FitSugar

You Asked: I Think I Have Lyme Disease

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:30:00 PDT

You're asking and I'm answering.

Dear Fit,
Last weekend after a night of camping, I was washing my hair and realized there was something stuck to my scalp. My husband took a look and found a small black tick embedded in my skin. He removed the whole thing, and aside from being completely freaked out, now I'm worried that I have Lyme disease. How do I know?
-Totally Ticked Off by a Tick

I'm sure many other readers can feel your pain in discovering a creepy crawly bug on your head, and I can understand your concern about Lyme disease, but don't panic yet. Just

read more. First, it's important to know what kind of tick you found on you. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium (called Borrelia burgdorferi in case you were wondering), which is transmitted by a bite from infected black-legged ticks. In the northeastern and north-central US, the blacklegged tick (or deer tick) transmits Lyme disease. In the Pacific coastal US, the disease is spread by the western black-legged tick. When a tick feeds on an infected animal, the little bugger takes the bacterium into its body. It sounds gross, but the bacterium lives in the gut of the tick, and the next time it goes to feed, the tick can transmit the bacterium to its new host. If you have Lyme disease, early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, and a characteristic reddish skin rash called erythema migrans will appear three to 30 days after you've been bitten. The rash is often circular and resembles a bull's eye pattern. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your joints, heart, and nervous system, causing pain and loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of the face (called facial or "Bell's" palsy). If you are having early symptoms, or you just want to be sure, a lab test will determine if you have Lyme disease, and a few weeks of antibiotics will successfully treat the infection. Source

Watch Out For: Ticks

FitSugar — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT

Exercising in the woods is perfect in the Summer because the challenging terrain offers you a tough workout, but the trees provide shade to prevent overheating. When on the trail you need not only to watch out for poison ivy, but be on the lookout for ticks as well. These little buggers are small, but their bites have the ability to transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses. Blacklegged ticks (deer ticks), lone star ticks, and American dog ticks are all on the list of things you don't want touching your body.

To prevent ticks from landing on you and attaching to your skin, wear long sleeves, pants, and tall socks that cover your shins. Lighter colored clothing will make it easier to spot these dark bugs so you can flick them off. If it's too hot for all those clothes, then spray yourself with bug repellent. Also avoid walking in tall grassy areas. Be especially cautious in May, June, and July when ticks are most active. After an excursion in an area that's known for ticks, check yourself or have someone else check your skin - don't forget your armpits, scalp, and groin.

To find out what you should do if you see a tick stuck to your body

read more. Remove the tick from your skin by using tweezers. Don't smother the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, and don't use a hot match. You want to avoid crushing the tick to ensure that the disease-causing bacterium stays inside the tick's body. Pull the tick out and if the mouthparts are still in your skin, pull those out too. Wash the area with soapy warm water. If a tick has latched on to you and it's been less than 24 hours, your risk of contracting a disease is fairly low. Monitor the bitten area as well as your overall symptoms over the next few weeks, just to be sure. Is it just me, or does anyone else get itchy just looking at the images of ticks? Source

Photography Lessons Learned From Eve Arnold

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:01:01 PST

American photojournalist Eve Arnold passed away last week at the age of 99. A Philadelphia native, Arnold spent her life traveling, bringing back images from remote and dangerous parts of the world for Life magazine (among others), which earned her the title of the first woman to join famed Magnum Photos agency in 1955. Arnold didn't want to be known as a "woman photographer" though, and just as well, she may be most renowned for building quite the rapport with her subjects. She told BBC in a 2002 interview that "if you're careful with people and if you respect their privacy, they will offer part of themselves that you can use." It's this attitude that helped her capture some of the most intimate images of Marilyn Monroe to date, which she compiled into a book dedicated to the actress.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a photography novice, Eve Arnold is an amazing inspiration. Here, three quotes collected from her 50-year career, that can stoke the creative fire and help you capture better images of your own after the break.

Angry Kitty Preys on Birthday Greetings

Sara Yoo — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 PST

Lock up your mail, ladies and gentlemen: this cat is out for ink. Maybe the card came with a bag of dog treats, or perhaps it's just the incessant meowing of "Happy Birthday," but kitty is clearly ticked off and ready to wage war on the world's paper greeting cards. Good thing the cameraman is nearby to save this piece of correspondence from certain death since paper is not friendly to feline tummies.

Catch Up on All of Our Best of 2011 Roundups!

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:13:44 PST

The year is ticking away, so whether you'd like to reflect on the past 364 days or learn a few lessons so that 2012 is better than ever, check out our Best of 2011 coverage before officially ushering in the new year!

5 Festive New Year's Eve Treats For Kids

LilSugar — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:27:21 PST

Kick off the New Year with kid-friendly treats to be enjoyed by the whole family. Refashion your children's favorite sweets with edible sparkles or cleverly ice classic desserts to create a festive platter of goodies. These sweet treats are sure to please your little ones while the clock is ticking, so break out the fruit juice bubbly and get ready to toast to 2012.

Source: Wilton

7 Types of New Year's Eve Kisses

Anna Monette Roberts — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:00:56 PST

New Year's Eve kisses can be hot and passionate, sweet and loving, or a complete disaster. You never know what to expect when you lock lips with someone new, which can be part of the thrill or part of the funny story to tell your girl friends the next day. Here's a quick rundown of seven kisses you might receive on New Year's Eve.

A friend: Whether there is mutual, pent-up attraction or it catches you completely off guard, this kiss could be the key to knowing if you and your friend should take things to the next level (or if you should keep things platonic).
A crush: If you've been eyeing someone for a while, now's the time to see if this lucky crush locks eyes (and lips) with you when the clock strikes.
A random: It can be a hit or miss with a stranger, but avoid going for someone totally inebriated. There is a difference between a wild kiss and a vacuum.

See more NYE kisses.

5 Quick and Easy New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas

Chi Diem Chau — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:33:14 PST

The clock is ticking and before you know it, NYE will be upon you in no time at all. If you're still searching for partywear inspiration, check out our five quick and easy outfit ideas. From sexy sequined looks to boho eclectic glamour, we have each and every style personality covered. How perfect is this flirty full-skirted sheath dress and pumps combo for the classic and chic uptown girl? Don't stop now, four more amazing looks for you to peep in the slideshow.

Cast Your Vote in All of Our Best of 2011 Movie Polls!

BuzzSugar — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:06:56 PST

The clock is ticking down on 2011, and we've been rounding up all of the year's greatest content by asking you to vote for your favorites. Before we're ready to start declaring the winners, we want to give you another chance to weigh in on all of the categories. Here's the rundown on all of the movie polls, so vote on the ones you missed!

Best Dramatic Actress

Most Kick-Ass Female Character

Best Sequel

Your Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Tara Sharp — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:35:41 PST

This holiday season, we've given you gift ideas for all the special people in your life, from experience gifts for your girlfriends to gifts to give your friend with benefits. We even have sexy luxuries for your own holiday wish list! But time's a ticking, and when it comes to finding that perfect present, it's now or never! Check out all our great gift ideas that you can still pick up for the friend, family member, or significant other still left on your to-gift list!