21. Sarah and Tim Tchida talk tick safety in treeplanting

What can employers do to protect staff who work in the outdoors? In today’s podcast, Sarah explores some answers to that question with Tim Tchida, Owner and CEO of Summit Reforestation in Smithers BC. When Tim first heard about Lyme disease, he never imagined getting the disease himself. Tim recalls first learning he had Lyme disease after receiving a positive Canadian Lyme test (western blot) following mild symptoms of the disease. As time went on, he realized how fortunate he was to receive a diagnosis in light of so many others who have found it very challenging to receive a Lyme diagnosis in Canada. Tim acknowledges those who may go for years or even decades, seeing multiple physicians simply to receive a correct diagnosis. He believes that international labs such as Armin lab in Germany, are able to provide more accurate and appropriate testing. Unfortunately, Tim soon came to realize that many physicians did not acknowledge how serious Lyme disease and co-infections can be. As a consequence, he was unable to receive adequate treatment in Canada, and sought treatment in both the United States and Germany, which to date has cost him over $300,000.00. Although grateful to have the resources to seek treatment outside of the public health system, he points out that many people are unable to do so. Read the rest of the show notes