A small group of local women is working to increase the public awareness of the increasing prevalence of Lyme disease in Georgia and Baldwin County.
The Middle Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Lyme Disease Association is now recruiting members for the group that specializes in education and support for people with the illness.
“Some people claim there is no Lyme disease in Georgia,” organizer Ellen Thompson-Wood said. “I was diagnosed in June of 2007 by Dr. Penelope Brooks.”
Wood’s diagnosis was followed by intensive antibiotic treatment. Co-infections are common, and Wood’s experience is something that the women who founded the local organization have shared.
“We started this group as a support group,” Wood said. “We were meeting during the day and didn’t have a lot of publicity. We talk about the disease and our common difficulties with treatment.”
Local chapter director Terri Drummond said the group has a few goals members are working to achieve, including a comprehensive diagnostic tool.
“We need new, more effective testing,” Drummond said.
Drummond said the current two-tier testing is not always the most accurate, and since Lyme disease symptoms can often mimic other illnesses, many times people with Lyme are misdiagnosed.
“People are diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis — even multiple sclerosis, when they really have Lyme disease,” Drummond said. “Diagnoses of MS and lupus are common because so many of the symptoms appear to be auto-immune disorders and they are similar.”
Lyme disease awareness is growing, although some agencies and insurance companies are slow to recognize the disease as a chronic condition — or as a disease at all. The newly-formed local chapter of the Georgia Lyme Disease Association hopes to encourage people to take caution when outdoors. Tick bites have been found to be one of the most commons ways to transmit the disease.
“People should know the proper way to remove a tick,” Drummond said. “You have to hold tweezers flat against the skin,” she said. “Don’t pull up or squeeze the tick too hard. Pull straight back.”
Lyme disease can be cured if caught early enough, but one sure sign that Lyme has been transmitted is if a tick bite is followed by a bull’s eye rash. Treatment with antibiotics such as doxicyclene and tetracyclene are common.
“Lots of people don’t even realize they have a tick bite until much later,” Wood said.
The group is now meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in Room One at Oconee Regional Medical Center’s Education Center. For more information, call Drummond at (478) 452-5919 or e-mail RainDanceTerri@yahoo.com or call Ellen Thompson Wood at (478) 932-0020.
Features
Related Photos
-
Jonathan Jackson
Discussion
Group aims to raise awareness, support of Lyme disease
- Features
-
-
GC MALE Connection unites minority students
The MALE Connection (Mentoring African Americans for Leadership, Education and Connection) Program at Georgia College has been offering academic and social support services to African American males since its inception in fall 2010.
-
OHMS heads to All State Chorus
Oak Hill Middle School eighth graders Ja’Tosjah Bolston and Allison Quinn will represent their school and fellow choir students at All State Chorus for the first time in school history in the coming weeks.
-
CGTC construction on schedule
Adult learners planning to further their education and become skilled professionals in the health care industry will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of health-related fields once the new 70,000 square foot Center for Health Sciences facilities opens for classes by summer 2013 at the Milledgeville campus of Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC).
-
Science fair challenges students to think beyond the classroom
The regional science fair is not your typical paper mache volcano project being judged by a small panel of judges completely devoid of excitement.
-
Wray Homes youth get computer-savvy
Youth in grades four through six at Wray Homes will receive basic computer lessons through a new computer class offered by Digital Bridges, Baldwin County Family Connection and the Milledgeville Housing Authority.
-
Black History Program performance Friday
The Georgia College Cultural Connection Black History Program celebrates its 10th anniversary with “His-story Told Through Her” later this week.
-
BHS NJROTC showcase outstanding qualities at yearly inspection
NJROTC Area 12 Administrative Assistant Lt. Dennis Foster meticulously inspected every cadet’s uniform and drill and color guard demonstrations at Baldwin High School Wednesday as part of the school's NJROTC program annual inspection.
-
Heritage tour celebrates local African-American contributions
In celebration of Black History Month, the Milledgeville Convention & Visitors Bureau will offer an exciting and educational free African-American historic trolley tour.
-
Georgia College gives students chance to refine artistic skills
Area high school juniors and seniors preparing to apply to art colleges or are wanting to pursue art as a career will have the opportunity to polish up their art portfolios and strengthen their skills through a new Georgia College Department of Continuing Education course.
-
Local sorority goes red for heart disease
The Milledgeville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will present its third annual Go Red Heart Health Luncheon Saturday for the community to learn about heart disease prevention and treatment.
- More Features Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
