Stay Away: Avoid The Foam Piling Up On Michigan Waters
As summer kicks into high gear in Michigan and people head to the lakes and beaches, health officials are issuing a warning about foam in the water. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) wants to remind everyone to avoid the foam that you might see on lakes, rivers, streams, and beaches all across the state.
What exactly is the foam on Michigan waters?
Regarding foam forming on waterbodies, officials want to make sure you can tell the difference between safe and potentially dangerous foam. Natural foam, according to MDHHS officials, is usually off-white or brown and has an “earthy or fishy scent.” You’ll often see it piling up on beaches, in bays, or in spots like eddies and river barriers such as dams. However, sometimes foam can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria, including those sneaky per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). When the foam has PFAS, it’s usually bright white, lightweight, and can gather along shores or blow onto beaches. Studies have shown that repeated high exposure to PFAS can cause liver damage, thyroid disease, and other health issues. That’s why the MDHHS wants to remind you to rinse off or bathe as soon as possible if you come into contact with any foam.
While the current scientific evidence suggests that the risk of PFAS entering your body through the skin is low, officials still say it’s important to rinse off after encountering foam. If you don’t, there’s a chance you might accidentally swallow the foam or its contents. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, advises avoiding contact with foam altogether. If you accidentally get in contact with the foam, make sure to rinse it off as soon as possible. In general, it’s a good idea to rinse off after any water activities.
Here’s something else to keep in mind. Your furry friends should steer clear of foam too. Animals can end up swallowing foam when they groom themselves and it gets stuck in their fur. If your pets do come into contact with foam, give them a good rinse and bathe them with fresh water. If you have any questions about animals and foam ingestion, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian.
For any questions about exposure to PFAS or foam, call the MDHHS Environmental Health hotline at 800-648-6942. They’ll have the answers you’re looking for. And for more information, you can always check out the MPART website.
6 Michigan Islands To Explore Other Than Mackinac
You don’t have to travel far for an island getaway when you live in Michigan. Tucked away in the waters of Michigan’s Great Lakes are some of the most beautiful islands you’ll ever see.
If you’re familiar with Michigan or even if you’ve never set foot in the Great Lakes State, chances are you’ve heard of Mackinac Island. This tiny 4.35 square mile paradise is home to around 500 residents, but its annual visitors exceed one million. However, Michigan is not limited to just Mackinac Island. If you’re itching to discover other islands in the state, we’ve got a few recommendations for you to explore.
These islands are simply gorgeous.
People absolutely love the islands in Michigan, and it’s not hard to see why. These islands are simply gorgeous. The natural beauty found there is off the charts. From pristine beaches and lush forests to sparkling waters and stunning views, the scenery is straight out of a postcard. But it’s not just about the looks. These islands offer an escape from the daily grind. You can leave behind the honking horns and crowded streets and embrace a more relaxed pace of life. And some of these islands don’t even allow cars.
Whether you’re into hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, or even off-roading, you’ll find your fix here. Of course, you can’t forget the amount of history each island holds. They’ve witnessed the passage of time, seen settlers come and go, and have their own unique cultures. You can dive into the past by visiting historical sites, checking out museums, or chatting with the locals.
One of the best things about these islands is the chance to have one-of-a-kind experiences. Where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride like you’re in a fairytale. Or spot majestic gray wolves in their natural habitat.
In Michigan, there are islands waiting to be discovered. Here are five islands you should check out.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
