I HOPE EVERYONE had a memorable and safe winter and is now looking forward with eager anticipation to the beautiful spring season ahead. As the warmer weather arrives, we are reminded of one of the global issues that continues to affect us all, and that is the effect of rising temperatures around the planet. At CAA, we have an initiative known as A Million Little Things that is rooted in the unwavering belief that each and every one of us has the ability to do a little something that contributes to the collective effort of climate resiliency and adaptation. When combined together, all of these little things add up to something even more meaningful to help our environment and each other. The efforts from this perpetual initiative may, perhaps, be featured in a future article in CAA Magazine.

Right now, however, I want to raise awareness for a local issue that is also influenced by our warming climate, and that is Lyme disease. As our seasons stay warmer for longer and winters are milder, insects’ rates of survival, growth and reproduction also increase. Spread mainly by the bite of the blacklegged tick, the bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, which can become debilitating and life-altering depending on how quickly antibiotic treatment is administered after the bite. Since tick bites are usually painless and often unnoticeable, some people may not know they’ve been bitten until symptoms emerge, at which point treatment may become more difficult.

In this edition of CAA Magazine, there is an article that focuses on Lyme disease recognition and prevention. I felt this spotlight was timely and necessary, as the warm weather is upon us and more people will be venturing outdoors. I hope you will find this article useful to help you and your family stay healthy while enjoying the warmer seasons in our beautiful country.

On behalf of every caring CAA Associate, we wish you a memorable and safe spring season. Thank you.

With every good wish,