Latest news with #Mather
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How to protect yourself during peak tick season
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — It's officially peak tick season in Rhode Island, which means everyone should remain vigilant while spending time outside. Thomas Mather, director of the University of Rhode Island's Center for Vector-Borne Disease and the TickEncounter Resource Center, told 12 News the population of ticks across New England is the highest and most diverse it's ever been. There are four different species of ticks currently in Rhode Island, according to Mather, including black-legged deer ticks, American dog ticks, Lone Star ticks and Asian longhorned ticks. He said the most popular species are black-legged deer ticks and American dog ticks. Mather offered a series of precautions everyone can take as tick season ramps up: Mather has a new mantra for tick prevention: 'tuck, treat, tight.' He said it's important to tuck clothes in, treat clothes and shoes to repel them, and wear tight clothing to prevent them from getting underneath. Specifically, Mather recommends everyone tuck their shirts into their pants and their pants into their socks to limit skin exposure. He also suggested spraying clothing with a repellant that contains 20-30% DEET or permethrin. Those hiking in the woods or tall grass should stick to the middle of the trail if possible, he added. Mather urged everyone to carefully check themselves, their children and their pets for ticks before heading inside. He said it's important to have tweezers and a resealable bag ready to remove and collect the tick. Mather also warned against attempting to squish ticks, especially while they're still attached to their host. Even though it can be tempting to flush the tick away after removing it, Mather is asking everyone to submit a photograph of it to URI's TickSpotters. Mather said knowing the species of tick can make a big difference, since only black-legged deer ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. To submit a tick for identification, Mather requests the photograph be taken of the topside of the tick and provide as much information as possible about the encounter. 'We don't expect everyone to be a tick biologist,' Mather said. 'But that's why we're here.' Mather said TickSpotters will identify the tick and respond to the submission with a risk assessment and easy-to-follow tick bite prevention tips. Even though the diseases that ticks carry varies by species, Mather stressed that 'all ticks need to be protected against.' There's also an easy way for Rhode Islanders to evaluate tick risks before heading outside, according to Mather. He said everyone can simply look out the window and assess their yard conditions to determine whether ticks will be out and about. 'Ticks don't like dry weather,' he said. 'If you have to water your lawn … that's actually not good for ticks.' Mather said wet weather provides the climate ticks need to reproduce. That's actually why clothes should be thrown into the dryer instead of the washer after spending time outside. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Tick Bites Are No Joke. Here's How to Prevent Them and Protect Yourself.
A hotly debated topic among experts is whether you should get the tick tested by a lab to see which diseases it carries. Some experts, including those at the CDC, do not recommend tick testing. A highly sensitive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is performed on the tick. If the PCR test detects a small amount of bacteria sufficient to trigger a positive result, it doesn't mean the tick was feeding long or had enough bacteria to infect you. Such a result could cause undue worry. 'There is a pretty high chance of a false positive and no real oversight in the labs,' Kaitlin McDonald, a PhD student in the Ecology, Evolution, Environment, and Society program in the Department of Biological Sciences at Dartmouth College, said in an email interview. Only about a quarter of nymphal-stage ticks (the ones most likely to transmit Lyme disease) are infected, and they need to feed for 48 hours or longer to transmit the infection. Most people who recognize a tick bite remove it in less than 48 hours. But other experts say that identifying and testing ticks is beneficial. The TickSpotters program, led by Mather, can help determine the type of tick and give you a risk assessment, if you send in a clear picture. 'If the tick is a risky tick, attached long enough to transmit any germ they might be carrying, then we suggest that people might want to have the tick tested ... and to have more information to pass along to their primary care or veterinary care provider,' Mather said. Knowing which diseases your tick was carrying will help you zero in on medical care before symptoms start. Up to 5% of nymphal ticks carry a co-infection, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and some of the symptoms are similar. Anaplasmosis, for example, is an emerging and dangerous infection spread by black-legged and western black-legged ticks, and it has symptoms similar to those of Lyme disease. Doxycycline is effective against many tick-borne illnesses, but you may need to go on a different antibiotic if you have the parasite babesia or the rare but increasing Powassan virus. If you do opt to get a tick tested, Mather recommends several companies that perform the service for less than $100, including Ticknology, TickCheck, TickReport, and Eco Laboratory (the latter two are 'prevention partners' with Mather's free TickSpotters program). Your state's health department may also have a tick-testing lab. For instance, Connecticut, where Lyme disease was first identified, has a free program for its residents. Sample test results from the Colorado-based tick-testing company Ticknology. As the co-authors of this story, we have both experienced the exhaustion of Lyme disease, plus the no-picnic treatment of the three- to four-week doxycycline antibiotic cycle (which comes with a host of potential side effects). We think that testing can be good for peace of mind and can promote vigilance in watching for symptoms and getting early treatment. A few years ago, Annemarie's husband was bitten by a tick shortly after she was diagnosed with Lyme. When the tick came back from the lab negative for the tested diseases, no further action was necessary. There was no worrying or watching for symptoms to appear. What a huge relief! If you experience symptoms such as fever, aches and pains, or a rash, see your doctor, and ask for full-panel bloodwork (not just for Lyme disease) to help identify co-infections. We know this discussion ranks among the worst of the creepy-crawly topics, but common tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease, are treatable if they're caught early. Get outside. Enjoy your summer. This article was edited by Megan Beauchamp and Harry Sawyers. Permethrin is like the wall around the castle: It's always there offering protection and doesn't need much maintenance. Our repellent recommendations are EPA approved, backed by experts, and tested by us. Here's the best gear for killing flies and other common household pests. Treating your pets for pests isn't cheap or convenient, but it's necessary.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Netball Sisters Face-Off In Round 2 Of ANZ Premiership
Press Release – Tactix Netball Sisters Lisa and Holly Mather will go head-to-head in Round 2 of the netball's ANZ premiership, when the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix take on the Go Media stars in Auckland this weekend. Older sister Lisa (25) plays at wing defence and centre for the Stars with Holly (24) at centre in her first full ANZ Premiership contract for the Tactix. Playing for the Comets in the National Netball League, Lisa was elevated from training partner with the Stars to injury cover in the midcourt in 2024, before signing with the Tactix for 2025. This is the first time the Mather sisters have come up against each other professionally, and Holly expects some healthy sibling competition in the mid-court. 'Lisa and I have spoken about what it will be like to play against each other and we are really excited,' Mather said. 'We joke around with Mum and Dad that one daughter will be happy and one will be sad after the game, but all-in-all we are really excited about it,' Mather said. With the north versus south match held in Auckland, there is added excitement to play in front of family and friends from Auckland and Northland, who will be keeping a close eye on the midcourt duo. 'We are very professional and as sisters we are very competitive, who knows, if there are a couple of sparks on the court, there might be a couple of elbows in there!' Mather joked. The Tactix debutant is pleased to have game one behind her, but said she always has nerves before any big match. Similarly, Tactix head coach Donna Wilkins said it was a relief to win the first premiership game, but the team will not underestimate the Stars, who she expects to come out fighting on Sunday. 'The Stars have had injuries but we can't take them lightly. When a team loses players it's hard but we expect them to come out fighting for the next game,' Wilkins said. The second round match promises to be contentious between the teams as the Stars and Tactix have met 24 times in the ANZ Premiership, with both teams winning 12 matches each, and have not played each other since round 13 last season. The Stars are coming off a 55-71 loss to the Mystics in Round 1, while The Tactix defeated the Steel 57-50, in a game that saw the team take little on-court risk, not banking on the two-point super shot to secure a win. 'I talked to the girls about understanding the momentum of the game, the Steel put up so many 2 pointer shots but they lost a lot of opportunities, whereas we will continue to use the two-point shots strategically and sparingly,' Wilkins said. The Tactix take on the Stars, 4pm Sunday 18 May at Pulman Arena, Auckland with coverage on SKY Sport.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Netball Sisters Face-Off In Round 2 Of ANZ Premiership
Sisters Lisa and Holly Mather will go head-to-head in Round 2 of the netball's ANZ premiership, when the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix take on the Go Media stars in Auckland this weekend. Older sister Lisa (25) plays at wing defence and centre for the Stars with Holly (24) at centre in her first full ANZ Premiership contract for the Tactix. Playing for the Comets in the National Netball League, Lisa was elevated from training partner with the Stars to injury cover in the midcourt in 2024, before signing with the Tactix for 2025. This is the first time the Mather sisters have come up against each other professionally, and Holly expects some healthy sibling competition in the mid-court. 'Lisa and I have spoken about what it will be like to play against each other and we are really excited,' Mather said. 'We joke around with Mum and Dad that one daughter will be happy and one will be sad after the game, but all-in-all we are really excited about it,' Mather said. With the north versus south match held in Auckland, there is added excitement to play in front of family and friends from Auckland and Northland, who will be keeping a close eye on the midcourt duo. 'We are very professional and as sisters we are very competitive, who knows, if there are a couple of sparks on the court, there might be a couple of elbows in there!' Mather joked. The Tactix debutant is pleased to have game one behind her, but said she always has nerves before any big match. Similarly, Tactix head coach Donna Wilkins said it was a relief to win the first premiership game, but the team will not underestimate the Stars, who she expects to come out fighting on Sunday. 'The Stars have had injuries but we can't take them lightly. When a team loses players it's hard but we expect them to come out fighting for the next game,' Wilkins said. The second round match promises to be contentious between the teams as the Stars and Tactix have met 24 times in the ANZ Premiership, with both teams winning 12 matches each, and have not played each other since round 13 last season. The Stars are coming off a 55-71 loss to the Mystics in Round 1, while The Tactix defeated the Steel 57-50, in a game that saw the team take little on-court risk, not banking on the two-point super shot to secure a win. 'I talked to the girls about understanding the momentum of the game, the Steel put up so many 2 pointer shots but they lost a lot of opportunities, whereas we will continue to use the two-point shots strategically and sparingly,' Wilkins said. The Tactix take on the Stars, 4pm Sunday 18 May at Pulman Arena, Auckland with coverage on SKY Sport.
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
South Elgin High School teacher surprised with Golden Apple Award, the second U-46 winner in two years
Just before the start of one of his classes Wednesday morning, South Elgin High School teacher Matt Erbach was startled when his classroom was suddenly filled with people he wasn't expecting. Members of the Golden Apple Foundation, fellow teachers and staff members, and his wife Kathryn were there to celebrate his selection as a 2025 winner of a Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. 'My watch is already pinging, telling me my heart rate's up,' Erbach said after being bestowed with the honor and being given a gift basket from foundation President Alan Mather. Only 11 high school teachers in the state of Illinois were selected to receive the prestigious teaching award this year out of more than 470 nominees. The winners are chosen based on a number of criteria, including lasting, positive effects on students' lives and school communities. Each recipient is given a $5,000 cash award and a paid spring sabbatical from Northwestern University. They also become fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators. 'We hope that Matt is going to prepare the next generation of teachers to be just like him,' Mather said during his presentation. Erbach teaches precision manufacturing and engineering, subjects that have real world applications, connect with people in other countries and will never leave a student asking, 'How am I ever going to use this?' Mather said. This is not the first time Erbach has been lauded for his work. In March, he was named Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education. And he's a past recipient of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence and an Illinois State Board of Education Award of Meritorious Service. Among Erbach's initiatives was an after-school project in which a team of six students designed and produced a two-part aluminum 'leg bone' portion of a prosthetic leg. The effort resulted in the team taking second-place in the Phillips Machine Student Competition, beating out designs from college and university teams, Erbach said. The work was done in conjunction with Life Changer Manufacturing, an after-school group at Chickasaw High School in Mississippi that works with high schools across the country in designing prosthetic legs made for and delivered to amputees in Latin American nations, he said. Erbach's work on the project dates back to when he was teaching at Streamwood High School, where he taught for 16 years before coming to South Elgin two years ago. The students he works with now not only attend South Elgin but travel from other high schools in District U-46 for his classes, he said. One of the big benefits for those in his classes is a chance to work with state-of-the art CNC (computer numerical control) equipment with which they can design and make items out of metal. Erbach said South Elgin is the only high school in Illinois to have some of the machinery it uses. Senior Eddie Guerrero used the equipment to make a chess set, which Erbach praised for its detail, particularly the intricate knight pieces. 'It's been amazing working in Mr. Erbach's classes,' he said. What he's enjoyed, Guerrero said, is that Erbach allows students to think up their own projects and helps them execute them. In fact, the classes have inspired Guerrero to attend Elgin Community College in the fall to study industrial manufacturing technology. Fellow senior Soren Erikson already has an after-school job as a machinist's assistant at Haumiller Engineering in South Elgin thanks to taking the classes he's taken with Erbach since his freshman year. This summer, Erikson said, he has a paid internship with Haumiller and will learn how to program its CNC machines. In the fall, like Guerrero, he will be studying manufacturing at ECC. 'From taking classes with Mr. Erbach, I saw that you could make good money and have a good career path,' Erikson said. That's one of his goals as a teacher, Erbach said. Educating students to realize their skills can lead to future success in the industrial arts and well-paid jobs, he said. Right now he has 70 students are enrolled in his classes. 'That's too few. I'd like to see that double,' Erbach said. Erbach is the second consecutive School District U-46 teacher — and the second teaching in South Elgin — to win a Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Last year, Aimee Legatzke, a kindergarten teacher at Fox Meadow Elementary School in South Elgin, became the first teacher is district history to receive the honor. The Golden Apple Foundation rotates which grade level of teachers it recognizes in a given year, with this year high school teachers being recognized. In the 2025-26 school year, teachers in fourth through eighth grades will be honored, followed by pre-kindergarten to third grade in 2026-27 and high school again in 2027-28.
