What if your body has been trying to tell you something for years…and no one has been listening?

One day you’re exhausted even after a full night’s sleep. The next day your joints ache. Then your eyes suddenly feel dry, your stomach seems angry at everything you eat, your skin is acting up, your hair is thinning, and you’ve forgotten why you walked into the kitchen for the third time that morning.

Naturally, you do what the rest of us do.

You Google it.

Five minutes later you’ve convinced yourself you’re either dehydrated, stressed, vitamin deficient, entering menopause, allergic to gluten, sleeping wrong, dying, or all of the above.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

For millions of people living with autoimmune diseases, this isn’t just a bad week. It’s a frustrating cycle that can last for years before someone finally connects the dots.

I know because I’ve lived it.

For years, I bounced from doctor to doctor searching for answers. One specialist focused on my lungs. Another looked at my digestive system. Someone else blamed stress. Another suggested reflux. I was prescribed medications for individual symptoms, but no one seemed to step back and ask a simple question.

What if all of these seemingly unrelated symptoms were actually connected?

Eventually, after years of searching, I was diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that most people have never even heard of. Receiving that diagnosis didn’t magically make me feel better overnight, but it gave me something I had been searching for all along.

An answer.

Unfortunately, my story isn’t unique.

For many people with autoimmune diseases, the journey to diagnosis can take years. Some spend a decade or more wondering if they’re imagining things. Others begin questioning their own sanity after hearing phrases like, “Your blood work looks normal,” “It’s probably anxiety,” “You’re just getting older,” or everyone’s favorite, “Try to reduce your stress.”

While stress certainly affects our health, it shouldn’t automatically become the explanation for every unexplained symptom.

Sometimes your body really is trying to tell you something.

Why Are Autoimmune Diseases Becoming More Common?

One of the biggest misconceptions about autoimmune diseases is that they always look dramatic. In reality, they often begin quietly. A little more fatigue than usual. Dry eyes you blame on staring at a computer screen. Achy joints you chalk up to getting older. Digestive issues you assume are something you ate. Brain fog you blame on juggling work, kids, and the never-ending mental checklist that comes with being a mom.

It’s easy to dismiss these symptoms one by one.

The challenge is recognizing when they’re no longer isolated inconveniences but pieces of a much larger puzzle.

Today, researchers estimate that more than 50 million Americans are living with an autoimmune disease, and women account for nearly 80 percentof diagnosed cases. More than 100 autoimmune diseases have been identified, making these conditions far more common than many people realize. According to the The Autoimmune Association, autoimmune diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability in women under the age of 65, yet many remain under recognized or misunderstood.

So why do autoimmune diseases seem to be everywhere?

The truth is, researchers are still working to answer that question.

Some experts believe we’re seeing a true increase in autoimmune diseases, while others believe improved awareness and better diagnostic tools are helping identify conditions that may have gone undiagnosed in the past. Most agree it’s likely a combination of both.

Researchers continue to study a wide range of possible contributors, including genetics, environmental exposures, viral infections, hormonal changes, chronic stress, changes in the gut microbiome, diet, and other lifestyle and environmental factors. While no single cause has been identified, many experts believe these factors may work together to influence how and when autoimmune diseases develop in people who are genetically susceptible.

What we do know is this.

More people than ever are searching for answers to symptoms that don’t seem to fit neatly into one diagnosis.

And that’s exactly what makes autoimmune diseases so challenging.

When Your Symptoms Don’t Make Sense

Imagine dumping a 1,000-piece puzzle onto a table.

Now imagine giving 100 pieces to one person, another 100 pieces to someone else, and asking each of them to tell you what the finished picture looks like.

That’s often what trying to diagnose an autoimmune disease feels like.

One doctor sees your digestive problems.

Another sees your joint pain.

Another notices your dry eyes.

Someone else focuses on your thyroid.

Another addresses your skin.

Individually, every symptom may have a reasonable explanation. But when no one steps back to look at the entire puzzle, the bigger picture can be easy to miss.

Autoimmune diseases don’t stay in one lane.

Because the immune system affects nearly every part of the body, autoimmune diseases can impact your eyes, mouth, skin, joints, muscles, lungs, heart, digestive system, thyroid, kidneys, brain, and nervous system. Symptoms often come and go, change over time, or flare unexpectedly, making diagnosis even more complicated.

It’s no wonder so many people feel confused.

One week your joints hurt so badly that opening a jar feels impossible.

The next week your joints are fine, but your stomach rebels after every meal.

Then comes the crushing fatigue that no amount of sleep seems to fix.

Then brain fog rolls in, and suddenly you’re forgetting appointments, struggling to find words, or standing in the grocery store wondering why you walked down that aisle.

Just when you think you’ve figured it out, a new symptom appears.

It’s exhausting.

Not just physically.

Mentally, too.

Maybe It’s Just Me…

One of the most difficult parts of this journey isn’t necessarily the illness itself.

It’s the self-doubt.

When you’re told your tests are normal.

When you’re sent home with another prescription but no explanation.

When someone says, “You’re probably just stressed.”

When family members say, “You don’t look sick.”

When you begin wondering if maybe you’re making too much of it.

I think almost everyone living with a chronic illness has had that moment.

The one where you ask yourself…

“Am I losing my mind?”

If you’ve ever started questioning yourself because no one could explain your symptoms, you’re not alone.

I remember wondering how dry eyes could possibly have anything to do with digestive issues. What did chronic fatigue have to do with a cough? Why did it feel like my entire body was falling apart when every specialist was focused on one small piece?

Finally, I learned they weren’t random at all. They were connected. It just took time for someone to recognize it.

Finding the Right Doctor Can Change Everything

Let me be clear.

There are incredible doctors out there.

Many dedicate their lives to helping patients solve complex medical mysteries, and I am incredibly grateful for the physicians who never gave up searching for answers.

But I’ve also learned something along the way.

Not every doctor is the right doctor foryou.

A physician may be brilliant in their specialty and still not be the person who puts all the pieces together.

That doesn’t make them a bad doctor.

It simply means your journey may require someone willing to ask a few more questions, dig a little deeper, or collaborate with other specialists.

The doctor who finally changes your life may not be the first one you see.

Or the fifth.

And that’s okay.

You deserve a healthcare team that listens without interrupting.

One that takes your concerns seriously instead of brushing them aside.

One that says, “I don’t know yet, but let’s keep looking.”

Those six words can mean everything to someone who has spent years searching for answers.

Medication absolutely has an important place in treating autoimmune diseases, and for many people it can be life-changing. But if every appointment ends with another prescription while the bigger picture is never discussed, it’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to ask why. It’s okay to seek another opinion if you feel unheard.

You are not being difficult.

You are advocating for your health.

No one knows your body better than you do.

If something feels wrong, keep asking questions until someone is willing to help you find the answers.

Sometimes the most important thing you can bring to an appointment isn’t a list of medications.

It’s your voice.

The Many Faces of Autoimmune Disease

One of the biggest misconceptions about autoimmune diseases is that they all look the same.

They don’t.

In fact, two people with the exact same diagnosis may have completely different symptoms. One person may struggle with debilitating fatigue while another’s biggest challenge is joint pain. Some people develop obvious symptoms quickly, while others spend years experiencing vague issues that seem unrelated.

To make things even more confusing, many autoimmune diseases share the same symptoms. Fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, digestive problems, skin changes, dry eyes, hair loss, numbness, headaches, and muscle aches can all overlap.

That’s one reason diagnosis can feel like solving a mystery.

Below are some of the more common autoimmune diseases and the symptoms they may cause.

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Of all the autoimmune diseases, this one is the most personal to me because it’s the diagnosis I eventually received after years of searching for answers.

Most people think Sjögren’s Syndrome is simply “dry eyes and dry mouth.”

While those are the hallmark symptoms, the disease can affect nearly every organ system in the body. Because it impacts everyone differently, two people with Sjögren’s may have very different experiences.

Common symptoms can include: chronic dry eyes, dry mouth, extreme fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, muscle aches, brain fog and memory problems, numbness and tingling caused by nerve involvement, chronic cough, hoarseness or frequent throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, dry skin, dry nasal passages, dry ears, swollen salivary glands, swollen lymph nodes, frequent dental cavities and other dental issues, mouth sores, digestive issues, acid reflux, headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, lung involvement or shortness of breath, and kidney, liver, or nervous system complications in some people.

While there is currently no cure for Sjögren’s Syndrome, there is encouraging news on the research front. For years, treatment has focused primarily on managing symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, and pain. Today, researchers are studying therapies that target the disease itself. One of the most promising is ianalumab, a biologic treatment that recently showed positive results in Phase III clinical trials. If ultimately approved, it could become one of the first targeted therapies specifically for Sjögren’s Syndrome. Researchers are also exploring several other potential treatments, giving many patients renewed hope that more effective options may be on the horizon.

For me, finally hearing the words, “You have Sjögren’s” didn’t answer every question, but it explained why so many seemingly unrelated symptoms had been following me for years. Suddenly, the puzzle pieces began fitting together.

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is one of the most common autoimmune disorders and the leading cause of hypothyroidism.

Because symptoms often develop gradually, many people assume they’re simply getting older or are under too much stress.

Common symptoms can include: constant fatigue, unexplained weight gain, feeling cold when everyone else is comfortable, dry skin, hair thinning, constipation, depression or mood changes, brain fog, muscle weakness, and a slow heart rate.

Many people don’t realize they have Hashimoto’s until routine blood work shows changes in thyroid function.

For those looking to better understand Hashimoto’s disease and other thyroid conditions, the American Thyroid Association provides trusted, evidence-based information on diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing research.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Despite its name, rheumatoid arthritis isn’t the same as the arthritis many people associate with aging.

It’s an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy joint tissue.

Common symptoms can include: painful, swollen joints, morning stiffness lasting an hour or longer, fatigue, low-grade fever, weakness, and reduced range of motion.

Without treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can eventually damage joints permanently, making early diagnosis especially important.

The Arthritis Foundation is an excellent resource for learning more about rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options, managing symptoms, and staying informed about the latest research and advancements.

Lupus

Lupus is often called “the great imitator” because it can resemble so many other illnesses.

It may affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and other organs.

Common symptoms can include: extreme fatigue, joint pain and swelling, a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, sensitivity to sunlight, hair loss, mouth sores, chest pain, headaches, brain fog, and kidney problems.

Some people experience mild symptoms while others face serious complications, making lupus one of the most unpredictable autoimmune diseases.

If you’d like to learn more about lupus, the Lupus Foundation of America offers reliable information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, current research, and support resources for patients and families.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord by damaging the protective covering around nerves.

Because symptoms often come and go, diagnosis can take time.

Common symptoms can include: numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, vision problems, balance issues, dizziness, muscle spasms, fatigue, bladder problems, difficulty walking, and memory or concentration problems.

Celiac Disease

Many people think celiac disease is simply a gluten sensitivity.

It isn’t.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten causes the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine.

Common symptoms can include: bloating, chronic diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain, iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue, headaches, skin rashes, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies.

Some people have almost no digestive symptoms at all, making the disease surprisingly difficult to recognize.

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

These inflammatory bowel diseases are believed to involve an abnormal immune response and can significantly affect quality of life.

Common symptoms can include: persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, joint pain, and mouth sores.

While both conditions affect the digestive tract, they don’t always stay there. Many people also experience symptoms in other parts of the body.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis often develops in people who have psoriasis, but joint symptoms sometimes appear before skin symptoms.

Common symptoms can include: joint pain and swelling, swollen fingers and toes, nail changes, lower back pain, fatigue, and scaly skin patches.

Graves’ Disease

Unlike Hashimoto’s disease, which slows the thyroid down, Graves’ disease causes it to become overactive.

Common symptoms can include: rapid heartbeat, anxiety, unexplained weight loss, tremors, heat intolerance, difficulty sleeping, bulging eyes, and muscle weakness.

Type 1 Diabetes

Although it’s often diagnosed during childhood, Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age.

In this autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Common symptoms can include: increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and increased hunger.

Could Your Symptoms Be Connected?

As you read through these conditions, you may have noticed something.

The same symptoms appear over and over again.

Fatigue.

Brain fog.

Joint pain.

Digestive issues.

Hair loss.

Skin changes.

Dry eyes.

Muscle aches.

Numbness.

No wonder autoimmune diseases can be so difficult to diagnose.

One symptom might send you to an eye doctor.

Another sends you to a gastroenterologist.

Another leads you to a neurologist.

Another takes you to a rheumatologist.

Each specialist may be looking at a different piece of the puzzle.

Sometimes, it takes someone stepping back to see that all of those pieces belong to the same picture.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms don’t automatically mean you have an autoimmune disease. Many other medical conditions can cause similar issues. But if you’ve been experiencing multiple symptoms that don’t seem to fit together, it’s worth having an open conversation with a healthcare provider who is willing to look at the whole picture rather than just one piece of it.

Becoming Your Own Best Advocate

If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s this.

No one will ever care about your health as much as you do.

That doesn’t mean your doctors don’t care. Many absolutely do. But you are the only person who lives in your body every single day. You’re the one who notices when something changes. You’re the one who knows when a symptom isn’t normal for you. You’re the one putting all of the puzzle pieces together.

And sometimes, you’re the one who has to keep the conversation going.

f you’ve ever hesitated to mention another symptom because you were worried the doctor would think you were exaggerating, you’re not alone.

I felt that way more than once. I worried it sounded ridiculous to bring up a chronic cough, digestive issues, fatigue, dry eyes, and joint pain all in the same appointment. Looking back, I’m so glad I kept speaking up because those seemingly unrelated symptoms were exactly what needed to be discussed.

One of the most valuable things you can do is start keeping a simple symptom journal. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Write down when symptoms started, how often they occur, anything that seems to trigger them, and whether they come and go or stick around. Over time, patterns often begin to emerge that may not be obvious from memory alone.

Something else that helped me was learning to ask better questions.

Instead of simply accepting, “Your tests are normal,” it’s okay to ask:

“If my tests are normal, what else could explain these symptoms?”

“Is there another specialist you think I should see?”

“Are there additional tests that would help rule things out?”

“What would you do if I were your family member?”

Those questions don’t challenge your doctor. They invite a conversation.

Don’t Be Afraid to Find the Right Fit

Here’s something I wish more people understood.

Changing doctors doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

It doesn’t mean your physician is incompetent.

And it certainly doesn’t make you a difficult patient.

Sometimes it simply means you’ve outgrown what that particular doctor can offer.

Maybe they don’t specialize in complex autoimmune diseases.

Maybe they don’t communicate in a way that helps you feel heard.

Or maybe your symptoms have evolved and now require a different perspective.

That’s okay.

The right doctor won’t make you feel rushed through your appointment.

They won’t roll their eyes when you mention another symptom.

They won’t make you feel embarrassed for asking questions.

Instead, they’ll listen.

They’ll explain their thinking.

If they don’t know the answer, they’ll tell you honestly and help you figure out the next step.

In my experience, those are the doctors who make the biggest difference.

Organizations like the The Autoimmune Association and the Sjögren’s Foundation offer educational resources that can help you better understand autoimmune diseases and prepare for conversations with your healthcare team. They can also help you learn what questions to ask and what symptoms to pay attention to, which can make appointments far more productive.

Remember That You Are More Than a List of Symptoms

One of the hardest parts of living with an undiagnosed illness is that every appointment can start to feel like you’re introducing yourself through a list of problems.

“My eyes are dry.”

“My stomach hurts.”

“I’m exhausted.”

“My joints ache.”

“I can’t think clearly.”

After a while, it’s easy to feel like that’s all anyone sees.

But you are so much more than a collection of symptoms.

You are a parent trying to keep up with your kids while your body feels like it’s working against you.

You’re showing up for work when you’d rather crawl back into bed.

You’re making dinner, folding laundry, helping with homework, attending soccer games, and trying to smile through another day when no one else can see how hard you’re fighting just to get through it.

Invisible illnesses are exactly that.

Invisible.

Just because other people can’t see what you’re carrying doesn’t mean it isn’t real.

And just because you haven’t found the answer yet doesn’t mean there isn’t one waiting to be discovered.

To the Woman Who’s Reading This…

Maybe you’ve been searching for answers for months.

Maybe it’s been years.

Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that this is just what getting older feels like.

Or maybe someone else convinced you.

If any part of this article has sounded familiar, let me encourage you with something I wish someone had told me years ago.

You are not lazy.

You are not dramatic.

You are not weak.

You are not “just stressed.”

And you’re certainly not crazy.

You know your body better than anyone else.

If something feels different, pay attention to it.

That doesn’t mean every symptom points to an autoimmune disease. Many conditions share similar symptoms, and that’s exactly why finding the right diagnosis can take time. But you deserve a healthcare team that’s willing to keep asking questions until you have answers.

Don’t settle for feeling dismissed.

Don’t settle for leaving every appointment more confused than when you arrived.

Don’t settle for believing that feeling miserable is simply part of life.

Keep asking questions.

Keep learning.

Keep advocating for yourself.

And don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t think we’ve found the answer yet.”

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout my own journey with Sjögren’s syndrome is that sometimes the diagnosis isn’t the finish line.

It’s the starting line.

Once you finally know what you’re dealing with, you can begin building the right team, exploring treatment options, making lifestyle changes that support your health, and giving yourself something incredibly powerful.

Hope.

You may have to see more than one doctor.

You may need a second opinion.

You may need a rheumatologist, a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, or another specialist along the way.

And that’s okay.

Every step brings you closer to understanding what your body has been trying to tell you.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a physician who listens, takes the time to connect the dots, and genuinely partners with you in your care, hold onto them. Those doctors are worth their weight in gold, and they remind us that compassionate, thoughtful medicine is still alive and well.

If you haven’t found that doctor yet, don’t lose hope.

They’re out there.

Sometimes they’re just one referral, one recommendation, or one appointment away.

Looking Ahead

While living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging, there’s also reason to be hopeful. Researchers continue to make important strides in understanding these complex conditions, new treatments are being developed, and awareness is growing among both healthcare providers and patients.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this article, it’s that you should never stop searching for answers when something doesn’t feel right. Whether your journey leads to an autoimmune diagnosis or another explanation entirely, you deserve compassionate care, thoughtful conversations, and a healthcare team that’s committed to helping you find those answers,

Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects current research and the author’s personal experience with Sjögren’s syndrome. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition and should not be considered medical advice. If you are experiencing new, persistent, or concerning symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.

The post The Autoimmune Puzzle: Finding Answers When No One Seems to Have Them appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

For most of us, ticks have always been one of those things we try not to think about until we’re suddenly standing in the bathroom with a flashlight, inspecting a child who spent twenty minutes running through tall grass.

They’re right up there with sunburns, poison ivy, and finding something mysterious stuck to your kid’s shoe.

You know they’re part of outdoor life, but you hope they stay someone else’s problem.

Unfortunately, ticks have become a much bigger conversation in recent years, and for good reason.

Parents are hearing more about Lyme disease. More stories are surfacing about Alpha-gal syndrome, a condition linked to certain tick bites that can trigger allergic reactions to mammalian meat. Researchers continue studying other tick-borne illnesses, and health agencies are putting more attention on prevention, awareness, and diagnosis.

If it feels like this topic is suddenly everywhere, you’re not imagining it.

And while there’s no reason to panic, there is a good reason to pay attention.

Why You’re Hearing More About Ticks Lately

For years, doctors, researchers, and patient advocacy groups have been raising concerns about the growing impact of tick-borne illnesses.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced increased efforts aimed at improving research, awareness, surveillance, prevention, and treatment related to tick-borne diseases and conditions such as Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome.

Part of the reason is simple: more people are spending time outdoors, and tick populations have expanded into areas where they weren’t previously as common.

At the same time, awareness has increased. Conditions that may have gone undiagnosed years ago are now being recognized more often, helping families connect symptoms with possible causes.

For parents, the takeaway isn’t fear.

It’s awareness.

The more we understand, the better equipped we are to recognize symptoms, seek appropriate care, and reduce risks when spending time outside.

More Than Just a Bull’s-Eye Rash

When people think about tick-borne illness, Lyme disease is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, often called a deer tick.

One of the most widely recognized symptoms is the bull’s-eye rash, but here’s something many people don’t realize: not everyone develops that rash.

Other symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Muscle aches

• Joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

Because these symptoms can resemble many other illnesses, Lyme disease isn’t always immediately recognized.

Many parents are surprised to learn that some people never notice a tick bite at all. Others never develop the classic rash that gets shown in health class posters and online articles.

When caught early, treatment is often effective.The challenge is recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention when something doesn’t seem right.

For more information on Lyme disease, symptoms, and prevention, visit the CDC’s Lyme disease resource center.

The Tick-Related Condition Many People Have Never Heard Of

Most parents have at least heard of Lyme disease.

Alpha-gal syndrome, on the other hand, often gets a response that sounds something like:

“Wait… a tick can make you allergic to hamburgers?”

As strange as it sounds, the answer is yes.

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy that can develop after bites from certain ticks, including the lone star tick, which is common throughout much of the southeastern United States.

Unlike traditional food allergies that cause reactions shortly after eating, Alpha-gal reactions often occur several hours later.

People with Alpha-gal syndrome may experience reactions after consuming mammalian meat such as:

• Beef

• Pork

• Lamb

• Venison

Also things like dairy, gelatin capsules, etc.

Symptoms can vary widely and may include:

• Hives

• Itching

• Digestive distress

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe allergic reactions in some cases

Because symptoms can occur hours after eating, many people spend months or even years trying to figure out what’s causing them.

This is one reason awareness has increased so dramatically in recent years.

Families interested in learning more can visit: https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome

A Few Other Illnesses Worth Knowing About

While Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome tend to get the most attention, they aren’t the only health concerns linked to ticks.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Despite the name, this disease occurs in many parts of the United States. Symptoms may include fever, headache, rash, nausea, and muscle pain.

Ehrlichiosis

This bacterial illness can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Anaplasmosis

Often producing flu-like symptoms, anaplasmosis is another condition transmitted through tick bites.

The good news is that these illnesses remain relatively uncommon compared to the number of people spending time outdoors every year.

Still, awareness helps parents know when symptoms warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider.

When Something Doesn’t Feel Quite Right

One challenge with tick-related illnesses is that symptoms often don’t appear immediately.

Sometimes a tick bite goes completely unnoticed.

That’s why it’s helpful to be aware of symptoms that develop days or even weeks after spending time outdoors.

Parents should consider contacting a healthcare provider if a family member develops:

• Unexplained fever

• Persistent fatigue

• Joint pain

• Muscle aches

• New rashes

• Unusual allergic reactions

• Digestive symptoms that seem connected to certain foods

Keeping track of outdoor activities and recent tick exposure can provide helpful information for healthcare providers.

As moms, we’re usually pretty good at noticing when something feels “off.” Even if you can’t quite put your finger on it, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Can You Get Tested?

Many parents wonder whether testing is available.

The answer is yes, although the type of testing depends on the condition being investigated.

For Lyme disease, healthcare providers may order blood tests that look for antibodies associated with infection. Timing matters because the body may not produce detectable antibodies immediately after exposure.

For Alpha-gal syndrome, a healthcare provider or allergist may order an Alpha-gal IgE blood test. Medical history, symptoms, and dietary patterns are often considered alongside laboratory testing.

If symptoms are ongoing or concerning, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare provider rather than relying solely on internet searches or social media posts.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Family Outdoors

No parent wants to spend the entire family hike conducting tick surveillance.

The goal isn’t to turn every outdoor adventure into a military operation.

A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk while still letting kids do what kids do best: run through the woods, climb things they probably shouldn’t climb, and come home covered in dirt.

Using insect repellents can help reduce tick exposure. Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment can be applied to clothing and gear, while OFF! FamilyCare repellents remain a popular option for outdoor activities.

Wearing light-colored clothing can make ticks easier to spot.

Long pants tucked into socks may not win any fashion awards, but they can be surprisingly effective during hikes or walks through tall grass.

And perhaps most importantly, perform tick checks after spending time outdoors.

Checking behind the knees, around the waist, under arms, along the hairline, and behind the ears can help catch ticks before they remain attached for extended periods.

So You Found a Tick. Now What?

Let’s be honest.

Finding a tick attached to yourself is unpleasant.

Finding one attached to your child somehow feels worse, even though the removal process is exactly the same.

The good news is that experts recommend a straightforward approach.

Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure.

Avoid twisting, crushing, or using folk remedies such as nail polish, petroleum jelly, or matches.

After removal:

• Clean the area thoroughly

• Wash your hands

• Monitor for symptoms

• Note the date of the bite

Some families choose to save the tick for identification, particularly if symptoms develop later. A GOOD IDEA!

Services such as TickCheck offer tick identification and testing options for those who want additional information.

Where to Learn More

For families looking to learn more, several organizations provide reliable information and educational resources:

CDC Tick InformationCDC Alpha-gal Syndrome InformationGlobal Lyme AllianceLymeDisease.org

The Good News

Camping trips. Soccer tournaments. Nature walks. Fishing weekends. Backyard adventures that somehow end with everyone needing a bath.

Those experiences are part of childhood, and they should stay that way.

The goal isn’t to make families afraid of the outdoors. If anything, it’s the opposite.

Knowing what to look for, understanding the symptoms, and taking a few practical precautions can help you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the things that make being outside worth it in the first place.

Because the outdoors is still one of the best places for families to make memories.

We just know a little more now about what to watch for along the way.

If this topic has you thinking more about family health, wellness, and some of the conversations more parents are having right now, you may also enjoy:

The Rise in Childhood Anxiety: What’s Behind It?
A closer look at the factors many experts believe are contributing to increasing anxiety levels in children and teens, along with resources families may find helpful.

Bright Colors, Big Questions: What to Know About Artificial Food Dyes
Why more parents are paying attention to ingredients hiding in everyday foods and drinks, and what to know about the growing conversation surrounding artificial dyes.

From Sneezes to Surprises: Motherhood Is Beautiful and Also a Little Leaky
A lighter, relatable look at some of the physical realities moms experience that nobody seems to talk about until you’re living through them.

The Low-Effort Travel Trend Moms Are Embracing
Why more families are choosing simpler, less stressful vacations and what that shift says about modern family life.

Because when it comes to raising healthy families, many of these conversations are connected, from what we eat and how we feel to the environments we’re spending time in every day.

The post Let’s Talk About Ticks (sigh) appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

With the end of October came an end to a month-long national effort to raise awareness for breast cancer. While nearly every month is a time to raise awareness for an illness or a disease, November’s is a particularly important one. According to the American Diabetes Association, 29.1 million people had diabetes in 2012. In the same year, 86 million people aged 20 and over had pre-diabetes.

Some of these scary statistics are the reasons the American Diabetes Association has designated November American Diabetes Month. Diabetes can affect anyone and everyone, from your spouse to your parents to your young children. Thankfully, however, there are practical ways people of all ages can prevent or delay diabetes.

Kids and Diabetes

Over 200,000 Americans under 20 years of age have reportedly been diagnosed with diabetes. Most of those children and teenagers have type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, and their body does not produce insulin. If your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it’s important to remember that the condition is manageable. The most important thing you can do is instill in your child the importance of personal health. With proper treatments, diet, exercise, and knowledge of diabetes, children who have type 1 diabetes not only deal with their condition but live normal lives.

More and more children and young adults are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes have insulin in their body, but it doesn’t work properly. Studies suggest that kids who are overweight are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Genetics, race, and ethnicity also seem to play a role in the diagnosis. According to KidsHealth.org, “it’s estimated that 45% to 80% of affected kids have at least one parent with diabetes and may have a significant family history of the disease.” People of African-American descent, Native American descent, Hispanic or Latino descent, and Asian/Pacific Island descent are among the minorities often diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Adults and Diabetes

While your child’s health is undoubtedly important to you, it’s equally important to take care of yourself. That’s not being selfish; that’s being responsible.

If you need more motivation to fight the battle against diabetes, consider the actual price of treatment. The “average medical expenditures among people with diagnosed diabetes were 2.3 times higher than what expenditures would be in the absence of diabetes.” In 2012, $245 billion was spent on diabetes treatments in the U.S.

What You Can Do

You know diet and exercise is essential to your family’s health, but its importance can never be stressed enough. By instilling healthy habits in your kids while they’re young, they will be more likely to practice those habits as teenagers and young adults.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Between school, work, and extracurricular activities, finding the time to cook a healthy meal and exercise can be difficult. Try setting aside a time during the week to prepare food before hand. Always have washed and cut vegetables available for a quick salad. Keep a container full of hearty vegetable soup in the fridge to easily reheat on the stove. On the few occasions when the whole family is together, cook a new recipe with the kids. Go on a family bike ride. Whatever you choose to do, get healthy, cook healthy and get active. You’ll feel relieved knowing that you’re not only doing everything you can to prevent diabetes but encouraging a lifetime of wellness in those around you.

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Families that are healthy together, stay together! Encourage your family to harness healthy eating and exercise habits this summer and throughout the year with our favorite well-being products on the market. From dietary supplements to fitness trackers, it’s never been easier to get (and keep!) your family’s health on track!

Losing weight and staying in shape this summer has never been easier (or tastier!) thanks to renowned in-home gym company, BowFlex. With their new line of fitness shakes, smoothies and other assorted healthful products, BowFlex Body’s new slurp-worthy supplements are rich in proteins, antioxidants and vitamins that every active person needs to help burn fat, boost energy and build muscle. We’re currently drooling over the Peanut Butter Shake Boost that’s packed with protein, making it a perfect post-workout routine.  If you’re looking to enhance your results after busting your butt at the gym, look no further than BowFlex Body.  For sample packs at a seriously low cost, visit BowFlexBody.com.

Having trouble getting your kids to eat their veggies? Join the club – the Happy Tot Love My Veggies club, that is! These portable pouches by organic food brand Happy Family, are packed with nutritious goodness that all kids need in their daily diet. With products for growing babies, tots and kids, Happy Family promises the very best for your child’s palate with recipes that are developed in cooperation with pediatricians and nutritionists. Introducing your little one to Happy Family’s wholesome habits is made simple with playful packaging and yummy helpings of fruits, veggies and crispy munchies. Taste buds, rejoice!

Foster fond food memories in your family’s kitchen with this easy-to-follow cookbook by registered dietician and television personality, Michelle Dudash. Clean Eating for Busy Families helps parents provide children with wholesome food recipes that are quick and simple, making nightly tableside dinners a cinch! With a streamlined grocery shopping list paired with delicious, organic recipes for successful dinners, you’ll be instantly inspired to spend more time behind the stove and less time calling for takeout.  Got a fussy eater or food allergies in your family? Dudash’s calorie-conscious cookbook offers substation options, with most recipes taking less than 30 minutes to prepare!

Balancing an active lifestyle with the proper amount of rest is often a struggle for most families, but thanks to KidFit, it’s easy for kids ages 5-13 to develop, track and maintain their healthy habits.  This wireless wristband that syncs to any smartphone is customizable, giving your child a daily target to reach their activity and sleep goals with easy-to-understand technology.  Your child will feel encouraged yet challenged as they strive to reach their points goal after every sync.  Parents can help create custom goals for their kids, helping them build confidence with each level completed. And with its slap-on wristband in four fun colors, what’s not to love!?  Play hard and rest up, that’s the name of the game with KidFit.

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One of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy family lifestyle is to create family traditions. What kind of healthy family traditions does your family consider important?  Do you play a sport together, swim or make healthy dinners as a team?  Now is a great time to start incorporating healthy activities into your own family.  I guarantee your kids will be game as long as you’re doing it together.  And as your children grow older, you can share the details about how your family traditions got started and why they’re important. They may even continue the traditions with their own families someday. Here are a few ideas you can incorporate into your own family:

1-Exercise as a family.  Incorporate it into your family fun such as day trips to nature preserves with hiking, going swimming at a local pool or lake, biking together as a family on bike trails or within your neighborhood, or even a game of kickball in your own backyard.

2-Be good role models for kids for healthy eating and exercise.  It’s hard to ask your kids to do something you’re not planning to do yourself.  Provide the family with balanced meals and snacks and show them how important physical exercise is for the mind/body/spirit.

3-Introduce your kids (and you!) to new types of exercise and healthy activities.  Attend a yoga class together, sign-up for a dodge ball league, sign up for a run that’s fun for even young kids like the Color Run, or try trail running as a family.

4-Make healthy food fun.  We convinced our kids early on that each veggie or fruit gives you some sort of super power—like carrots for amazing eyesight, green beans make you run faster, and bananas give you big muscles to lift heavy things.

5-To get your kids to try new foods, play the dice game.  They roll the dice and are required to eat as many bites as the number on the dice.  This could be used for new foods or just foods on their plate.

6-Start a backyard garden with the family.  It does double duty as it provides exercise and healthy foods.  Kids love to dig in the dirt and are so proud of foods they’ve grown themselves.  Once they are a part of the action, they are far more likely to find a love of new fruits and veggies.

7-Incorporate the family in meal planning and grocery shopping.  My kids love nothing more than to push the kid cart around the super market and help me find foods we need to complete our meal plans.  We take a few minutes each week to put together the weekly meal plan and when they provide input it’s more exciting for them.

8-Cook meals together whenever possible.  Kids love to help in the kitchen from stirring, to chopping up lettuce for salads and buttering bread.  Kids take pride in helping out and will be more inclined to eat what they’ve helped prepare.

Good luck!

Daddy Nickell

Parenting Expert and father of 7, Robert Nickell (aka Daddy Nickell) offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel for every stage of fatherhood, and the Daily Daddy Blog.  He is also the creator and producer of “My Life as a Dad,” the groundbreaking new web series that showcases celebrity fathers offering their personal experiences and parenting tips.

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There is a struggle between two worlds at the moment, the constant theme of fitness and the bombardment of technology that keeps us sedentary. This is especially true for kids, they are always on top of the latest trend, whether it be a new app such as Snapchat or a new game for Xbox.  So, how do you get your kids involved in fitness and more importantly how do you motivate them to put the game system or phone aside?

Tiphanie Bigham, wellness director for The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA suggests that you do activities as a family. It is very difficult to get your kids motivated to go outside and do physical activity if you are sitting on the couch yourself. Kids’ behavior often reflects that behavior and attitude of the parents, so the most important action to take is to get the entire family involved. Tiphanie suggests planning 90 minutes of family activity every day where everyone must participate in some kind of physical activity. Try outdoor activities such as throwing a football, playing a volleyball game, or swimming. Let your kids be involved in the process, allowing each child to take turns choosing the activity of the day. Teenager can be more difficult to pull away from their sedentary activities. If you are having a difficult time getting your teens involved, continue spending this active time yourself.  Once your teen sees how this active time has made you a healthier happier person, they may join in. This may not happen right away, but continue your daily routine and invite them to join in often.

An article from CNN.com suggests “promoting activity, not exercise” (2011).  Kids are always more interested when something is fun and does not feel like a chore. Use activities as rewards for good grades or gifts, such as purchasing volleyball or hockey equipment for home use or taking them on fun outings such as rock climbing or ice skating (2011).

Kids love doing activities with their family when it is offered as fun and entertaining. This time should not be negative or a time to discuss problematic issues unless your child chooses to do so.  You want your child to feel like this is a fun time with family when they will not be criticized. This is not the time to be a “coach or trainer” to your child.  Incorporating family fitness time in your day will be fulfilling for both you and your kids and will promote a healthy lifestyle that they can take with them into adulthood.

References

Mayo Clinic. (2011, 01 22). Fitness for kids: Getting children off the couch. Retrieved from CNN Health: http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/fitness/FL00030.html

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Choosing the right gym for your family can be a frustrating and stressful endeavor. Each gym in your local area has both pros and cons, and, consequently, there is no perfect gym! However, like many other things in life, gym membership is an investment in your health and wellbeing, and they keep your family physically active.

When deciding which gym to join, you will want to pick one that provides the most benefits to you and your family. Here are some factors to keep in mind when you are looking around:

Location

One of the first elements to consider is a gym’s location. Start with the ones that are closest to your home or work. Chances are you won’t go too often if you have to drive miles out of your way. It is most helpful to choose a gym that is close to your home or work or is located on your regular daily route. After all, if you don’t use your gym, why pay for a membership?

Hours

Most gyms are open during times that accommodate a large variety of people including early birds and night owls. If you have a crazy schedule, (and what mom doesn’t?) a particular gym might not be open when you want to work out. The good news is that there are more gyms that are open twenty-four hours, seven days a week.

Children

If you are a mom with young children, you need to consider if your kids will be accompanying you or not. If so, what is the gym’s policy towards children? Some gyms offer a large variety of activities for kids, even the little ones, while others do not allow anyone under a certain age like twelve or thirteen. There are gyms that offer daycare facilities for members but be sure to check the extra costs for it.

Amenities

Different gyms will have different features and amenities. Some gyms go way beyond the typical weight and cardio rooms to offer much more like swimming pools, climbing walls, basketball courts, and so forth. Others only offer the barebones. You’ll want to weigh which amenities are essential to both you and your family members.

Cost/Staff

Of course, finding a gym that will work with your budget can be challenging. Typically, those that have more amenities will cost more. In addition, sometimes having friendly and welcoming staff will actually make you want to go the gym more. No one wants to be around a gym sourpuss, especially at 5 am!

While finding the ideal gym for you and your family might take a little doing, it is certainty possible. Just be sure and do your homework!

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