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Globe and Mail
a day ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
What should I know about ticks and Lyme disease?
Ask a Doctor is new series of physician-authored columns offering insights and advice on common health topics. It is not a substitute for seeking medical care. Spending time outdoors after our long winter is one of the best parts of warmer days in Canada. But spring is also when we start to see a rise in tick bites and Lyme disease. Cases have increased dramatically in recent years. In 2024, a record 5,239 cases of Lyme disease were reported across the country, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada – up from 522 cases in 2014. Whether you're camping, gardening, hiking or out with your dog, it's important to know how to protect yourself from tick bites – and what to do if you find one. Here are six key things I want you to know. What causes Lyme disease? Lyme disease can occur when a human is bitten by an infected blacklegged tick (also called a deer tick) or western blacklegged tick. Ticks can typically be found in brushy, grassy or wooded areas, but in recent years they've appeared in urban settings as well. (I recently had a patient come in with three ticks after walking through a city ravine.) Ticks can be active any time the weather is above 4 degrees, not just in the summer months. Young ticks can be as small as a poppy seed and easy to miss. The good news? To spread Lyme disease a tick usually needs to be attached for at least 24 hours – so early detection can make a big difference. What are the early signs of Lyme disease? Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose as it causes myriad symptoms and not everyone gets the same ones. The classic early sign is a round rash, known as a bull's-eye rash because of its characteristic appearance. But it doesn't always happen, and it can look different on darker skin. Flu-like symptoms such as chills, body aches, fever and fatigue can develop anywhere from three to 30 days after the bite. If the infection is untreated, it can cause more severe symptoms weeks or months later, including facial paralysis, joint pain, nerve pain or abnormal heartbeat. What should I do if I'm bitten by a tick? Stay calm and try to remove the tick carefully. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible using fine-tip tweezers and pull it straight out (or get help from a health care provider). Clean the area with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. Consider uploading a photo of the tick to a free Canadian tool that helps identify tick species to assess your risk. If the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, or you're unsure of the timing of the bite, contact your health care provider as you may be eligible for a preventive dose of antibiotics to stop an infection before it starts. What if I suspect I've been bitten, but I'm not sure? Ticks are tiny, and their bites are often painless. If you've spent time outdoors, especially in areas where blacklegged ticks are common, and you start feeling unwell (flu-like symptoms, fatigue or that telltale rash), it's worth checking in with your health care provider. Early Lyme disease is diagnosed based on your symptoms and exposure history, not just a blood test. In the first few weeks after a bite, testing may not show anything, since the body hasn't had time to produce enough antibodies. That's why your doctor may still recommend treatment even if the test is negative. Why is Lyme disease important to treat and prevent? While most people who get Lyme disease and start treatment early will recover fully, some people may experience persistent symptoms. This can include difficulty concentrating, joint pain and fatigue that can severely impair function and daily activities. It is not clear why this happens, but it is very real for the people who experience it. These patients should not be dismissed as they deserve care, support and follow-ups. How can I prevent tick bites? The best defence against Lyme disease is prevention. Start by sharing this article with loved ones and follow the next steps to ensure you stay safe when outdoors: As we head into warmer weather, I'm looking forward to enjoying the outdoors alongside you, but let's do so safely. Being aware of Lyme disease and how to prevent it is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones. Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe is a menopause-certified family physician practising at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and the medical director of primary care outreach at Women's College Hospital. She is also the resident health expert on CTV's The Social, and co-host of The Doc Talk Podcast.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Few showers & storms Saturday, beautiful Sunday!
Saturday sees a secondary cold front arrive from the north, providing more scattered showers for the region, especially early. Though we will have a few showers and storms on Saturday, this front will bring in nicer weather for the second half of the weekend and we will begin to see signs of this late Saturday as a drying pattern begins. High temperatures will be in the mid 60s. One or two of those storms could provide the risk for a strong wind gust or two, especially in our southern counties near Virginia. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a level one marginal risk for severe weather for this threat. Sunday looks fantastic for any outdoor activities! We'll see plenty of sunshine with high pressure in control, along with drier air. It will be the perfect wrap to the weekend with highs in the upper 60s. Monday continues the drier and gradual warmer trend with plenty of sunshine expected and high temperatures climbing up into the mid 70s. Tuesday is also dry with a lot of sunshine expected and highs near 80 – an eastern U.S. high pressure system will allow the dry weather to continue and the heat to build. Wednesday provides yet another warm and dry day on the way. We'll see high temperatures approach the mid 80s! Our warmest day so far in 2025 is 84 degrees back on April 19th – we will have a couple of opportunities to reach that on Wednesday and Thursday! Thursday gives our region one more day where we should remain dry with a good bit of sunshine and temperatures climbing up into the mid 80s. We will see clouds on the increase as our next system approaches for Friday. High temperatures once again will be in the mid 80s – the summer-like feel will be here for sure! Cicadas returning to West Virginia in 2025: What counties will see them? Friday begins another round of unsettled weather with a system scooting toward the region. As a result, scattered showers and storms will be likely, especially by the afternoon with highs near 80. Looking ahead in your extended forecast, we are shaping up to be much warmer. Though the pattern becomes a bit more unsettled once again Saturday into Sunday, temperatures will remain in the 70s – and that warmth does not appear to be going away anytime soon. TONIGHTBreezy showers. Lows around and a couple of storms. Late day drying. Highs in the mid sunny. Highs in the upper sunny. Highs in the mid sunny. Highs near sunny. Highs in the mid sunny. Highs in the mid likely. Highs in the upper showers. Highs in the upper showers. Highs in the upper storms. Highs in the upper 70s. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Daily Mail
Little-known UK beach crowned the country's best 'seaside hidden gem' - with crystal-clear waters and beach golf course
Summer is almost upon us - and as temperatures rise, beach lovers across the nation instinctively scramble for the perfect seaside escape. And if you're looking to catch some rays away from the crowds, one Welsh beach has just been named the best hidden coastal gem in the country. Trearddur Bay, located just south of Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey, has been named the UK's best lesser-known beach destination. The new study - conducted by Insure4Boats - analysed over 250 UK coastal towns using Met Office data, Instagram popularity, and local attractions, and found the North Wales resort to be a standout spot for sun-seekers and water sport lovers alike. Described as 'prestigious' with 'crystal clear waters,' Trearddur Bay scored high across the board, with a perfect 10 on Instagram, high sunshine and low rainfall ratings. Whether you're keen on kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply taking in the panoramic sea views, the bay is hailed as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. There's plenty to explore beyond the beach itself: rock pools, scenic walking trails, and an assortment of cafés and restaurants - including the beachfront Sea Shanty Café - can keep visitors busy well into the evening. Located right next to the beach, the Sea Shanty Café serves up plenty of traditional seaside fare, including cod and scallops, along with menu items with a twist, such as moules frites and Thai fish cakes. Whether you're keen on kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply taking in the panoramic sea views, the bay is hailed as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts The resort additionally features a 'haunted' family home, the remains of an ancient forest that occasionally appear beneath the sand, and even an annual New Year's Day Spacehopper Race - a tradition launched to raise funds for the local RNLI. Trearddur Bay is also home to its own golf course, a vibrant oyster festival, and is located next to the lesser-known Porth Diana Beach, a hotspot for rock poolers. In joint second place as the UK's best hidden coastal gems is Salcombe Regis and Goodrington down in Devon. Salcombe Regis, nestled in the Sid Valley, topped the chart for number of attractions with over 49 things to do, while Goodrington impressed with its sheltered bay and classic English Riviera charm. In joint third, the shores of Lydd-on-Sea in Kent tied with Mwnt in Ceredigion, Wales. Just 38 minutes away from London by train, Lydd boasts the highest monthly sunshine hours in the list, while Mwnt proved more popular online, amassing over 4,400 monthly Google searches. In fourth place is Crimdon, County Durham, followed by Ynyslas, based in Ceredigion, Wales in fifth and the Isle of Man's Port Erin in sixth place. On social media, visitors have long been preaching the beauty of Trearddur, with one TripAdvisor user writing in a thread: 'We have been going to Trearddur Bay for 8 years it's absolutely beautiful. Fantastic beaches, walks, National Trust and pubs.' Another user, a Trearddur Bay resident, said: 'I live in Trearddur Bay, have been here for about 15 years. I feel lucky to live in such a safe and clean area, and this is the case all year round. 'The beach is very clean and is manned by wardens in the summer, there is a life boat station here also. The village is not bustling with lots of night life, however there are places to go and importantly for you children are welcome there.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Memorial Day Weekend Weather Forecast: Sluggish Storm To Bring Heavy Rain, Severe Weather To Plains, South
Whether you are traveling or planning outdoor activities, weather conditions this Memorial Day weekend could be a factor to weigh into your decision-making, especially in the central and southern U.S. Travel, particularly by car, is expected to be busy this year with AAA anticipating that a record 45.1 million people will venture at least 50 miles from home over the holiday period. Here's a look at where rainfall could slow some down and how a nationwide temperature split might factor into your activities. -Saturday: The first day of the holiday weekend could feature wet weather in two areas. Scattered showers from departing low pressure combined with cool temperatures over Upstate New York and New England favor making plans indoors. Otherwise, some clusters of showers and storms could dampen plans in spots over the Plains southeastward to parts of the lower and mid-Mississippi valleys. Localized heavy rainfall might trigger flooding, especially in the Ozarks of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas as well as adjacent parts of southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma. Severe storms could pack large hail, wind damage and an isolated tornado, especially in much of Oklahoma. -Sunday: Those expecting to spend time outdoors from the Plains into portions of the South might be wise to have a Plan B just in case. Areas shaded in green below have rain chances at some point during the day, so check the timing for your location on or The Weather Channel App on Sunday morning before you venture out. Heavy rain could produce a flash flood threat, especially from Oklahoma into southeast Kansas, southern Missouri and much of Arkansas. Isolated severe storms in the Southern Plains could unleash strong winds, large hail and possibly an isolated tornado. A few remaining showers are possible in the interior Northeast. The West should be mostly trouble-free when it comes to any precipitation concerns, except for perhaps some thundershowers in the Colorado Rockies. -Memorial Day: The sluggish-moving weather system will nudge a bit farther south and east on Monday. That means rain and thunderstorms will plague much of the South and Plains. This could mean a washout in locations shaded darker green in the map below. The rainfall could also be heavy, resulting in localized flash flooding in portions of the South. Scattered severe storms could impact Texas with high winds and hail. Once again, the West should be trouble-free for most, but we can't rule out some showers and storms in the Central and Southern Rockies. The Northwest might also see a few showers. -Great Lakes, Northeast Keep Their Cool: The general theme is that high temperatures will be below average for at least part of the holiday weekend in these regions. Highs in the 60s and lower 70s are commonplace all three days, with even some 50s in upstate New York and New England on Saturday requiring a jacket. -South Sweats: Florida, the Gulf Coast states and Texas to the south of Interstate 20 will see summer-like heat in the upper 80s and 90s on Saturday and Sunday, so a pool or a beach is a great place to hang out and cool off. Increasing rain and thunderstorms on Monday will knock temperatures down in much of the South, except Florida and South Texas. -Western Contrast: The Southwest will feel like summer unless you are in coastal Southern California, where the Pacific Ocean's influence keeps it cooler. Lower elevations of the Northwest and Rockies will generally be in the 60s and 70s. Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with for nearly 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Arkansas Storm Team Weather Blog: Multiple rounds of storms expected to impact Memorial Day Weekend activities
As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, many Arkansans are looking forward to spending time outdoors. Whether it's camping, boating, or just firing up the grill. However, Mother Nature has other plans. A series of strong storms are expected to sweep across the state, especially the northern half, bringing rounds of showers and thunderstorms that could put a serious damper on outdoor activities. To be clear, it won't rain all day every day through the weekend. But storms will come in waves. The northern tier of Arkansas is under a Flood Watch, which goes through 7 p.m. Monday night. Flash flooding will be a concern, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers and streams. Avoid these areas if you plan to be camping out. In addition to the heavy rain, some of these storms could turn severe. The risk is low, but damaging wind and hail will be possible. Lightning will be a hazard with nearly every storm this weekend, which is especially concerning given the number of people expected to be outdoors. Remember, if the thunder roars… Go indoors. If you're close enough to hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck by lightning. If you do plan to get out on the water in a boat, be prepared to get back to the marina quickly if or when you hear thunder. If you plan to go camping, even though it's strongly discouraged; consider finding higher ground away from rivers and streams. With weather conditions changing quickly, it's important to have the Arkansas Storm Team App available on your phone so you can keep up with storms as they move through the area. We will be here throughout the weekend to keep you up-to-date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
