Unravelling Lyme Disease with Dr. Nancy O'Hara
Episode description
In this enlightening episode of the me&my health up podcast, Dr. Nancy O'Hara shares her expertise on Lyme disease and its related conditions, including PANS and PANDAS. She discusses her journey from conventional medicine to functional medicine, emphasising the importance of understanding tick-borne diseases, their symptoms, and the critical role of prevention. Dr. O'Hara highlights the significance of supporting the immune system through diet and lifestyle changes, and she offers insights into treatment options, including herbal remedies. The conversation aims to raise awareness about these often-misdiagnosed conditions and provide listeners with practical advice for maintaining health and well-being.
Takeaways
- Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia and can lead to various symptoms.
- PANS and PANDAS are pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders linked to infections.
- Preventive measures against tick-borne diseases include proper clothing and tick checks.
- Misdiagnosis of tick-borne diseases can lead to chronic health issues.
- Herbal treatments can be effective alternatives to antibiotics for tick-borne diseases.
- Diet plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system and overall health.
- Lifestyle factors such as exercise and sleep are essential for immune health.
- Natural biohacking involves simple practices like breathing and outdoor activities.
- Awareness and education about tick-borne diseases are vital for families and practitioners.
- Support for immune health should start from pregnancy and continue through childhood.
About Dr. Nancy O'Hara:
Dr. Nancy O'Hara is a board-certified pediatrician with a distinguished focus on PANS, PANDAS, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. As a leading trainer and mentor, she educates clinicians globally on the recognition and treatment of these complex conditions. Dr. O'Hara graduated with highest honours from Bryn Mawr College and is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honour Society at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where she also earned her Master’s degree in Public Health.
Before her medical career, she taught children with autism and practiced as a general pediatrician from 1993 to 1998. In 1999, she established a consultative, integrative practice dedicated to children with special needs, focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, PANS/PANDAS, BGE, OCD, Lyme disease, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Connect with Dr. Nancy O'Hara:
Website: www.drohara.com
Instagram: @nhoharamd
Facebook: Dr. Nancy O'Hara
LinkedIn: Dr. Nancy O'Hara
Podcast: "Demystifying PANS/PANDAS"
Feel free to reach out and connect with Dr. O'Hara to learn more about her work and the important issues surrounding children's health!
About me&my health up & Anthony Hartcher
me&my health up seeks to enhance and enlighten the well-being of others. Host Anthony Hartcher is the CEO of me&my wellness which provides holistic health solutions using food as medicine, combined with a holistic, balanced, lifestyle approach. Anthony holds three bachelor's degrees in Complementary Medicine; Nutrition and Dietetic Medicine; and Chemical Engineering.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lyme Disease and Dr. Nancy O'Hara's Journey
03:08 Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis
06:00 Prevention and Awareness of Tick-Borne Diseases
09:08 The Impact of Misdiagnosis and Chronic Symptoms
12:00 Treatment Approaches: Herbal vs. Antibiotic
15:01 PANS and PANDAS: Understanding Pediatric Neuropsychiatric Disorders
17:50 Supporting Immune Health: Lifestyle and Dietary Factors
20:53 Natural Biohacking: Simple Practices for Health
24:01 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning