"We're in the midst of a terrifying epidemic, although you wouldn't know it to talk to most doctors and health specialists."
That's what I wrote in my opinion piece, that is posted on AOL News today.
I continued, "The disease is growing at a rate faster than AIDS. From 2006 to 2008 alone, the number of cases jumped a whopping 77 percent. In 2008 alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed 28,921 "confirmed" and 6,277 "probable" cases of the disease, but there could be as many as 420,000 because of underreporting."
"Prominent victims include Parker Posey, Richard Gere, President George W. Bush, Alice Walker and Christie Brinkley," my op ed piece on AOL News points out.
"But that's not the case with Lyme disease -- a disease carried by ticks.
"Instead, ill-informed doctors are often flummoxed when patients complain of fatigue, headaches, fever or chills, muscle or joint pain, mental confusion, swollen lymph nodes and neurological symptoms. It's an appalling display of indifference."
Anyhow, at last, two years after my own terrifying health experiences, my op ed piece is running on AOL News today.
Learn more about this terrifying epidemic on Wednesday, June 2 at 2 pm EST on my Gab with the Gurus Radio Show when I interview several Lyme disease experts.
And please share your or your friends' experiences and insights here and on AOL about your or their terrifying, often-misunderstood disease.
Many thanks to my smart health friend JJ Virgin, to whom I'm greatly indebted for helping me to quickly find out why I was so sick two years ago.
In addition, my gratitude goes to the following for their support and invaluable help:
- Knowledgeable Lyme disease expert Kris Newby, senior producer and researcher for the eye-opening documentary, "Under Our Skin."
- Talented editor/writer Abby Ellin
- Katie Orenstein and Danielle Grace Warren of the fabulous Op Ed Project (which you can learn more about soon on an upcoming radio show)
- Talented editors/writers Susan Shapiro and Gerry Jonas
- The astute, insightful, personable John Merline of AOL News
Please read my important op ed now on AOL News now.
And please join us Wednesday, June 2 for my Gab with the Gurus Radio Show about Lyme disease.























Sugar Shock Blog Appreciates Your Tips or Donations
My goal is to help you achieve a life of glee, passion and sweetness -- preferably one where you're less reliant or break free of your addiction to sugary foods and drinks, as well as unhealthy activities.
As a trained journalist and author, I've enjoyed this blogging adventure, but, frankly, this Sugar Shock Blog is a very timely commitment, and I've never received a dime for bringing you lots of (what I hope) is quality content. (I've also been naughty quite a bit, because often I've worked on this blog instead of seeking writing for pay.)
Therefore, for the first time in five years, I invite you to make a contribution so that I can continue to inspire, encourage and nurture you. In the past, I've debated whether or not I should even do this, and blogger Darren Rowse's comments give me pause, but I figured what the heck -- why not give it a try.
If you've enjoyed this Sugar Shock Blog and would like to thank me for the great content, I'd be very grateful for your contributions. Just check out the tip box to your right. Thank you very much in advance for making a donation, which will help me continue to posting on this blog.
I'll appreciate every dollar you send my way. And who knows, perhaps some kindly, generous Angel will emerge, who will toss $100,000 my way? A girl can hope, right?
Warmly,
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