Protect Yourself During Tick Season

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Lyme disease season is under way - another way of saying this is that tick season is here.

There are treatments for Lyme disease but the best treatment is preventing the problem in the first place - and common sense steps can help.

If you are going to be outdoors in a grassy or wooded area wear the lightest colored clothes possible. White is good because tiny ticks can be seen on white clothes easier.

Make sure your socks - which are best if white - are pulled over the pant legs. It goes without saying you should check your clothes periodically for ticks.

Another suggestion - wear a hat to prevent ticks from falling from trees on to your head. Repellants are available but you need to make certain they are a safe option.

There is an added advantage - protecting yourself from ticks also helps with protection from the sun's dangerous rays.