I know we have had a lot to deal with this year but don't forget that it is TICK SEASON! This is especially important for those who live in in the North East, but Lyme Disease is spreading.
I am sure most of you have heard about Lyme Disease and it's possible chronic debilitating symptoms. I can tell you first hand that this is nothing to mess around with. The best way to keep from getting Chronic Lyme or Co-Infections is to avoid getting Acute Lyme or Co-Infections. The best way to do this is to be Tick Smart. Don't be afraid, be prepared. Here are some suggestions to avoid tick bites. Look for more blogs on Acute Lyme and Chronic Lyme!
Stay out of high grass. When out having fun this summer remember that ticks like to hang on to high grass and other vegetation. It is best to hike trails with no grass touching your legs, preferably as wide as 2-3 persons across so you are less likely to touch a bush or tree.
Wear long pants, preferably light colored clothing, so you can spot a tick easily. Wear shoes and socks, that you can pull up over your pants so a tick can't climb up your pants.
Use a natural bug spray on your feet and legs. Check out my blog on Sulfur for tick repellant.
When you get back to your car have everyone do a cursory tick check.
When you get home put your clothes in the dryer for 15 mins on high and do another tick check.
You can use a lint roller to double check for ticks that are difficult to see.
If you do get bitten by a tick ,smother the tick in vaseline so it will remove its head from your skin, you don't want to leave this in the skin. Pull the tick out carefully with tweezers.
Save the tick in a ziplock bag and send to www.tickcheck.com. They will test it for Lyme and other infections.
Make a paste of bentonite clay and Echinacea tincture and put it on the bite. Let it dry and then wipe it off. This can help pull out toxins. You can purchase these here.
You may want to talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for the antibiotic Doxycycline.
Some prevention ideas to help with immune response would be the following.
Astragalus can be taken as a capsule. It is great for boosting the immune system and is the number one defense herb for lyme and confections if taken regularly. This means you take it from spring to fall, not just when you get sick.
Cat's claw taken as capsules daily throughout tick season. Cat's claw is anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating, and is beneficial for Lyme-related arthritis.
Anti-oxidants like Vitamin C is good, not only for immune support, but also to help with sun damage on skin.
Check back soon for more info on what to do if you think you have acute lyme.
*This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional.
*You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
*Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.
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