From 2-4 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at the Crosslake Community Center, the topic will be "Tick-bourne Illnesses in Crow Wing County." Thanks to Tracie Schissel and her sister, who have created Lyme Fighters Advocacy and provided the most important documentary on Lyme disease - "Under Our Skin." The final showing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. July 14.
We've learned from previous filmings of "Under Our Skin" that it is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed diseases of out time. "Chronic lyme disease exists - treatments don't." This may explain why the many chronic Lyme cases in Crow Wing County must travel to Wisconsin, to St. Cloud, Winona, Duluth, Connecticut, New York, North Carolina and Alabama to receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Why?
We've learned that some unknowingly will pass the disease on to their unborn children, and most are misdiagnosed for years with incurable conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's or ALS. Cases of Lyme disease have been reported in all states, it's a major epidemic, it's pandemic (worldwide). Many are co-infections.
We learned that many physicians (nationwide) who treat Lyme disease come under fire with the threat of losing their medical license. Charles Ray Jones, M.D. from Connecticut, offered evidence of treating 9,000 children from coast to coast. The AMA, insurance and drug lobby were able to have Dr. Jones' license suspended. His clinic shut down. However, the good news! Connecticut House & Senate Pass Lyme Bill For Protection For Drs to Treat.... Lyme disease bill heads to the governor. Posted: 05/29/2009.
The June 12 Lake Country Echo and June 11 Brainerd Dispatch front-page stories on "Tick-bourne illnesses" provided an excellent report on what a retired M.D. had learned in his years as former director of UrgentCARE at Brainerd Medical Center. He was featured speaker at Wednesday's Crosslake Chautauqua at the Crosslake Community Center.
The Minnesota Department of Health reported 966 cases of tick-bourne illnesses between 1998 and 2007 in Crow Wing County alone. These figures make no sense. Who made the determination that Crow Wing County has the largest number of reported cases in Minnesota, and that Crow Wing is epicenter of state's Lyme disease cases?
Hopefully the media will give front page coverage to the July 9 presentation, as they gave the June 10 Chautauqua in Crosslake.
We've learned the facts. It's time we work to learn prevention techniques. The choice is between living in fear ...or to becoming informed. The display window closest to the library will provide current updates - samples of deer ticks - and more. Remember - All ticks carry disease!
Remember - July 9, Thursday, 2-4 p.m. Topic -"Tick bourne illnesses" by Tracie Schissel.
July 14, Thursday, 6-8 p.m. is the last opportunity to view "Under Our Skin."
(Dr. Bob Uppgaard is a Pequot Lakes resident.)
