Emily Walker – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com Here today, better tomorrow. Fri, 11 Nov 2016 13:05:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.3 https://wp-media.familytoday.com/2020/03/favicon.ico Emily Walker – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com 32 32 This disease might be the cause of your constant fatigue https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/this-disease-might-be-the-cause-of-your-constant-fatigue/ Fri, 11 Nov 2016 13:05:53 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/this-disease-might-be-the-cause-of-your-constant-fatigue/ Most people with this disease don't realize they have it.

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Fatigue is all too common, but when the exhaustion becomes debilitating and keeps you from performing small tasks, it can cause you to worry - and for a good reason. Several diseases and illnesses carry symptoms of fatigue. Learning what your symptoms indicate and if you are in need of medical attention is necessary for something as even seemingly common as fatigue.

Are you "normal tired" or "sick tired"?

When questioning if your fatigue is a cause of concern, you need to learn to recignize the difference between "normal tired" and "sick tired." "Normal tired" is something that everyone experiences, often frequently. For example, feeling tired after a 5-mile bike ride when you haven't exercised in a while would be "normal tired." Or, if you've been awake with a new baby for the past month and are too exhausted to do simple tasks, that is also normal. Fatigue, in these "normal tired" cases, may be the result of a less-than-healthy lifestyle, but is something that can be easily remedied with an adequate amount of sleep (7-9 hours per night for adults), regular and consistent physical exercise and a balanced diet.

"Sick tired," on the other hand, occurs when not even adopting a healthy lifestyle helps alleviate fatigue. No matter how healthy you are eating or how much sleep or exercise you are getting, you find yourself unable to get out of bed in the mornings. Your muscles are unable to function properly and you find yourself practically immobile, either for short or long periods of time. It is a debilitating feeling that those who are "normal tired" don't fully grasp.

Why you may be chronically tired

If you find yourself exhausted even after attempting to live a healthier lifestyle, your fatigue may be a health concern. Illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and depression have been known to exhibit symptoms of chronic fatigue. Often, people will be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia, but all too frequently these patients are misdiagnosed.

Lyme disease also causes these symptoms and may be causing your constant fatigue. It is common to think that Lyme disease is not a cause for concern if one doesn't receive a bull's-eye rash after being bitten by an infected tick. However, less than 50 percent of Lyme disease patients remember being bitten by a tick at all, and the same number of patients don't experience a rash as one of their symptoms. This is not just a disease that infects residents of the northeastern states and areas with high populations of deer ticks, but cases have been confirmed in all 50 states.

Lyme disease symptoms mimic those of other diseases, causing confusion among physicians about a patient's actual diagnosis. Swollen joints, brain fog, the flu and fatigue are common signs of Lyme disease that are often misdiagnosed. Some of these symptoms don't appear until after a few months of being bitten by a tick.

Over time, untreated Lyme disease becomes less susceptible to antibiotic treatment. Fortunately, there are other alternatives to Lyme disease treatment if you find that you have had Lyme disease for a long time already. Getting help from an expert in Lyme disease is crucial; contact the FAR Clinic for a free consultation if you have chronic Lyme disease or think that you may have its symptoms.

Remember that it's not too late to try one more time to start feeling better. You or someone you love who struggles with the pain and heartache of chronic fatigue deserve another chance.

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8 ways to keep your marriage alive when you start having kids https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/8-ways-to-keep-your-marriage-alive-when-you-start-having-kids/ Mon, 31 Oct 2016 15:29:37 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/8-ways-to-keep-your-marriage-alive-when-you-start-having-kids/ If your marriage includes more diapers than stolen kisses, it's time to do something about it.

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First comes love, then comes marriage. Then come the little bundles of joy which may seem fixed on destroying the romance in your relationship. If your marriage lately seems to include more diapers and bedtime stories than long glances and stolen kisses, it's time to do something about it.

Play hooky

You've got kids, a job, maybe even a mortgage; chances are it's been awhile since you've felt impulsive and irresponsible. Take the chance to feel young again and let your wild, romantic side out. Convince your partner to call in sick to work, then ship the kids off to school, daycare or an obliging relative and spend the day blissfully unattached - together. Check out a weekday matinee (they actually exist) or splurge on burgers and fries. You'll feel like you're "just dating" again in no time.

Steal kisses

Three words your marriage should live by: never stop kissing. Sure, the kids might think it's gross and maybe you're not as crazy for a make-out session as you used to be, but the best relationships include kissing, period. That's because, according to Huffington Post, the body releases oxytocin during a kiss, a hormone that promotes bonding. Wait 'til the kids are in bed or sneak a smooch behind their backs; the key is to simply keep kissing.

Make a romantic gesture

If it's been awhile since you've reached for your partner's hand (after all, when do either of you not have your hands full?), the simple gesture could do a lot to rekindle the romance between you. Other small, simple romantic acts might include surprising your wife with flowers, bringing lunch to your husband's office or just snuggling in close for a weekend Netflix session. You'll be surprised at what even the smallest romantic gesture can do for your relationship.

Don't ditch date night

If you're notorious for cancelling date night for a work deadline or school play, it's time to start treating it as a priority. According to the National Marriage Project, regular date nights give couples the ability to communicate openly, experience "novelty" in their relationship, rekindle the romantic spark, strengthen their commitment and relieve stress.

Spend some time alone

Rekindling the romantic fire is difficult when you're feeling pulled in all directions by your work, kids and even your partner. Sometimes, the best thing for your marriage might be to spend a little time with yourself - and allow your partner to do the same. Once in awhile, it's OK to ask for a day alone - and it's important to offer the same to your partner.

Talk about anything (except the kids)

Once you have kids, those little ones tend to permeate your thoughts - and your conversations. But there was probably a time you and your spouse had more to talk about than potty training, time-outs and spelling tests. Relive those magical moments daily by spending at least 10 minutes talking about your days (keyword being your days, not your kids').

Get organized

If you've been married awhile, chances are that romantic spontaneity exists solely in Hollywood rom-coms. Keeping your relationship exciting - and romantic - in real life can take a lot of (unromantic) work. That's why it's important to get organized about making time for your marriage. Pencil date nights and weekend getaways into the family calendar, then be sure to stick to the schedule. It may not feel as wild and free as it looks on the silver screen, but premeditated romance is far better than no romance at all.

Take a second honeymoon

There's just something about sultry summer evenings and white sand beaches that makes you feel romantic. If your honeymoon feels like a far-too-distant memory, maybe it's time to rekindle the vibe with a weekend away. Choose an exotic, warm locale - like Mexico - and let the salty air and hot sun work their magic.

Visit Latin America for cheap by booking through AeroMexico!

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17 hilarious mealtime pics to get you through the day https://www.familytoday.com/family/17-hilarious-mealtime-pics-to-get-you-through-the-day/ Wed, 21 Sep 2016 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/17-hilarious-mealtime-pics-to-get-you-through-the-day/ If you're a parent, you KNOW what this feels like.

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Sometimes you pray for a miracle to survive mealtime. No matter what you do to get your kids to eat or to behave when the meal isn't what they wanted, it always seems to end in disaster.

There are items that can help you save your sanity, but it also helps to just laugh about it.

So while the food tossing, tantrums, and tears may not be stopping soon, hopefully you can find a moment of solace by relating to these pictures. Because, let's face it, we've all been here.

1. What dinner looks like every summer

2. It won't kill you, we promise

3. Does anyone have the baby wipes?

4. The real cookie monster

5. What do you do...

6. At least he knows what he wants out of life...

7. Manna from heaven

8. Nothing stops the aspiring chef

9. 'Sweet visions of hotdogs dancing in his head'

10. Those eyes though

11. What a large tree for those nice dinosaurs

12. You find yourself asking, "Why do I even try to make an effort?"

13. That moment when they can't eat the cinnamon bears anymore.

14. I feel the same way

15. A little lint doesn't hurt

16. Talk about surviving a meal

17. Over it

When mealtimes seem overwhelmingly difficult, don't forget to laugh, and don't forget to let someone help you. Having a support system always helps, as do items specifically tailored to helping busy moms. The Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Total Clean High Chair, for instance, makes mealtimes much easier, with easy-to-clean features (including the entire top half of the chair being dishwasher safe!) that help with even the messiest eater. Because the best part about being a parent is that you don't have to do it alone.

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6 critical things Zika and lyme disease have in common https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/6-critical-things-zika-and-lyme-disease-have-in-common/ Wed, 14 Sep 2016 21:44:25 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/6-critical-things-zika-and-lyme-disease-have-in-common/ Here is what you need to know on how to prevent and protect yourself from these ravaging diseases.

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News stories about the Zika virus affecting pregnant women in Florida, or precautions Olympic athletes had to take in Rio de Janeiro to prevent Zika from spreading further, intrigue us. It's no surprise, given that Zika has been declared to be a "global health security threat" for some time now.

What may be more alarming is that Lyme disease is also on the rise. What was once seen as a disease only found in regions with high populations of infected deer ticks is now affecting more patients than those being diagnosed with breast or colon cancer.

Following are six other facts we are learning about Zika and Lyme that show common similarities between the two - and that may be a little unnerving.

Both have recently been called epidemics.

Within the last few years, the Zika virus and Lyme disease have seen more of a widespread impact, enough for the World Health Organization to predict millions of cases of Zika in the next few years and for medical professionals to declare on national news that Lyme disease is one of the top-spreading epidemics in the country. Despite this, many in the medical community argue about the legitimacy of the Lyme epidemic since there is not a clear set of guidelinesfor treating and diagnosing Lyme, while the global threat of Zika has been generally accepted.

Zika and Lyme are both vector-borne.

The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquitoes, while Lyme bacteria are transmitted by infected deer or blacklegged ticks. Since such species are more prevalent in certain areas, if we don't live in those areas we often feel safer. Yet again, these are both epidemics, finding new ways to spread other than through these original hosts. Lyme expert Dr. Richard Horowitz believes part of the reason for this greater spread of Lyme is that infected deer ticks no longer live only on deer, but on mice, foxes and birds.

Research is showing Zika and Lyme may be transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Recent tests are proving that these seemingly only vector-borne diseases and viruses are also spreading by other means, including sex. Not all cases of Zika or Lyme show they are being transmitted through sex, but increasing numbers do indicate an alarming connection. Research is underway to find out if the risk of transmitting Zika or Lyme is greater through sex or via mosquitoes or ticks.

If a pregnant woman is affected with Zika or Lyme, she can pass it to her baby during pregnancy.

One of the biggest concerns with Zika is newborn microcephaly, a complication in pregnancies that can result in deformities and/or disabilities for the child. Pregnant women with Lyme also have a cause for concern, with new studies showing cases of stillborn babies in mothers carrying Lyme.

The two have similar symptoms.

Zika and Lyme both have symptoms common in other diseases, including fever, muscle and joint pain, and a rash. Lyme has even been called "The Great Imitator," as it so closely mimics other diseases and is difficult to diagnose.

Their symptoms don't always appear at first.

In some cases, these or other symptoms don't even appear when a patient is first infected with Zika or Lyme, making both even harder to diagnose if the patient does not recall a mosquito or tick bite.

The statistics may be frightening, but knowing what can be done will help alleviate some of the distress surrounding the Zika virus and Lyme disease outbreaks. Seek experts in the medical field if you think you may have been infected with Zika or Lyme. If you have felt chronically ill, it may be the result of later symptoms of Lyme disease only now showing up. Seek help and go in for a free consultation at the FAR Clinic, which houses experts in Lyme disease, to help you get back on your feet.

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Are you giving yourself diabetes? https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/are-you-giving-yourself-diabetes/ Tue, 13 Sep 2016 06:35:02 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/are-you-giving-yourself-diabetes/ Some risk factors for diabetes you can't control, but here are 7 that you can.

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Diabetes is a frightening disease, even more so when you think about how genetics and family history, even age, race, and gender, play into its diagnosis. In some cases, no matter how healthy you live, you are still at great risk for getting diabetes just because of these factors that you have no power over.

While developing diabetes is often out of your control, there are still things you can change or be aware of to limit your risk. Take a health assessment if you are still afraid that you may have a greater risk of diabetes. But also, see what you can do to help reduce the risk:

Are you skipping breakfast?

There are many statistics about why you shouldn't skip breakfast, but one study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition said that missing even just one breakfast a week increases your risk of diabetes by 20%. It all has to do with maintaining healthy insulin levels. When you sleep, your insulin levels stay at a plateau, not extremely high or outrageously low. However, when you skip breakfast, those insulin levels plummet, only to spike again when you finally eat lunch. Such extreme changes in insulin could increase your risk of diabetes.

Are you drinking soda?

Even people less familiar with the disease know that consuming too much sugar could be a factor in gaining diabetes. However, it's not so much the sugar intake that makes sugary drinks and desserts such a problem, it's how much weight you gain from them. When a person is overweight, their body naturally experiences chemical changes that affect their body's ability to produce enough insulin. The more weight you gain, the more insulin your body has to make to control your glucose levels, but when it can't keep up, your risk for diabetes is greatly multiplied.

Are you not sleeping enough?

How much sleep you get may be just as important as what you eat. When your body doesn't get enough sleep, you feel drowsy and with little energy. This reaction is similar to "insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes," when your body stops or is insufficiently converting glucose into energy. When you're dragging after pulling an all-nighter, it may not be just the fatigue getting you down, but a possible sign of diabetes.

Are you depressed?

Depression has been listed as a side effect of diabetes, but recent studies have also found that depression could even be a risk factor of diabetes. In one study, subjects with depression had a 63% increased risk of diabetes. In fact, some physicians believe that depression and diabetes are synonymous diseases, both characterized by powerlessness and a lack of energy that they inflict upon their patients.

Are you watching too much TV?

How much time do you spend actively up and about, rather than just sitting down? It's nice to relax after a long day, but too much of this sedentary time can be increasing your risk of diabetes. If you work seated at a computer all day or sit and watch TV for hours, every hour spent without some kind of active behavior increases your "risk of developing diabetes by 3.4%". Even just getting up every half an hour can help keep your body active and decreases this risk.

Are you sweating?

If you really want to be active, though, but the fit life is not for you, start with smaller physical exercises and work your way up. One study showed that if you get in at least 20 minutes of exercise, three or four days of the week, you reduce your risk of diabetes, but it needs to be exercise that makes you sweat. As your body becomes more accustomed to these smaller exercises, you will sweat less. When you notice this happening, add something new into your workout routine.

But what else can you do?

Even by changing these daily habits, you still have other factors to worry about that you can't control. Learn if there is a history of diabetes in your family, or if you are at greater risk because of your age. If you are at risk, be sure to get tested and look for the signs. With MyHealth Assessment, for example, you can even take an assessment online to receive personalized statements about what you need to do to reduce your risk of diabetes, straight from doctors and other health professionals in the <a href="tel:844-771-0022">MyHealth Pass</a> program. You can also use online patient advocacy programs to find local health facilities and book appointments with physicians who specialize in diabetes and diseases of the endocrine system.

Although you can't change where you came from, you can choose where to go from here, so choose to live a little healthier. You'll reduce your risk of diabetes, but also just feel better, which is worth the effort.

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Still sick? Chances are you’ve been misdiagnosed https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/still-sick-chances-are-youve-been-misdiagnosed/ Mon, 22 Aug 2016 06:35:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/still-sick-chances-are-youve-been-misdiagnosed/ Chronically ill patients may still be sick not because their treatments don't work, but because they are not being treated…

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What it's like living with chronic illness

Chronic illness is more difficult to live with than most realize. Only those who suffer from chronic illness know the extreme pain and frustration of always being sick. It's not always the physical pain that makes every day difficult, but the emotional pain that comes from feeling constantly ill. It's draining and incredibly frustrating when you have to live with the uncertainty of how you'll feel tomorrow.

One patient of chronic illness said that she became discouraged when she thought her story of chronic illness didn't have a foreseeable end. People love stories with "a beginning, middle, and an end...[they] are satisfied with closure. But my story doesn't have an end. And people don't seem to like stories without an ending."

Patients of chronic illness are also often frustrated when friends, family, or acquaintances offer advice and support out of love, but it comes across as unsympathetic and demeaning. They suggest that the illness may just be in the patient's head, or try to give them hope with phrases such as, "Don't be sad, this will pass," when sometimes it doesn't.

Is there any relief for patients of chronic illness?

Why your chronic illness could be Lyme disease

Such patients may not be finding relief from their pain because they are paying for treatments not meant to treat the disease actually infecting them. Yes, there are cases where a chronic illness has been properly diagnosed and no treatment will help said patient. But there are also cases where chronic illness has been misdiagnosed, not giving these patients the proper opportunity for relief.

Chronic Lyme disease is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed diseases, mainly due to the fact that its symptoms vary so much, from facial paralysis to fatigue. Lyme disease is known as "The Great Imitator" because its symptoms are so similar to that of other diseases, hence the large number of misdiagnoses.

Reports of Lyme disease range in the hundred-thousands, with increasing numbers as people are becoming more aware of the possible symptoms of Lyme disease. When cases reported hit 300,000, ten times more than had been previously reported, Dr. Paul Mead of the CDC stated that this "confirms that Lyme disease is a tremendous health problem in the United States," a topic of debate among those in the health community. But the numbers and the signs show that this truly is an issue.

The scary fact is that even more unknown cases could exist because the disease is so often misdiagnosed. Often misdiagnoses include (but are not limited to) autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, and even psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. With Lyme disease's symptoms being misattributed to other diseases, it is quite difficult to know for certain if a patient's chronic illness truly is what they were originally diagnosed with or something like chronic Lyme disease.

What do you do when you can't get feeling better?

Chronically ill patients are some of the strongest and most persevering people on the planet, but everyone has a breaking point. Don't let yourself or a loved one get there. If treatments have not been effective in helping with your chronic illness in the slightest, consider seeking out a consultation to see if you or your loved one might have chronic Lyme disease instead.

Schedule an appointment with the FAR Clinic, experts in Lyme disease, offering free consultations to see if your chronic illness misdiagnosis is actually chronic Lyme disease.

There is still help and hope ahead. This is not to say that the path for chronically ill patients is not going to be difficult and painful. But without hope to hold on to, life can feel much more miserable than it already does. When you're tired of being sick, find something to hope for. Sometimes, that's all that one can do to make it through the next day.

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6 reasons why you should be sneaking into your kid’s room and invading their privacy https://www.familytoday.com/family/6-reasons-why-you-should-be-sneaking-into-your-kids-room-and-invading-their-privacy/ Tue, 16 Aug 2016 06:35:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/6-reasons-why-you-should-be-sneaking-into-your-kids-room-and-invading-their-privacy/ Free apps and social media put your children a click away from danger, and that is just one of many…

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Privacy is important, but so is parenting. Today's kids are flooded with technology, distractions and opportunities to get hurt.

If you're not sure what your children are up to or how they use their time on mobile devices, don't assume it's all good. Sometimes it takes a little investigation, but you should be aware of your children's activities at all times in order to protect them. Here are six reasons to take a quick look at your kid's room:

1. They say it in their diary

Kids write everything in their diary or journal. The best way to really find out what's going on in the life of your son or daughter is to take a quick peek at their writing. If your child is struggling with bullying at school but is too embarrassed to tell you, his or her diary could be the source you need. Only once you know there's a problem (and the full extent of it) will you be able to offer your help. By reading your child's diary, you can also know who your child is associating with and whether those friends are a positive influence or not.

2. They hide it under the mattress

Whether you know it or not, every kid has a hiding place in his or her room. The best way to discover these is by careful investigation. You don't necessarily have to turn his or her room upside down searching for the holy grail, but you never know what you might find with just a couple minutes of snooping.

If you suspect that your child may be involved in drug use, you'll probably find proof with which to confront and help him or her seek treatment.

3. They store it on their mobile device

Unfortunately, gone are the days of pornography being difficult to come by. With the advent and influx of mobile devices, every child has access to an endless supply of pornography. While some may look at this opportunity as a healthy and normal experience for kids, most parents know that it can result in harmful ideas about sexuality and even violent behaviors.
Addiction is also a problem to consider, along with the possibility of people soliciting your child for inappropriate photos and messages. In fact, plenty of applications allow anonymous communication, and that is especially dangerous for a young person.
The best way to keep your child happy and protected from malicious people and content is by using a safety app that allows you to track their online or mobile device activity. With this type of parent-approved application, you'll be able to prevent and address problems with your child's internet usage.

4. They keep it in their closet

Although kids think the last place you'd look for stolen contraband is in their closets, it's usually the hotspot for prohibited items. A few quick pokes around your kid's closet could help you ascertain whether or not he or she has stolen something, or hopefully, it'll just assure you that he or she needs to do some laundry.

Parents have discovered hidden eating disorders, stolen items and suicide materials by looking in kids' closets. If you want your children to be safe, it's necessary to look through their things from time to time. Too much can go on without you knowing, and you just can't take that chance.

5. They show it in their wall art

Even if you're just taking an innocent look around, you can learn a lot about your children just by glancing at their walls. Posters, pictures and other items stuck to a corkboard are one easy way to get to know your child better. Understanding what your kid is interested in, whether a certain movie or sports stars, can help keep you on the lookout for potentially dangerous sites or material to flag on a parental controls application.

6. They download it on their computer

Nowadays, kids keep everything on their computer and cellphone. If your child has access to a computer or laptop in his or her bedroom, it's time to take a closer look. Anything from illegal music downloads to online chats and messaging with strangers are easy to find. Even if you don't find anything, it's a good place to start in blocking harmful and/or illegal sites.

Be sure to download a parenting app like WebSafety so you can monitor the social and online activity of your child's mobile devices. Using the internet and parental dashboard, you can stay aware of your child's every move with specific updates.

Taking steps to protect your child aren't always the most pleasant, but they are always worth it.

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13 reasons why it’s crucial for you to know about the Lyme disease epidemic https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/13-reasons-why-its-crucial-for-you-to-know-about-the-lyme-disease-epidemic/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:26:52 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/13-reasons-why-its-crucial-for-you-to-know-about-the-lyme-disease-epidemic/ The facts behind why Lyme disease is an epidemic hiding right under our noses.

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New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Richard Horowitz, recently discussed his book, "Why Can't I Get Better? Solving the Mystery of Lyme and Chronic Disease," and commented on how he believes Lyme disease is an unknown epidemic in this country. Previously only believed to be a concern in wooded areas with large populations of deer ticks, Lyme disease may be spreading greater distances than we realize.

"This is the No. 1 vector-borne spreading epidemic in the U.S.," said Horowitz. He attributes this rise to deer ticks attaching themselves, not only to deer, but also to "the white-footed mouse, chipmunks, raccoons, foxes, moles, voles, [and] the ticks are now even on birds." With more animals as carriers of infected deer ticks, this disease is spreading more rapidly than before. Horowitz also noted that Lyme disease has now become "a worldwide epidemic," already infecting 6% of China's population.

Why is Lyme disease still rarely discussed if it is such an epidemic? Horowitz said that some physicians are refusing to look at chronic Lyme disease as a serious issue. This could be because Lyme disease is so difficult to diagnose and even more difficult sometimes to treat, especially when it does become a chronic issue.

Here is what you need to know about Lyme disease to be aware if it's affecting you or a loved one.

1. Lyme disease is "The Great Imitator."

Lyme disease is so commonly misdiagnosed in part because it mimics over 300 different diseases. What one physician may diagnose as MS (multiple sclerosis), another may diagnose as a different autoimmune disease. After multiple diagnoses, chronic Lyme disease patients still feel sick and still do not receive the treatment they need.

2. If it's not caught early on, chances for a cure are less likely.

Generally, if Lyme disease is not addressed within 30 days, the chances of being completely cured are greatly lessened. However, because many of the more prominent symptoms of Lyme disease don't appear until after this 30-day period, patients of Lyme disease have to suffer with this chronic illness with little relief.

3. It's not always transmitted by ticks.

While the spread of infected ticks is adding to rise of the Lyme disease epidemic, they may not be the only factor. Recent studies show that Lyme disease can also be sexually transmitted, not surprising when noted how similar it is to various symptoms and characteristics of STDs such as syphilis.

4. Lyme disease can affect an unborn baby during pregnancy.

Pregnant women with Lyme disease may have cause to worry about the health of their unborn baby. Although antibiotics have been known to help protect the fetus from being infected by the Lyme disease bacteria, in some cases babies were born prematurely or even stillborn when their mothers were carriers of Lyme disease. This occurred with such frequency among mothers with Lyme disease that such has become a legitimate cause for concern.

5. Its symptoms can be as common as fatigue and the flu.

What you may have thought was just a reoccurring cold or exhaustion, may actually be Lyme disease. Remember, Lyme disease mimics other diseases, including incredibly common diseases.

6. Lyme disease can be the cause for psychiatric disorders.

Lyme disease can not only make you bedridden from total exhaustion and lack of energy, but it can also keep you down emotionally. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and OCD have all been attributed as symptoms of chronic Lyme disease.

7. Your symptoms may be different than another's with Lyme disease.

You may know someone who has or has had Lyme disease with completely different symptoms than you. They might have suffered from facial paralysis, while another Lyme disease patient has suffered from chronic brain fog. Some patients have a bulls-eye rash that accompany the tick bite, but others do not. Again, this makes Lyme disease difficult to diagnose.

8. It has been known to cause death.

Lyme disease is debilitating and can leave its patients in bed for months, but there have also been cases of death from Lyme disease. The most common reason for death among Lyme disease patients is when patient develops a condition called called "Lyme carditis." This happens when the bacteria causing Lyme disease enters the patient's heart tissue. Its symptoms include those often associated with heart disease, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and heart palpitations. It is when the patient has Lyme carditis that they are at the highest risk of death, as this condition can cause cardiac arrest and death.

9. It's one of the most improperly treated diseases.

Patients of Lyme disease have to spend thousands on Lyme disease treatments, most, if not all, that are not covered by insurance. The most frustrating part is that often these treatments only provide limited relief from pain, but symptoms keep popping up. Often, these patients continue in their struggle with no end in sight. If you or a loved one is struggling to feel better, even after multiple treatments, try the FAR Clinic. Experts in chronic Lyme disease, they understand the struggles of those living with chronic pain and have the tools and technology to get you back on your feet again. Check it out for yourself and call for a free consultation. You deserve to feel better again.

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You know you have the best husband when … https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/you-know-you-have-the-best-husband-when/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 06:30:01 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/you-know-you-have-the-best-husband-when/ Does your husband do these 29 things? If so, you know you've found a keeper.

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Remember the moment when you fell in love with him? The time when he swept you off your feet and took your breath away? The instant when you realized you couldn't imagine a life without him?

If you've forgotten what it was that made you fall for him, or if you just want that reassurance again that he's the one, here are 29 signs proving that he's the absolute best.

1. He makes mistakes.

He's not perfect, and he recognizes that.

2. He makes you feel like you can become the best possible version of yourself.

Plus, he tells you that you do the same for him.

3. He's dedicated.

He has direction in his life and a determination to be better than he is now. He also is insanely dedicated to you, and he always will be.

4. He loves your dreams.

He fell for you in part for your ambitions. He sees the potential in you that you often don't let yourself believe in, and he won't let you settle for mediocre.

5. He loves your crazy.

You can be quirky or weird with him. He feels like he doesn't have to put on a face with you either.

6. He thinks of you, even and especially when he's angry.

In heated arguments, he has his opinion but is willing to listen to what you have to say because "being right" is not his first priority. It's you.

7. He tells you that he loves you, over and over again.

He doesn't overuse the phrase because he actually means it every single time.

8. He would never call you something demeaning.

His words aren't harsh or biting. One of his biggest fears would be hurting you.

9. He makes you smile.

You have moments when you look in the mirror and think about how much he loves you, and you can't help but smile after that. What he wants, more than anything, is for you to be happy.

10. He will randomly cook your favorite meal, buy your favorite treat or send you your favorite flowers.

He wants you to know that you mean the world to him. More than the world.

11. He holds you closer when you're scared.

Just by the feel of his touch, you know that you're safe and that you will be forever.

12. He is kind.

He treats you and others with respect. You never worry that he won't take care of you. This one could be the most important trait that makes him the best husband.

13. He forgives you.

This could be the second-most important trait. He never holds your past mistakes against you. He lets them go and encourages you to do the same.

14. He never wants to let you go.

He's not pretending to be a young Leonardo DiCaprio, he truly wants to be as close to you as he can.

15. He reminds you of your favorite song.

Those fantasies you had years ago listening to those love songs have finally come true. You're in awe that life could be this good.

16. He randomly texts you that he misses you, and he means it.

He is always genuine because honesty means a great deal to him.

17. He smiles and you know it's because he thinks you're beautiful.

You know that look he gives you when you walk out, even in something as simple as jeans and a T-shirt? That look when he stares at you just a little longer than normal? Again, it's not fake, he honestly thinks you are the most beautiful girl in the world.

18. He doesn't just kiss you goodnight.

He wants to kiss you as much as you deserve, which is over and over and over again.

19. He kisses you even when you're sick.

If he wants to kiss you so much that he would risk getting sick himself, he must really love you. Men who only lust after you aren't going to take that risk.

20. He gets your humor.

You laugh together but not in a way that's belittling to each other or to someone else. You've never laughed more than when you're with him.

21. He wants to tell you everything.

He realizes that open communication is going to save your relationship. So even if he's quiet around others, he's going to fight for you and tell you even the smallest details. He wants to make this work.

22. He wants to be intimate with you.

Not just for himself, but to have that strong, emotional connection with you along with the physical. This is one of the best ways he knows to show you just how much you mean to him.

23. He can't imagine a life without you.

Anytime he makes plans or future goals, he makes them with you in mind. Anything else would be less than perfect.

24. He feels like he's home whenever he's with you.

You're his new family, and the thought of going back to how it was before you is unfathomable.

25. He would cross oceans for you.

You definitely know that he's the best when he does something extraordinary for you, something out of his comfort zone.

26. He is grateful.

Even if you don't think you did much to receive his thanks, he is incredibly appreciative of the little things that you do or say.

27. He loves your children, but he loves you over anything and everything.

If your kids don't know how much your husband loves you, then he doesn't feel like he's doing the best that he can.

28. He doesn't believe that he deserves you.

His humility shocks you. He's going to spend the rest of his life trying to be the man that he thinks you deserve.

29. He needs you.

And he doesn't need anything.

You've found someone that you love unconditionally. You love him for who he is, and you see his potential just like he sees yours. You know that if you give your all to this relationship, like he continues to do every single day, you will not only make your marriage work, but it will be like magic.

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QUIZ: Is your man a romantic or just creepy? https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/quiz-is-your-man-a-romantic-or-just-creepy/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 06:30:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/quiz-is-your-man-a-romantic-or-just-creepy/ The line is thinner than you think.

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Let's be honest, sometimes guys can be a little creepy when they're really just trying to be romantic. It's all a matter of perspective, right?

Or is it?

Take this quiz and find out if your man is the romantic who would send you flowers or the creep who would sleep with your face on his pillow.

The post QUIZ: Is your man a romantic or just creepy? appeared first on FamilyToday.

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