Warmer days means spending more time outdoors, which can mean an increased risk of ticks. While a bug bite may seem innocent, if left undiscovered, it can have harmful effects. 

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading knowledge, supporting those affected, and encouraging prevention efforts against one of the fastest-growing vector-borne diseases in the United States and beyond.

Whether you’re a hiker, a parent, a pet owner, or someone who enjoys spending time in their own backyard, everyone can play a part in preventing Lyme disease and supporting the community impacted by it.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, often called deer ticks. Early symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, and skin rash which resembles a bull’s-eye. You may think to look for the rash near the bug bite. This is not always the case, the rash can present anywhere on the body. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system, leading to more serious complications.

Every year, an estimated 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease. However, because its symptoms mimic those of many other conditions, Lyme is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether. Raising awareness helps ensure more people recognize the signs early, seek timely treatment, and take preventative measures when spending time outdoors.

Preventing Lyme disease starts with protecting yourself and loved ones from tick bites. Here are some essential steps you can take:

• Use tick repellents: Apply insect repellents that contain 20-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing.
• Dress smart: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks when walking in grassy or wooded areas. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
• Perform tick checks: After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your body, clothing, and pets for ticks. Pay close attention to hidden areas like the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, and around the waist.
• Shower after being outdoors: Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off unattached ticks and is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
• Protect your yard: Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, and create barriers (like wood chips or gravel) between your lawn and wooded areas to reduce tick habitats.
• Be mindful year-round: While ticks are most active in warmer months, they can be present any time temperatures are above freezing. Stay vigilant even in cooler seasons.

Living with Lyme disease can be challenging, especially for those dealing with chronic symptoms even after treatment. If you suspect you may have Lyme disease, having a trusted primary care provider (PCP) is invaluable. Your PCP can help evaluate your symptoms, order appropriate testing, and initiate early treatment if necessary. Because Lyme disease can mimic other conditions, a knowledgeable healthcare provider can guide you through the diagnostic process and ensure you receive the right care.

Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider means you have a resource you can turn to with health concerns, not just during Lyme Awareness Month, but year-round.

If you don’t have a primary care provider it may feel overwhelming to know how to establish care. So, how do you go about choosing your primary care provider? There are a few steps you can take to ensure you are getting the best care at the best price for your unique needs:

1. Determine who’s in-network. There are a few different tools you have available to help with this task. Firstly, you can call a clinic and verify over the phone or use a helpful online tool offered by your insurance company. The back of your insurance card should have the correct URL for you.
2. Ask for Recommendations. Just like you would if you were trying to find a mechanic or a daycare, ask your friends and neighbors where they get care! Chances are, you’ll get an excellent recommendation, and it will slim down your search to the specifics you need.
3. Look for Accessibility. Once you have narrowed down your list of in-network providers that come highly recommended, call and ensure they accept new patients. Not everyone has availability in their schedule. This step can help you get in for an appointment in a shorter timeframe. You can also ask about accessibility during this phone call. Does this building have any barriers that would keep you from receiving care, like a lack of wheelchair ramps, night appointments, available translators, etc.?

Now that you know who your primary care provider is and have an appointment scheduled, there are a few items you need to make sure your first appointment is as efficient as possible.

Choosing a primary care provider is not a decision that should be made lightly. You are trusting this person with your medical history and the future of your care. You should be able to work together to improve and manage your health.

Southwest Health has fourteen primary care providers accepting new patients in four locations. Establish now with a primary care provider to unlock a major resource for your health.