Episode 432: Tick-Borne Conditions United - an interview with Doctor Jennifer Platt
🎙 About This Episode Join Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Nicoleta Forbes as they interviews Dr. Jennifer Platt, an influential advocate in the fight against tick-borne diseases and the founder of Tick-Borne Conditions United and Tick Warriors. Dr. Platt shares her personal journey with ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and multiple chronic conditions, offering insight into how these diseases impact lives and the broader healthcare landscape in the southern United States. Her mission is not only to raise awareness but also to educate people on prevention and eco-friendly protection options.
In this episode, Dr. Platt opens up about her diagnosis, treatments, and the many challenges she faced on her path to healing. She also shares essential information about the differences in tick-borne diseases prevalent in the southern U.S., where the Lone Star tick has become a major public health issue, spreading diseases such as Alpha-Gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, and rickettsiosis. Dr. Platt’s background in environmental health and public policy makes her a powerful advocate for tick disease awareness, prevention, and community resilience.
🦠 Key Topics:
- Dr. Jennifer Platt's personal battle with ehrlichiosis and chronic illness
- Her diagnosis journey and the challenges of dealing with multiple conditions, including Lyme, Babesia, Alpha-Gal syndrome, and autoimmune diseases
- The importance of addressing diseases caused by the Lone Star tick in the southern United States
- Why prevention is the best weapon against tick-borne diseases and her eco-friendly approach with Tick Warriors
- The role of public health leadership in fighting the spread of tick-borne illnesses
- The importance of being persistent, creative, and patient in chronic illness management
Guest Bio: Dr. Jennifer Platt holds a doctorate in public health leadership from UNC Chapel Hill and has dedicated her career to addressing public health issues, with a focus on tick-borne diseases. After being diagnosed with ehrlichiosis in 2011, she founded Tick-Borne Conditions United, a nonprofit focused on spreading awareness about tick-borne illnesses and the impact they have on communities. In addition, she created Tick Warriors, an eco-friendly solution for tick prevention. Dr. Platt is a leading advocate in the fight for safer, healthier environments for those affected by tick-borne diseases.
🔑 Quotes:
- “Every person has a unique healing journey. Giving yourself grace, being patient, creative, and persistent will help you get through – there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
- “We’re not just dealing with Lyme disease in the south; we have to address the growing prevalence of Alpha-Gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, and spotted fevers.”
🔍 Resources:
💡 Call to Action: If you or someone you know is battling a tick-borne illness, this episode is a must-listen! Learn more about how you can protect your family and community, and gain valuable insight from Dr. Platt’s advocacy work. Be sure to subscribe to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast for more inspiring stories and expert interviews.