Why is there so much Lyme disease in our area, how is it spread, what should I do if I think I have Lyme, what are the symptoms, and how can I protect myself and my family? These are some of the questions that local people can find the answers to at a public forum on “Understanding and preventing Lyme disease” on Sunday, May 5th at 4:00pm in the auditorium of the Middletown Municipal building, 3 Municipal Way, Langhorne.

This free program is brought to you by the Lower Bucks Lyme disease support group, and includes a very informative 45-minute film titled “Hidden in the Leaves,” and will include a panel discussion featuring two Lyme-literate doctors and a Lyme disease prevention specialist. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

This is a great opportunity for people to learn about Lyme disease by listening and talking with those of us who have been affected by Lyme. Folks can also pick up literature on Lyme disease and other infections that ticks can carry and check out the displays we will have.

If not caught early and properly treated Lyme can become chronic and can affect every organ in the body. It can cause serious neurological problems, memory problems, severe exhaustion and headaches, migrating joint pain, and even affect the kidneys, heart and eyes.

Learning how Lyme may first present itself can help catch it early when it is easier to treat. A recent survey of almost 4,000 Lyme suffers found that the average patient waited over four years and saw multiple doctors before being correctly diagnosed.

The problem is that tests for Lyme are only about 50% accurate and doctors don’t always understand the many ways that Lyme can present itself. It has been called “The Great Imitator” and its symptoms are similar to illnesses such as Fibromyalgia, MS, Lupus, and Chronic Fatigue syndrome.

Evelyn Throne, the support group facilitator, says “Our support group has been meeting for four years now and I believe people really feel the need to learn about Lyme. Most know it is spread by ticks and many know someone who has been seriously affected by it. This film and the our panel discussion will give pointers on how people can amend their yard to make it less ‘tick-friendly’ and give other tips to prevent Lyme such as protective clothing to wear and what sprays might be best to use on their clothes and skin. Please join us for this program “

For info and Mapquest directions go to www.lowerbuckslymegroup.org, or call Evelyn at 215-741-5902.