Nature is the home to an incredibly versatile array of species, but ticks are definitely one of those that we tend to avoid at all costs.
These tiny arachnids, that are related to spiders, mites, and scorpions, are in fact parasites that survive by attaching themselves to larger animals and feeding on their blood. Humans aren’t spared either. Sadly, these insects carry harmful bacteria that can spread disease to people.
Sadly, tick-borne diseases are at an all-time high, with about 50,000 cases reported each year, and far more going unreported.
There are different types of ticks, and unfortunately, they sometimes find their way to people’s homes. The types most commonly found in homes are the black-legged tick, the dog tick, and the brown dog tick.
- Black-legged Ticks – known as deer ticks, these ticks are typically brown or black in color and have a flattened, oval-shaped body. They are commonly found in wooded areas and can transmit Lyme disease.
- Dog Ticks are larger and can range in color from brown to reddish-brown. They have a tough, shield-shaped body. Dog ticks can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Brown Dog Ticks are brown in color and have a slender body.
Although the tick season is between March and October, or sometimes longer, we should be wary of this insects all year round. In fact,if beaten by a tick, a person can develop symptoms even after two or three months.
The bite itself isn’t painful and can cause swelling, itchiness, blistering, and bruising. The bad thing is that ticks also carry and transmit severe diseases, most commonly Lyme disease, as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
Initially, Lyme disease develops as a circular red ‘bull’s eye’ rash around the site of a tick bite. However, not everyone gets a rash and you should also watch out for a flu-like illness with fever, headache, tiredness and general aches and pains.
The best way to prevent being bitten by a tick is to avoid tall grasses and areas where ticks thrive (such as moorlands and woodlands), especially during the warmer months.
In case you do get bitten, you should remove the tick as soon as possible in order to prevent infections.
These are some of the ways of safe removal.
- Use fine-tipped tweezers: Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull gently: Apply steady upward pressure, being careful not to squeeze or crush the tick. Aim to remove the tick in one smooth motion without twisting or jerking. Twisting or jerking can cause the tick’s head to break off and stay inside the skin, where it can still transmit disease.
- Clean the area: After removing the tick, clean the affected area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. Monitor the site of the bite for any signs of infection or a rash, and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
If by any chance ticks find their way into your home, take immediate action in order to prevent infestation. Most times, ticks are brought into your home in case they stick on your clothes or onto your pets.
- Isolate the area: If you have identified the presence of ticks in a specific area, keep pets and children away from that space.
- Wear protective gear: Put on gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from potential tick bites.
- Clean the area: Clean the area where you found the tick. If it is in bedding, wash the sheets. Inspect the area to ensure there are no more ticks that are present. Dispose of the tick by either flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a container or ziplock bag before placing it in the trash.
Matthew McConaughey stated that he lost 50 pounds for ‘Dallas Buyers Club’
The renowned actor of “Dallas Buyers Club,” Matthew McConaughey, has revealed the peculiar eating regimen he followed to lose fifty pounds in preparation for the role. The actor disclosed that he only consumed egg whites, tapioca pudding, a lot of fish, and “as much wine as [he] wanted to drink” in an episode that aired on October 22.His motivation for following these strict rules was to accurately represent the man he plays in the movie, Ron Woodroof, who received a stage 4 HIV/AIDS diagnosis in the middle of the 1980s. He went on to say that if he hadn’t lost all the weight, it would have shown on screen and nobody would have known that he was Ron Woodroof.
Although McConaughey acknowledged that the choice was challenging, it was hardly agonizing. Rather, he proclaimed himself to be a fighter who took on the issue head-on in order to uphold his moral principles and what it stands for.
In just five months, Matthew McConaughey achieved an amazing feat—he went from 188 to 135 pounds. He ate little portions of fish, vegetables, tapioca pudding, and egg whites throughout the day to maintain his lean physique and eschewed exercise. He had little portions of vegetables and egg whites for breakfast, and roughly five ounces of fish for dinner and lunch. The actor was minding his diet, but he wasn’t going to starve himself; he treated himself to a rare treat of tapioca pudding, which he consumed with the tiniest New Orleans antique spoon.
During a news conference at the 2014 Screen Awards, McConaughey described how this tactic helped him to taste it more.
When it comes to lean protein options, dietitians usually suggest fish to people who are trying to reduce weight. Furthermore, because of their varied nutritional profile and low calorie content, plant-based foods help with weight management. In the past, Matthew McConaughey underwent a strict diet in order to gain muscle for a part in the movie Magic Mike. He followed a low-calorie diet that caused him to lose weight quickly and dramatically.
Interestingly, he lost a large amount of weight while cutting down for Dallas Buyers Club without doing any exercise. McConaughey realized that regardless of how much effort he put in at the gym or anywhere else,
Every week, he consistently lost 2.5 pounds. Diets low in calories are an easy way to lose weight, but if done incorrectly, they can be fatal. If you don’t eat enough nutrition, your body may experience deficits in vitamins and minerals, dehydration, and slowed metabolism. Weariness, hair loss, and weakened immunity can also be consequences of low-calorie diets lacking in essential nutrients. If you’re considering a low-calorie diet, consult a trained dietitian or your doctor first to be sure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals your body requires for the diet to be beneficial and healthful.
In order to preserve lifespan and general health, it is also essential to make sure that the foods taken on a low-calorie diet are nutrient-dense. Lastly, it’s critical to keep in mind that low-calorie diets are rarely sustainable. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight is best achieved by combining regular physical activity and a balanced diet. This will help you get the nutrients you need while keeping your weight at a healthy level.
Leave a Reply