May is National Bike Month

Did you know that Adults who bike to work have healthier weight, blood pressure, and insulin levels.

Just 3 hours of biking per week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50% and women who bike 30 minutes or more a day have a lower risk of breast cancer.

On May 17 Simsbury will celebrate Bike to Work Day from 6:30-9:30 a.m. on Iron Horse Boulevard. The Farmington Valley Health District will have a display emphasizing the importance of healthy eating and active living. Join your coworkers, and see how much fun pedaling to work can be.

In 2010 and again in 2012, The League of American Bicyclists designated Simsbury as a bronze level Bike Friendly Community. Simsbury was the first Connecticut town to receive the designation. Simsbury is working toward earning a silver designation based on a feedback analysis from the League. Bike Friendly initiatives are designed to encourage more cycling by building a well-connected and safe infrastructure for commuter and recreational use.

For more information about Bike Friendly America go to www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/index_about.php.

For local Simsbury bike news and events “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/simsburyfreebike

Tick Season is here!

Spring has arrived. The daffodils are blooming, the bikes are dusted off, the gardens are being raked and….the Ticks are out. Unfortunately black-legged ticks, more commonly referred to as deer ticks, can transmit Lyme disease which is prevalent in Connecticut and the Farmington Valley.

Fortunately everyone can take simple steps to significantly reduce the risk of being infected. To prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections, the best protection is to avoid contact with ticks. When working or playing outside in areas that ticks inhabit (tall grass and weeds, woods, and leaf litter) you should:

• Wear light colored clothing (to spot the ticks easily), long sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Create a “tick barrier” by tucking pants into socks and shirt into pants.
• Consider using insect repellent, according to manufacturer’s instructions, when planning to be outdoors.
• Check clothing and skin very carefully after being outdoors in tick infested areas.
• Shower soon after spending time outdoors
• Remove any ticks carefully and as soon as possible after they are discovered.
• Keep your lawn mowed, cut overgrown brush, and clear any leaf litter away from the home.
• Use a wood chip barrier between any wooded area and the yard.
• Inspect pets daily and remove any ticks found.

Lyme disease can cause flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, headache, fever, achy muscles and joints. Untreated, more serious symptoms of Lyme disease can include arthritis, neurologic and heart problems. Call a doctor if you get a rash or fever following a tick bite.

Research has shown that an infected tick needs to feed for 24-36 hours before transmission of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease occurs. Ticks should be removed with tweezers grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently and steadily pulling up. Never use petroleum jelly, hot matches, nail polish remover or any other substance to remove a tick.

The tick bite area should be monitored for 30 days for any signs of a rash. If you experience any symptoms consistent with Lyme disease following a tick bite you should seek medical attention.