Angela Newman, of Biltmore Forest in North Carolina, recalls “bizarre symptoms” she started experiencing nearly a decade earlier. Blurred vision, stiff neck, hypersensitive, or numb skin were all symptoms that came and went.
She was evaluated by a number of specialists and underwent an MRI scan, CT scan, as well as psychiatric evaluations. Newman, who is 57 years old, says that doctors dismissed Newman’s symptoms as depression or anxiety.
At a reunion of her college class, she told a friend about the strange symptoms and he recognized them as possible Lyme Disease.
She called her doctor to ask for a Lyme test. He told her “I don’t think you are Lyme.” Newman stated that the disease is not common in this area. I said, ‘I care not what you think.’ “I want you to put me through my paces.
It took 5 years for the results to be positive. Her symptoms began to subside within days after receiving antibiotics. After nearly a full year, she felt like her normal energetic self.
She said, “I knew that I wasn’t insane.” It’s annoying to hear people say that you’re depressed.
Newman did not find a tick, but she noticed an area on her leg which looked like it was a bit of a spider’s bite.
Newman’s Lyme infection in North Carolina was a surprise because the disease had been thought to be mostly confined to the Northeast. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a new study on Thursday that shows how bugs are spreading in places further south.
The CDC’s study was written by Dr. Ross Boyce of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, a tick-borne disease researcher and expert.
He said that the new research is “the slam-dunk” and proves that Lyme should be considered as a serious threat in areas further south than was previously believed.
Boyce and colleagues concentrated their research in Biltmore Forest. This small mountain village is nestled on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers a scenic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They collected 373 ticks from 22 lawns of homes between November 2024 and August 2025.
Majority, or 76.9% of ticks, are blacklegged deer ticks. They are known to be carriers of a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme Disease in humans.
The bacteria was found in 39.6% of adult blacklegged ticks. Boyce explained that this is the kind of number you would see in states like Pennsylvania, New York and New England where Lyme disease is prevalent.
Researchers found that ticks in North Carolina were carrying other bacteria-causing diseases for the very first time.
Anaplasma, which causes a hard tick-relapsing disease, was found in four ticks. Borrelia, another bacterium, is also present in four ticks. Borrelia has been primarily detected around the Northeast and Midwest. The two types of bacteria can both cause influenza-like symptoms to humans.
Mark Soloski is the senior advisor of Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Lyme Disease Research Center. He said that the discoveries are significant, especially the discovery of a new bacterium in North Carolina. Mark Soloski, senior adviser of the Lyme Disease Research Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said that this discovery is “significant”. Soloski wasn’t involved in the new research.
Biltmore Forest has fewer than 1,500 inhabitants. Biltmore Forest’s town manager Jonathan Kanipe says he has heard anecdotal stories of Lyme Disease for many years.
There were many ticks.
Kanipe stated that public works workers have been pulling ticks from them in a steady manner. Kanipe recalled finding ticks while walking in a parking area to determine where a trail was planned. It was a shock to me because I hadn’t been walking through the forest. He said, “I was only walking next to the grass.”
Newman and Kanipe organized a group of community members to spread awareness about the threat ticks pose. Boyce, a UNC professor, was able to notice the efforts and the results were published on Thursday. Kanipe is a citizen author and Newman is credited as collaborating.
Since the middle of the 1990s, Lyme disease has become the leading tick-borne disease in the United States. The majority of infections are concentrated in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and other areas where blacklegged (or deer) ticks can be found. Nearly half a million Americans are estimated to be diagnosed with Lyme disease every year.
Deer, mice, and other rodents move as the winters warm up. These animals carry the ticks which feed on them. This increases tick-borne disease and infection across the country.
In an email, Lars Eisen, a researcher epidemiologist with the CDC Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Fort Collins, Colorado wrote that a growing number of communities were at risk, “as ticks spread geographically.” It’s vital that people are aware of the increasing risks associated with Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses. The Fort Collins laboratory provided the testing.
Borrelia mayonii, a tick-borne Lyme bacteria previously detected only in Minnesota and Wisconsin but now found in New York.
The East and Midwest tend to have a higher concentration of Alpha-gal Syndrome, which is triggered by ticks. It can cause an allergic reaction to meat, but it’s becoming more common in Great Lakes states and in western areas. Powassan, a tick-borne, rare, but deadly disease, which can lead to brain inflammation, has reached record numbers in 2024.
Tests and Awareness are Critical
Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses can be treated with antibiotics, but only if they are accurately diagnosed. Antibiotics can treat Lyme disease and other tickborne diseases, but they must be diagnosed accurately.
According to the author of a recent editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association, many doctors use antibody tests, which can produce results up to six week after the test. This delays diagnosis and may even miss early infections.
The author writes that “Current test are reliable after patients have had long-term symptoms like Lyme arthritis. This late-stage condition is characterized by severe swelling of large joints and sudden swelling.” Improved tests would not only allow clinicians to identify Lyme Disease earlier, but could also help better classify patients in clinical trials and for biomarker studies.
Soloski, of Johns Hopkins, said that until such research was conducted, doctors in emergency rooms and primary care may wish to examine patients who have symptoms they cannot explain, including those in areas where ticks are not common.
He said that “the niches in which these ticks are able to thrive” is only growing.

It could be that what you eat is the answer to your everyday pains. What does “anti-inflammatory” mean? And can this diet make any difference at all? Experts told us which foods reduce inflammation. Eating the simple foods listed on this grocery list has many long-term benefits for your health, such as less pain, illness and fatigue, plus more energy. These ingredients are easy to obtain and delicious.
Inflammation in the body: What causes it?
Different types of inflammation exist. It can sometimes appear as swelling, a natural response to an injury. It can also spread below the surface. When chemical signals in your cells remain active for longer than expected, they can cause symptoms and illness. Over time, this body-wide swelling can cause the greatest harm.
Theresa DeLorenzo RD is a professor of nutrition at Russell Sage College. She confirms that inflammation can lead to chronic diseases, pain and injury. She offers some hope to this hidden health problem: “There is food you can eat that will reduce inflammation, and therefore reduce the risk.”
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Reduce inflammation with these 7 foods
Many experts suggest cutting down on food that can cause chronic inflammation. These include foods like gluten-containing grains, seed oils highly processed, sugars or sweeteners such as refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. They also recommend avoiding alcohol and dairy. Make the following healthy foods a part of your diet instead:
Salmon fish
Experts ranked fatty fish as the top anti-inflammatory foods. Salmon is high in omega-3 long-chain fatty acids that are important in regulating inflammatory processes, says Johannah Katz a dietitian who specializes in prevention. These healthy fats are like a natural medicine that can help ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adults who consumed salmon at least three times a week saw significant decreases in the inflammation markers in their bloodwork.
Katz suggests eating salmon in the range of 4 to 5 ounces per week (or about the same size as a deck or cards). Try other oily species like mackerel and trout, or sardines.
Blueberries
Love berries? The vibrant color of berries is an indication that powerful anti-inflammatory substances are at work, healing cellular damage. Katz explains that blueberries contain anthocyanins – the polyphenol pigments in a deep purple hue whose effects on inflammation and oxidative damage have been extensively studied. According to a study by Food & Function, adults with metabolic syndrome supplemented blueberries showed a decrease in the expression of inflammatory gene expression compared with those who did not. They were producing less inflammation in their cells.
Katz recommends eating about 1 cup fresh or frozen of blueberries every day and including blueberries in a diet rich in polyphenols. Green tea, dark cocoa and cloves are also good sources of anthocyanins.
Olive oil
It may surprise you to know that your olive oil has natural pain relief powers. Extra-virgin oil is high in oleocanthal. This natural compound has anti-inflammatory properties that are similar to those of ibuprofen.
Scientists publishing in Nutrients reviewed 30 studies that involved 3,000 participants and found that those who consume olive oil have significantly lower levels of inflammation than their peers who do not.
Katz suggests using olive oil extra virgin daily “ideally as a replacement for butter or other saturated fat-rich foods.” Aim: one to two tablespoons.
Leafy Greens or Cruciferous Vegetables
You mom is right to eat your vegetables. Menning says dark leafy greens like spinach and kale contain antioxidants and vitamins C, K and A that can help to reduce inflammation. Menning adds that broccoli contains a substance called sulforaphane which, according to some research, may help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.
This is proof. A Spanish study found that smokers who ate broccoli daily for 10 consecutive days saw a drop of 45 percent in an important inflammatory marker. Katz suggests eating one cup of broccoli every day.
Beans
More and more research is proving that inflammation in your entire body can be directly impacted by the gut bacteria. Fiber-rich foods such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas help to support the gut microbiome. This reduces inflammation in the body.
Katz continues, “Legumes are also a good source of plant protein and magnesium. They contain a variety phytochemicals.” In one study, obese adults who consumed four portions of legumes cooked per week showed a greater decrease in inflammation markers than people without legumes.
What is the recommended daily intake? Katz recommends eating up to one cup of lentils, chickpeas or beans cooked at least four days per week.
Fermented Foods
You may remember that we talked about the importance of gut microbiome. Stanford researchers published a study in Cell that showed the gut microbiome of adults who consumed fermented foods over a period of 10 weeks changed in a positive way, resulting in a reduction in inflammation markers. Sarah Otto is the co-founder and nutritionist of Goodness Lover, a gut health company. She says that the results surprised the researchers. Fermented foods have unique anti-inflammatory properties that fiber cannot provide.
Otto suggests starting out with just one daily serving of foods fermented to reduce inflammation, such as kefir or yogurt or kimchi, and gradually increasing it up to 2 or 3 portions.
Healthy spices
Spices are a great way to add health benefits to anti-inflammatory foods. They can be easily added to meals. Bethany Tennant is a certified nutritionist and naturopathic doctor who is part of the diploma program in sports nutrition offered by this year’s International Olympic Committee. She reminds us that culinary herbs can also be medicinal. In this regard, she highlights turmeric, cinnamon and ginger. The curcumin in turmeric, and gingerols found in ginger are said to “directly impact inflammatory pathways” by the author.
Tennant suggests using anti-inflammatory spice in your meals regularly, at least once a week. Daily would be the best.
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What foods reduce inflammation and how to get the most out of them
Anna Cabeca DO, triple-board certified doctor specializing women’s healthcare, says that the secret to success is not perfection, but consistency. Eat these whole foods, not juiced. Pair them with other healthy food. This combination of healthy fats, protein and vegetables rich in nutrients is the key to real results.
Are you looking for an easy way to combine all of these food items? Adopting a Mediterranean diet is a great way to get all these anti-inflammatory foods.
When can I expect to see results?
It varies depending on the person. Katz explains that there is no universal time frame because the inflammatory markers can be affected by bodyweight, smoking, exercise, sleep and underlying diseases. Human dietary interventions can detect changes in biomarkers of inflammation in just 10 days, and in approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
Continue reading to learn more…
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The content of this website is not intended to replace professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment.

Nature’s most deadly predator isn’t a lion, a tiger or a bear.
The CDC has dubbed it “the world’s most deadly animal” because of the 700,000 deaths that occur each year.
It’s not necessary to go into the wilderness to locate it. You’ll probably find it right outside your door.
Mosquitoes, despite their small size and only a two- or three-week lifespan as adults, can cause a lot of harm in that brief time period.
One bite from these flying pests is enough to transmit serious diseases. A few infected skeeters are all it takes to start an epidemic in your community.
Malaria is the deadliest mosquito-borne disease. It causes more than 600,000.000 deaths per year in sub-Saharan Africa, with children being most affected.
Since the US eliminated malaria in early 1950s, the disease is largely a foreign-borne illness that Americans bring home. In a normal year, the country reports about 2,000 malaria cases. Most of these are linked to travel abroad.
But in 2023, malaria made an unwelcome comeback. In Florida, Texas and Maryland, ten locally acquired cases of malaria were reported in 2023.
The mosquito is also the main cause of dengue, which can lead to high fevers, joint pains, and headaches. It can cause organ damage, dangerous bleeding and even death in severe cases.
Dengue is estimated to affect 400 million people worldwide each year. About 100 millions develop symptoms, and 21,000 of them die.
The problem in the US is only getting worse. According to a CDC report released earlier this year, the number of cases expected in the US by 2024 is 359% more than what was reported annually from 2010-2023.
In the US, other mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise. West Nile virus cases in this country have reached a record high of 22 years.
Usually, by the end of the month of June the CDC has received about 10 human West Nile reports. In the first half of this year, at least 48 cases have been reported.
Nearly forty of these cases were neuroinvasive infections, the most severe form of disease. West Nile can be asymptomatic, or cause flu-like symptoms. However, in rare cases it may progress into a life-threatening condition.
West Nile virus has no known global toll, but it claims the lives of more than 130 Americans every year.
Mosquito-borne diseases that do not currently circulate in the US still kill thousands each year around the globe.
Yellow fever. Yellow fever is a viral infection that can be found in Africa and South America. Travelers who are going to these high-risk regions should get the vaccine before leaving.
Yellow fever is usually a mild disease with few symptoms. In severe cases the illness can lead to high fevers, bleeding, and organ failure. According to the World Health Organization, it is responsible for up to 82,000 annual deaths.
The Japanese encephalitis, which is primarily found overseas, is also spread by mosquitoes. The virus is the most common cause of viral brain inflammation, which can be life-threatening. It affects much of Asia.
Japanese encephalitis can be fatal. Up to half of survivors can have permanent cognitive, neurological or behavioral issues.
As with yellow fever vaccines that are safe and effective can help to prevent this disease.
While mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on earth, they’re not all disease carriers.
More than 3700 species of mosquitoes are found around the world, but only a fraction can transmit diseases that are dangerous to humans. The majority of mosquitoes are annoying pests or feed on animals, leaving itchy red bumps after bites.

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Review by Dietitian Jane Leverich M.S. RDN
Important Points
It is important to eat the same foods over and over again.
For better heart health, cardiologists advise avoiding sugary drinks and processed meats.
Regular physical activity and a sodium-reduced diet can also support cardiovascular health.
The diet plays a major role in maintaining heart health. No single food can make or break it. Research suggests, however, that a more healthy eating pattern, rich in fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, dairy and fish, is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. What matters most for your heart is not what you eat occasionally, but what you consume repeatedly over time.
Heart-healthy foods include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They also contain a lot of nutrients. However, they are low in sodium, sugar and saturated fat. Cardiologists have shared four foods that they avoid or limit in order to promote heart health.
1. Processing Meats
According to research, consuming a diet high in processed foods is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. Randy Gould M.D. recommends that processed meats such as cold cuts, hot dogs, and bacon be avoided. Gould says that the potential health effects of processed food may be linked to sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives. He explains that sodium increases blood pressure, and can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Preservatives such as nitrates can also cause arterial stiffness, and can damage blood vessels.
The nitrates used to preserve meat can increase blood pressure and cause arterial stiffness, causing blood vessels to become damaged. Saturated fats in processed meat may also raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and cause plaque to build up on arteries. Heart disease is associated with high LDL cholesterol.
2. Sweet Beverages
Gould says that even one 8-ounce glass of sugary drinks, such as sweetened teas, energy drinks, coffee drinks with flavors, or soda, can increase the risk of developing heart disease. “Sugary beverages have a lot of sugar added, and this leads to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain,” he explains. He adds that “each of these conditions puts additional stress on the hearts”. Sugar-sweetened drinks also raise triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and increase blood pressure. This can lead to heart disease and atherosclerosis.
3. Carbohydrates refined
Baked goods, pastas, rice, and bread are all refined carbohydrates. Refined grains are stripped of their bran and germ, which can reduce the amount of fiber and nutrients in whole grains.
Refined carbohydrates are broken down more quickly by the body, which leads to higher fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Gould says that frequent glucose spikes can cause insulin resistance as well as arterial damage. Gould says that high consumption of refined carbs can also lead to an increase in triglycerides (bad cholesterol) and LDL levels. Researchers have found that switching from refined carbs to whole grains can improve several risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
4. The Ultra-processed Foods
Christina Michael, MD, says that ultra-processed food is often high in sugar, sodium, calories and refined carbs. They are also low in fiber, and have other nutrients. She adds that “as a consequence, these foods tend to encourage overeating” and they are linked with an increased risk of heart disease.
According to research, consuming more ultra-processed food is linked with an increase in cardiovascular disease. Not all ultra-processed foods may have the same effect on heart health. The fact that ultra-processed food is defined differently and foods which fall under this category are part of the problem. For example, some packaged cereals, dairy products and breads can still be considered to have been ultra-processed, while providing valuable nutrients. It’s therefore important to consider the overall nutritional profile of a product, rather than just its processing.
Heart Health: Other Ways to Improve Your Heart Health
Cardiologists suggest that you add these habits to your heart healthy diet in order to support cardiovascular health.
Regular exercise is important. Gould suggests that you aim to do 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, which can include brisk walking or cycling. He adds that these activities help to improve cardiovascular health and strengthen the heart.
Incorporate omega-3-rich foods. Gould says that fatty fish rich in omega-3 acids, such as salmon, sardines and anchovies can help reduce cholesterol levels, and also slow the buildup of plaque in arteries. To support your heart, aim for at least two servings of 3-ounce fatty fish per week. ,
Limit sodium. Gould explains that excessive sodium intake can cause elevated blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that adults should limit their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams a day.
Keep a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the eight essential components for heart health according to The American Heart Association. Weight management supports blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood glucose.
The Experts’ Take
To support heart health, you should take stock of what your current diet is and see what adjustments can be made. Foods like ultra-processed food, processed meats and sugary drinks, as well as refined carbohydrates, are to be avoided. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, include beans, nuts, seeds, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as legumes, beans, and whole grain products. Exercise, sodium control and maintaining a healthy body weight are all ways to support heart health.