Now that the warm weather and longer days have arrived, many of us are itching to go enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re taking a hike, camping out, or getting the yardwork done, there’s one particular plant you should always try to avoid – poison ivy. Learn how to spot the plant that causes itchy rashes, how to soothe your skin, and when to seek medical attention.

The sky is no longer the limit for Donyelle Carmody. Nine months after having gastric bypass surgery at South Shore Health, the Rockland resident checked a lofty goal off her bucket list: skydiving. Before the surgery, this high-flying adventure and other life experiences, wouldn’t have been possible.

Also known as alpha-gal allergy or red meat allergy, alpha-gal syndrome is on the rise in Massachusetts, particularly on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard, where lone star ticks have expanded and become established.