• Chronic Lyme Debate: Understanding the Controversy
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Chronic Lyme Debate: Understanding the Controversy

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by ticks, is the most common vector-borne illness in North America and Europe. While many people recover fully after appropriate antibiotic treatment, a subset continues to experience lingering symptoms. This has led to the controversial and widely debated concept of Chronic Lyme Disease (CLD) or Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). This article breaks down what Chronic Lyme Disease is, why it’s controversial, the difference between PTLDS and CLD, perspectives from both sides of the debate, and what patients should know about treatment and support. What Is Lyme Disease? (Quick…

  • Co-Infections from Ticks: Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, etc.
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Co-Infections from Ticks: Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, etc.

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Most people associate tick bites with Lyme disease. But ticks can carry and transmit multiple pathogens, sometimes at the same time, leading to what’s known as tick-borne co-infections. These infections can complicate diagnosis, delay treatment, and increase the severity of symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore the most common tick-borne co-infections, how they’re transmitted, symptoms to watch for, testing, treatment options, and how to protect yourself. What Are Tick-Borne Co-Infections? A co-infection occurs when a tick transmits more than one disease-causing pathogen in a single bite. The most common tick species responsible for co-infections in the U.S. is the…

  • How to Properly Remove a Tick
    Blog - Prevention & Wellness

    How to Properly Remove a Tick

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Ticks may be small, but their bite can carry big risks. These tiny bloodsuckers are known for transmitting a range of diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Whether you’re a hiker, pet owner, gardener, or just enjoying time outdoors, understanding how to properly remove a tick is essential for your health and peace of mind. Prompt and careful removal reduces the risk of infection. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, tools you’ll need, what to do after a bite, and when to seek medical attention. Why Proper Tick Removal Is Important…

  • Effective Tick Bite Prevention Strategies (Clothing, Repellents, Checks)
    Blog - Prevention & Wellness

    Effective Tick Bite Prevention Strategies (Clothing, Repellents, Checks)

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Ticks are tiny but dangerous parasites known to transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. With rising tick populations in many regions, especially during warmer months, prevention is your best defense. This article outlines practical, science-backed strategies to prevent tick bites, including the use of protective clothing, insect repellents, and thorough tick checks. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, camping, or simply walking your dog, these steps can dramatically lower your risk. 1. Wear Protective Clothing Clothing That Covers and Shields Ticks prefer to latch onto exposed skin, so dressing appropriately creates a physical barrier.…

  • Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS): Symptoms & Management
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS): Symptoms & Management

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Lyme disease, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium and spread through tick bites, is usually treatable with antibiotics. However, for some individuals, symptoms persist even after completing treatment. This condition is known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). PTLDS can be confusing and frustrating, both for patients and healthcare providers. Though the initial infection has been treated, lingering symptoms may impact daily life. This article explores what PTLDS is, its possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and current management strategies. What Is Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)? PTLDS refers to a set of long-lasting symptoms that continue for 6 months or…

  • Antibiotic Treatment for Lyme Disease: Protocols and Duration
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Antibiotic Treatment for Lyme Disease: Protocols and Duration

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne illness in North America and parts of Europe. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (commonly called a deer tick). The good news is that Lyme disease is highly treatable with antibiotics, especially when caught early. However, treatment protocols vary depending on the stage of the disease, type of symptoms, and age or health status of the patient. This article breaks down the recommended antibiotic therapies, their duration, and what to expect during treatment. Why Early Treatment Matters Early-stage Lyme disease is…

  • Lyme Disease Testing: Understanding Limitations and Stages
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    Lyme Disease Testing: Understanding Limitations and Stages

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused primarily by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. While early treatment is highly effective, diagnosis can be tricky—especially if you don’t have the telltale bullseye rash. That’s where testing comes in. But Lyme disease tests aren’t always straightforward. They vary in accuracy depending on the stage of the disease, and interpreting results can be challenging. In this article, we’ll break down the types of Lyme disease tests, their limitations, and how they’re used during different stages of infection. How Lyme Disease Progresses (Why Stage Matters in Testing) Lyme disease progresses in three stages: Key…

  • Recognizing the Early Signs of Lyme Disease (Especially the Bullseye Rash)
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    Recognizing the Early Signs of Lyme Disease (Especially the Bullseye Rash)

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick). It’s most common in North America and parts of Europe, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Early recognition of Lyme disease is critical for successful treatment—and one of the most telling signs is the bullseye-shaped rash, known as erythema migrans (EM). However, not everyone develops this rash, and early symptoms can be easily mistaken for other illnesses. This article will help you understand the early warning signs, including the bullseye rash, and when to seek medical attention. What…

  • HIV and Aging: Unique Health Considerations
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    HIV and Aging: Unique Health Considerations

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Thanks to advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV are now living longer, healthier lives. In fact, more than half of all people living with HIV in many countries are over the age of 50. While this is a remarkable achievement in public health, it also introduces a new set of challenges: aging with HIV. Older adults with HIV face unique health considerations that go beyond managing the virus. These include an increased risk of age-related diseases, drug interactions, cognitive decline, and social or mental health issues. This article explores the intersection of HIV and aging, and…

  • Mental Health and HIV: Addressing Anxiety, Depression, and Stigma
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    Mental Health and HIV: Addressing Anxiety, Depression, and Stigma

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Living with HIV today is very different from it was decades ago. With the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV has become a manageable chronic condition. However, many people living with HIV still face significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and stigma. The emotional burden of an HIV diagnosis, along with societal judgment and internalized shame, can deeply affect a person’s mental well-being. Mental health is not separate from HIV care — it’s a critical part of living a healthy, fulfilling life. This article explores how HIV and mental health intersect, the impact of stigma, and practical strategies…