7 Days of Lyme Awareness!

May was Lyme disease awareness month, and to raise awareness for suffering all over the world we had seven days of Lyme facts to help educate the public about an illness that effects people greatly!  Here at Chronically Beautiful, we strive to raise awareness for hope for healing so those who are suffering don't feel so alone.  It's important to educate ourselves and to be aware so we have the capacity to spread love and compassion to all!  So if you missed those seven days, we have those seven Lyme facts for you right here!  Please read and spread hope for healing! 

1.  Lyme Disease can be called "The Great Intimidator" and can be mistaken for ALS, MS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Autism, and other illnesses!
2. It's very common to think that Lyme disease is a rare disease, but Lyme disease actually has 6 times more cases each year than HIV/AIDS, yet it receives less than 1% of funding.  Honestly, the way that Lyme patients are treated is a crime and the more we care and become aware, the more we can change the way that the medical industry treats Lyme disease!  #belymeloud
3. Studies show that standard laboratory tests recommended by the CDC to diagnose Lyme Disease miss approximately half of actual cases, leading to misdiagnosis and an infection that is more difficult to treat.  Diagnosis of Lyme is incredibly difficult, leading a lot of us Lyme patients down a road that seems hopeless with no answers. The more we learn and know, the more we can help Lyme patients get the help they need!
4. Lyme disease consists of spiral-shaped bacteria called spirochetes. Their unique spiral shape gives them the ability to drill into any part of your body, therefore having the capability to affect any or all organ systems in the body. Because of this, Lyme patients often suffer symptoms of many kinds that can be debilitating and can make it very difficult to diagnose.
5.  Lyme disease can lay dormant in your system for long periods of time until your immune system reaches a point of weakness where the bacteria in your body takes over, which then brings on the debilitating symptoms. This is why it's so important to keep your immune system healthy and strong as a Lyme patient. Health is a journey, not a destination!
6. Lyme disease generally comes from the bite of a tick or some other bug that has been infected. Transmission of Lyme Disease and other infections can take place in a matter of minutes, particularly if the tick is not removed properly!
7. ​Research suggests that Lyme Disease and other infections can be spread from mother to baby during pregnancy. This is how I came down with Lyme disease, and this is why it's so important to live healthy lifestyles in order to keep our immune systems strong so we can have healthy families all around the world!