Key Center Library to feature documentary on Lyme disease

Posted

Jerry Libstaff, Special to KP News

On May 1 the Key Center Library will show the award-winning documentary “UNDER OUR SKIN” at 3 p.m.

The controversial expose’  brings into focus a haunting picture of the healthcare system and a medical establishment all too willing to put profits ahead of patients. The winner of 38 major awards in six countries, “UNDER OUR SKIN” exposes the hidden story of Lyme disease, one of the most controversial and fastest growing epidemics of our time.

While The Centers for Disease Control admits that more than 300,000 people may acquire Lyme disease each year, the medical establishment—with profound influence from the insurance industry—has stated that “chronic Lyme” is some other unrecognized syndrome or a completely psychosomatic disorder.

“UNDER OUR SKIN” is a powerful and often terrifying look not only at the science and politics of the disease, but also the personal stories of those whose lives have been affected and nearly destroyed.

In our region, Lyme disease is carried and spread by the western black-legged tick. The disease mimics other illnesses, including chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS, Alzheimer's, ALS, and autism. It can be transmitted from mother to child in utero.

“UNDER OUR SKIN” is an essential contribution to the current national debate about healthcare reform. Deregulation of scientific research and conflicts of interest in medicine are poisoning healthcare, denying our citizens health, and costing our citizenry profound loss of productivity.

The most frightening information in the documentary is the fact that the disease, if identified, can, in most cases be treated inexpensively and with outstanding results. When misdiagnosed by a doctor or denied by an insurance company, the advanced devastation causes untold pain and a lifetime of suffering. And costs spiral upward to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.


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