Lyme Time
By Cindy Douphinette

I step out from the long winter that lended the opportunity for introspection with wonder, hope and renewed energy for the year ahead. I reach out and embrace the awakening of spring.   The trees are beginning to bud, the snow crocuses push their way out of the ground and the birds sing the sun into the morning sky. The last of the snow and ice begins to melt away in the warmth of the afternoon. I share this time of joy and renewal with others who emerge with an equally charged zest for life.  TICKS!

Yes, my friends, it is tick season again. Most of you are aware of the diseases carried by the deer tick, brown dog tick, American dog tick and wood tick, but for those who are not familiar, these ticks are responsible for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ( also known as rickettsia ),  ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis.  All of these diseases can cause joint pain, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and depression.  Some of them can have more serious affects such as eye disease, spontaneous bleeding, stiff neck and neurological symptoms. The diseases are spread by the ticks which carry the offending bacterium. In order to pass the bacteria along, the tick usually has to be attached for 12-48 hours, so early removal of ticks is essential in prevention of disease. Not all animals or people who test positive for the bacteria will have symptoms, which makes treatment and control of the disease difficult.  Having yourself and your animals tested each year and again if you suspect there are symptoms of the diseases will allow for early treatment.

At Plum Grove Therapeutic Massage, we can help you explore ways to keep yourself and your pet healthy and disease free. Aside from the obvious measures of wearing protective clothing, applying repellant's and insecticides, the importance of a strong immune system cannot be stressed enough. It is essential for you and your pets to be at your best if you are going to have a natural defense against tick borne diseases. Maintaining a healthy weight, receiving good nutrition and supplements and being protected from disease and parasites through vaccinations and regular de-worming, for pets, are conventional measures to support the immune system and promote health and well-being. Other practices to help support your health and keep stressors to a minimum include massage, proper spinal alignment through chiropractics and VOM (Veterinary Osteopathic Manipulation), herbs, acupuncture and homeopathic remedies. Let us guide you toward the best treatments and support for your system, as well as your pets.  Visit plumgrovemassage.com to learn more about staying healthy.

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Did you know?

Therapeutic massage benefits canines and equines too?