By : Dr. Roy M. Arnold

Swarms of mosquitoes are an inevitable part of summer, just like the heat, right? Not necessarily. Let’s look at how your outdoor activities can be more enjoyable without worrying about these pesky biting pests.

Most mosquitoes in the US belong to the genus Culex and are flying insects. They are part of a larger order called Diptera that includes gnats and houseflies. The females are the only mosquitoes that bite animals and when they do they suck out tiny amounts of blood. The bite can become inflamed and itchy. Moreover, the bites can, in some instances transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus and Equine encephalitis. Furthermore, mosquitoes can transmit canine heartworm infections to dogs.

Some people are seldom bothered by mosquito bites, while others sitting nearby may be severely bitten. Research has shown that approximately 20% of the population appears delicious to these tiny bloodsuckers. Carefully controlled studies have shown that individuals with type O blood group are the preferred targets of mosquitoes, receiving bites twice as often as those with other blood types. About 85% of people secrete chemicals in their sweat that indicate their blood type. Persons who exhale larger amounts of carbon dioxide also attract more mosquitoes. These people usually are larger or may be pregnant. At least one study has shown that black, dark blue or red clothing attracts more mosquitoes than does white or khaki.

Genetics may also determine the composition of certain chemicals such as uric acid, lactic acid or other substances in sweat. These chemicals attract mosquitoes. Unfortunately, people can’t change their genetics.

Mosquito control has to be multi-directional – aimed at reducing the breeding habitat for mosquito larvae and by controlling the adult population. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water and their young develop in water. Any source of standing water can serve as mosquito breeding ground so it is important to reduce the presence of standing water in and around your home by landscaping, removing old tires or open containers where water can collect. If you have ornamental ponds or fountains, stocking them with fish that feed on mosquito larvae is a good idea. Swimming pools that are properly chlorinated and balanced generally don’t support mosquito breeding.

Spraying with insecticides can help control adult mosquitoes as can introducing predatory species such as dragonflies. Dragonflies prey on mosquito larvae and on adult mosquitoes. While bats and insect-eating birds like to snack on mosquitoes, they really don’t reduce the population noticeably.

Certain plants such as geraniums, marigolds, lavender, mint or basil can repel mosquitoes. These plants should be placed around the perimeter of the yard or in planters or window boxes close to where humans will gather. Mechanical traps can be very effective. These traps emit heat and chemicals like carbon dioxide or lactic acid that mimic humans and attract scores of mosquitoes. So-called “bug zappers” don’t attract biting insects at all so they are probably not worth the investment if mosquito control is your goal.

Screens or netting are also very effective. A low-tech solution to the mosquito problem is to use an oscillating fan near your outdoor recreation area. Mosquitoes are fairly weak flyers and generally can’t tolerate the mild breezes generated by fans. Water misting systems can serve a dual purpose by keeping the outdoor area cool and mosquito free. Finally, tiki torches or candles made from citronella oil are very effective in repelling mosquitoes. If these aren’t practical, topical insect repellants containing citronella or other chemicals can be very effective.

The redness, itching and swelling that accompanies mosquito bites is a result of enzymes in the mosquito’s saliva injected during the biting process. So what can be done to relieve the itching once you have been bitten? Home remedy recommendations abound. Aloe, vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda and toothpaste have all been recommended. Over the counter medications like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream are also effective. Sometimes the itching requires an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratidine (Claritin.)

When should you seek medical attention for mosquito bites? First and foremost, if high fever, headache, stiff neck or decreased level of consciousness develops, seek medical attention immediately. These can be the signs of a mosquito-borne illness like West Nile or Equine encephalitis. If the bites become very large or inflamed, or are accompanied by hives or red streaks medical evaluation is advisable.

By taking a few simple precautions – wearing light-colored clothing, and using screens, mosquito-repelling plants, topical repellants and outdoor fans, misters or traps, you can enjoy the outdoors this summer and largely avoid mosquitoes.

References: Smithsonian Magazine online, July 12, 2013. Mayo Clinic Health online.

Friday, August 2 Race Day Features Sample Performances, Blanket Presentation & Meet the Songwriter’s

A Riders & Writers event will be held at Ellis Park on Friday, August 2 in conjunction with the Fourth Annual Sandy Lee Songwriters Festival. Post time is 12:50 p.m. Notable “writers” from the songfest will converge on the thoroughbred horse track and mingle with the “riders,”or jockeys, staff and public throughout the race day as well as provide free entertainment samples between races.

The songwriters will also be entertained at the track for their contribution to the Sandy Lee Songfest. Backside tours, meeting the jockeys, handicapping seminars, a blanket presentation, wagering and dining in the Sky Theatre are some of the fun the songwriters and their families will enjoy.

The Sandy Lee Songfest is taking place in Henderson this week, July 31 through August 3, and all proceeds benefit the nonprofit RiverBend Academy which provides instruction and mentoring for children in art and music.

“This is a fun day for the songwriters and the public alike,” says hit making songwriter and festival host, Kerry Kurt Phillips. “The public will get to hear a sample of various top drawer artists all in one place between races and we hope they will get so excited by what they hear, they will join us for our showcases on Friday and Saturday nights in downtown Henderson.”

“This is part of showing these songwriters our southern hospitality and has helped us grow this event in such a short time from 3 writers to 29 in four short years,” said Susie Watkins, co-chair of the Songfest. “We enjoy showing them a good time while here performing and the result is they enjoy returning year after year to share their talents.”

Writers of mega hit songs like Jimmy Buffet’s “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” Kenny Chesney’s “No Shoes No Shirt No Problems,” Darryl Worley’s “It Sounds Like Life To Me,” and Garth Brook’s “The Dance,” are only a few of the top hits created by elite songwriters who will showcase these songs and more during performances over the four-day festival.

Twenty-nine accomplished Nashville songwriters who include Grammy award winners and nominees, stage performers in major bands, record producers, publishers and more will all come to share their love of songwriting and share their chart topping hits. These talented individuals will be playing their songs and telling the stories behind them. (See attached Performer Profiles).

“There will be 22 shows in four days with two sets nightly in three outstanding downtown Henderson venues giving a true Nashville feel to the festivities,” said Troy Coleman, the newest co-chair of the festival. “

There are three locations within the 100 block of Second Street . These are Rookies Sports Bar on 2nd Street, Delizio Restaurant on 2nd in the first floor of the Soaper Building and RiverBend Academy in the 2nd floor of the Soaper building at 2nd and Main.

Tickets are now on sale through the online ticket link on www.SandyLeeSongfest.com All Access Passes can be purchased in advance before July 30 and provide the best value while giving patrons VIP early entry seating over general door admission. Individual select shows may be bought at the door of venues as long as space allows in each show. (See attached Ticketing Information & Event Schedule.)

The festival is made possible by sponsors Henderson Chevrolet Buick and GMC, Ellis Park, Myriad CPA Group, Meuth Construction, Starlite Smiles, Sholar Center, and others. There will be a number of auction items at the event featuring signed guitars, handwritten lyrics and many other fan and sponsor items. (See attached Auction Items.)

“These are shows these guys and gals do every night in Nashville and all over the country,” says Phillips. “You never fully know who you will see, what you will hear and more than likely you will be privy to a hit before its recorded.”

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“I love it as people watch a show and suddenly discover who they are listening to, how big they are not just in Nashville, but within the world of music and people walk away just buzzing about it for months,” said Susie Watkins who chairs the event in memory of her husband, Sandy Lee. “They’re acoustic and intimate; spontaneous and unscripted and after the shows, you get to rub elbows with some greats; the heart and soul behind songs.”

Sandy Lee Watkins was the Henderson County Kentucky Judge-Executive for 16 years before his sudden passing while in office. He took vacations to go to songwriter events across the country and always wanted such a festival in Henderson.

“Several are stars in their own right like two-time Grammy award winner Rebecca Lynn Howard, Jim “Moose” Brown from Bob Segar’s Silver Bullet Band and Billy Crain who has been a driving force on the Southern Rock and Rock scene for three decades as his band The Outlaws toured extensively with the Allman Brothers Band, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, The Charlie Daniels Band, Molly Hatchett, ZZ Top, Rossington-Collins, and many others,” said Mac Neel, co-chair of the event. “But you get much, much more than big names as all 29 are stars including those writer’s who ‘just write’ for a living.”

“It’s great fun made all the sweeter because it benefits art and music for kids and in the name of Sandy Lee,” added Phillips.

For aspiring songwriters or anyone interested in the craft, a Songwriters Workshop and Roundtable, (Sanctioned by The Nashville Songwriters Association International) will be held Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m. at RiverBend Academy. Kerry Kurt and other pro writers will answer questions about the music business, talk about how to become a better songwriter, and if time allows, critique a few songs.

Additionally, an amateur Songwriter’s Competition sponsored by Shure and Sweetwater Music will conclude at midnight August 3. Prizes include a studio recording session and a guest performance of the winning song on the closing show of next year’s Songfest. Online entry details are on the website.

For more information on the festival events or the songwriting competition, visit www.SandyLeeSongfest.com .

Individuals with backyard gardens are enjoying fresh-grown tomatoes this time of year and now, thanks to Seton Harvest Mission, a ministry of the Daughters of Charity, individuals eating lunch at Lincoln School also will be able to enjoy the taste. The school will be offering locally-grown sungold tomatoes as part of its mixed green salad on tomorrow’s menu. In addition, Julie Dietz, outreach coordinator at Lincoln, will be handing out educational material on tomatoes and gardening in general.

Throughout the summer, the EVSC Office of Food and Nutrition has been partnering with Seton Harvest to provide locally-grown produce for its schools participating in the summer lunch program.

HealthSouth Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital and Superior Van & Mobility welcomes Michelle Murray, an up and coming country musician to Evansville, IN tomorrow!

Michelle will be visiting with patients and singing a few songs from her most recent project for 2013 on Thursday July 30th from 11:30am – 1:30pm at HealthSouth Deaconess Rehab Hospital.

“My Finish Line”, a movie filmed during the 2010 Indianapolis 500, stars Sam Schmidt and Michelle Murray and tells Sam’s inspirational story of his journey from a nearly fatal racing accident to his life as it is today, facing the challenges of quadriplegic paralysis and being a successful INDYCAR and IndyLights team owner.

The film was inspired by the touching song “It Won’t Be If, But When (Sam’s Song),” penned by Michelle and fellow Nashville songwriter Paige Logan. “It is one of those songs that captivates and inspires you, bringing a smile to your face and a tear to your eye at the same time,” remarks Caroline Boyce, widow of legendary songwriter Tommy Boyce.

Michelle will meet and greet with patients, families, and staff in the therapy gym and cafeteria. She will perform acoustic renditions of a few of her songs in the cafeteria at approximately 12:00pm.

Michelle’s tour across the country with her family is simultaneously being filmed for a TV project, “Long Road To Fame”. Michelle’s management team has turned her life of “organized chaos” into a television based reality show. “I get asked all the time about what it is like bringing the kids(3) on the road with me. I just laugh and say want to come along??”

The series is being produced by Emmy Award winning Sunrise Entertainment.