HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration is inviting all first through sixth-grade students in Pennsylvania to step up in the fight against Lyme disease. The 2024 Lyme Art Contest is now open for entries, with the theme: “Protect. Check. Remove.”
This annual contest aims to educate children about ticks and how to prevent Lyme disease, a significant health concern in Pennsylvania, which reports some of the highest annual counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation.
Students are encouraged to create a short video or poster centered on the theme, emphasizing the importance of protection against ticks, regular checks for ticks, and the correct removal of ticks if found. The deadline for submissions is 5:00 PM, March 15, 2024. Conest information can be found here.
The Departments of Health (DOH), Education (PDE), Environmental Protection (DEP), and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) are all rallying behind this initiative, encouraging participation from young students across the state.
Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen highlighted the importance of outdoor activities as part of a healthy lifestyle while stressing the need for tick checks. “For the health of all Pennsylvanians, children and adults alike, it is crucial to learn how ticks transmit disease, take steps to prevent tick bites, learn how to remove ticks if found on the body, and seek timely medical treatment when needed to protect against Lyme disease,” said Bogen.
The contest also has the backing of Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, who sees it as a creative way to combine art with health and science education. “This art contest provides students with a creative way to combine their health and science knowledge with art to help raise awareness as tick season approaches,” said Mumin.
Finalists will be notified by mail and will be invited to an award ceremony at the State Capitol in May. Last year, nine winners were recognized at a ceremony with representatives from DOH, PDE, and DCNR.
The contest comes as part of broader efforts to raise awareness about ticks and Lyme disease, helping Pennsylvanians enjoy the outdoors safely. “Exploring Pennsylvania’s beautiful environment is a huge opportunity available to everyone, but it is important we understand how to protect ourselves against ticks,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley.
When venturing outdoors in Pennsylvania, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from ticks. To minimize the risk of tick bites, consider the following guidelines:
- Cover exposed skin: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to reduce the amount of skin exposed to ticks.
- Opt for light-colored clothing: Light colors make it easier to spot ticks crawling on your clothes, allowing you to promptly remove them.
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent: Apply a tick repellent that is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and follow the instructions on the label.
- Enhance protection with permethrin: Treat your shoes, clothes, and gear with permethrin, an insecticide that provides an additional layer of defense against ticks.
After spending time outdoors, it is crucial to thoroughly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, and around the waistline. If you find any ticks, remove them promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.
Once indoors, take a shower to help remove any ticks that may have gone unnoticed. Additionally, consider putting your clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may still be clinging to your clothing.
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