A Research Study On Lyme Disease - 3615 Words

Lyme Disease 1. My name is Thomas Porter and I am a rising senior at Hilliard Davidson High School. In the near future, I hope to attend Ohio State University, Johns Hopkins University, or University of Pennsylvania and study neuroscience or biomedical engineering. Currently, I am trying to build my background in biomedical sciences and meet people with similar interests as me through the Mechanisms of Human Health and Disease class. I hope to someday become a physician-scientist researching neuroplasticity. I chose to study Lyme disease because it is a disease that is on the rise in the United States, despite being somewhat easily preventable. In addition, the disease is very expensive, costing the United States an estimated 1.3 billion†¦show more content†¦This paper will discuss the causes and symptoms of Lyme disease, as well as the molecular pathway of its progression through three phases: the early localized stage, the early disseminated stage, and the late disseminated stage. 3. In order to teach young kids about Lyme disease, I would use many visuals (such as pictures and diagrams) and relatable comparisons. For the disease background, I would start with a map of the United States and circle the most common areas for Lyme disease occurrence, as well as Lyme, Connecticut, where the disease was first discovered. I would then draw out a group of people who appear to be in pain, with swollen joints and large rashes. These people would be examined by a doctor named Willy Burgdorfer, who discovers a specific bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, that is causing their suffering (bayarealyme.org). To conclude the background discussion, I would show the students maps that indicate the prevalence of Lyme disease, and how they have changed from the 1980s to the present to reflect an increase in cases. In order to show how the disease is contracted, I would reference a map of the United States and review the most common areas for Lyme disease occurrence. I would proceed to discuss various outdoor activities, which would allow the students to understand that Lyme disease can be picked up during virtually any activity at the most