What to know about tick, Lyme season

By Patrick Whittle Associated Press

Introducing our new Digestive Health Center in North Haven.

PORTLAND, Maine

After a mild winter in the U.S., will there be an uptick in ticks this year?

Researchers say it is hard to predict how the tick season will play out. This year’s mild winter and early snow melt, though, could mean more ticks earlier than usual and a wider spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, scientists said.

In Connecticut, ticks are showing up in greater numbers this year, according to Goudarz Molaei, a tick expert for the state. So far, more than 700 ticks have been sent in for a testing program that normally would have gotten 200 to 300 by now.

The state typically sees a lot of Lyme disease, which got its name from a Connecticut town.

See Ticks, A10

From weight-loss to irritable bowel syndrome, our expert, multidisciplinary team provides personalized treatment to fit your specific needs while offering long-term support to help you maintain positive results. Plus, our Yale Medicine specialists offer unique access to clinical trials and the latest scientific research. So if you have any digestive health needs, the solution is easy, convenient, and nearby.

Key Services: Medical and Surgical Weight-Loss, Gastroenterology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Nutrition

New patients are welcome: Call to make an appointment: 877-YALE-MDS (925-3637)

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If you or someone you love is coping with a cancer diagnosis, keep in mind that there are strategies and resources available to help contain the financial challenges during an already stressful period. Keep these tips in mind and be sure to seek help where it’s available.

Assess your financial situation

While your physical health is and should remain your top priority following a cancer diagnosis, your financial health is important, too. Take the time to consider how your household income and expenses may be impacted – and steps you can take to mitigate a potential financial toll.

For example, if you anticipate you may need to take time off of work to seek treatment for the disease, talk to your company’s HR department about what benefits may be available to you and if your absence qualifies for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) coverage. Also seek to understand your health care plan to ensure you maximize the coverage avail- able when paying bills related to your care. Depending on your situation, consider using your emergency fund (e.g., bank savings account or money market fund) to meet your expenses versus going into debt if you can avoid it.

Seek alternative resources

If you don’t have health insurance coverage – or your policy won’t sufficiently cover the care you’ll need, it’s worth exploring the kind of support you may be eligible to receive. Because bills and debt can add up quickly there are alternative financial resources available to many cancer patients. National organizations like the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) can help connect patients to financial resources. In some cases, you may be able to find resources closer to home. For example, the Angel Foundation’s Virtual Financial Workshops in Minnesota connects cancer patients with a social worker and a Pro Bono Certified Financial Planner through workshops and one-on-one meetings designed to decrease anxiety about managing finances.

Get organized; write it down

You will likely talk to your insurance company and other financial institutions often. Make sure you have a written record that includes key details of your conversations, including the time, date and what you talked about it. This is a crucial way to keep track of your medical expenses, and a handy cross reference when your medical bill arrives.

With cancer or any other disease that requires medical intervention you will likely be inundated with documents, bills, insurance letters, doctor letters, and invoices, among other items. It is important to keep this paperwork organized.

Some patients are prompted by their diagnosis to get their estates in order, too. Particularly if you have dependents, now may be the time to meet with your es- tate attorney and ensure your will, trusts and other documents are up-to-date and in keeping with your wishes. It may feel overwhelming at first (especially with everything else on your mind), but a qualified and compassionate lawyer can help you break it into manageable tasks. Knowing your financial plan is in order gives you peace of mind to focus on your treatment and healing.

Seek support groups

A cancer support system –which can be found online, through in-person groups or with friends and family –provides individuals with cancer and their families with information, support and hope. They can provide a sense of community, which can be beneficial during a difficult time. Additionally, support systems can offer individuals access to information about cancer and treatment options.