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11/20/2019 Comments

More can and should be done to reduce the prevalence of Lyme disease and related conditions.

  
As you should know, Pa is once again on the top of the list reporting new cases of Lyme disease.
Over eleven thousand, nine hundred new cases of just Lyme disease were reported in 2017. The CDC estimates these numbers to be ten times what is being recorded.
We agree the numbers are not accurately reflected since Susquehanna County only shows 129 on the CDC reports. When we polled local facilities in August of 2017 there were well over 400 reported to the CDC and the fall incidence were not included in our numbers. Apparently, all the reported cases were not included in the CDC numbers or did not fit their criteria.
CRITERIA NEED TO CHANGE!
Pa Lyme disease task force, born from Act 83 of 2014, came out with recommendations in a report issued in 2015. In 2018, Governor Wolf proposes funding to combat Lyme disease and in 2019 passes a budget that includes Lyme disease along with other vector-borne diseases that are to coincide with suggestions from the report issued four years earlier.
During those four years, studies from several of the state universities have been released raising new concerns which should change the scope of funding to be more diversified to include patient care as well as vector control.
REPORTS NEED UPDATING MUCH FASTER AND FUNDING NEEDS TO BE MORE DIVERSIFIED!

A brief overview of what has happened since the 2015 release of the state recommendations;
ESU published a report finding other pathogens in the larva tick which we had once believed did not carry pathogens. These new pathogens are not being tested in humans and could be part of the reason persistent infections continue. Funding was issued to ESU for FREE tick testing to further these studies, but nothing changed for the patients suffering from Lyme and possible other tick-borne diseases.

PSU also released another article indicating the years they have been studying ticks, the types, and the pathogens they carry, which also reported new species of ticks not previously under scrutiny.

Drexel University concludes their tick collection to help identify ticks and the pathogens they may transmit using comprehensive high-resolution testing able to detect all bacteria inside of ticks—not just Lyme disease and the pathogens we already know. Results from this have not yet been published.

BU our northern neighbor also has been studying ticks, human behavior, and now has started a Lyme patient-centered “Lyme and Other Tick-borne Disease Research Center” with goals of research discovery, risk assessment, optimization of treatment and management, and public health intervention and prevention. Currently hosting a patient bio-bank for urine and serum samples to be used in studies, as well as a community tick drag surveillance study targeting residential areas.
Johns Hopkins another neighboring state, has released several publications providing evidence of persistent or chronic Lyme bacterial infection, which has been the source of much debate whether it is a persistent infection or just lingering symptoms left after treatment which they call Post Lyme Disease Syndrome. Patients finally have validation of Persistent Lyme Disease.  Another study just recently published for the treatment of patients with a cocktail of three antibiotics used for therapy clears the infection in mice and now needs approval and funding to start human trials.
Other areas of positive results are with vector control.
The use of 4 poster stations, bait boxes, tick tubes and sprays to name a few, have also been studied and reported to show effectiveness.
In 2017, a report was published by Schulze TL, et al. J Med Entomol, with findings from a NJ study, another of our neighboring states. This study showing bait boxes and tick tubes used for vector control, with 87.9% and 97.3% control of host-seeking nymphs in treatment sites.
Another study published by Dolan MC, et al. J Med Entomol. 2017, shows the effectiveness of vector vaccine being used to stop the transmission of the bacteria being passed on with effectiveness of 61 – 96% reduction in small mammals and pathogens. Other studies showed similar results.
As you can see funding has been directed to ticks and the study of migration, pathogens, and species, which needs to continue with new pathogens and species being found consistently, however, funding also needs to be much more diversified. Funding needs to include not only surveillance of the vectors but also human studies, education for behavioral changes, education for physicians to clinically diagnose patients due to a lack of good reliable human testing, as well as vector control management to help prevent the spread of further disease.
With the release of funding from our state going mainly to education and surveillance, more can be done at savings to the taxpayers.

In 2018 PaLyme Resourse Network received funding for an educational prevention program, which targets groups with information on how to help prevent tick bites, later to have the funding for the delivery of the presentations cut due to a conflict in CDC criteria. When the CDC utilizes old outdated information supplied mainly through the IDSA, we need to back up education that supports updated information that can be substantiated in a much faster fashion.  
Other groups have submitted educational opportunities for a younger age group and told by the PADOH that they were working with PaLyme.
Again, a more diversified approach needs implementing so that the work done is not repeated, taken advantage of, and delivered in a timely manner.
 
Vector Surveillance & Control
Funding used for surveillance should extend to include implementing vector control immediately following tick drags while in the area which would save money in additional travel back to these sites. It would also provide the basis of a better surveillance system in repeating the drags at timed intervals, thereby offering even more evidence for studies on not only the prevalence of tick species, the pathogens they carry and can possibly transmit, but also which treatments are working to reduce the vector and/or pathogens they carry.  This method would also reduce the risk to humans not only by reducing the vectors and pathogens they carry but also risks of repeated vaccine failures to humans when they can be applied to other hosts.
Human Surveillance and Control
The CDC now keeps records of most states and the prevalence of new reported cases of Lyme and some, not all TBD, and not all states are included.
The criteria need changing to include clinical diagnosis while there are no valid sensitive testing procedures for humans.
Patient studies performed with the data already being supplied digitally in patient files with the patients’ permission can be added to a database and followed to show what treatments are being used and which are showing promise to elevate symptoms while a search for a cure is being worked on.
Compiling the data already in databases across the county would also save not only funding, but also risks to patients could also be avoided, by accessing this data. Data utilized in such a study would need to allow patients to view what is in their records to ensure accuracy as many appointment questions are either, by-passed and automatically filled in with default answers or incorrectly entered.
Education for Physicians as well as the general public
Physician training utilizing the most up to date data available needs implementing immediately with a clinical diagnosis until proper highly sensitive human testing can be provided.
(Bulletins can be supplied as new treatment and diagnosis are published, as well as the National Guidelines Clearing House guidelines added to the DOH web page)
Information needs to be given to patients who present symptoms to follow and be followed up on. (Education to the public supplied in the same manner as diets and blood pressure information is)

Presentations and/or curriculum developed and implemented in schools can aid in prevention with human behavioral changes as well as prevention tips and symptoms to watch for.
Support
Support of organizations developing and implementing educational, preventative, and even surveillance information should be awarded, instead of competing and repeating work already done by volunteers again saving taxpayer funds. The purpose behind non-profits is to alleviate government responsibilities.
The task forces and offices of the government would be much better served, in a capacity of reviewing and supporting what other organizations have already done. I.e. Office of oversight to review what organizations develop and ensure the information is valid and has supporting documentation as well as being current, with the most current being supported with personnel and funding.
 
 
 
Legislation
State
PA HB629 currently on the floor needs to be supported and immediately implemented to provide patients access to affordable clinical diagnosis as well as insurance coverage.

HB96-Introduced January 28, 2019- Providing for continuing education in Lyme and tick-borne diseases for health care professionals
SB181-  Introduced Feb. 8, 2019 -  Providing for continuing education in Lyme disease and related tick-borne diseases for health care professionals.
(Both are similar, so pick one and let's get it passed)
SB182-  Introduced and referred to Education Feb. 1, 2019 -  Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in school health services, further providing for health services. (This act contains more language for the instruction given to parents)
*While PA is offering FREE tick testing and may need additional funding, schools should also save and send the tick in, directly* Please add verbiage to include this as part of the school health services.
DO NOT SUPPORT HR89!
We do not and will not support this bill due to the issues of past vaccines until proper reliable sensitive human testing can prove to exclude vaccines and still provide a proper diagnosis.
Replace human with other mammal hosts and we may support it as being a source of vector control.
 
Federal

May 18, 2018 -HR 5878 the National Tick-Borne Diseases Control and Accountability Act, Introduced to create a new structure—the Office of Oversight and Coordination for Tick-Borne Disease—this office would oversee efforts by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prevent and treat Lyme disease. The office would also be charged with ensuring collaboration between various departmental efforts to improve research, surveillance, testing, treatment and public education of Lyme and related conditions.
**This bill needs some tweaking along with remedying the TBDWG who has now removed patients and advocated from being heard**

Immediate changes need to be implemented on behalf of the patients to bring back what was to be a “good faith” gesture to help bring patients back to trusting health care and government officials with the TBDWG. The process of removing patients and advocates is unacceptable.
 

5/23/2019 S.1657 - Kay Hagan Tick Act (Renamed after the passing of, due to tick-borne illness)

To provide assistance to combat the escalating burden of Lyme disease and other tick and vector-borne diseases and disorders.
1/05/2019 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 287.  (All Actions)
A summary is in progress.

We urge you to support and advanced ACTION in the prevention and control of Lyme and related TBD.
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Comments

3/6/2019 Comments

Susquehanna County Resource Day March 23rd.

We are very excited to have Marissa Barbieri
Clinical Coordinator
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Binghamton University
Join our Lyme Disease Coalition Inc. At this year's Community Resource Day at the Mountain View High School March 23rd starts at 9 am.
Marissa will be available to answer questions about the new bio-bank and study being conducted by Binghamton University so be sure to save the date and stop in.
Many other county services will also be available. Free drawings, educational speakers, and loads of free Information. #education #resources
Comments

2/18/2019 Comments

Patient-Centered Lyme Disease Research Study Seeking Participants

 
Binghamton University SUNY is conducting and funding A biomarker and patient-reported outcomes research study in Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses and is seeking participants.
The purpose of the research is to establish a bio-bank of samples from patients with documented Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. These samples will be used to help better assess disease stages and complications. “Biomarkers to assess disease stages and treatment outcomes are lacking and characterizing biomarkers in patients affected by chronic Lyme disease are critical in understanding why some patients develop chronic illness even after the infectious agent has been cleared.” This excerpt from the announcement flyer put out by B.U.
A biobank is a collection of specimens in this case blood and urine, which is collected to be used in scientific studies to help understand diseases and complications to treatments. These bio-banks normally collect and store specimens not only for one specific study but also with patient consent, it is stored for future studies that may continue to offer information with additional goals. Collaboration with other scientists and laboratories is often needed to reduce costs in storage, equipment, and specialty.
This study is a discovery stage to see if there are identifying biomarkers that could be used to help identify which patients may be more prone to being infected with long-term persistence of disease as well as using the data to see why some treatments may help some and not others.  The current diagnostic testing of infection has low specificity and sensitivity. Development of a new diagnostic protocol for early detection will benefit future patients as well as improving understanding of molecular mimicry to monitor treatment response.
This study aims to enlist 400 patients, has no residency restrictions, and is highly dependent on several factors such as; how quickly patients apply to participate, the data that is collected, and if markers exist to what areas these might be applied. Participants of the study must be 18 or older and have a diagnosis of Lyme or another tick-borne disease, and be asked to visit the study site for collection only once. The diagnostic lab report confirming Lyme or another tick-borne disease must be submitted along with informed consent. Patients will fill out a questionnaire, and then submit samples.
Personal information is removed once the specimens are properly documented and destroyed to help safeguard patient privacy.
Patients will not receive any direct benefit other than being compensated $50 for their participation, but will be contributing to further a better understanding of these illnesses and may lead to better diagnosis and treatment. The study is funded and will be carried out by Binghamton University, in Binghamton NY.
For more information on the study, please contact Marissa Barbieri at 607-777-5970 or email barbieri@binghamton.edu.  **email Is the preferred method**
Please take note: The excerpt put out by B.U. contains language which insinuates the disease has been cleared. This is an area that has been shown in many trials and studies, has not been cleared, but does persist beyond the current IDSA guidelines. Reassessment of these guidelines is underway.
By Colleen Schake
Lyme Disease Coalition, Inc.
Comments

2/15/2019 Comments

Tracking your medical Information and Billing

Are you keeping records?
If not you should be...
Not only to document your illness but also to track your bills.
In tracking bills, here is a bit of what I've found just this past year:

Over-billed for PC care-should be $20 co-pay, paid at the time of appointment. Insurance was billed $40, insurance did not pay because it was a PC visit and co-pay. Facility charges it to personal pay and sends the bill. (3 in just 2019 so far, more from 2018)

Over-billed for scans- $0 co-pay, facility bills insurance and gets a denial even with a pre-approval - facility re-bills, insurance pays all but XX and charges it to the deductible.
Insurance pays the second bill and again charges part to the deductible. Facility sends the bill for the deductible charges not paid by insurance. (2x's billed, you owe only one charge)

Billed for additional care days - no office visits, yet facility charges to insurance, insurance doesn't pay co-pay and a deductible, facility then bills you the additional.

These bills can add up over time if you are not keeping accurate records. All facilities bill differently and don't send a bill or statement for days the bill is paid in full so the payments you make are not shown on the statements.
These are not bank statements, so they don't show every visit, or encounter making it impossible to follow their billing.

Some will apply insurance payments to different days of service, so again these are not easy to follow.

Facility billing needs to change and show just like a bank statement. The payments received for the specific day of service needs to be applied to that day and no other. If there is an overpayment due to personal pay and insurance payments, that overage needs to be sent out as a notice on what day of service the payment has been applied to allow for proper tracking.

The same goes for tracking your health.

Follow up MRI should always be compared with past MRI for the same area or region. (if not shown on the report, pursue them until they do)

Follow up pc visit should be just that follow up to the issue you went in for the first visit. If additional items are brought to the attention of the attending, then the original and additional should be discussed during the follow-up. Keep good notes and send in writing any that are not.

Read your reports yourself. If suggested follow up is mentioned make sure they schedule you for those follow-ups. Many times one issue is addressed and the suggested other or secondary is missed which can later turn into the primary issue causing more health issues if not treated.

If necessary get a patient advocate. Many times the facility advocates are useless... Keep looking for one that can help you follow all these issues and more.
Comments

2/1/2019 Comments

Persistent Lyme Disease Controversy Continues


As we enter yet another year of increasing cases of Lyme disease reported, we look back over the past several years and the history of Lyme as well as the controversy that remains.

In 1976, the United States first recognized the disease after an outbreak of juvenile arthritis in and around Lyme Connecticut. While many incorrectly use a plural form of the word, it is “Lyme” disease, named after Lyme Connecticut.  

In 2014, Act 83 was established with the intent of the General Assembly:
(1)  To provide the public with information and education to create greater public awareness of the dangers of and measures available to prevent, diagnose and treat Lyme disease and related maladies.
(2)  To ensure that:
(i)  Health care professionals, insurers, patients and governmental agencies are educated about the broad spectrum of scientific and treatment options regarding all stages of Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses.
(ii)  Health care professionals provide patients with information about the broad spectrum of scientific and treatment options regarding all stages of Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses to enable patients to make an informed choice as part of informed consent and to respect the autonomy of that choice.
(iii)  Government agencies in this Commonwealth provide information regarding the broad spectrum of scientific and treatment options regarding all stages of Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses.
(iv) A system is established for tick surveillance.
This act also provided a “Definition” of various stages of Lyme disease, which is still not being used as well as mandating the development of a state task force. The entire act can be found at https://www.legis.state.pa.us.
September 24, 2014, was the first Pennsylvania Task Force meeting. The report was issued three years later and can be found at https://www.pasenategop.com/blog/102417/.
In 2015, the Susquehanna County Tick-Borne Diseases Task Force was initiated, which was to be modeled after the State task force. Commissioner Arnold was charged with the oversight. No report or intent could be found publicized to date.
As part of the 21st Century Cures Act, Congress established the Federal Tick-Borne Disease Working Group in 2016 to develop a report of recommendations for federal response to tick-borne disease prevention, treatment, and research, as well as how to address gaps in these areas. Starting in December of 2018 the Working Group is required to submit a report every two years. The first report can be found at https://www.hhs.gov
These task forces were developed with instructions to include a diverse mix of individuals including patients and advocates.
Lyme disease is incurable and has become an epidemic. The number of newly reported Lyme disease cases has continued to increase at dramatic levels and is now found in all 50 states. Pennsylvania has reported the highest rate of increase over the past eight recorded years if continued this year will be 10 years straight. The CDC records going back to 2009 reported 4,950 new confirmed cases of Lyme disease. In 2017, the last year published, 9,250 new confirmed, and 2,650 new suspect or probable cases of Lyme disease were reported totaling 11,900. Suspect or probable cases were added in 2008.  This was to include those with positive serological tests, but without symptomology submitted by the attending physician.
The CDC estimates ten times the numbers reported due to lack of reporting, and diagnosis which means 119,000 new cases of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania for just the year 2017.
Since 2009, the CDC shows 61,985 new confirmed only cases. Multiply those numbers by the ten times they feel are not being recorded, and we are looking at 619,850 new cases of Lyme disease in the past eight years just in Pennsylvania.
If treated immediately some of these cases will do well, but many will continue to suffer the long-term effects of what scientists refer to as “persistent” Lyme disease cases. Medical definition and coding issues currently leave these patients un-treated or under-treated.
The medical community uses the term PTLDS or Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, which infuriates patients, advocates, and Lyme literate doctors, who highly disagree with the term as it leaves patients untreated and incapable of getting insurance to pay expenses for even maintaining their current condition. “Post Treatment” implies after treatment ends.
Many healthcare providers will withhold treatment if patients do not present with the typical bulls-eye or EM (erythema migrans) rash, even with several peer-reviewed reports indicating less than 40% ever experience a rash of any kind. Others treat even those who do with a single, seven to ten-day or twenty-Eight-day course of antibiotics and then label the patient as a “PTLDS” patient. These patients in many cases will show improvement at first and over time begin to revisit early signs and symptoms as well as new and worsening health issues. Recent research presented at the Columbia University Lyme Conference this past fall coincides with this, however, due to the severely outdated IDSA guidelines and those who follow them, PTLDS patients do not receive further treatment. These patients are left on their own accord to find healthcare providers who follow the ILADS guidelines for continued treatment. This treatment is generally paid for out of pocket not only for additional travel but also for the office visits, lab work, imaging, and pharmaceuticals and supplements as well.
National Guidelines Clearing House guidelines were updated and posted on the government website. The guidelines still stand; however, the web-page to access has been removed due to budget cuts. These guidelines were more up to date and helped to guide healthcare providers and their patients in decisions of testing and treatment plans. This needs to be re-instated, added to the PA Dept. Of Health page and updated promptly.
Scientists, Doctors, and patients who follow current studies and peer-reviewed trial publications that show the bacteria in different forms still active in these symptomatic patients refer to this lingering disease manifestation as “chronic” or “persistent” Lyme disease. Scientists refer to the bacteria that remain active as active persister cells or persistent infection. This persistence that continues to develop, is ongoing and/or develops worsening symptoms. Many other diseases have a series of diagnosis based on these same issues, yet PTLDS patients have only one that leaves them untreated or under-treated and without insurance coverage. Proper medical definitions, terms, and codes need to be initiated immediately for patients to start receiving the care needed at affordable rates.
Legislation is also needed to get this coverage implemented in a way to treat as cost-effectively and in the same manner as pharmaceuticals. Treatments proven in peer-reviewed trials to help patients include; chiropractic care, acupuncture, laser treatment, some supplements including oils and should be included at rates similar to those pharmaceuticals being used.

Alternate treatments such as; supplements, chiropractic care, counseling, physical therapy, and even acupuncture have shown effectiveness in many studies especially when combined, yet few are paid for by insurers at rates that patients can afford with current co-pays. These alternate treatment plans if covered in the same manner as pharmaceuticals with low co-pays, would allow more patients (not just Lyme patients), to return to a healthier quality of life.  When you increase the quality of life, you decrease costs not only medical but also disability costs, which have also been published in several reports by universities as well as governmental reports.
A general consensus among health care providers, insurance providers, as well as patients and advocates are needed to help provide the validity of this long term persistent form of Lyme and other tick-borne disease infections. The following are terms currently being used, with definitions that could be of use to get proper medical coding, as well as help, explain what this means to patients and interested parties.
Acute Lyme Disease: (ALD) Sudden onset, soon after a tick or vector bite. (If treated early and aggressively many times patients do well)
Chronic or “Persistent” Lyme Disease: (this still being debated) (CLD or PLD)
persisting for a long time or constantly recurring. This stage should include patients who are treated but have returning, lingering, worsening and possibly migrating symptoms unexplained by other diseases, of which can be accurately confirmed.
Lyme Disease Remission: (LDR) or a temporary recovery, where the disease seems to be stable with no further complications but may have left behind permanent damage and is without treatment to keep patients stable. This stage may be due to persister cells that have changed form, to a cyst or L form of the bacteria which could reemerge at any time creating a flare in, or even new symptoms. This would include those who have only stagnant non-migrating remaining effects, in which continued treatment and testing cannot improve. This is the only area PTLDS may be useful, but only to the extent all therapies have been exhausted, there is no further improvement, and no return or change of symptoms once treatment has stopped. This would also be a case when the disease is carefully monitored for return of symptoms, new symptoms, or unexplained new health issues and if found moved back to the acute or persistent category so treatment may resume.
Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS): (Currently used for all cases that continue to need monitoring and treatment after the initial course of antibiotics is used, which is determined by the attending physician.)
The most controversial term used, as many believe that it is why treatment is withheld to many who continue to decline in health. “Post-treatment” implies after treatment and many, who even with mounting evidence still do not believe that a “chronic” form of Lyme exists. Many patients never find a remissive state, while the disease may continue to cause damage. Studies have and are being conducted, showing the long-term effects. Some patients may maintain a stable level while being on a maintenance drug or therapy, but soon after stopping the therapy, symptoms return and/or continue to show declined health.  This term is too broadly used to define anyone who has received any kind of initial treatment, including those also continuing to be treated or maintained. Health care professionals who choose to treat these patients continue to fall victim of ridicule and board reviews. Laws enacted to protect physicians from these claims have done little to protect those who choose to treat. Peer pressure becomes the driving force behind those working in facilities that mandate following old outdated IDSA guidelines while patients continue to suffer.
A conference in RI held this past summer by Columbia University and Lyme Disease Association, brought together several top scientists and physicians in their field to discuss testing and treatment for these long-term suffering patients. The studies presented at the conference verified the effects of the bacteria. Charts and graphs were displayed showing the disease at the beginning of infection, with initial treatment killing off many bacteria but not eliminating it. After treatment, as the weeks and months passed the bacteria increased to higher rates of infection than the initial, which coincides with what patients are reporting with increasing symptoms, and a decrease in overall quality of life. These presentations also compared Lyme disease to cancer with remarkably like results.
Current Lyme disease testing is flawed, leaving many untreated. The conference scientists also revealed studies currently in progress for new improved testing and promising new treatment options that are in need of funding, FDA approval, and patients to volunteer for human studies.
Conference presentations also revealed studies that indicate a relationship to other diseases with unknown causes, such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Pennsylvania has funded in part, some of these studies, but to select schools or universities, leaving patients and advocates to wonder of impartial treatment.  The current administration has increased funding to tick-borne diseases but it seems has directed the majority of the funding to tick surveillance and public education, while leaving patients and care for them at a severe shortfall.
The FDA has been given approval to fast-track some medical treatments that could use this to help Lyme patients, however, Doctors and facilities will not use this for Lyme disease due to the continued controversy and peer pressure surrounding the disease.
State and Federal funding are needed to deal with the alarming increase of new patients each year.
Priority should be placed on; patient care and centers, with new and repeated studies to follow the disease and progression as well as treatment plans. These studies should include harvesting past patient health information already computerized, and updated with information not already computerized, all while following HIPAA guidelines. Studies with patient involvement and full knowledge would be shared with universities and trials for updated treatment and testing.
Physician and care team education is also a priority, with healthcare providers willing to keep an open mind and increase their knowledge of tick-borne diseases. This education should include both infectious disease standards as well as ILADS standards to provide the most up to date evidence-based patient care possible.



Utilizing harvested information from the current patient computerized information would further reduce costs and threats to even more patients, especially with the single dose treatment that may leave more patients open to long-term suffering.
New studies also need to be a part of this patient-centered care, for those who are currently being diagnosed with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, with emphasis on the newly found diseases. These studies need to be conducted with full patient knowledge and consent, and not just a blank signature box signed as they check in to receive care. New studies should be sent as bulletins to all treating Lyme and other tick-borne disease health care providers. These bulletins could be compiled and implemented immediately when peer-reviewed studies show positive results for the patient.

The studies of ticks have given the opportunity to find new diseases or newly noticed diseases that can be delaying improved health. Other Tick-borne diseases are still not being tested for when they are known to be in this area as suggested by even the current CDC guidelines.

Doctors have stated, “I do not want to treat Lyme patients because they take up too much of my time, and I don’t want to learn about Lyme disease either.” Others, who choose to make this field their profession, are so overwhelmed with new patients they are booked well over six months out.

The controversy needs to end, and patient care made top priority.
While Lyme Disease Coalition, Inc. is not a group of doctors and scientists with resources to provide the professional education needed for health care providers, we can and have provided; evidence-based information in educational presentations, social media pages, and a web site as well as advocating and attending legislative sessions for changes. The LDC, Inc. has also supplied books to our libraries, awareness, assisted surveillance, and supported the needs of the patients and their caregivers. Funding from private individuals and local businesses has aided in this effort. Government aid could also be directed to further these efforts as has been directed in past legislation. This includes partial funding to organizations to help educate the public as is done with most other organizations that provide services for the health and education of our communities, many of which have paid staff and staff assistance such as grant writing with scheduled reports for monitoring. Lyme Disease Coalition, Inc. is all-volunteer in need of a programs director/grant writer. If you would like to help please contact (570) 500-5963 or email ldc@lymediseasecoalition.org.

by Colleen Schake
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Comments

1/8/2019 Comments

Library Book Drive

As we start a new year, we continue to increase and ask for books on Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Our Lyme Disease Coalition has recently aquired 3 copies of Lyme Madness by Lori Dennis.
We started this drive last year (2018) and have received donations and purchased or paid for shipping on donations for several. There were absolutely no books relating to the disease prior to starting this drive. Susquehanna County now has several books available to help you understand the disease, from diet to treatments, climate change, and now a personal story from a mother trying to rescue her son.

The libraries also have brochures and Lyme Basics booklets published to help those just starting out on the lyme journey.

Visit your local library branch and ask what they may have available. If you have a favorite you would like to donate, please let us know or contact your branch to make the donations.

Knowledge is Power, share the power!

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Comments

10/10/2018 Comments

Current Available Data Could Prevent Needless Surgeries

We've known for years now that Lyme and related pathogens have caused health issues outside of the telltale "Erythema Migrans" or bullseye rash. Several "specials" on local public tv and radio stations have done pieces showing the effects on the large joints affected, the knee being one of the most documented with surgery for knee replacement. In more recent publications, Lyme carditis is being recognized as one of the early issues with Lyme bacteria as well.
Neurological symptoms have now also included the brain for study and reporting. What isn't being taken seriously yet, is the effects on all the organs in the body. If medical facilities and insurance companies would take the records already computerized and compile the data of even the CDC positive cases of Lyme and related TBD infections, we could see just how damaging these diseases are.
Following patients and their medical issues 
is showing, kidney, liver, adrenal, parathyroid, gastrology, and even bone effects. It's time to start utilizing data that exists, and have patients agree to utilize their records already in the system to follow and monitor the issues that present with "Persistent Lyme and related TBD". 
"My Lyme Data" is on the right track, now let's move forward with deeper look beyond the symptoms and delve into the causes and effects. 

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6/2/2018 Comments

​Nationally Recognized Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center Gets Approval



May 25th, 2018 Lyme Disease Coalition, Inc. received news, the new Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Center has received approval…
During the fourth annual Binghamton University Lyme Disease Conference, on May 5th, 2018, Dr. Ralph Garruto Ph.D., announced their plans to develop a nationally recognized Research Center. Initially, the center will be implementing 21 research projects that fall within three foundational pillars of the Center.
Eighteen Binghamton faculty from the new School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, from Harpur College, and from the Watson School of Engineering, in collaboration with faculty from SUNY Upstate Medical University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Broome, SUNY Delhi, and United Health Services (UHS) hospitals and clinics, have agreed to partner in this endeavor.
Dr. Garruto said, “Our research faculty and physicians are well able to implement aspects of the Center’s three foundational pillars.”
Diagnostics and Treatment, Public Health Education and Outreach, and Ecology, Epidemiology, and Risk Modeling.
Within these three foundational pillars will be:
Epidemiology:  Integrative models of disease transmission and spread
Diagnostics:  New diagnostic tools for both acute and chronic Lyme disease and other TBDs
Public Health:  Mitigation strategies, risk assessments, and policy changes to enable delivery of therapy to patients via pharmacies
Research Education: Training of next generation researchers (Undergraduate and Graduate students)
Outreach: Expansion of outreach education on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.  Training secondary school teachers, teaching grade and secondary school students, programs for the public including adult education classes, and Annual Lyme Conferences at SUNY Binghamton for the public and health care providers.
The 2019 annual Lyme Conference at Binghamton University will likely be a two-day event, so mark your calendars for the April/May event.
Our local Lyme Disease Coalition, Inc. is proud to be among the listed groups of organizations included in this area’s first Tick-Borne Diseases research center and hope to add value with shared information and experiences.
For more information, please visit the website of the Tick-Borne Diseases Center at: https://www.binghamton.edu/centers/lyme-disease-center/


Colleen Schake
President
Lyme Disease Coalition, Inc.
 

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5/23/2018 Comments

Lyme Disease Awareness Month Continues with New Legislation Introduced


HR 5878, "National Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Control and Accountability Act of 2018", was introduced on Friday May 18th, is to create a new structure—the Office of Oversight and Coordination for Tick-Borne Disease—this office would oversee efforts by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prevent and treat Lyme disease. The office would also be charged with ensuring collaboration between various departmental efforts.

Other bills have been introduced in the past such as: HR665 introduced 2/2/2015 requiring the department of Health and Human Services to establish a Tick-Borne Diseases advisory committee to advise HHS and other federal agencies and included coordination and inclusion language.
S.1503 — 114th Congress introduced 6/4/2015 Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2015 also included much of the same language.

This new legislation HR 5878, based on much of the same principles of the past, may hold new promise with both the house and the senate on board to make improvements and help combat the epidemic Lyme and Tick-Borne diseases has become.
The new legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Office of oversight and Coordination for Tick-Borne Diseases to be headed by a director appointed by the Secretary in the Office of the Secretary. The Office is to create, oversee, update and coordinate programs and activities across the agencies and offices of the Dept. of Health and Human Services. The objective is to ensure accomplishments of expanding and enhancing research, surveillance and reporting, diagnostic tests and treatments in all areas related to Lyme and tick-borne disease. The bill would cover designing and conducting clinical trials to support recommendations as well as developing and maintaining patient registries and experiences of patients relating to tick-borne diseases including treatment and outcomes protecting patient confidentiality. Health care professionals would document experiences in diagnosing and treating including outcomes.

Global coordination and integration is specified and includes language to include Tick-Borne Disease Working Group latest findings to be submitted to the Secretary and congressional committees.
Priority would be based on assessments of disease burden in the US.
The Secretary in coordination with other federal agencies and offices are given two years after enactment, to develop and submit to Congress a national strategy for the conduct and support of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and disorders programs and activities and no less than every two years after to update the strategy.

The Strategy is to include budget requirements, assessment of all federally funded programs and activities related to surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, education and prevention. Evaluations and assessments of Federal grants awarded are to be conducted and include patient-centered outcomes.

The legislation includes deadlines of two years for the implementation of the majority of the activities to begin. However, it also sets deadlines to send reports out to the public in a timely manner after hearings and meetings take place. No later than nine months after the enactment of this piece of legislation with the consultation of the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group is to design a survey for patients and advocates, physicians, scientists, etc.… to gain their input with results being posted no later than six months after the completion. These are important dates and timeframes to remember and be sure to get involved in.

While the brief outline looks like this new legislation will incorporate much if not all that is needed to grasp what is going on with the epidemiology of Lyme and other Tick-borne related conditions, the public and advocates should read closely, the fine details in these proposed pieces of legislation. Reading the “fine print” has gone a bit by the wayside and needs to be reinforced. In reading the details you may find much of this is based on the authority of the Secretary in connection with the CDC of which has repeatedly let the Lyme Community down.

The need for outside groups and organizations will continue to be needed as watch dogs for the individual aspects of this new Lyme and related conditions legislation. 
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5/17/2018 Comments

Lyme Disease Awareness in Susquehanna County

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While Lyme disease is still on the rise, Lyme Disease Coalition, Inc. (LDC,Inc) has been out creating awareness. May 12th, was the first public awareness event held by the LDC, Inc. Several braved the rain and still came out to support awareness in the community, gathering under tents to swap stories, share prevention tips and purchase awareness and prevention items even getting in on winning raffles. The rain did not stop a couple from playing “Tick Toss”, knocking out the ticks on the target for extra points.



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May 16th, the LDC, Inc. also gave their “Tick Talk for Kids” PowerPoint presentation to the Children at Choconut Elementary School reaching over 250 students, faculty and their families with take home packets. The students were very attentive and asked some great questions after the presentation.  The LDC, Inc. also left the school nurse a FREE Tick Aid Kit to aid in the prompt removal of ticks found on children. After the presentation, the faculty also asked additional questions and took down information to acquire product to help keep their families safer. The stories the children told, also let us believe that awareness is working. Several told of how their parents and grandparents keep product available and use it not only on their families but also on their pets.  Others told stories of prompt treatment when ticks were found on family. Immediately after the presentation, the school nurse removed a tick found. This school nurse is saving the ticks marked with the date and other information to give to the parents and allow them to follow up with their health care provider and / or send them in for testing. This is exactly what we like to see. This school is doing a model job helping to prevent the spread of tick-borne disease.
Two of the questions we would like to touch base on are;
1) How many ticks are there? Well are we talking about how many of just one kind of tick or how many different types of ticks are there?
There are actually over 800 different tick species according to Purdue University. “There are an estimated 899 species of ticks in the world, of which over 90 occur in the continental U.S. About 80 species are in the family Ixodidae, known as "hard ticks," and about 10 species are in the family Argasidae, known as "soft ticks."
We look at four main ticks here in PA at this time, which are the 1) the American dog tick,Dermacentor variablis ; 2) the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis ; 3) the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum ; and 4) a ground hog tick, Ixodes cooke  according to Penn State University.
These tick species each can carry several types or strains of bacteria creating different types of illness. For more information on ticks and the diseases they can carry, we suggest both Penn State and East Stroudsburg University web sites. 

2) Can you use the tick twister, oils and / or a cotton swab to remove ticks?
These methods are NOT recommended, as scientists believe the more a tick is agitated the greater chance of transferring the bacteria into our systems. The recommended way to properly remove ticks is with a pointed set of tweezers grabbed as close to the skin as possible and pull at a 90-degree angle gently lifting until the tick releases. Tick twisters can be used the same way, do not twist just get the tick between the crevice and pull up gently lifting until the tick releases. There are also tick cards made the same way, that can also be used. The goal is to lift the tick up and out with the least agitation as possible. 

The Lyme Disease Coalition, Inc. also has several private presentations scheduled over the next several months, as well as another “Tick Talk for Kids” presentation coming to the Hallstead / Great Bend Library July 10th, at 10:15 am in the Library Park. (Please bring “treated” blankets to sit on). 
Where you can find information: Susquehanna County Library, Hallstead / Great Bend branch, EMHS waiting room, http:lymediseasecoalition.org

Also, follow the local events on Facebook and the website: 
http://lymediseasecoalition.org https://www.facebook.com/pg/LymeDiseaseCoalitionInc/events


 

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    Colleen Schake
    Patient-​Living with Lyme
    Lyme Disease Coalition, Inc. - Founder
    Lyme Scout - Founder

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