EPISODE SUMMARY:

Welcome back to the Wellfuel Podcast with your host, Isabel Smith!

As warmer weather returns and we start spending more time outdoors, so does a less welcome part of the season: tick season. In this episode, Isabel opens up about her own experiences with ticks and Lyme disease, and shares practical, no-fuss strategies to help you stay safe while still enjoying the great outdoors.

From what to wear on a hike to how to do a thorough tick check (yes, even on your pets!), this episode is full of approachable, real-world advice for navigating nature with confidence. You’ll also hear about some of Isabel’s favorite tools and products that make tick prevention easier and more effective.

Tune in for a down-to-earth conversation about tick prevention—and don’t forget to follow the WellFuel Podcast for more expert health insights!

Share this episode with a friend who might find it helpful.

BONUS: Sign up for Isabel's Free Tick(less) Checklist here!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Where ticks are most commonly found—and how to avoid them
• The real dangers of nymph ticks (and why they’re easy to miss)
• How to dress for tick prevention
• Tips for tick checks—for yourself, your kids, and your pets
• Tools and products Isabel swears by, including Tick Mitts, lint rollers, pet sprays, and more
• How to protect your home and yard without overusing harsh chemicals
• What to do if you find a tick—and what to watch for afterward

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Welcome to the WellFuel Podcast

00:16 – Isabel’s Personal Experience with Ticks and Lyme Disease

01:36 – The Rise in Tick-Borne Illnesses: What You Need to Know

03:36 – Staying Outdoorsy and Protected

05:45 – Pet Parents, This One’s for You

07:14 – Isabel’s Go-To Tick Prevention Strategies

09:30 – What to Do if You Get Bitten

11:09 – Tick-Proofing Your Yard the Smart Way

13:40 – Recap: Essentials to Keep On Hand This Summer

16:14 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

HELPFUL DEFINITIONS:

Babesia: A microscopic parasite that infects red blood cells and is transmitted by tick bites.

Bartonella: Bacteria that can infect humans and animals, spread through fleas, lice, and ticks.

Lyme Relapsing Fever: A recurring illness caused by tick-borne spirochetes, related to Lyme disease.

Anaplasmosis: A bacterial disease spread by tick bites, affecting white blood cells.

Toxoplasmosis: A parasite that can infect humans and animals, lasting a long time in the body.

Alpha-gal Syndrome: A tick-borne allergy to red meat caused by the Lone Star tick bite.

Nymph Tick: A juvenile tick stage, about the size of a poppy seed, and often responsible for transmitting Lyme disease.

Doxycycline: An antibiotic used to treat tick-borne bacterial infections like Lyme.

Permethrin-Treated Clothing: Insecticide-treated gear and clothing that repels ticks and other insects.

LEARN MORE:

The WellFuel Podcast explores gut health, detox, hormones, mold, and more—hosted by Isabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN. Join Isabel as she shares her insights and chats with experts from across the wellness spectrum, to help support you on the path to health and wellness.

Learn more about Isabel Smith Nutrition: Visit Our Website

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RESOURCES AND REFERENCES:

Healthline

LymeDisease.org

MerckManuals.com

Center for Disease Control 

Mayo Clinic 

Tick Mitt:  https://tickmitt.com/

Tick Box: Check your local area for a supplier near you.

Where to Send a Tick for Testing: The Tick Mitt website has a Resources section that provides links to several websites. Visit their Resources page here: https://tickmitt.com/pages/tick-resources and look for Tick Testing Labs

The WellFuel Podcast, Episode #79: All Things Lyme Disease with Mary-Beth Charno, RN, APRN-C | Click here to listen