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Information Wellness Blog

Detailed Reviews and Guides about energy and informational health and wellness

July 13, 2026|Editorial

Testicular Torsion Medicine

Torsion of the testicle is an urgent urological emergency that should be treated quickly or permanently lost. Torsion occurs when the spermatic cord ties around and twists around a testicle, cutting off its blood supply. Torsion can be extremely painful and should be addressed as soon as possible for best outcomes.

At both patient- and system-level, multiple factors contribute to delays in management, such as seasonal incidence patterns and interhospital transfer patterns. This scoping review seeks to explore trends in presentation, diagnosis, surgical management, identification of delay causes and assessment of clinical outcomes including testicular salvage rates and orchidectomy rates as well as predictive factors.

Torsion medicine is a type of medicine that is used to treat scoliosis.

Scoliosis treatments can provide relief, from physical therapy and bracing to surgery. Depending on the size and severity of the curve, doctors may suggest physical therapy, bracing or surgery as necessary to keep it from worsening or progressing further. Others may need surgery instead which stops further curves worsening while significantly improving spinal mobility.

Doctors can determine the appropriate scoliosis treatment by considering your degree, progressivity or stability and age. For instance, if the curve progresses over time and you are an adult, spinal fusion surgery may be recommended by their doctors.

Spinal fusion surgery may be performed through either an open procedure or minimally invasive spinal surgery, with smaller incisions and reduced blood loss. While traditional spinal fusion may take more time to recover from, minimally invasive surgeries have proven just as effective – perhaps even quicker!

If your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, it’s essential that they see a pediatric specialist as soon as possible. At Mayo Clinic Children’s they possess extensive expertise and knowledge when it comes to treating childhood and adolescent scoliosis; working together they create individual treatment plans including bracing or noninvasive measures as necessary; they also educate both children and their families regarding scoliosis.

Children living with scoliosis often require wearing either a thoracic or lumbar scoliosis brace for two to three years in order to ensure proper posture development and avoid twisting of their spine while it grows. Scoliosis braces can often be adjusted over time according to changing height, providing support during their development.

At-home scoliosis treatments that can ease back pain include sleeping on a medium-firm mattress with an underthe-knee pillow while sleeping and avoiding activities that twist or rotate the back. Ice packs or heat may be helpful in soothing pain and stiffness while over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be taken as needed to manage mild discomfort.

Torsion medicine is used to treat scoliosis in children.

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that typically forms either an “S” or “C” shape and is one of the most prevalent spinal deformities among children and adolescents, often occurring during an adolescent growth spurt and more frequently among girls than boys. Many cases of scoliosis are known as idiopathic cases in which no specific cause can be determined for its presence.

Idiopathic scoliosis is an increasingly prevalent problem for children and adolescents, yet rarely causes pain or symptoms. While mild forms may be treated by regular monitoring and bracing alone, severe scoliosis requires surgery to stop further progression of its curve.

One of the most commonly performed types of surgery for scoliosis is spinal fusion, which involves placing bones at either end of the spine to correct curves, before joining it together using rods or screws. Another emerging procedure called vertebral body tethering utilizes similar techniques but doesn’t connect the spinal column directly – less invasive and freeing movement post surgery with no risk for revision surgeries later. When performed by experienced surgeons, surgery for scoliosis can be safe and effective while safeguarding against infection during surgery as doctors monitor spinal cord function during operations to ensure patient safety during operations.

Torsion medicine is used to treat scoliosis in adults.

Many people who hear “scoliosis” assume it refers to a body with a curvature resembling an “s” or “c.” But in reality, scoliosis is a complex musculoskeletal condition with many forms. Curves in the spine may be mild, moderate, or severe depending on where they occur – typically children but occasionally adults too – with severity determined by location, angular relationship with other areas of spine and age of appearance.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is the most prevalent form of scoliosis among adolescents aged 10-15, typically diagnosed at 10-15. It features a 20 to 45 degree thoracic curve. Most cases do not cause pain and only require observation to monitor its progression.

However, some adolescents will develop painful spinal curves that must be managed using bracing in order to stop further progression. Adolescents who exhibit curves of 40 degrees or greater may require spinal surgery as a form of treatment.

Traditional treatments for Adolescent Idiopathic Asymmetrical Scoliosis (AIS) in adolescents include back braces, exercise and physical therapy to strengthen the spine. Although these therapies may help reduce curves temporarily while also helping prevent further worsening of conditions; unfortunately they also come with high rates of noncompliance and poor outcomes.

Vertebral body tethering is an emerging treatment option for adolescents suffering from scoliosis. Performed using thoracoscopic techniques, screws are placed within the spine and attached with thick cord as a tether that can be tightened or released to apply pressure and help straightening of their spines. While some promise has been seen with this method to decrease curvatures and improve Cobb angles, more research needs to be completed before reaching definitive results.

Patients living with severe scoliosis often experience postural collapse, leading to noticeable height loss and distressful psychological side-effects. At Kalra Brain & Spine, we offer torsion medicine treatments for this condition – in particular “Mix” consisting of various exercises and tractioning devices that promote movement within the spine – followed by “Fix,” chiropractic adjustments that reverse thoracic curves to treat mild or moderate cases of scoliosis.

Torsion medicine is used to treat scoliosis in pregnant women.

Women living with scoliosis often worry that pregnancy will worsen their curve. Many worry they won’t be able to carry the baby to term or give birth normally due to her health issues during gestation.

Scoliosis doesn’t appear to progress during pregnancy. In fact, pregnancy actually helps reduce its curve in some cases due to relaxin hormone’s relaxing pelvic ligaments which relieve pressure off spine. Furthermore, those who’ve undergone spinal fusion surgery may see similar reductions post-pregnancy.

Women concerned about their scoliosis during pregnancy should speak to both their OB/GYN and anesthetist as soon as they know. It’s important that an anesthetist understands that the lumbar spine rotates, which could impede epidural pain relief; though most cases won’t pose issues.

Pregnant women with scoliosis will typically be asked to undergo an ultrasound scan of their back during gestation, to help doctors monitor how the ribcage expands during gestation and whether their spinal curvature can accommodate for the expanding uterus. Furthermore, pregnant women may wish to talk with their physician regarding additional pain relief during labour.

Pregnant women with scoliosis should continue their scoliosis treatment plan during gestation to alleviate pain and keep their curve stable, including regular exercises, brain-muscle retraining sessions and nutritional support for the condition. All these steps will help keep progression at bay and maintain the curvature during the course of pregnancy.

No one really knows the cause of idiopathic scoliosis, yet research indicates it runs in families. Studies show that women who have it have approximately a 29 percent chance of passing it down to their offspring while men only stand a 9 percent chance.

July 13, 2026|Editorial

Biohacking Kit Ethical Concerns

Biohacking, or “DIY,” refers to using DIY principles and scientific research tools for optimizing health and performance, without professional oversight or regulation from established scientific bodies. While biohacking offers benefits in terms of health and performance enhancement, its democraticization raises new ethical considerations.

Josiah Zayner’s use of CRISPR raises serious doubts regarding whether amateurs can safely utilize advanced technologies.

CRISPR Kit

CRISPR is a powerful gene-editing technology with immense potential to treat inherited diseases, boost agricultural yields and advance biological research.

But genetic engineering remains contentious; some fear its misuse may create “designer babies”, with desirable physical traits or abilities, while others worry that ongoing experiments to alter disease-spreading insects and animals, including tomatoes with larger tomatoes, longer lasting mushrooms, leaner pigs for “CRISPR bacon”, will further increase its use.

The technology underlying these concerns may seem complex and difficult to comprehend, yet its advantages are enormous. Based on an immune system mechanism used by bacteria cells to detect and fight invaders, scientists have utilized it as a method for editing genes in human and animal cells with exceptional precision compared with previous methods.

CRISPR can even make cells resistant to viruses or tumors by using DNA-targeting guide RNAs that direct cutting or inserting new genetic material into cells – this method is much simpler and cheaper than older tools that used proteins as cutting or adding agents.

One of the most promising applications of this technology is in treating monogenetic diseases that result from single mutated genes. Examples include cystic fibrosis, beta thalassemia and glycogen storage diseases like Behcet’s and Fabry.

Correcting mutations in stem cells that will become red blood cells carries oxygen throughout the body could provide hope to people suffering from sickle-cell disease by changing their defective stem cells into healthier ones that produce normal hemoglobin production.

But some DIY biohackers have gone even further. Australian biohacker Josiah Zayner, known as the “gothic mobster” of DIY biology movement, used CRISPR-based solution that eliminated his muscle inhibitor genes in order to get more ripped. According to Alex Kelly of Sydney citizen lab BioFoundry, CRISPR can be seen as similar to computer technology; once exclusively used by large labs but now freely accessible.

ODIN kits use bacteria that have a proven track record of safe use in schools and universities, are on Australia’s Gene Technology Regulation Act’s exempt dealings list, and allow students to conduct real CRISPR reactions in classroom settings – connecting cutting-edge research with meaningful classroom education.

Brain Stimulation

Biohackers employ various strategies to optimize their health, from simple lifestyle adjustments like sleep tracking or exercise trends, to more experimental strategies like nootropics and genetic modification. Many of these practices may also assist with addiction recovery or mental health maintenance programs as part of a wellness-based treatment program.

People undergoing depression treatment frequently use biohacking techniques as part of their regimen to help manage symptoms and aid recovery. They might use mindfulness practices and breathing exercises – common elements in meditation – to reduce stress and boost their mood, as well as supplements which increase neurotransmitters to regulate hormones and brain chemistry.

Other biohacking techniques, including cold/heat exposure therapy and nootropics, may also prove effective at decreasing inflammation while simultaneously increasing energy and resilience. Furthermore, many recovery programs provide therapies like Relapse Prevention Coaching; which utilizes tools like Biofeedback/Neural Feedback to assist individuals in taking control over triggers while developing healthy coping mechanisms.

Biohacking habits such as eating healthier and improving sleep are generally safe for most healthy adults, while others could pose potential dangers. For instance, taking prescription medication could interact with certain supplements that could cause serious side effects. As always, you should check with your physician prior to trying any new diet or fitness trend.

Medical procedures considered biohacks may also pose health risks to those with serious conditions. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), for instance, has become an established therapy to treat movement disorders like essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease as well as mental illnesses like Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. DBS involves implanting electrodes in specific parts of the brain which produce electrical impulses to treat specific disorders; an electrical pulse pacemaker controls its frequency while an electrode wire connects directly from a small plastic box beneath skin directly to electrodes in the brain – an established treatment.

Grinders or self-experimenters, are part of the biohacking community. They conduct their own biological experiments outside traditional laboratories and share them on online forums. Grinders believe science should be more accessible, and hope independent experimentation can make a difference in biology and biotechnology research. While known for their enthusiasm, there may also be risks involved with DIY research.

July 13, 2026|Editorial

Six Pillars of Energy Medicine

An increasing body of clinical and scientific evidence supports the concept of energy medicine as being essential to controlling fundamental biological processes, giving energy medicine numerous strengths that could complement conventional medical practices.

Energy medicine‘s most significant assets lie within six areas: Reach, Efficiency, Practicality, Client Empowerment, Quantum Compatibility and Holistic Orientation.

Reach

Energy medicine empowers clients by using methods they can perform at home on their own to manage symptoms with treatments they can easily integrate into daily life, like acupuncture and breathwork, yoga or self-directed healing through energy practice. Energy medicine fosters stronger patient-practitioner partnerships during healing processes.

Energy medicine addresses biological processes at their energetic cores and has the potential to address physical symptoms ranging from pain, fatigue and measures of autonomic nervous system function (such as blood pressure or heart rate) all the way through to improving genetic expression and potentially even helping prevent illness in its early stages by altering someone’s biofield.

Energy medicine posits that energy exists within each organism and its biofield serves as a portal through which these healing energies may be activated, directed, redirected or restored. Many cultures and time-honored traditions use language such as mana, prana, chi and qi to refer to the foundational energies which support our consciousness, thought patterns, emotions and physical bodies – these energies connect us with both the universe and one another. Energy therapies seek to address them through touch, verbal exchange and physical exercise. Polarity therapy balances the subtle energies in our biofield using hand movements from a practitioner – these fields of energy that cause emotional and physical symptoms if blocked or disrupted.

Efficiency

Skilled people throughout history have relied on being able to detect and correct energy imbalances for survival. Tribal people could use plant energies as an indication as to whether it would be harmful before eating it; similarly, ancient healing practices that emphasize energy as essential component of health saw keeping our energy flowing and balanced as vitally important to their success.

Modern physics confirms that all matter, including our bodies, is composed of particles which interact according to specific rules and principles. These rules and principles form the basis of energy medicine – practices such as Acupuncture, Acupressure, Reiki Healing Touch and Healing Touch all operate on this premise that illness results from disturbances in one or more energy systems or fields within our bodies.

Emerging scientific research has validated many key ancient energy medicine principles, such as acupuncture meridian theory and electromagnetic field effects on gene expression and cell activity.25 These insights have further confirmed many ancient energy medicine principles with modern scientific methodology.25 For instance, modern medical science has verified the existence of acupuncture points as physical basis of this system, as well as electromagnetic fields’ influence on gene expression and cell activity.25

Energy medicine offers great potential to supplement and, in certain instances, surpass contemporary medical strategies in several key areas. Notably, its ability to reach and regulate energetic foundations of biological processes with precision, speed and flexibility surpasses that of conventional medicine. Furthermore, energy interventions conducted through connective tissue–which serves as an electrical semiconductor–can simultaneously affect all cells within the body.

Practicality

Energy medicine differs from most conventional health care approaches in that it targets biological processes at their energetic basis, thereby having more of an impactful approach and treating more conditions than drugs or surgery alone.

Acupuncture, acupressure, therapeutic touch, Healing Touch and Reiki are among many energy medicine practices that employ hands-on approaches such as tapping, massaging, pulsing, twirling and squeezing points on the skin to realign energy fields and move or balance them. Many clients can be taught these techniques at home in order to self-heal and enhance well-being and performance.

Many ancient healing systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, have long acknowledged energy’s existence and role in our physical world. These practices use terms like prana and chi to refer to how these energies manifest themselves within us – be they cosmic forces, individual bodies or our individual psyches.

Recent advancements in neuroscience and quantum physics have demonstrated how physical and emotional states are intimately tied through vibrational frequencies of an individual’s energy field, which are controlled by heart rate variability and can be altered with positive intention. This emerging knowledge, together with existing research showing physical symptoms often precede changes to an organ’s electromagnetic properties, suggests the possibility for an entirely different approach to disease and wellness management.

Client Empowerment

Traditional medicine tends to focus on diagnosing and treating physical symptoms; energy healing modalities like Reiki, Healing Touch, Reflexology, Qigong and the Energy Alignment Method offer clients holistic healing techniques like Reiki, Healing Touch, Reflexology, Qigong and the Energy Alignment Method to release tension, heal emotionally and energetically, connect to their higher power, release tension from tension bodies and connect to higher powers. These forms of holistic healing have quickly gained widespread acceptance within healthcare settings due to advances in education and certification for these modalities; advancements in education have led to professional bodies with standardised curricula as well as codes of ethics to ensure client safety while effective healing is accomplished.

Energy medicine is founded on the idea that our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing are intertwined and dependent on an invisible global flow of energy known as Qi or Prana in ancient Chinese and Indian medical traditions. Energy healing seeks to balance this inherent flow to promote optimal health; any disruptions attributed to disease.

Over recent decades, science has measured and understood our biofield. Human bodies consist of electromagnetic frequencies that interact with each other and the Universe – this provides a scientific basis for energy healing and helps explain how it works. Recent developments in bioenergetics – an emerging field that examines energy transformation within living organisms – has reignited this interest further by investigating this aspect of biology that studies transformation of energy into healing energy sources – have further propelled interest in our biofield.

Quantum Compatibility

Energy healing practices may help patients meet their goals and enhance outcomes by correcting energetic imbalances. Based on quantum physics principles, human bodies and the universe can be seen as evolving fields of information which attract or repel certain energies based on frequency interactions; creating an energetic environment conducive to health.

Energy medicine modalities often employ the principle of entrainment to facilitate healing. This phenomenon occurs when powerful vibrations from one source lock with less powerful ones to form a coherent whole; this technique is often utilized for sound and music therapy as well as psychotherapy to assist patients in attaining higher states of awareness.

Quantum entanglement allows energy healers to transmit healing frequencies remotely without direct physical contact, using systems like Quantum Resonance Technology to use quantum states as communication between healing devices and patients across space-time barriers. Immunolight, another emerging technology company, applies similar principles in order to enhance cellular repair and immune responses beyond treatment areas for improved overall patient outcome.

Integrating energy medicine successfully into healthcare systems requires clear communication channels and an appreciation of complementary approaches. At Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Integrative Medicine, they employ a collaborative model that integrates energy healing modalities into conventional care using standard assessment protocols and documenting outcomes measurable against established criteria; such strategies allow new paradigms that challenge biochemical perspectives of disease to emerge.

Holistic Orientation

Holistic health entails treating all aspects of wellness: physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. This approach combines traditional natural therapies (e.g. herbs, homeopathy and acupuncture) with nutritional approaches, mindfulness practices, body-based techniques, neural retraining programs and biofeedback technologies in addition to biologically-based interventions for maximum effect.

Energy healing is part of this holistic paradigm and serves to restore balance and health in the body’s energetic systems. Although different modalities differ slightly, they all share one characteristic in common: our bodies’ energies (also referred to as prana, qi or chi) can get blocked or disrupted over time; so energy healing aims at clearing away such blockages so the body can heal itself as intended.

Integrating holistic practices into their treatment approach is a powerful way for clients and patients to take control of their own health and wellbeing journey. Holistic practices support them every step of the way by improving sleep, decreasing stress hormone levels, encouraging self-care practices and aligning values and cultural contexts with individual values and needs. Studies show that when nurses and physicians utilize evidence-based holistic treatments such as continuing in-service training sessions, strong patient relationships, complementary modalities etc, outcomes improve across physiological, psychological and cultural domains.

As consumers seek better treatments for their symptoms, energy medicine is rapidly expanding within allopathic healthcare. It provides valuable tools that can be used to promote patient health and will likely only gain more traction as it becomes scientifically validated.

July 12, 2026|Editorial

Zapper – The Hulda Clark Opinion

What Should I Consider When Buying a Zapper?

A zapper is an electronic device designed to kill parasites, bacteria and viruses without harming human tissue. As part of Hulda Clark’s protocol – an alternative health regimen that purports that our bodies can heal themselves by eliminating harmful pathogens and environmental toxins – the zapper may help eliminate harmful pathogens and environmental toxins in order to promote better overall health.

No scientific evidence supports the claim that the Hulda Clark protocol or the Zapper can treat or cure disease, but low-voltage electrical current emitted by its low-voltage electrical current purports to kill parasites and microbes allegedly by way of low voltage electric current emitted by its Zapper device. Please be aware however that those using pacemakers or devices that control electrical frequency should avoid using the Zapper for its intended purposes.

When purchasing a bug zapper, prioritize models equipped with energy-efficient LED bulbs for longevity and optimal effectiveness. A large coverage area is important as most zappers attract bugs from nearby spaces as well. When making your decision, choose one with coverage slightly larger than your outdoor space – read the product specifications to understand this aspect better. Durability and maintenance considerations should also be carefully considered: look for models made of durable materials with shock-proof grids; as well as removable insect trays to facilitate easier cleaning.

July 12, 2026|Editorial

Symptoms of Lyme Disease and Frequency Therapy

Many symptoms persist even after taking all recommended antibiotics, especially among those suffering from late Lyme disease. Direct diagnostic tests like PCR of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cannot always accurately pinpoint this illness in these instances.

Diagnoses of PTLD occur when an individual reports persistent or recurrent objective manifestations and fulfills all the following criteria.

Symptoms

After being exposed to Lyme disease through tick bite, symptoms often emerge within weeks after exposure, including fever, headache, muscle and joint ache and pains, and an expanding red ring known as Erythema Migrans (EM) at the site of bite that eventually forms a red circle with clear centers in several weeks’ time. This rash typically appears on chest, abdomen or groin area and in approximately 7-8 out of 10 individuals the EM spreads throughout other parts of their bodies.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease often include extracutaneous manifestations like migratory or bull’s-eye joint rash, muscle aches and fatigue. Later stages may involve periods of latency where nervous system complications develop – these may affect either peripheral (cranial neuritis, radiculoneuritis and plexopathies) or central nervous systems (meningitis and increased intracranial pressure).

Cardiovascular complications associated with Lyme disease are rare but serious. Heart attacks may result when bacteria infiltrate blood vessel walls surrounding the heart, leading to blockages that prevent blood from flowing freely into it. Less frequently, myocarditis – inflammation of heart muscle caused by mycobacterium infection – enters the bloodstream and leads to inflammation of its muscle that makes the heart beat faster than usual while disrupting electrical signals controlling heart rhythm.

Antibiotic treatments for Lyme disease typically include a 14-day course of antibiotics with activity against B. burgdorferi. Preferred choices are doxycycline or tetracycline; oral administration within 72 hours after tick removal is recommended over observation (strong recommendation and moderate quality evidence). Patients experiencing mild residual joint swelling may benefit from continuing antibiotic treatment for an additional month based on factors including medication adherence, duration of arthritis prior to initial treatment, degree of synovial proliferation vs joint swelling, patient preferences etc.

Diagnosis

This evidence-based guideline was produced by a joint panel from IDSA, AAN and ACR. It offers recommendations for Lyme disease prevention; diagnosis and treatment for those exhibiting neurologic, cardiac, rheumatologic or other manifestations; management of co-infection with other tick-borne pathogens such as Babesiosis or Rickettsial infections which are covered separately; however this does not address them comprehensively.

Lyme disease symptoms vary depending on both individual and location, with most experiencing an itchy rash at the site of their bite. Most cases in the US are due to B. burgdorferi bacteria; other tick-borne illnesses like Babesia or Ehrlichia could also lead to similar illness and manifest themselves with similar rashes.

Lyme disease can be diagnosed based on both clinical signs and symptoms as well as lab test results that detect B. burgdorferi antibodies produced in response to exposure. It’s important to remember, though, that serologic test results don’t always represent active infection; false positive results or delayed incubation periods may affect these tests and hinder diagnosis and treatment efforts.

Most often, for bacteria to be transmitted successfully through tick attachment, they need to be attached for at least 24 hours – though the exact length of time depends on both tick type and stage (nymph vs adult).

Antibiotics are used to treat Lyme disease in many forms. The appropriate antibiotic will depend on which clinical manifestation, age and location are being addressed, along with factors like drug allergy, side effect profile and tolerability; cost; likelihood of coinfection between Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis necessitating use of macrolide antibiotics; duration based on severity; etc.

Treatment

Lyme disease is an intricate infection caused by tick bites that may manifest with disseminated symptoms that include skin lesions far removed from their location and dispersed pain in joints, heart, nervous system and/or brain. Antibiotics are an integral component of therapy; however, the choice, route of administration and duration will depend on various factors including which species of tick transmitted the pathogen; additionally the initial symptoms play an integral part in determining appropriate interventions for treatment.

Lyme disease endemic areas typically feature high rates of B. burgdorferi infection among both adult and nymphal ticks, thus making diagnosis easier using serologic tests. Unfortunately, due to cross-reactive antibodies and autoimmune diseases a positive test result does not always signify current or past exposure, and does not rule out other possible causes for patient symptoms; using diagnostic tests alone could result in overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Lyme disease has seen dramatic increase since its first identification in 1982, outpacing new cases of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and West Nile virus combined. An estimated 476,000 individuals annually in the US are diagnosed with Lyme disease.

Patients suffering from untreated erythema migrans are at an increased risk for Lyme disease within months. While transmission times vary, most experts agree it takes less than 24 hours for blacklegged ticks in early stages of biting to acquire and transmit bacteria to its next host.

Doxycycline’s effectiveness as a Lyme disease prevention medication is well documented. Three randomized, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated its success at significantly lowering risk (relative risk 0.27; 95% confidence interval [.10,.75]). Other -lactam antibiotics such as tetracycline and penicillin may also be effective, although no direct comparisons between them and doxycycline exist in placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Prevention

Lyme disease has seen exponentially increasing incidence rates over time in the US. Reported cases increased 25x between 2004 and 2013, making Lyme one of the fastest spreading infectious diseases.

At present, no vaccine exists to prevent Lyme disease; however, best practice guidelines suggest performing daily tick checks/avoiding tick habitat, using year-round acaricides with label claims for Ixodes scapularis control, wearing long pants and shirts with long sleeves while outdoors and vaccination against B. burgdorferi for those living or visiting areas endemic for Lyme disease in the US.

Tick-borne diseases result from complex interactions among hosts, ticks and pathogens themselves; therefore more knowledge must be gained to fully comprehend these relationships and create preventative strategies.

Research is ongoing to assess the efficacy of personal protection measures such as insect repellent use (strong recommendation and moderate-quality evidence) and bathing/showering within two hours after outdoor activities. Furthermore, it’s crucial that we understand what motivates people to adopt and sustain such behaviors over time.

Due to a lack of human Lyme disease vaccines, it is vital that we continue to spread awareness and education on how to avoid tick bites while emphasizing the value of early diagnosis and treatment.

Lyme disease has been nationally reportable since 1991 and state health departments collect and verify reports according to legal mandate and surveillance practices. These reports are vital in tracking its epidemiology as well as identifying areas needing improvement for prevention and treatment.

Authors of this guideline include members from IDSA, AAN, and ACR guidelines development committees. It was created through an open public comment period with public review committee members at each institution adhering to stringent conflict-of-interest policies requiring disclosure of any financial, intellectual or other conflicts of interests that might influence its contents.

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