A research article recently published in the prestigious British Medical Journal Global Health brought to light the alarming rise in Lyme disease.
The analysis looked at 137 previous studies regarding the prevalence of Lyme Disease in 158,257 individuals. The shocking results concluded that 14.5% of the population in the top 3 regions were positive in blood tests for the bacteria (Borrelia) responsible for causing Lyme disease. Even more astonishing was the rate of positive results in Central Europe at 20.7%, Eastern Asia at 15.9% and Western Europe at 13.5%. The Caribbean region had the lowest rate of positive blood samples at just 2%.
With longer summers and shorter winters due to global warming, ticks are surviving longer in historically hostile environments. Humans are increasingly approaching habitats that are having an increase in the deer populations which carry the ticks.
Ticks are present in the Canadian environment all year. One needs to be extra vigilant in the spring and summer with less barriers from winter clothing. Ticks can be found on the city sidewalks, on soccer fields, urban hiking, and in the mountains.
Tick checks are important after an outing, and be sure to check your pet as they can easily bring ticks into your home. If you do find a tick, remove it whole. It is important to keep the tick, and have it tested not just for Lyme disease, but all the tick-borne illnesses it can carry. Our clinic has extensive experience sending ticks to labs in the United States that extensively screen ticks for tick borne illnesses. Monitor yourself for a bullseye rash and any symptoms of a flu-like illness. The faster a diagnosis is made the better chance of a full recovery.
The Nardella Clinic has a long-standing practice in treating and diagnosing patients with acute and chronic Lyme disease and associated tick-borne illnesses. We utilize labs for testing bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections, and the associated health impacts that these chronic infections can have on our health.
Treatments for Lyme disease and associated tick-borne illnesses varies from patient to patient due to the level of severity expressed by each individual. The Nardella Clinic offers oral supplement interventions, dietary advice, in office therapies for those diagnosed with Lyme disease and associated tick-borne illnesses.
Have a safe tick free summer!
Questions about Lyme disease? We can help.
Schedule a consult with the naturopathic doctors at the Nardella Clinic today to talk about how we might be able to help address you concerns about treating Lyme disease, or anything else at all. We’re here to help.
