Producer/Host: Rhonda Feiman
Co-Producer: Petra Hall
Engineer: Amy Browne
Update on Tick-Borne Illnesses, Lyme Disease and Co-infections: Prevention and Treatment
What is Lyme Disease, and why is it spreading?
What are co-infections and tick-borne illnesses, and what are the signs & symptoms?
What are the best ways to prevent tick bites, and how can we protect ourselves against these illnesses?
Are there effective tests and treatments for tick-borne illnesses?
What are some common misunderstandings about diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease?
Guests:
Dr. Beatrice M. Szantyr is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the American College of Physicians, and is board-certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics. She currently participates on the State of Maine Vector-borne Disease Work Group, and is a member of the Maine Medical Association, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), and serves as a medical advisor for MaineLyme, a non-profit dedicated to decreasing Lyme and related tick diseases in Maine. Dr. Szantyr has lectured on Lyme disease and related tick-borne disorders, to professional and community groups throughout New England, and has given testimony before the Maine Legislature concerning Lyme disease in the State of Maine.
Constance “Happy” Dickey, RN is a founding member and board member of MaineLyme, a non-profit dedicated to awareness and prevention through education and advocacy. She facilitates support groups for people with Lyme, both in-person in Maine, and online, and she is also an advocate for patients with Lyme disease. She has traveled extensively with Dr. Szantyr, educating medical personnel -and the public- about Lyme disease.
Websites of interest:
MaineLyme
www.mainelyme.org
ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society)
www.ilads.org
Lyme Disease Association (About Lyme —great pictures of ticks and rashes) www.lymediseaseassociation.org
Lymedisease.org (Formerly CALDA) www.lymedisease.org/
Tick Encounter Resource Center www.tickencounter.org/
Insectshield sells permethrin-treated clothing, blankets, hats, etc, or will dip your own clothing, uniforms, etc. Will last the life of the garment. www.insectshield.com
Dog Not Gone is a Maine company using goods made in the USA makes dog and horse vests that are permethrin treated. They are also making people vests, hats, and gaiters. www.dognotgone.com