With the arrival of spring, now is a good time to brush up on your knowledge of ticks; what they are, where they live, the diseases they can carry, and how to minimise your risk of infection. Read more »
There’s nothing quite like discovering a tick on your body to make you squirm with disgust. That head buried in your skin, those little legs wiggling contentedly as it feeds on your blood. It’s a natural instinct to want to rip it out immediately, but wait. Tick-borne diseases are on the rise in many climbing and walking areas - stack the odds in your favour by removing the critter properly. Read more »
Friction blisters on the feet are a common and potentially serious complication of mountaineering and other outdoor activities. Most people will experience blisters at some point in their pursuits and will adapt their socks, footwear and foot hygiene accordingly. Read more »
Scientists will often tell us that case studies are of little use. They’ll say that they’re not representative, that they’re unusual "one-offs" and they shouldn't alter the way we behave. However every now and again a case comes along that is so disturbing that it’s hard to ignore. Read more »
As more young people travel to altitude for recreational, economic and environmental reasons, understanding the development, incidence and management of altitude-related conditions becomes increasingly important. Read more »
Five years on from the first Cauldwell Xtreme Everest research expedition, a second is planned, this time concentrating on Sherpas. Research leader Dr Edward Gilbert explains how it will extend our understanding of high-altitude physiology and why that could improve survival rates in hospital. Read more »
The well-known alpinist Jerry Gore is taking on three of the hardest routes in the Alps this month, alongside Mike Turner and Gaz Parry, to raise money for 10 insulin-dependent children in Nepal who can¹t afford treatment. Read more »
Lyme disease patients and their carers, families and friends are organising a petition to present to the UK government, asking that clinics and specialists dedicated to the treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases may be established. Read more »
Watch our ticks film to find out more about the human diseases they can carry, and precautions you can take. Read more »
The BMC has funded a new leaflet giving advice on ticks, how to avoid them and what to do if you are bitten. Read more »
We use cookies to ensure a better website performance, to analyse site traffic and to give you a more tailored experience. By continuing to use the website, you consent to our cookie policy.