Backspin wants to congratulate our
healthspin contributors at North Oaks Health
System on the new distinction as a Level
II trauma center. We appreciate the golfcentered health information North Oaks has
provided for our readers.
ed mosquito-borne Zika as of press
time. The mosquitoes that spread
Zika are aggressive daytime biters,
though they can also bite at night.
Many who are infected with
Zika may have only mild symptoms
like fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. However, the virus can
be passed from a pregnant woman
to her fetus and may cause certain
birth defects.
The best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites – whether
you’re on the links or in the backyard – is to wear Environmental
Protection Agency-registered insect
repellants. One common type contains the active ingredient DEET,
developed by the U.S. Army in
1946 for protection of soldiers in
insect-infested areas.
Whatever type of repellent you
use, the CDC offers these tips:
• Always follow the product label
instructions.
• Reapply insect repellent as directed.
• Do not spray repellant on the
skin under clothing.
• If you are also using sunscreen,
apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
The CDC also suggests wearing
long-sleeved shirts and long pants
when outdoors. Treat items like
boots, socks and pants with permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
Permethrin is a synthetic chemical
insecticide that acts like natural
extracts from the chrysanthemum
flower. It should not be used directly on the skin.
Take steps to control mosquitoes
inside and outside of your home.
Once a week, empty and scrub,
turn over, cover or throw out items
that hold water,