This week, we are talking about everything from seasonal allergies and protecting your skin from the sun to a tick disease.

In Waynesboro, Dr. Robert Fern at Waynesboro Pediatrics is treating allergies, asthma and the viral counterpart of strep throat.

Since, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, Central Shenandoah Health District's Epidemiologist, Deborah Bundy-Carpenter wants to make sure you are protecting your skin from the sun.

You need to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those mid-day hours are when UV rays are the strongest and do the most damage. Make sure you cover up exposed skin and eyes with hats, sunglasses and clothing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB protection.

Tick bites are also a concern this time of year. In fact, one case of Ehrlichiosis has already been reported in the Valley. It's similar to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but without the spots and with less neurological damage.

Symptoms typically appear five to ten days following the bite and they include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pains, nausea, cough and confusion.

May is also ALS Awareness Month and National Osteoporosis Prevention Month. For more information on either of these, see the links below.