What do climate and Lyme Disease have in common? Here are some ways to protect yourself this summer.
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Research is finding warmer climates can extend the life of a tick which leads to an increase in reproduction. Others believe it’s not the warmer climates that are causing the spread of Lyme. They argue it has been here all along and the increase is a result of people finally connecting the dots. But no matter the cause, numbers show the cases of Lyme disease are rapidly increasing nationwide.
Traditionally, it’s thought that Lyme is only contracted on the East Coast. And while there is a higher concentration of Lyme on the East Coast, it has now been found in all 50 states. The California Department of Public Health explains “that the tick species that carries Lyme disease on the West Coast, Ixodes pacificus, the Western black-legged tick, is active for a far more extended period than previously recognized, posing a year-round risk in northwestern California.” FYI, the same species of ticks are found in Oregon and Washington.
And not to continue being the bearer of bad news but ticks are not the only way to contract Lyme. Studies show it can also be transmitted through mosquito bites, breast milk, blood transfusions, placenta and even sexually transmitted. With all of the rain we had this past winter, officials are warning that this year might bring a record number of mosquitos and other insects to the region. Swell...just swell.
But living in fear of contracting Lyme and restraining yourself from doing the things you love to do should not be an option. With the warm summer months upon us, below are a few tips on how you can protect yourself.
If hiking or gardening, cover up. Wear white or light colors so you can easily spot a tick or mosquito. Also, wear smooth and lightweight clothes as that material tends to be more difficult for ticks to latch onto.
Use bug repellent. For those who prefer something natural, my personal favorite is Herbal Armor or a citronella-based repellent. For those who are impartial, I recommend two options: DEET (best for repelling) or permethrin-treated clothes. Permethrin kills ticks within seconds of touching the clothes.
Do a tick/bite check if you've been outside. Keep in mind, you do not need to go camping or hiking for a tick/mosquito to find you. They can easily be living in your backyard. Don’t forget to check those warm crevices where bugs love to snuggle up...behind your ears, under your armpits...those dark corners below the belt ;)
No matter if you do or do not find a bite, have daily check-ins with yourself. You’re looking for any of these common acute Lyme symptoms: a sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, swollen/achy joints and/or brain fog. Lyme mimics flu-like symptoms which is why it’s so difficult to diagnose. If you’re feeling icky don't risk it, make an appointment with a Lyme-literate doctor.
If you suspect you may have contracted Lyme, feel free to contact me at ali@wiserwellness.live or get in touch with a Lyme-literate doctor. This step is very important so you’re working with someone who is familiar with Lyme and knows how to properly diagnose and treat you.
Bottomline: be smart and protect yourself, be aware, listen to your body and seek out a Lyme professional if you suspect you've contracted it.
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