Health & Safety

TICKS: Watch out for ticks -- tiny eight-legged insects that cling to branches, bushes and grass, waiting to hitch a ride on passing animals, including humans. Deer ticks are smaller than a period on this page; wood ticks are larger, with light markings on their backs. Both transmit serious diseases. Tuck pants into socks and stay covered while in grassy and wooded areas of the Island. Every night, check skin and scalps -- especially those of children and pets. If you find a tick, pull it out. Put disinfectant on the bite. Always wash your hands after handling a tick. If the bite is red and sore after four days, or if you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms -- see a doctor. If you go to a doctor on the mainland, make sure he knows you have been in an area where there are ticks. The faster tick-borne diseases are treated, the better the chances of a complete recovery.

MOPEDS: Mopeds are tricky to operate, especially on the Island's narrow roads. Watch out for cars, bicycles and pedestrians. Practice before going out in traffic. Obey traffic rules. Be seen and be predictable -- use hand signals before turning. Wear helmets and shoes. Watch out for loose sand and gravel, which cause mopeds to skid. Experienced moped riders should ride at the end of the line to keep an eye on the novices up front.

POISON IVY: All over the Island, especially in the forests, dunes and grassy areas, watch out for poison ivy, recognizable by its three serrated leaves. If you get a skin rash from contact with poison ivy, don't scratch it. You can get medication from a pharmacist or doctor.

FOUR WAY STOPS: As traffic has increased in recent years, Island towns have added more four-way stops at intersections. Unfortunately, there are perils in the attempt to make life safer. For one thing, people who are used to sailing through an intersection, confident that stop signs are used only on the crossing street, may still sail through -- they just don't see the sign. Just as bad, or worse, is the lack of etiquette by those accustomed to stoplights rather than signs. When the car ahead of them takes its turn through the intersection, the car behind treats that as the moral equivalent of a green light and promptly follows. Please remember: The first vehicle to stop at one of the four signs has the next right to proceed. The idea is that first come, first served. It shouldn't be all that difficult.

SUNBURN: Before you go to the beach, always put on suntan or sun block lotion. If you get a sunburn, apply soothing creams such as Noxema, Aloe Vera or Solarcaine. Take aspirin every four hours. Keep covered and shaded.

EMERGENCY ROOM at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital receives patients 24 hours a day. It is in Oak Bluffs on the main road to Vineyard Haven. Call 911.

©1999 Best Read Guide/Martha's Vineyard
P.O. Box 66 (34 S. Summer St.) - Edgartown, MA 02653