Lindsay Knake

• Lyme disease cases in Michigan have surged 168% since 2020, with 1,215 recorded cases in 2024.
• Blacklegged ticks, which carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, are found in all 83 Michigan counties.
• To prevent tick bites, individuals can take precautions such as wearing permethrin-treated clothing, using EPA-approved insect repellents and performing regular tick checks.

• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can occur when the body loses too much water and sodium during intense physical activity in the heat.
• If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition characterized by an inability to sweat, fainting and seizures.
• To prevent heat illnesses, individuals should drink plenty of water, take regular breaks and avoid intense outdoor work or exercise during the hottest part of the day.

• High-functioning depression is a colloquial term referring to depression in which individuals manage daily life and responsibilities despite feeling underlying fatigue, loss of interest or irritability.
• Signs of high-functioning depression can include masking emotions and hidden dysfunction, such as taking more energy to complete tasks or sleeping in late on weekends.
• Depression is treatable with counseling, lifestyle changes and medication.

• Heart disease deaths have decreased by 66% in the past 50 years, with heart attack deaths dropping by 89%, according to a new American Heart Association study.
• Despite this decline, deaths from chronic heart conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertensive heart disease have increased significantly since 1970, with arrhythmias rising by 450%.
• To reduce the risk of heart disease, eat a nutritious diet, get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight and get annual physicals.

• Choosing the right care location can significantly reduce health care expenses as an emergency room visit is five times more expensive than a visit to a primary care provider.
• Staying in-network with providers and using generic drugs can help lower medical costs.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet exercise and preventive care can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions and lower health care expenses in the long run.

• Small amounts of heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium can be found in foods such as rice, fruit juice and seafood, posing health risks, especially to children.
• The FDA advises eating a varied diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat to limit exposure to heavy metals.
• Heavy metal detoxes are not backed by research, and individuals concerned about exposure should talk to their primary care provider.

Medically Reviewed by: Shanthi Appelö

• A new study found mental health among American mothers has declined during the past several years.
• Declining mental health is linked to physical health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
• Blue Cross is working to improve access to mental health care through crisis services, virtual visits and embedded behavioral health professionals in primary care offices.

• On average, women in the United States live about five years longer than men.
• Men are more likely to die from certain health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, and are less likely to seek preventive care.
• To improve their health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions, men can take steps such as seeking preventive care, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and building relationships.

• The Thumb Area Community Health Partnership has received a grant to improve website accessibility for people with disabilities.
• The grant provide workshops to help health agencies make their websites more accessible.
• The project aims to empower individuals with disabilities by providing equal access to critical health information and services, improving overall health outcomes in the Thumb.

Medically Reviewed by: Jennifer Wulff, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Michael Kobernick, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Gregory Scherle, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Kristyn Gregory, D.O.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Michael Kobernick, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Kristyn Gregory, D.O.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Kristyn Gregory, D.O.

Medically Reviewed by: Jessica Huhn, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Shanthi Appelö

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. William Beecroft, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: James Grant, M.D.