When the warm weather finally arrives in upstate New York, it’s time to enjoy the many beautiful parks and hiking trails that surround us. It’s also time to learn about the threat of Lyme that could be lurking along those trails.
Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection that is transmitted through deer ticks. The New York State Department of Health reports that infected deer ticks exist throughout the state, including Broome, Tioga and Chenango counties. The ticks are more prevalent in the warm summer months, but some varieties can thrive whenever temperatures climb above freezing. Ticks do not fly or jump. They typically reside on high grass and bushy areas and can attach to your body or clothing when you brush past. When a tick gets on your skin or clothing, it migrates toward protected places, such as the groin, armpits and scalp. Once it attaches, it takes 36-48 hours for the tick to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, so it’s important to be vigilant about checking your skin and clothing after you spend time outdoors. If you find a tick on your body, remove it right away using sharp tweezers. Afterward, cleanse the area with an antiseptic.
The earliest sign of Lyme is a bull’s eye shaped red rash at the site of attachment. However, some people don’t notice the rash at first. Within three to 30 days, the symptoms will progress to include fatigue, chills, fever, headache and pain in the muscles and joints. Further, if left untreated, Lyme disease can adversely affect the heart, joints and nervous system.
The CDC recommends these tips for protecting yourself and your family from Lyme disease:
- Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave.
- Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck your pants into your socks and tuck your shirt into your pants.
- When hiking or gardening, keep long hair tied up. Check your clothes and exposed skin for ticks frequently.
- Stay on cleared and well-travelled trails. Avoid dense woods and bushy areas. Avoid sitting on the ground or on stone walls.
- Bathe or shower as soon as possible after being outdoors so you can easily find ticks you may have carried home.
- Tumble-dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes after you come indoors.
- Consider using insect repellents according to label directions, but be aware that some types may cause eye and skin irritation.
- If you have been bitten by a tick, exhibit any symptoms of Lyme or have questions about the safety of certain insect repellents, contact your UHS primary care provider.
- For more information about Lyme disease, go to www.cdc.gov/lyme.*
What if I wasn’t able to catch the tick in time?
As current tests often yield false negatives, it is critically important for anyone who suspects Lyme to be proactive with regard to addressing it. That is why we suggest you consider the Ultimate Immune Support System. It is the only regimen documented to achieve complete kill against Borrelia burgdorferi and Bartonella henselae as proven in in vitro, kill time studies. It has a loyal following and is used by thousands of healthcare practitioners because it works. Following is a link to the kill time studies and additional, related research: http://www.resultsrna.com/advanced-cellular-silver-200-extra-strength/#tab-id-2 and, here is a link that provides more detail on the system and related testimonials: #
Refferal: http://www.pressconnects.com/story/sponsor-story/uhs/2017/04/02/uhs-tiny-menace/99446108/