anyone. School’s out, and it’s almost time to send the kids off to camp.  Parents across the country are packing travel bags filled with swim goggles, sunscreen, and other summertime necessities for their children, but one of the most important things parents need to remember as their young ones head off to summer camp is tick prevention.   The Tick-Borne Disease Alliance  (TBDA) has compiled a list of the top five “must-have” items in a  Tick-Prevention Summer Camp Survival Kit  that every parent should include in their child’s travel bags this summer. Lyme disease is the fastest-growing infectious disease and the most common tick-borne disease in the country, according...

 It's summer and while the days are longer and life seems to slow down a bit, it's important to remember safety. Here are some tips to keep you, your family and your home safe all summer long. 1.) Stay Hydrated: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink, try and drink two to four glasses of fluid each hour. Avoid sugary drinks or drinks with high alcohol content when in the heat. Monitor your children and make sure they are getting plenty of fluids while playing. 2.) Grilling is an outdoor activity: Use grills outside and don't put pits or grills too close to your home. If you use charcoal when grilling be sure to dispose of them once they are completely cool. 3.) Keep your lawn safe: Keep kiddos away from lawnmowers and never let them ride on the mower. Keep your grass clippings at a minimum as they invite ticks. 4.) Home Sweet Home: Put blind strings out of reach from small children . Review boundaries with your children when they play outside and require the bud...