To be out in nature is one of the greatest pleasures of living, whether it is trekking through a forgotten forest, camping beneath the stars, having fun mountain biking, or simply engaging in a little backyard gardening. But that being said, nature lovers ought to at least be aware of one major risk: Lyme disease. It is a real danger for anyone spending time outdoors, but it can be reduced significantly with some precautions.

This article will unfold the details around what Lyme disease is, how it spreads, and ultimately what smart steps you can take to stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors.

What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to the human body upon the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also named deer ticks). These ticks get around in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas, which very much happen to be the places where most outdoor activities take place.

The onset of signs and symptoms may induce fatigue, fever, headache, and a distinctive bull's-eye rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease may result in significant health problems like joint pain, heart problems, neurological complications, and so forth. To that extent, early detection and prevention are very crucial.

Lyme Disease Risks for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Because they often work outdoors in tick habitats, outdoor enthusiasts are at heightened risk for Lyme disease. Whether taking your dog into the woods, day hiking in wild places, or doing adventurous outdoor sports activities, much kicking up weeds and dust is a real tick attack.

The most active time for ticks would be spring and summer, though in some parts, it can be a year-round risk. The initial consideration should therefore be defining their personal exposure risk to avoid infection.

How To Prevent Yourself Smartly
Now that you know about the risks involved, let's get into how to take smart actions against Lyme disease and protect not just yourself but also all your loved ones! 

1. Wear Protective Clothing
A barrier is offered from the ticks through clothing:

Put on long sleeves and long trousers, especially for walks on grassy or wooded areas. 

Try tucking the ends of pants into either socks or boots to deter ticks from going up under clothing.

Choose light-colored clothing to see ticks easily. 

2. Use EPA-Approved Tick Repellent
Repellents containing either DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are known to work against ticks.

Repellent can be sprayed onto unprotected skin and outer clothing.

Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, which works after several washings.

3. Keep Away From High-Risk Areas
The ticks live right in the leaf litter, tall grasses, and edges of the forest. Stick to walking right down the middle of the trail where possible! 

Before you set out, find out online if the area you are going to has a high incidence of Lyme disease. 

4. Regular Tick Checks
After coming indoors:

Inspect your whole body, with particular attention to inaccessible areas such as armpits, groin, scalp, and behind ears.

Make similar checks for pets, backpacks, and other gear.

The children should be checked thoroughly by parents.

5. Shower Shortly After Going Outdoors
Taking a shower within 2 hours of coming indoors from outdoor fun can considerably reduce your chance of contracting Lyme. It will wash off any ticks that have not yet attached and present an opportunity for a complete body check.

6. Removal of the Tick
If you find a tick:

With fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

Pull straight out with even pressure; do not twist or jerk. 

Disinfect the bite site with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. 

Consider saving the tick in a sealed bag for future testing. Keep an eye on the bite area for signs of rashes or infections.

7. Protect Your Pets
To prevent uneaten ticks from invading your home, veterinarians recommend employing tick-control medications on both dogs and cats while routinely inspecting them for different types of ticks. You should avoid letting your pets loose in grassy areas or wooded areas as well.

What To Do When You Think You Have Lyme Disease?
In the event that flu-like symptoms develop along with the appearance of a rash after the bite of a tick, seek immediate medical care. Early treatment of Lyme disease with antibiotics is very effective; waiting will only lead to long-term complications.

Make sure to document when, where, and how you might have been exposed and to tell your doctor about it. If you can, take the tick with you for testing.

The Importance of Awareness
When a traveler knows of the Lyme disease risks, he/she makes better choices while at the same time enjoying outdoor fun. The traveler doesn't have to stay indoors. Just stay prepared.

Before the planned outdoor event, check out local activities of ticks while spreading prevention tips with friends and family. 

Always keep up with any new news regarding Lyme disease prevention and treatment.