Living With Lyme Disease: What Every Hunter Needs to Know About Tick-Borne Illness

Learn how to recognize tick-borne illness symptoms, reduce your risk in the field, and advocate for your health if something feels wrong.Host Adrian Jessen sits down with hunter and outdoorswoman Laura Adele to share her life-changing experience with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the long-term impacts of tick-borne illness. What began as a turkey hunt in 2012 became a years-long medical journey involving misdiagnoses, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatment.Laura shares the symptoms she wishes she had recognized sooner, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and the prevention practices she never skips today. This conversation is a powerful reminder that every hunter, angler, and outdoor enthusiast should take tick exposure seriously.In this episode, you’ll learn:Common symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnessesWhy many people never remember the tick bite itselfWhat to do if you find a tick attached to your bodyHow Lyme disease can be misdiagnosed for yearsTick prevention strategies for hunters and outdoor enthusiastsThe reality of living with chronic Lyme diseaseHow Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal concerns affect outdoor recreationFollow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.