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    13May, 2019
    May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Learn Tips and Tricks for Preventing Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

    Did you know that Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 300,000 people contract the disease every year with most cases occurring in the northeastern region of the country. The disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the blacklegged tick.

    With some preparation, you can take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from tick bites and Lyme Disease. Ticks are most active during the warmer months, and the chance of being bitten by a tick is greatest from May-September. Before going outdoors, know where to expect ticks and avoid those areas, pretreat clothing and gear, and use insect repellent. Ticks live in grassy, wooded areas. When walking through the woods, stay in the center of trails and avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter. Clothing and shoes can be treated with permethrin. Spraying clothes and shoes with permethrin can be one of the most effective techniques for preventing tick bites. Additionally, some insect repellents can help protect you from tick bites. Use the Environmental Protection Agency’s insect repellent search tool to find the right repellent for ticks.

    Ticks can be carried into the house on clothing, gear, and pets. Check your clothing and gear and remove any ticks that are found. Shower soon after being outdoors. Consider drying clothes in a tumble dryer on high heat for 10 minutes which will kill ticks. It is essential to check your body for ticks after being outside. Conduct a full body check and remove any ticks within 24 hours if possible. Check the following parts of your body:

    • Under the arms
    • In and around the ears
    • Inside belly button
    • Behind the knees
    • In and around the hair
    • Between the legs
    • Around the waist

    Following these steps will ensure that you and your family are protected from tick bites while enjoying time outdoors. For more information about ticks and Lyme Disease from our ACHD vector-borne illness team, please visit: http://bit.ly/ACHDLyme.

    9May, 2019
    Health Department Announces the Addition of Three Live Well Allegheny Partners

    May 9, 2019

    PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced that the municipality of Bethel Park has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign as both a community and school district, and the Perch at Pitt has joined the effort as the newest Live Well restaurant. Now participating are 64 communities, 49 restaurants, 31 workplaces and 18 school districts that are making health a priority in Allegheny County.

    “We have always been most successful in this region when we work together, and striving for a healthier county is no exception,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “It will take all of us, collaboratively, to have an impact and we are grateful to the elected officials in Bethel Park, the administrators at the Bethel Park School District, and the management of Perch at Pitt in committing to helping us meet those goals.”

    Live Well Allegheny was launched in January 2014 by County Executive Fitzgerald as a comprehensive and innovative strategy on wellness that embraces a broad concept of living well to include physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. The effort is being led by the Allegheny County Board of Health and ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

    “It’s great to see another three entities make the choice to improve the health and well-being of its community members, students and patrons,” said Dr. Hacker. “We look forward to working with these groups as we strive to make Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation. If you haven’t already applied to join the Live Well effort, we encourage you to do so today.”

    Following is more information about the newest Live Well Allegheny partners:

    Live Well Allegheny Community & School District

    The Municipality of Bethel Park will promote and support farmers markets, develop walking maps and accessible outdoor wellness trails and encourage involvement with community volunteer activities. The municipality will also provide health information focused on monthly or seasonal events and utilize websites and social media to promote physical activity, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation and other health and wellness related initiatives. The community also announced the creation of the Live Well Allegheny Bethel Park Speaker’s series that is a health education program that will take place at the community center each month.

    The Bethel Park School District has committed to improve the wellness of students, faculty, staff, parents and families through a coordinated effort with their Wellness Committee and Curriculum Department to promote proper nutrition, exercise and fitness activities, well-being, and education. Activities include running clubs for elementary school students, an activity club before the school day begins and yoga sessions in schools.

    “I am very pleased that Bethel Park, both as a community and school district, has joined the Live Well Allegheny campaign,” said Sue Means, the County Council Member representing District 5. “Eating right and exercising is the formula for happy healthy residents.”

    Live Well Allegheny Restaurant

    The Perch at Pitt has will eliminate trans-fat oils in their cooking and offer low calorie options, half portions, and vegetarian/vegan fare on its menu. The restaurant will also offer whole grains as an alternate to white rice, whole grain bread as an alternate to white bread, and low-fat milk (1% or skim) as an alternate to cream for hot beverages. The Perch will provide calorie counts and other nutritional information for customers.

    Participants in the Live Well Allegheny campaign work with the Health Department’s staff. While monetary resources are not part of the initiative, participants can receive materials, information and collateral items to promote the campaign and their individual efforts to live well.