Things to be cautious about while living in Monterey; I check my body after hiking.

When you think of living in Monterey, it's easy to only consider the beautiful weather and clean air by the beach.

It's not like Arizona where scorpions roam, nor is it a place where you have to worry much about venomous snakes or bugs like in the southern regions. In that regard, Monterey is quite a comfortable area. However, I've found that there are specific things to be cautious about that suit the local environment.

The thing I worry about the most is ticks. Monterey County has many forests and hiking trails. When walking in places like Jacks Peak or Garland Ranch, you'll pass through areas with tall grass and dense trees where the Western Black-Legged Tick can live. The problem is that some ticks can carry Lyme disease.

Of course, getting bitten by a tick doesn't mean you'll immediately get Lyme disease. But it's not something to ignore either. I've developed a habit of checking my body while showering after hiking. It's especially good to check areas that are not easily visible, like the back of the knees, armpits, around the waist, and the scalp. Wearing long pants and using insect repellent also helps.

Another concern is Poison Oak. Anyone who has hiked in California knows about this. The oil in the leaves can cause severe itching and rashes if it comes into contact with the skin. There's a reason Americans say, "Leaves of three, let it be." It's best to avoid touching plants that look like they have three leaves.

Dog owners should also be cautious. Dogs may look fine, but they can carry the oil from Poison Oak on their fur, which can then transfer to humans when touched. It's best to avoid going into the tall grass off the trails.

At the beach, jellyfish can also be a concern. Various types of jellyfish can appear in Monterey Bay, and some can sting and irritate the skin upon contact. On days when many jellyfish wash up on the beach, it's basic safety to avoid touching them with bare hands. It's good to inform children that they might think a dead jellyfish is safe to touch.

For those with allergies, spring pollen is also something to consider. Monterey County has many oak trees and various types of grasses, and the Salinas Valley is a large agricultural area. In spring, some people may experience increased sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes. However, many find that the coastal area of Monterey feels more comfortable due to the constant breeze and cooler temperatures compared to the inland areas.

Fortunately, living in Monterey doesn't mean you have to worry about any specific endemic diseases. Just knowing the basic outdoor activity precautions is enough.

And while it's not dangerous, one thing to remember in this area is the Monarch Butterfly in Pacific Grove. It's famous for the many monarch butterflies that visit from fall to winter. While you might want to get a closer look at Monarch Grove Sanctuary, it's basic etiquette not to touch the butterflies or shake the trees.

Ultimately, the nature of Monterey is not something to be feared but rather something to enjoy with knowledge. Just make it a habit to check for ticks after hiking, avoid Poison Oak, and not to touch jellyfish carelessly at the beach. Since it's rare to enjoy both the ocean and the forest at the same time, knowing the basic precautions and enjoying it properly is the best approach.