May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public knowledge about Lyme disease. This month emphasizes awareness on preventing tick bites, recognizing symptoms, and promoting early detection.
Lyme Disease Association, Inc. leads efforts to educate on crucial topics such as effective tick removal techniques, and landscape management to diminish tick habitats. Our campaigns aim to inform the public about the necessary precautions and strategies to combat this disease, especially as outdoor activities begin to start back up in May and continue into the warmer months.
As we observe Lyme Disease Awareness Month in 2024, let us unite in spreading knowledge and taking action against Lyme disease to create a safer, well-informed community ready to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with care.
PREVENTION & PRINTABLES Lyme disease poses a mounting global health threat, with around 476,000 Americans diagnosed annually, emphasizing the urgent need for improved prevention measures amidst increasing incidence.
TICK IDENTIFICATION
Tick identification allows for early recognition of exposure to ticks prone to carrying Lyme disease. Additionally, tick identification helps monitor tick populations, assisting public health initiatives to reduce disease transmission and help protect communities from potential health risks.
HOW TO PROPERLY REMOVE A TICK
Prompt and proper tick removal is vital in preventing Lyme & tickborne disease transmission. The longer a tick is attached, the greater risk of disease transmission. Improper removal greatly increases risk of infection, as you can cause the tick to regurgitate diseases into you.
PETS & TICK-BORNE DISEASE
Tick-borne diseases impact our furry friends too! Visit our Pet Spot to learn how to check your pets for ticks and find resources on prevention and treatment of Lyme disease in cats, dogs, and horses.
LANDSCAPING YOUR YARD FOR TICK PREVENTION
A well-landscaped yard, which includes mowed lawns, cleared leaf litter, and barriers between wooded areas and yards, discourages tick activity, thereby lowering the risk of tick bites and transmission of Lyme disease to humans and pets.
LEARN THE SYMPTOMS
Lyme disease symptoms, including rash, fatigue, fever, headache, joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes, can affect any system in the body and mimic symptoms of various diseases. If untreated, it may progress to severe complications impacting the heart and nervous system.
ORDER FREE BROCHURES (OR PRINT PDF’S)
Our brochures provide information on safe tick removal methods, identification, testing, and general facts and symptoms about Lyme and many tickborne diseases. One brochure is dedicated to specialized information on children. Equip yourself with the knowledge to tackle tick-related risks effectively.
PRINT A WALLET-SIZE INFORMATION CARD
Our on-the-go resource helps you remember the importance of properly handling ticks to avoid tick-borne diseases like Lyme. Identifying and safely removing ticks is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones from potential health risks associated with tick bites.
EDUCATION & RESEARCH Lyme Disease Association, Inc. is dedicated to supporting crucial research initiatives and offering comprehensive educational materials to the public, aiming to combat the widespread impact of Lyme disease.
GUEST BLOGS WILL BE POSTED WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS THROUGHOUT MAY!
Guest Blog Topics: Cynthia Cobb, MSN, RN, CSN-NJ, School Nurses: Take Action Against Lyme Disease; Sarah Maxwell, PhD, County Level Tick-Borne Disease Data in the US; Luke Mears & Madison Pinckney, Duke Law Lyme Disease Advocacy Project; Judy Campbell, Lyme Fight; Richard Horowitz, MD, Doctor Interview; Kenneth Liegner, MD, Doctor Interview.
LYME STATISTICS ACROSS THE U.S.
Lyme disease has steadily become a significant concern across the United States. According to recent statistics, the incidence of Lyme disease has increased considerably in various regions. Vigilance in prevention is crucial to mitigate the impact of this widespread illness.
COMMUNITY ACTION Bring Lyme Disease Awareness to your community and participate in events from Lyme Disease Association partner organizations.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Find upcoming Lyme Disease Awareness events in your community with our searchable calendar.
WC WALK & AUCTION BENEFIT FOR LDA’S LYMEAID 4 KIDS
The Women’s Club Invites the Community to “Get Your Shoes on & Help Kids with Lyme Disease!” Registration starts April 14th at the Concierge Desk. Proceeds of the Walk & Tricky Tray Auction to Benefit the Lyme Disease Association’s “LymeAid 4 Kids” Fund. Scheduled guest speaker, LDA President, Pat Smith.
PROCLAMATIONS BY STATE
Many states and counties take steps to raise awareness regarding Lyme and tick-borne diseases during May. Declaring “May Lyme Awareness Month” is one move to help remind people spring is here, ticks are out, prevention & proper education are your best tools to staying healthy.
DOWNLOAD OUR COMMUNITY ACTION GUIDE
This May, we join Lyme patients, activists, and educators in raising awareness to help prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. To help spread the word, we’ve compiled a list of actions you, your family, and friends can take.
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR LIFE-CHANGING MISSION This year, all donations received during May Awareness will benefit LymeAid 4 Kids OR choose where you would like your donation to go.
Please donate generously now to provide support to those in need. There’s no better time to support those affected by Lyme disease. LDA is a volunteer-run organization and — 95% of donations go directly to programs. LDA depends on public donations, which are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Thank you for sharing, and thank you for being a part of Lyme Disease Awareness Month!
