Pittsfield church to host both May talks

PITTSFIELD — The Mid-Maine Community Forum will focus on Lyme disease, a chronic and debilitating tick-borne illness concentrated in the northeast and upper midwest. The forums will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 14 and 21, at the First Universalist Church on Main and Easy streets, according to a news release from the community forum. Dr. Beatrice Szantyr, Lyme disease expert and medical advisor for MaineLyme, and Constance “Happy” Dickey, president and founding director of MaineLyme can enhance awareness of a serious threat to the residents’ wellbeing and suggest methods of prevention.

On May 14, Szantyr, who began her extensive study of tick-borne disorders more than 15 years ago, will present her “Tick Talk.” The informative look at ticks, the bacteria which cause Lyme disease, the incidence of Lyme disease in Maine, the difficulties surrounding medical diagnosis, and the preventative steps to take to protect oneself and families from this disease. Szantyr, who is board certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics, has given expert testimony before the Maine Legislature concerning Lyme disease in the state of Maine and has lectured extensively to community and professional groups throughout New England. During the question and answer period following her talk, Szantyr will be joined by Dickey, a colleague who facilitates Lyme disease support groups around the state and who travels extensively with Szantyr to provide community education. From 2001 to 2007, Dickey served on the Board of Directors of International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.

On May 21, Szantyr and Dickey will present the film, “Under Our Skin.” Open Eye Pictures, the film’s production company, states the documentary “investigates the untold story of Lyme disease, an emerging epidemic larger than AIDS.” The film follows the stories of patients and physicians and focuses on the inability of the healthcare system to cope with “a silent and growing terror.” Widely acclaimed, the film has been named best documentary at four film festivals and has garnered numerous other awards. Szantyr and Dickey will host a question-and-answer period following the film.

The importance of these programs is underscored by the numbers. In 2013, there were 1,376 newly reported cases of Lyme disease reported by the Maine Center for Disease Control. Statistics for 2014, which have not yet been published, are widely expected to be even higher. Lyme disease and other diseases carried by ticks demand attention. The physical and mental ramifications can be devastating. Individuals and communities need to be informed.