People with Substance Use Disorder are NOT ‘Bad People’
When living with substance use disorder, individuals face many obstacles within society.
Challenges include barriersto treatment, social isolation and poor mental health.
Majority of people in society understand that use of illicit drugs is illegal. This statement leads to substance users being commonly labeled as “criminals“, “addicts” or “abusers“.
These negative stereotypes are far from the truth and here’s why:
Many people who are drug dependent that commit crimes have been addicted to drugs before they started criminal activity.
Finances and unemployment are other reasons why people commit crimes rather than drug use.
Approximately 75% of the Nation’s population that are addicted to opioids, first started taking them to manage pain.
There are roughly 22 million U.S. people in recovery for substance use disorder. This means that anyone, even your neighbor could have substance use disorder.
Many highly educated and famous people have lived with substance use disorder.
Examples include:
George W. Bush
Elton John
Van Gogh
Thomas Edison
Robert Ashford’s Story
Robert Ashford is a doctoral student in health policy and a graduate research assistant at the ‘Substance Use Disorders Institute’.
Anyone who meets Robert for the first time would most likely not expect that Robert has been in recovery for substance use disorder since 2013.
During the time that Robert had substance use disorder, he faced discrimination, housing barriers and struggled to pay for his education. These factors often get in the way of individual’s seeking treatment and recovery.
Robert Ashford’s story proves the countless substance use disorder stereotypes to be false.
Recovery is possible for everyone.
Greenbaum (2019).
Here’s some more facts about people with Substance Use Disorder:
Opioid use disorder is more common in adults 60+. This could be explained by the increased need for chronic pain management in older adults.
Common pain medications prescribed to patients that lead to substance use disorder are:
Heroin
Morphine
Hydrocodone or Oxycodone
Tramadol
People at higher risk for substance use disorder are:
Cigarette smokers
Family history of substance use disorder
Started taking substances at a young age
This short clip describes stigma and the ways that it can negatively impact people with substance use disorder.
After viewing this clip, we now understand that stigma is a common negative belief that society has regarding a certain population. Stigma causes society to shame and mistreat people.
Typically, people with substance use disorder need treatment & therapy in order to achieve recovery. Feelings of guilt that go hand in hand with substance use stigma make it more challenging for people to seek help when they need it most.
Bottom line is that substance use disorder can happen to anyone regardless of their demographics and characteristics.
Greenbaum, Z. (2019). The stigma that undermines care. American Psychological Association. 2023. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/06/cover-opioids-stigma
Not your stereotypical addict. (2023). Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 30(11), Cover-7.
You are NOT alone, there are others going through the same thing
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a lifetime disorder, but it’s not a death sentence. In fact, it is a condition that brings many gifts.
ADHD affects around 5% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide
(WHO (World Health Organization, 2023).
ADHD is not always identified as untamed antics and children bouncing off the walls. Instead, it causes hyperactivity and disordering of the brain, not always the body (LDFRA, 2023).
Common Signs and Symptoms:
Children
(CDC, 2023)
having a short attention span and easily distracted
making absentminded mistakes – for example, in schoolwork
appearing forgetful or losing things
being unable to adhere to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
Adults
(Ballards Psychiatry, 2023)
thoughtlessness and decreased attention to detail
never fully finishing a task
weak organizational skills
trouble focusing or prioritizing
forgetfulness
restlessness and uneasiness
hard time keeping quiet
Additional facts YOU should know about ADHD
No person with ADHD presents the same
Having ADHD does not mean you cannot focus
ADHD is not just a childhood condition
Medication is not always the answer
Not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive
Living your best life, while managing ADHD
Learning how to manage symptoms is the first step of living positively with ADHD. Depending on your age, and lifestyle, management looks different for everyone. Standard treatments in adults and children diagnosed with ADHD consists of “medication, education, skills training and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment” (Mayo Clinic 2023).
Do not be afraid to ask for help
If you are concerned that you or your child might have ADHD, talk to your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and your doctor will determine if your symptoms fit the diagnosis of ADHD. The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider, like a pediatrician.
(Boston Medical Center, 2023)
Ignore STIGMA shown in the video. Not all ADHD symptoms present the same. It is common for two people to experience symptoms in different ways.
Decrease Stigma in simple steps
Know the facts
Educate yourself about mental illness including substance use disorders.
Be aware of your attitudes and behavior
Choose your words carefully
Educate others
Focus on the positive
Support people
Include everyone (CAMH, 2023)
Making an Impact
Getting out into the community, and sharing your story by making personal connections with others who have ADHD, and those who do not. Sharing your story of how ADHD affects your life and how you manage your symptoms can encourage others.
Support Groups for ADHD community
You do not have to have ADHD to be a supporter, you can be a friend or a family member, too. There are many support groups available, including non-profit organizations
American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
American Psychological Association
American Psychiatric Association
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)*
Adult ADHD. Ballard Psychiatry. (2023, October 12). https://www.ballardpsych.com/adult-adhd-seattle/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 27). Not just ADHD? helping children with multiple concerns. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/features/not-just-adhd.html
JUBRAIL, J., & CHETCUTI, B. (2022). Assessment and treatment of ADHD in adults. Prescriber.
Kern, R. M., Rasmussen, P. R., Boyd, S. L., & Wittschen , L. K. (2000). Lifestyle, Personality and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Individual Psychology,55(2).Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, January 25). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mayo Clinic.
Revolutionizing equal access to Care & Health for ADHD. (2023). https://www.bumc.bu.edu/reach4adhd/research/psychometric-research-study/
Shikerkar, D., & Vajaratkar, P. V. (2022, September). Understanding Daily Routine and Schedule of Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Qualitative Study.
World Health Organization. (2023). Prevention. World Health Organization.
YouTube. (2016a). YouTube. Retrieved November 11, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm46PN_ksXU.
Diabetes is an extremely common disease that affects millions of people worldwide. With diabetes being so common, it is eye-opening to see how often people receive incorrect information about not only treatment, but also how it can occur within a body. A big reason for this frequent miscommunication is due to how it is represented within the media which can include other blogs, videos, movies, and television shows. When patients receive a diagnosis or simply want their questions answered, where is the first place they turn to? Without hesitation, many proceed straight to the internet which has aided in the issues regarding diabetes misrepresentation in the media. We will focus on debunking some of the many myths about diabetes while hopefully creating a clearer picture about the many facets of this disease. Let’s take a look at some myths first…
Myths
Review these videos below and reflect on what you may think is displayed incorrectly (do not worry if you are unsure, we will go over them).
We know that no one ever wants to disagree with Hannah Montana, but unfortunately, this form of diabetes described is not accurate. In the first video, type 2 diabetes is properly represented, but when the actor describes that he must take an injection every few hours or else he dies is false. The injection that he is referring to is insulin and it is only needed prior to meals after obtaining an accurate blood glucose reading that indicates their blood sugar is elevated. The second video is describing type 1 diabetes, which people are born with, as type 2 diabetes, the more familiar one that is associated with unhealthy eating habits. After the initial wrongful depiction of diabetes, Oliver gives an education lesson about his type 1 diabetes and how he can consume sugar if his blood sugar is too low. Though a cupcake is not the healthiest option, it is still depicted correctly.
Other common myths include:
You cannot have any sugar anymore: many nutritious foods needed for a complete diet contain small amounts of sugar.
Medications can cure diabetes: medications help to maintain blood sugar levels but will not cure it.
Reducing alcohol consumption to zero: Moderation and limitations must be applied when it comes to drinking alcohol.
“Sugar-free” desserts are a safer option: often contain products that can affect the body in different ways that still raises blood sugar levels.
Now let’s look at some facts about diabetes…
Facts
It is very easy to get lost in deciphering between what is true and false regarding diabetes, so let’s review some of the facts. There are two different types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. A person is often born with type 1 diabetes, and it is caused by a deficiency that causes the body to attack itself, this often results in low blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is acquired through poor habit which can include, but is not limited to: poor nutrition, lack of exercise, or an inactive lifestyle.
Nutrition is the number one way to correct and maintain a healthy lifestyle when living with diabetes. A quick guide on the exact amount of what to eat can be referenced through MyPlate.com which shows the necessary categories needed daily.
Do not forget to keep moving! Exercise and staying active is a great tool to keeping your blood sugars low.
Your blood sugar refers to the concentration of sugar that is present in your blood at a certain time. It is crucial that this is maintained with diabetes. There are many complications that can occur if it is uncontrolled. Some of these include vision loss, loss of feeling in your feet, and even amputation of toes.
Overall, being diagnosed with diabetes can seem scary and often a “death-sentence” but that is far from the truth. With proper diet and management, these complications can be prevented and sometimes correct their diabetes all together. Coming from a family that has dealt with diabetes for generations, it is crucial to follow these guidelines, and for those assisting with relative/ friends in their journey, your support is crucial.
References
Caple, C., Morales, N., Constantine, L., & Hanson, D. (2023). Educating About Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults.Educating About Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults By: Caple C, Morales N, Constantine L, Hanson D, CINAHL Nursing Guide, September 8, 2023.
Carser, A. R. (2021). Handling diabetes. Essential Library, an imprint of Abdo Publishing.
Hicks, C. W., & Selvin, E. (2019). Epidemiology of peripheral neuropathy and lower extremity disease in diabetes.Current Diabetes Reports,19(10). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-019-1212-8
Teymourian, H., Barfidokht, A., & Wang, J. (2020). Electrochemical glucose sensors in diabetes management: An updated review (2010–2020).Chemical Society Reviews,49(21), 7671–7709. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0cs00304b
In this video, Dr. Robert Wright falsely claims that ionized water (alkaline water) has been “heavily studied” by scientists and the benefits of drinking alkaline water is life changing and will heal the body of cancer, yet there is no evidence to prove this claim. Dr. Wright is also seen promoting the sale of the Kangen Water Machine.
Alkaline water: a cure for cancer or a hoax?
For many people, social media and the internet can have a significant impact on their decisions. Alkaline water has been marketed as a health aid claiming it contains a “multitude of benefits” for those looking to be healthier or for others, searching for a cure for a disease, such as cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic.org, the discussion around what alkaline water is and the claims made by marketers is not supported by science.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of any claims of health benefits relating to alkaline water and bone health due to insufficient evidence.
What is known about alkaline water is that it has the same chemical make up as bottled or tap water, only that it has a higher pH level making it alkaline (or less acidic). Marketers are now using this information to sell alkaline water machines (The Kangen Water Machine) to be used in your home and can cost up to $3,000-$5000.
Alkaline water has a higher presence of hydrogen than plain or bottled water. Alkaline water is commonly produced by an “ionizer,” a device that changes the chemical composition of water. The idea is that an ionizer changes the pH level of water — which is naturally at a neutral pH of 7. This makes the water more alkaline and less acidic — raising its pH to 8, 9 or higher.
Watch this video about alkaline water and how it effects your body!
Let’s talk about alkaline water myths
Improves digestion: once alkaline water hits your stomach, your gastric juices will neutralize it — it’s your stomachs job to balance the amount of acid that enters your body, therefore the high pH level of the alkaline water you just drank is immediately re-acidified.
Improves hydration: drinking any amount of water will hydrate you; not the type of water.
Prevents bone loss:there are no empirical studies showing that alkaline water has this benefit.
Increases your blood’s mineral content:the high alkaline levels in the water are neutralized in the stomach and will not be absorbed in the bloodstream. It is instead released through the lungs during expiration.
Slows aging: drinking water hydrates your skin, but no water of any kind will slow the aging process.
Cures cancer: Marketers claim alkaline water works as an antioxidant to prevent cell damage that leads to disease. They also claim that alkaline waters’ high pH level properties will neutralize cancer cells because cancer cells thrive in acidic environments. These claims have not been properly tested in controlled scientific studies.
Can Alkaline Water hurt you if you drink too much?
Drinking too much alkaline water can have adverse effects, such as imbalanced mineral levels in the bloodstream caused by excess hydrogen intake. In fact, having a diet that is near a neutral pH is the healthiest diet. Forcing an increased amount of pH in our bodies can cause more serious health issues to the kidneys and lungs.
In recent years, marketers have been contacting cancer patients to promote alkaline water making machines, which prompted oncologists to research the products. There have been many articles written about high pH diets and water, yet there is no evidence to support the claims.
ALKALINE WATER WILL NOT:
Prevent cancer cells from forming in the body
Stop tumors from continuing to grown
Be successful as a treatment for cancer
Cure you from your cancer
The Takeaway
Drinking water, whether it be tap, bottled, mineral or alkaline will all perform the same benefits. They will hydrate your body, promote healthy digestion, create healthier looking skin, and make you feel good. However, science has proven time and time again that alkaline water does not live up to its claims as being the cure all “super water drink”. Social media and influencers are marketing expensive brands of alkaline water and alkaline water machines to make a profit.
“Obesity may seem simple to explain, but it’s far more complex than calories in vs calories burned” (Orley Andreasson, 2022).
People who are obese are just lazy! – FALSE
People with obesity just eat too much ! – FALSE
People who are obese Just need to get up and move more to lose weight! – FALSE
People are obese because they chose to be! – FALSE
What is obesity?
“Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese.”(WHO,2023)
Body Max Index or BMI is a measurement using height and weight to determine the amount of body fat that you have.
BMI also factors in your gender.
What can cause obesity?
“Despite the stigma around weight gain, obesity can be caused by many things beyond how much you eat or exercise. Genetics, social or economic factors, and certain medications or health conditions can also play a role” (Holland, 2020).
Genetics
Physiological influences
Food intake and eating disorders
Weight history
Can be Hereditary
Unhealthy diet
Sedentary lifestyle
Certain Medications
Pregnancy
Hormonal imbalances
Lack of sleep
Environmental/social influences
How Obesity affects your health…
Type 2 diabetes
Infertility
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Certain cancers (breast, colon, and endometrial)
Stroke
Gallbladder disease
Fatty liver disease
High cholesterol
Sleep apnea and other breathing problems
Chronic lower back pain
Musculoskeletal disorders
What you can do to lower the risks of obesity by prevention and also treatments of obesity..
Treatments include seeking assistance from health specialists such as…
Dieticians/ Nutritionist
Bariatric physicians
Endocrinologist
Prevention techniques include…
Increased level of activity
Reducing stressors
Getting plenty of rest and sleep
Nutritional intake
Why we need to spread awareness for change…
To assist persons struggling with obesity to proper resources to get help.
Decrease risks of health problems
Encourage happy, healthy lifestyle
Decrease risks of psychological consequences such as increased anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders
To end stigma and discrimination
To end judgment
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 15). Consequences of Obesity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/basics/consequences.html
Coping with the impact of obesity stigma on mental health. (2022). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnd6YTtDE-M&t=16s
Holland, K. (2020, July 29). Obesity Facts in America. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity-facts
Are people diagnosed with schizophrenia dangerous?
The simple answer is no, but then the question is why it is stigmatized? Mental illness has been stigmatized for thousands of years because it was not studied or understood. People were suffering with untreatable symptoms and the public did not know how to react. Thankfully, medicine has come a long way in treating mental illness and people are being diagnosed and treated more effectively. However, the stigmatization remains and individuals continue to view a stereotypical version of people with mental illness. Stigmatization of this at-risk population affects them physically because they have trouble finding care, housing, and employment. To destigmatize this disorder, we need to understand what it is and what it means.
What is Schizophrenia?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) defines it by stating “Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others.”
Below is a video posted on the NAMI website that helps to explain schizophrenia:
What are the symptoms?
Although there are different types and severities of schizophrenia, they all share the same group of symptoms as shown in the image below.
Jonny Benjamin was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and has been posting about it on YouTube for years. He created the video below to show what living with schizoaffective disorder is like:
How is schizophrenia treated?
The symptoms are treated effectively with uninterrupted access to antipsychotic medications, psychiatrist, therapist, and case manager. Ensuring people with schizophrenia have easy access to these resources is essential for their success. They can only have the access if there is awareness and understanding about the challenges they face.
Therefore, the illness itself is not dangerous but the continued stigmatization of this mental illness is.
2. Jormfeldt, H., & Hallén, M. (2016). Experiences of housing support in everyday life for persons with schizophrenia and the role of the media from a societal perspective. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 11, 30571. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.3402/qhw.v11.30571
3. Athanasopoulou, C., Suni, S., Hätönen, H., Apostolakis, I., Lionis, C., & Välimäki, M. (2016). Attitudes towards schizophrenia on YouTube: A content analysis of Finnish and Greek videos. Informatics for Health & Social Care, 41(3), 307–324. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.3109/17538157.2015.1008485
4. Zimbres, T. M., Bell, R. A., & Taylor, L. D. (2020). Effects of public versus media responsibility messages on stigmatization of people with schizophrenia in an American adult sample. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 55(7), 917–927. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1007/s00127-019-01788-6
5. Bowman, J. W. P., & West, K. (2019). Prime and prejudice: Brief stereotypical media representations can increase prejudicial attitudes and behaviour towards people with schizophrenia. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 29(3), 167–177. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1002/casp.2392
Tired medical professional sitting on chair and sleeping in hospital waiting area
Are you a health care worker struggling to manage working overnight shifts? If yes… this article is for you!
For many new healthcare workers in a hospital setting, working night shifts is mandatory. Some people can easily adjust to this non-traditional lifestyle while others are not and experience negative effects on their mental and physical health.
Your body runs on an ‘internal clock’ that is also known as a ‘circadian rhythm’. This is a natural process that signals sleep and wakefulness in your body from the environment around you. When you start staying awake during nighttime and sleep during the day, your internal clock is interrupted.
Repeated interruptions in the circadian rhythm can lead to Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD). This is a common sleep disorder that affects 10-40% of shift workers that work outside of the traditional ‘9 to 5 lifestyle’.
You may have SWSD if you are experiencing:
feelings of chronic ‘jet-lag’ or fatigue
insomnia or excessive sleeping
depression or anxiety
stomach or digestion issues
Don’t worry! There are ways to overcome this!
Practice Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is important so your body sticks to a regular schedule and sleeping environment. The body gets the best sleep when there is a dark, cool environment.
Schedule yourself time for sleep. Avoid stimulating activities at least 30 minutes prior to sleep.
Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask.
Sleep for at least 7 hours at a time.
Avoid caffeine at least a few hours prior to sleep.
Tell your family members when you will be sleeping so they can limit noise and distraction.
Place a ‘Do not disturb’ sign on your door.
Use natural sleep aids such as melatonin.
Make time for Self-Care
Good self-care practices can have a major positive impact on your mental health! Don’t forget to prioritize time for yourself.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Exercise.
Socialize on your days off.
Practice keeping a positive mindset.
Speak to a therapist or counselor.
Designate time for hobbies or activities.
Scheduling is KEY!
Routines are a great way to ensure that you are still allowing your body enough rest and nutrition. They allow you to block time for sleep, self-care, and socialization which are essential to living a healthy life.
If you’re still struggling to cope with night shift:
Attempt to find a day shift position within the hospital or at another facility. There are many different opportunities within healthcare.
Schedule yourself to have enough rest between shifts.
Speak with your manager about having a more consistent schedule or working less night shifts.
Harvard Medical School. (2023, February 28). Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? Harvard Health Publishing. 2023, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/shift-work-can-harm-sleep-and-health-what-helps-20230228289
Huang, L.-B., Tsai, M.-C., Chen, C.-Y., & Hsu, S.-C. (2013). The effectiveness of light/dark exposure to treat insomnia in female nurses undertaking shift during the evening/Night Shift. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 09(07), 641–646. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.2824
For many people with serious illness there will come a time when medical treatments may no longer hold the promise of a cure or relief. When this time is recognized, hospice care becomes an imperative resource and guide through this difficult journey. Hospice workers provide incredible compassion and focus on the comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses. Hospice is often misunderstood but aims to provide a holistic approach to care for patients and their families during some of the most difficult times in life.
Shift in Perspective
Hospice care represents a shift in perspective. Shifting from aggressive, curative treatments to focusing on the enhancement of life’s remaining moments. Hospice acknowledges the fact that all curative options may have been exhausted, and the best option is now to focus on ensuring comfort and peace. Hospice care helps to define a patient’s values, wishes, and goals, empowering them to be active participants throughout their journey. This allows patients to spend their remaining time in a familiar and comfortable setting, surrounded by loved ones.
Multidisciplinary Approach
At the heart of hospice care is a team of dedicated professionals, each contributing a unique skill set to address the diverse needs of patients and their families. Doctors, nurses, CNA’s, social workers, spiritual advisors, Chaplin’s, and volunteers work as a team to provide holistic care. They ensure that not only the physical symptoms are managed, but also focus heavily on the emotional, psychological, and spiritual distress that can weigh heavily on those involved in end-of-life situations.
Support for Families
Terminal illness affects not only the patient, but everyone involved in supporting the patient. Hospice care recognizes this and provides comprehensive support to families. By providing education, resources, and guidance we can reduce fear and increase confidence in the people providing care during these difficult times. This support extends beyond the patient’s passing as the hospice team will follow up with family members to ensure that their needs are met throughout the grieving process. Additional support and resources are provided as needed.
Celebration of Life
Many stigmas exist surrounding the term hospice, many people hear this word and assume that we are giving up and death is imminent. This is not true; we are not giving up but rather supporting our patients needs with a new perspective. The perspective shifts to ensuring comfort and adequate symptom management instead of curing a disease. Hospice care encourages patients and families to spend time connecting with each other and making the best of whatever time is left. By ensuring that the patient is comfortable and ideally at home, we can create a peaceful and familiar setting to reminisce and share memories during life’s final moments. Whether or not the patient can participate in conversation, our priority is to ensure a peaceful and fulfilling end-of-life experience for the patient and family to share stories and celebrate life.
The Gift of Dignity
Caregivers who work in the field of hospice are dedicated to their patients and work to maintain their dignity through the final stages of life. By understanding our patients’ wishes and connecting with family members to gain insight into what their needs are, we can establish a plan of care and begin educating and providing support that is most helpful to all those involved. By respecting our patients wishes and maintaining their comfort, we create a scenario where dignity is maintained through confident and effective caregiving.
A Lyme disease diagnosis can be frightening, especially if you start to search the internet for information. I spend a lot of time in the woods, and personally was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2015, and even as a nurse, the misinformation and general information overload can become overwhelming. Everyone is saying something different! Even seemingly credible sources, like news channels, may share misinformation. So, what are the facts about Lyme disease?
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Borrelia Burgdoferi. The bacteria is passed from blacklegged ticks to humans from a bite. Lyme disease can cause mild to (rarely) more severe illness. The tick must be attached for 48 hours to pass the bacteria on to a human.
Source: CDC.org publicly available Lyme disease recource material
Did you know? Almost 470,000 people in the US were diagnosed with Lyme disease last year
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
“Bullseye” rash seen in Lyme disease
“Bullseye” style rash around a tick bite
Fatigue (tiredness)
Joint pain
Flu Like symptoms and Fever
Headaches
Facial paralysis/ drooping (Rare)
Source: CDC Lyme resources publicly available materials
Heart Problems, like an abnormal slow heartbeat and passing out (rare)
What about all these treatments you see online? What’s real? Whats Misinformation?
If you search for “Lyme disease” on Google, you will see many results. You may have seen blogs and ads for doctors offices offering “chronic Lyme disease” treatment, or videos from other patients about home remedies. The link below features a “Lyme literate” doctor who runs a blog.
This blog serves as an advertisement for this doctors’s practice, where he treats chronic Lyme disease based on symptoms alone, not tests. He uses a many therapies, including long term antibiotics. This can be a real issue. Read on to see why.
So-How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
If you have a bullseye rash, your doctor or provider will usually diagnose you with Lyme disease based on this symptom alone. This rash only happens in Lyme disease.
-Lyme disease is tested for using blood tests. The first test, called the ELISA, tests for antibodies to Lyme bacteria.
-If this test is positive, the results are confirmed with a second test, called the Western Blot.
According to infectious disease doctors, Lyme disease should never be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. The symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses, and unnecessary treatment with antibiotics could cause other health problems, not to mention a serious health issue could be missed.
(Source: Lantos et. al, 2020)
We all love YouTube, and it can be fun, but YouTube can have a lot of misinformation….
There are many videos about Lyme disease treatments on YouTube.
Look at this example of a news story from Boston. It is one of the first videos you find when searching “Lyme disease” on Youtube:
Here is another video that pops up near the top of the search results on Youtube:
Both of these videos are prime examples of Lyme disease misinformation. Why?
In both short clips, the people featured claim to be suffering from chronic Lyme disease. According to infectious disease doctors, some patients may rarely experience long term symptoms from Lyme disease. These symptoms are usually joint aches and headaches. This does not mean that they are still infected with the bacteria. Treatments like extreme hyperthermia (heat) therapy, which the teen used in the first video,is not a proven, safe or effective treatment for Lyme disease (Source: Lantos et. al, 2015). It can also be dangerous, as in the video the patient’s have their body temperatures raised to potentially deadly levels. In addition, the teen and her family were charged over 60,000 US dollars per day for this treatment!
In the second video, the woman was treating herself with bee stings. According to some infectious disease doctors, this is becoming popular online. This treatment is also unproven and can be dangerous and painful. There are other home remedies seen on the internet, like urine therapy, lasers, oxygen, herbal supplements, drinking bleach solutions, and hormone shots. A team of researchers who looked into these therapies were unable to find any studies or evidence to support them. (Source: Lantos et. al, 2015)
There are safe and effective treatments for Lyme Disease that are covered by insurance.
You are probably asking- how is Lyme disease treated by doctors?
Lyme disease is cured with antibiotics. For most people, this mean a short course (3 to 4 weeks) of antibiotics taken by mouth. For almost all people, symptoms get better with treatment. Usually, the antibiotics used are doxycyline or penicillin.
Rarely, some people may experience inflammation of their heart, called Lyme carditis. If this rare condition occurs, antibiotics are given in the hospital by IV line, usually for a week and then followed by oral antibiotics.
For some people, symptoms (like joint aches) may continue after treatment. This does not mean an infection is still present. Long term antibiotics are not recommended for this reason. If symptoms continue, see your doctor or healthcare provider. If Lyme disease is treated early with antibiotics, the chance of developing long term symptoms decreases.
Watch this video to learn more about how Lyme disease is treated:
For more information on Lyme disease, please visit the Centers for Disease Control Lyme Resource page at https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
The Good news is that you can take steps to prevent Lyme disease. Here’s how:
If you are going outside into wooded areas:
-Wear hats and long pants tucked into boots in wooded areas, in light colors
Source: CDC publicly available Lyme disease education resources CDC/org/lyme/recources
-Use a bug spray containing DEET (at least 40%) or picaridin
-After being in a wooded area, remove all clothing and perform a thorough check for ticks.
-If you find a tick, remove it immediately with stiff tweezers, grasping near the tick’s head. Do Not use jelly, oil or cream to massage the tick, as this may further spread Lyme bacteria. If you cannot remove the tick, see medical help at your doctor’s office or walk in clinic.
-Try to remove ticks as quickly as possible, this can help prevent Lyme disease. If a deer tick was attached for more than 48 hours, see your doctor.
-If you are concerned about a tick bite or any of the symptoms listed on this blog, please see your doctor.
Sources:
Baarsma, M. E., Claassen, S. A., van der Horst, H. E., Hovius, J. W., & Sanders, J. M. (2022). Knowing the entire story – a focus group study on patient experiences with chronic lyme-associated symptoms (chronic lyme disease). BMC Primary Care, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-022-01736-5
Halperin, J. J., Baker, P., & Wormser, G. P. (2013). Common misconceptions about lyme disease. The American Journal of Medicine, 126(3), 264.e1–264.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2012.10.008
Lantos, P. M., Rumbaugh, J., Bockenstedt, L. K., Falck-Ytter, Y. T., Aguero-Rosenfeld, M. E., Auwaerter, P. G., Baldwin, K., Bannuru, R. R., Belani, K. K., Bowie, W. R., Branda, J. A., Clifford, D. B., DiMario, F. J., Halperin, J. J., Krause, P. J., Lavergne, V., Liang, M. H., Meissner, H., Nigrovic, L. E.,…Zemel, L. S. (2020). Clinical practice guidelines by the infectious diseases society of america (idsa), american academy of neurology (aan), and american college of rheumatology (acr): 2020 guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lyme disease. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 72(1), e1–e48. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa1215
Lantos, P. M., Shapiro, E. D., Auwaerter, P. G., Baker, P. J., Halperin, J. J., McSweegan, E., & Wormser, G. P. (2015). Unorthodox alternative therapies marketed to treat lyme disease. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 60(12), 1776–1782. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/civ186
Willis, S. J., Cocoros, N. M., Callahan, M., Herrick, B., Brown, C. M., Kruskal, B. A., & Klompas, M. (2022). Assessment of antibiotic prescriptions for lyme disease after modification of reporting language for positive screening test results. JAMA Network Open, 5(1), e2144928. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44928
A controversial health concern I come across often in my practice as an RN is the decision whether or not to vaccinate newborns when they are first born. Many parents independently research the dangers of vaccinations and base their opinions and decisions off an article that they come across online, without determining the accuracy of the article. Often times, we form an opinion based off of what others are doing so whether it is a current trend to choose not to vaccinate or the opinion of a loved one, we are influenced by that. Despite many studies and years of parents vaccinating their babies with no issues, there are still parents that have strong feelings against vaccinating their children.
When a baby is born there are three standard vaccinations that are given to newborns, Hepatitis B, Vitamin K, and erythromycin eye ointment.
The reason the hepatitis B vaccine is standard for al babies is because mothers can unintentionally be a carrier of hepatitis B and pass it along to their newborns, the first dose is given within 24 hours of birth. Mothers chose not to give this vaccine, reason being because they know for a fact, they don’t have hepatitis B and they won’t let their baby be around anyone with hepatitis B or dirty needles. The issue with this is that they could have hepatitis B and not know it, or that someone that comes in contact with the newborn could have it and not be showing any symptoms.
Vitamin K is a necessary shot for newborns because most babies are
born without any vitamin K. Vitamin K is a clotting factor necessary to prevent hemorrhaging in newborns. The reasoning behind parents refusing this for their children, is that they fear their child could be potentially allergic, they think it is unnecessary in uncomplicated births, they also fear that this could be toxic to their newborn. Although complications from the vitamin K shot are extremely rare, and the benefits outweigh the risks parents still chose to decline the shot, the shot has been standard for newborns since 1961.
Erythromycin eye ointment has been used for newborns since the 1800’s. This practice started as a way to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, and illness that can cause blindness in newborns. Often times parents reasoning for declining the eye ointment is because they fear their newborn will b
e irritated from it or develop chemical conjunctivitis another reason parents sometimes decline is because they know they do not have an STI. The reason this eye ointment is given is to protect the baby’s eyes from STI’s but other common bacteria as well.
When it comes to vaccinations, do what you think is right, but make sure yo
u are making an informed decision with you child’s best interest in mind.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, February 25). Baby vaccines at birth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, January 1). Protect babies from life-threatening bleeding – talk to expectant parents about the benefits of the vitamin K shot for newborns. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vitamink/vitamin-k-fact-sheet-
Dekker, R. (2021, October 25). Evidence on erythromycin eye ointment for newborns. Evidence Based Birth®. https://evidencebasedbirth.com/is-erythromycin-eye-ointment-always-necessary-for-newborns/
Hallas, Donna; 1Altman, Susan; 2Mandel, Elizabeth; 3Fletcher, Jason4. (2023, March 27). Vaccine hesitancy in prenatal women and mothers of newborns: Results of an interventional study. EBSCO host. https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.neit.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=3
Loyal, J., Weiss, T. R., Cheng, J. H., Kair, L. R., & Colson, E. (2019). Refusal of vitamin K by parents of newborns: A qualitative study. Academic pediatrics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7028442/#:~:text=Why%20parents%20refuse%20IM%20vitamin,belief%20that%20it%20is%20unnecessary.
Ramirez, C. A., Garner, C. D., & Whale, T. H. (2021, January 1). Neonatal vitamin K refusal increasing. InfantRisk Center. https://www.infantrisk.com/content/neonatal-vitamin-k-refusal-increasing#:~:text=During%20cases%20of%20late%2Donset,they%20have%20a%20brain%20bleed.&text=One%20study%20found%20that%20the,uncomplicated%20births%20of%20healthy%20infants.
born without any vitamin K. Vitamin K is a clotting factor necessary to prevent hemorrhaging in newborns. The reasoning behind parents refusing this for their children, is that they fear their child could be potentially allergic, they think it is unnecessary in uncomplicated births, they also fear that this could be toxic to their newborn. Although complications from the vitamin K shot are extremely rare, and the benefits outweigh the risks parents still chose to decline the shot, the shot has been standard for newborns since 1961.
