Lyme disease is Underreported - Number of Cases is 10 times Higher than Previously Known

It’s great to spend time in the beautiful outdoors. But, when we do, we can be exposed to ticks and tick bites.  Bites from infected ticks can give you Lyme disease. The CDC just issued a Press Release stating that the actual number of cases of Lyme disease that occurs in the United States is approximately 300,000 per year; a number that is 10 times higher than the number of cases that are actually reported. The CDC culled their data from three different studies, analyzing the numbers of Lyme disease cases via insurance claims, laboratories and patient surveys.  If you've never thought about Lyme disease before, now may be a good time to start, given that it's more prevalent than previously thought. Lyme disease also occurs in parts of Europe.

Photo by Carole Jakucs; Kinsale, Cork, Ireland.
Image subject to copyright. 

• Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected tick.
• Initial symptoms can vary, but some are; fever, joint and muscle pain, rash and headache.
• If Lyme disease is left untreated, permanent neurological (the nervous system) and organ damage (in particular the heart) can occur. It can also spread to the joints.
• If you have any concern that you may have been exposed to Lyme disease, are sick with Lyme disease, or have any fevers, rashes or joint pain/swelling; speak to your healthcare provider and/or seek professional medical care for medical advice, a diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment. The sooner treatment is started, the better.
• The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent becoming bitten by a tick. The tick carries the disease. When it bites you, it transmits the disease. 
• If you plan on spending time outdoors (even at a picnic or in your back yard) in tick laden areas; wear insect repellent on your clothes, skin and gear. Look for products that contain either 20 – 30 % DEET. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use; since this is a poison, you want to use it correctly.
• If you plan on being outdoors (even in your own backyard) or hiking, steer clear of high brush and weeds. If you're hiking, stay on the trails where your path is clear. High brush and weeds where tick like to hide.
• Look for ticks on your skin, children’s skin, pets and gear after spending time outdoors.
• If you find any ticks on your skin, clothes, pets or gear and remove them as soon as possible.
• Remove ticks appropriately by following the right procedure, click here to view.
• For more information on Lyme disease, you can also visit The American Lyme Disease Foundation's website. 

12 Tips on Sun Safety

Being aware of the dangers of too much sun exposure is important. The risks of too much sunlight and/or tanning bed exposure for your skin are: Skin cancer, sunburns and premature wrinkling/aging of the skin. Regardless of where you live or the season, the potential for overexposure is there. Here are twelve helpful tips to help protect you.

Photo by Carole Jakucs; view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Image subject to copyright.

1. Look for the words, “Broad Spectrum,” on the label of your sunscreen, for the fullest protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, 30 or more is better to prevent sunburns.
3. Stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM when the sun is the strongest.
4. Use a, “Water Resistant,” sunscreen.
5. Reapply every hour, especially if you’re sweating or swimming because sunscreen wears off quickly when the skin is wet.
6. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all areas of skin that are exposed to the sun.
7. Don’t forget to cover these spots too: The bottoms of your feet, back of your neck, ears cartilage and top of the head if you have any balding areas/hair loss.
8. Remember your lips: Get a special sunscreen product formulated for the lips.
9. A good brand of sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays will help to reduce your risk of developing cataracts.
10. Wear a hat (with a brim) or sun-visor – to help cover your head and face in addition to sunscreen.
11. Burns and sun damage to our skin occurs even on cloudy days so protect yourself from premature wrinkling, skin cancer and sunburns, even if it’s cloudy.
12. If you’re prone to skin allergies, look for fragrance free or hypoallergenic sunscreen products to reduce your chances of an allergic reaction.