AUGUSTA – Lyme Disease Awareness Month will kick off on Tuesday, May 1, with an official declaration at the Augusta State House. Patients from across Maine will stage a one-mile walk to the State House in time to hear the declaration and to begin a month-long commitment to the Walk Against Lyme Disease, an initiative to raise funds for Lyme disease causes.

On Thursday, May 10, at 6 p.m., Dr. Beatrice Szantyr of Lincoln will present a slide show and discussion on “Tick Talk about Lyme Disease” at the Auburn Public Library. She will focus on awareness, risk factors, prevention and the symptoms of the disease.

Szantyr is a board-certified internist and pediatrician who has spent several years researching and educating about Lyme disease throughout New England.

Experts will also be on hand to discuss rehabilitation, pets and library and Internet resources. A patients’ table will also be available to provide support, to discuss ongoing events at the state legislature and to read the stories of those who suffer.

Lyme disease is the number one vector-borne disease in Maine and the United States. Often misdiagnosed in the early stages, Lyme can progress to debilitating fatigue, arthritis, neurological problems and memory lapses.

Called “the new great imitator,” patients are often misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, MS, Parkinson’s, ALS, or Alzheimer’s. The talk is intended to provide information on when to suspect Lyme disease and how to get help.

For more information about either the Walk against Lyme Disease or the Auburn talk, contact Sharon Hawkes at 344-0026.