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27 October 2009
Ailing Planet Seen as Bad for Human Health – Washington Post – October 27, 200P
Posted by Kim Sampson under Lyme Articles, lyme disease | Tags: climate changes, enviroment, lyme disease |
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Advocates’ report links climate change to worsening of diseases
By David A. Fahrenthold
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Climate change will make Americans more vulnerable to diseases, disasters and heat waves, but governments have done little to plan for the added burden on the health system, according to a new study by a nonprofit group.
The study, released Monday by the Trust for America’s Health, an advocacy group focused on disease prevention, examines the public-health implications of climate change. In addition to pushing up sea levels and shrinking Arctic ice, the report says, a warming planet is likely to leave more people sick, short of breath or underfed.
Experts involved with the study said that these threats might be reduced if the federal government adopts a cap on greenhouse-gas emissions. But no legislation could stop them altogether, they said. Emissions already in the atmosphere are expected to increase warming — and the problems that come with it — for years to come.
“That [a cap on greenhouse gases] really is not enough,†said Phyllis Cuttino of the Pew Environment Group, which funded the study. “We can see all these problems coming, but as a country, we haven’t done enough to prepare for them.â€
The idea that climate change will be bad for people as well as polar bears is not new: It was explained in detail by a United Nations panel that won the Nobel Peace Prize for its work on climate in 2007.
Monday’s report summarized some of the biggest worries for Americans in particular. They included:
– Heat waves, which the report says are expected to increase. The danger is expected to be worst, the report said, in concrete-clad cities, where the lack of greenery creates an “urban heat island.†Under climate change, the experts said, summer heat could also sneak up on people in cities where air conditioning hasn’t been needed in the past.
– More widespread diseases carried by mosquitoes, ticks and other pests. If warmer temperatures allow these animals to expand their ranges northward, the result could be more cases of West Nile virus, Lyme disease and hantavirus.
– Increased air pollution, caused because heat contributes to the formation of smog. This, the report said, could increase the incidence of severe asthma or pulmonary disease.
The experts who worked on the study said they could not provide a timetable for when and where these effects will appear. But they said it is already time to get ready for them, but many governments are not doing so.
“Some of the most personal effects of climate change are going to be health-related ones,†said Jeff Levi, executive director of the Trust for America’s Health. “We should want the government doing as much as possible now to prevent these effects, or minimize them when they occur.â€
Officials involved in the study said that preparations might include planting more trees in cities, to clean and cool urban air. Levi said they might also include laying in supplies of medicine for diseases that might appear in an area for the first time.
26 October 2009
What is Lyme Disease? – 24Medica.com – October 25, 2009
Posted by Kim Sampson under lyme disease | Tags: lyme disease, ticks |
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 |  |  |
| Written by Phillip LaVeque | ||
| Sunday, 25 October 2009 | ||
| Lyme disease is an infection with a corkscrew-shaped bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to humans through tick bites. What is going on in the body? After an infected tick bites an individual, the Borrelia burgdorferi organism can cause early local Lyme disease. This may cause a mild flu-like illness and a rash at the site of the bite. If the organism spreads through the body by the bloodstream, it can affect many body systems. This widespread infection is known as disseminated Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacteria is carried by certain species of ticks, including the following: A person in these areas increases his or her risk of acquiring Lyme disease from a tick bite with the following activities: Lyme disease can also be passed to an unborn child if the baby’s mother has the disease during pregnancy. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, including the following: Other medications may be used to treat symptoms of Lyme disease. For example, seizures may be treated with anticonvulsant medications. Ibuprofen may be given for fever or joint pain. Antibiotics and other medications used to treat Lyme disease may cause stomach upset or allergic reactions. Some of the antibiotics may cause light sensitivity. With effective treatment, individuals recover from Lyme disease without further problems. In some individuals, the disease lasts a long time or the infection comes back. These people may need repeated treatment. There is currently controversy about the effectiveness of long term antibiotics for chronic Lyme disease. Research continues in this area. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. | ||
24 October 2009
Autoimmune Disorders in Women: What to Look For and What to Tell Your Doctor – InjuryBoard.com – October 24, 2009
Posted by Kim Sampson under Auto Immune Diseases, Lyme Articles, lyme disease | Tags: autoimmune disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, doctors, Fibromyalgia, IBS, Lupus, MS, PCOS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, symptoms, treatments, women |
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Posted by David Mittleman
October 24, 2009 10:00 AM
Here is a daunting fact: one in five Americans has an autoimmune disorder, which occurs when the immune system attacks itself. Moreover, about ¾ of those with an autoimmune disorder are women, or about 22 million women total. However, there is an even more disturbing trend amongst women with autoimmune disorders: 40% of those who are eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder were initially told that they were “too concerned with their healthâ€. Essentially, a large percentage of women with serious immune problems are passed over and told they’re hypochondriacs.
However, armed with some simple information, you could prevent yourself from falling into the category of women who suffer needlessly. In fact, health experts say that the best way to protect yourself is to educate and empower yourself by learning names, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for the seven most common illnesses women face.
- 1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome—the most common type of hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and one of the leading causes of infertility. It stems from having levels of androgens, a male hormone, that are too high. The most common symptoms are irregular periods (or none at all), more hair on the face, chest, back and limbs, moderate-to-sever acne, baldness, and rapid and substantial weight gain that seems impossible to control. There is no single way to diagnose PCOS, but your doctor can check your reproductive organs for signs of mass growths using a pelvic or vaginal ultrasound. However, it is your responsibility to first inform your doctor that you have the aforementioned symptoms. Otherwise, the doctor may never know that there is a serious problem because the illness is so easily written off to bad diet, lack of exercise, or other “simple†explanations for seemingly benign symptoms. While there is no cure for PCOS, it can be controlled with birth control pills and Metformin to help regulate the hormonal production.
- 2. Fibromyalgia—doctors aren’t sure what causes this painful disorder, which results in symptoms that include pain, numbness and exhaustion, and often begins in early or middle adulthood. While there is no lab test or physical exam that can find fibromyalgia, doctors can do a tender-point exam, which identifies places in the body that are painful to the touch despite no immediate physical signs. The test is positive if 11 out of the 18 spots tested come back positive. There is no way to cure fibromyalgia, but sufferers can take over-the-counter pain medications to quell the pain. Furthermore, stretching, exercise, and massage can ease pain as well.
- 3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—at least 1 million Americans are believed to have CFS. However, doctors are unsure what causes the extreme fatigue that is common to the disorder. Some studies indicate that it could be related to dormant viral infections, hormonal imbalances, and stress. The common symptoms include decreased physical or mental activity that doesn’t improve despite long periods of rest. Loss of concentration and unexplained muscle pains are also common symptoms. In order to diagnose a patient, doctors must rule out other conditions that cause similar problems, such as Lyme disease or thyroid problems. While there aren’t any treatments or cures, Ritalin has been effective in some patients in reducing fatigue. However, the treatment is still experimental.
- 4. Lupus—there are four types of Lupus, however the most common is systemic lupus erythematosus. SLE is a nightmare: a malfunction in the immune system causes the body to attack itself, including wreaking havoc on the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, and blood. Doctors suspect that hormones play a vital role in the development of the disorder, particularly because women are usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45. Overall, lupus seems to strike during or following a pregnancy. The most common symptoms include fatigue, fever, joint pain and stiffness, chest pain, memory loss, and skin lesions. A diagnosis of lupus is confirmed if a patient has at least four symptoms: a facial rash after exposure to sunlight, painless mouth sores, kidney disease, swelling of the lining around the lungs and heart, and low counts of red blood cells, platelets, or white blood cells. While there is no cure for lupus, mild cases can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers. Moreover, anti-malarial drugs have proven useful in stopping the progression of the disease, while corticosteroids counter inflammation in the joints and lining of the heart and lungs. Overall, doctors suggest leading a balanced life since emotional stress seems to trigger episodes of lupus.
- 5. Multiple Sclerosis—MS strikes when the immune system attacks the protective covering of cells in the brain and nervous system. Eventually the destruction of the cells causes a breakdown in communication between the brain and body. Women are three times as likely to develop MS, and most scientists believe there is an environmental link like exposure to viruses or toxins. Classic symptoms include numbness or weakness in the limbs, dull pain, fatigue, and vision problems. Despite these symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose MS and to distinguish these symptoms from others that are related to other diseases like Lyme disease. However, tests for these other diseases can help rule out any other options and ultimately narrow the diagnosis to MS. Currently, those with milder symptoms from their MS are treated with corticosteroids. Other sufferers with more serious symptoms are put on an immunomodulator drug that helps prevent a complete relapse in muscle weakness and other symptoms. Exercise is also a crucial component in maintaining strength, muscle tone, coordination, and balance.
- 6. Rheumatoid Arthritis—RA attacks the lining of the joints through the immune system and can cause swelling, aching and potential deformities. The symptoms are easily detectable: simple activities, such as climbing the stairs or opening jars, can cause tremendous pain. It is difficult for doctors to diagnose RA, however, blood tests can reveal an antibody that is related to RA. Treatments include alpha inhibitors, or drugs that fight the inflammatory proteins. A second treatment is called DMARDs, which help to slow, reduce, and prevent joint damage. Finally, corticosteroids can cut inflammation around the joints, but become less effective over time.
- 7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome—simply stated, sufferers experience serious bowel problems including gas, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as abdominal cramping and pain. Doctors can usually pinpoint the problem by using the “Rome criteriaâ€. In other words, if a patient experiences 12 weeks of symptoms out of 12 months, they most likely have IBS. The treatment is also very simple: eat more fibrous foods. Furthermore, some patients have found relief by using peppermint oil, a natural antispasmodic that can ease abdominal pain.
While most of these autoimmune disorders cannot be cured, they can still be controlled via simple methods. Be forthright with your doctor if you experience symptoms that you believe could be related to an autoimmune disorder. Most importantly, be persistent! If your symptoms bother you and interfere with your daily life, there is probably a more serious problem that needs further attention.
COMMENT:Â Posted by Joanne Drayson
October 24, 2009 3:49 PMYou can not rule Lyme Disease out by a blood test blood tests are only about 50% reliable for Lyme being antigen tests.
All the above illnesses mentioned in this article could be caused by Lyme Disease and with those symptoms should be checked out by a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor through ILADS.
Currently our doctors follow the IDSA 2006 Discredited Guidelines, these are currently being reviwed. Presentations shown at the July IDSA review hearing show considerable evidence proving seronegativity and persistent infection. Details on the IDSA website.
12 October 2009
Upcoming Public Screenings of Lyme Disease Documentary ‘Under the Eightball’ Announced – PRWeb – October 12, 2009
Posted by Kim Sampson under lyme disease, Lyme Press Release, Video | Tags: lyme disease, Under the Eightball, Video |
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Independent film company Andalusian Dogs will host public screenings of their revealing documentary ‘Under the Eightball’ at The Brattle Theater in Boston, Massachusetts on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 4:30 PM. Another showing for ‘Under the Eightball’ is scheduled at the University of Hartford’s Wilde Auditorium in Hartford, Connecticut on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 7 PM. The film promises to be a paradigm shifting experience for many as it directs the viewers attention on the ‘true’ source of the suffering associated with Lyme Disease and a host of other illnesses.
Hartford, CT and Boston, MA (PRWEB) October 12, 2009 — The revolutionary, new documentary “Under the Eightball†will hold public screenings on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 4:30 PM at The Brattle Theater in Boston, Massachusetts and on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 7 PM at the University of Hartford’s Wilde Auditorium in Hartford, Connecticut.
‘Under the Eightball’ is the only film about Lyme Disease that exposes the true nature of this horrible disease and its roots to the US Bio-warfare Program.
Director Timothy Grey says, “We’re gearing up to give the world an eye opening experience. Our goal, through the revealing footage in this film, is to give the citizens of our country and the world for that matter, a stiff dose of reality with the power to make a difference. There are far too many people dying and suffering needlessly of chronic illnesses primarily Lyme Disease and because this disease remains a ‘politically incorrect’ illness to diagnose, even more people will suffer unless we do something about it.â€
Under the Eightball is an independent documentary film that promises to be a paradigm shifting experience for many as it directs the viewers attention to the ‘true’ source of the suffering associated with Lyme Disease and a host of other illnesses. Lyme Disease is frequently misdiagnosed as ALS, Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and over 300 other diseases.
Under The Eightball was produced by Andalusian Dogs and was written, directed and edited by Timothy Grey and Breanne Russell. Executive producers are Justin Blake and Rasheed Ali.
– For more information about the screenings please contact Roxanne — 727-365-4428
FOR MOVIE TRAILER, GO TO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UOhME0K4hw
Kim’s Notes: I have yet to see this film. Therefore, I have no recommendation on it yet. I have heard mixed reviews, both good and bad, so…I would like the opportunity to screen it then give a recommendation…or not. //Kim
12 October 2009
Ticks and Bird Dogs: The Minnesota Epidemic – Field and Stream – October 12, 2009
Posted by Kim Sampson under lyme disease, Pets | Tags: dogs, epidemic, lyme disease, Minnesota |
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We’re reaching into the MBF Mailbag to get a field report from northern Minnesota today. Seems recently one of our readers, Matthew Miltich, has had good luck with ruffed grouse and worse luck with ticks.
I got out yesterday with my young Welsh springer spaniel, Cosmo, and we put up five birds, missed a Hail Mary shot in heavy foliage, but knocked down a bird when we were presented the one half-decent shot of the day. The woods were in summer mode, dense foliage and heat.
Here’s my reason for writing: You should be aware that we’ve had a real epidemic of lyme disease here. My vet, from Bigfork, Minn., says that he’s seeing many cases of ehrlichiosis (carried by deer ticks), as well as Lyme in dogs. I get my own dogs vaccinated for Lyme, and if you hunt in this country, it’s a good idea to have your dog vaccinated and treated with a tick preventive, such as Frontline or Advantix.
New deer ticks hatch in October, and they’re very active during late fall, even after many heavy frosts. I’ve come out of grouse cover in October with 10 or more deer ticks (very tiny and hard to see) on each trouser leg. If you’re in this country, take precautions for you and your dog against deer ticks. Three local friends of ours were diagnosed with Lyme just in the past few weeks. Fall is a great time in the woods, but you need to take care not to fall victim to Lyme.
Those are sage words of advice. Down in South Carolina ticks are a constant problem, though Lyme disease isn’t as prevalent as it is up North. So far it’s been an ordinary year as far as ticks go. I’ve pulled a few off of my own hide, but Advantix seems to be keeping the little buggers from latching onto Pritch.
I’m curious if anyone else has seen an up tick in ticks and the problems they cause for both hunters and dogs this season.
7 October 2009
Uveitis is rare, but is one of the leading causes of blindness in U.S. – NY Daily News – October 7, 2009
Posted by Kim Sampson under lyme disease, Medical News | Tags: blindness, Dr. Douglas Jabs, lyme disease, Uveitis |
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DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Wednesday, October 7th 2009, 4:48 AM
The specialist: Dr. Douglas Jabs on uveitis
A professor and the chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Mount Sinai, Jabs has specialized in treating uveitis for 25 years.
Who’s at risk
Uveitis is an inflammatory process that affects the interior of the eye and can cause blindness. “The first thing to understand is that uveitis is about 30 different diseases, all characterized by inflammation inside the eye,†says Jabs. “Uveitis falls into the uncommon-disease category – it affects a fraction of 1% of the population,†he adds, but it is still among the leading causes of blindness in this country.
The 30 forms of uveitis can have different origins, but most cases are due to autoimmune or autoinflammatory responses. “In those diseases, the body’s infection-fighting system, the immune system, after some environmental insult, begins to attack the body, and in this case the eye,†says Jabs. “We actually don’t know what triggers most autoimmune diseases, but in those cases where we do know, it’s often an infection, not in the eye, but elsewhere in the body.†The autoimmune disease develops after the body clears the infection. Some autoimmune diseases attack the whole body, and others attack a particular region. In a minority of cases, uveitis is caused by an infection of the eye, or by systemic infections like Lyme disease.
2 October 2009
Invisible Illness Blog – Check it out!
Posted by Kim Sampson under Invisible Illness, lyme disease | Tags: Dr. Bransfield, Invisible Illness, lyme disease |
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http://invisibledisabilitiesadvocate.blogspot.com/
1 October 2009
“The Parent Trap†– Fairfield Weekly.com – October 1, 2009
Posted by Kim Sampson under Lyme Articles, lyme disease, Politics | Tags: lyme disease, Politics, schools |
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The LeVasseurs (from left): Sarah, Cathy, Paul and Chris
The LeVasseurs (from left): Sarah, Cathy, Paul and Chris
Fairfield Public School has made a few questionable calls to the Department of Children and Families over sick kids.
By Nick Keppler – October 1, 2009
Cathy and Paul LeVasseur thought Fairfield Public Schools understood: Their son Chris was out sick with Lyme disease and wouldn’t be back to school until he was better.
Though he was a bright kid who sailed his way through the Six to Six Magnet School, Chris’ first year at Tomlinson Middle School had been derailed. The seventh-grader came down with a sore throat and fever in September 2008 and was bedridden with joint and muscle pain by the end of October. He also developed serious cognitive problems, his parents say. He could no longer remember the names of household objects. He pointed at them and then huffed in frustration. Fairfield Public Schools sent a tutor to the LeVasseurs’ home, but she was dismissed after Chris banged his head on the table in anguish during lessons.
Cathy LeVasseur says she excused all of his absences. She exchanged e-mails regularly with Chris’ guidance counselor. She met with a “team,†a cluster of school officials put together to guide the education of a child in need of long-term special ed accommodations.
Everyone was on the same page, she assumed.
Cathy was shocked, she says, when she got a call from school social worker Vanessa Constanzo last April, saying she had reported the LeVasseurs to the Department of Children and Families for the suspected “educational neglect†of Chris.
FOR FULL STORY, GO TO:
http://www.fairfieldweekly.com/article.cfm?aid=14723
1 October 2009
“A Clinical Diagnosis, Really?†– By Kim Sampson – October 1, 2009
Posted by Kim Sampson under lyme disease, Personal Gripes | Tags: CDC, commentary, H1N1, lyme disease |
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Really? How interesting. This same CDC and this same doctor who does not believe in Chronic Lyme Disease without a CDC positive Western Blot, is confirming cases of Swine by symptoms alone. I don’t have a problem with that, after all that is how Lyme is suppose to be diagnosed. So, why can’t they make the connection? Lyme Disease and H1N1 are both infectious diseases. Why can’t these same people understand that Lyme is also a clinical diagnosis.
I find it really funny that the doctor who said I didn’t have Lyme disease, handed me a copy of my Western Blot and at the bottom it said in black and white….(paraphrasing) “diagnosis is not to be made solely on lab tests, it is a clinical diagnosisâ€. Yet, I didn’t have Lyme Disease because I was one band short of a positive.
Well, I do have Lyme Disease. I am paying the price because too many doctors would not do a clinical diagnosis and depended solely on the Western Blot. BTW, my last Western Blot was a positive result, after twenty years of suffering. I finally have a doctor who has diagnosed me on my medical history and presenting symptoms. I am doing long-term antibiotics and seeing neurological improvements.
So, why are these doctors and the CDC getting confused? Lyme Disease and H1N1 are both infectious diseases. I know there are many other people who are suffering because of this hang-up many doctors have with the Western Blot and ELISA. Yet, because the CDC is overwhelmed, my son gets a clinical diagnosis for Swine. I am called a kook.
I don’t get it, and in the meantime, people suffer, some die.
With you all! //Kim
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1 October 2009
“Get That Mouse Out Of Your House†– North American Press Syndicate – October 1, 2009
Posted by Kim Sampson under Lyme Articles, lyme disease | Tags: Asthma, lyme disease, Mice, salmonella |
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According to the survey, more than half of Americans say that while mice are unpleasant, they are relatively harmless creatures. Actually, mice can spread disease and cause asthma symptoms and have even been known to start house fires, particularly in homes with older wiring, as mice can chew through the wire’s insulation.
“Safe and healthy homes are free of mice and other pests,†said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. “Mice can be a factor in spreading Lyme disease and salmonella, and we now know mice are related to the rise of asthma symptoms in children.†In fact, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, exposure to mice allergens is a well-recognized risk factor for asthma in some children.
The mouse problem is much bigger than most people think.
FOR FULL STORY, GO TO:
http://www.napsnet.com/articles/62465.html
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