The Lyme Action Network is working with Saratoga Farmers’ Market to encourage local youth to become better educated about tick-bite prevention and Lyme Disease through a poster project and education session at the market.
Students of any age are encouraged to prepare a poster–sized 8 ½ inches x 11 inches to 11 inches x 17 inches and using any materials–that shows at least one theme of Lyme disease awareness and/or prevention.
In preparing posters, lymeactionnetwork.org and lymedisease.org are suggested as accurate resources for information.
Posters may be submitted to the market’s information table (green market shed) through Saturday, June 14, during market hours (Wednesdays 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) in High Rock Park.
The market will take a photo of each poster to put online. The Chocolate Spoon, a market vendor, is giving a free cookie to the first 20 entrants. All participants will be entered for a drawing of market items.
“It’s more important than ever to educate our children about the dangers of tick bites,” said Heather Fresh Lyme Action Network board member. “Kids need to know what ticks look like and that ticks are everywhere–not just in the deep woods. We should use repellents when we can. And even when just doing somersaults or light saber fights in the back yard, kids need to remind their parents to do a tick-check every day when they come in.”
On June 18, the market will host Lyme Action Network to offer a “kid friendly” tick talk with all posters being put on display. After that event, the posters will be displayed at the Saratoga Public Library and at the Children’s Museum of Saratoga.
“Parents should reject old myths and misinformation. We as parents need to advocate for our children’s health. Find doctors who are up-to-date on the latest research findings and understand the various treatment options. Timely and sufficient treatment–not a one or two-pill dose–is the best way to avoid long-term illness, ” Fresh said.
The Lyme Action Network is a regional advocacy organization that endeavors to provide general information and resources to the public as well as to medical practitioners seeking more information about Lyme disease and other Tick Borne Diseases (TBDs). The Lyme Action Network’s work covers a spectrum of initiatives, from public education campaigns and patient support programs to professional education endeavors and public and private advocacy.
Its website is www.lymeactionnetowrk.org.