Governor Mark Dayton has designated May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month. In response, several activities are scheduled around the Twin Cities in May to help educate and empower people in order to prevent Lyme disease, learn its symptoms and understand that fast action is necessary to receive proper medical treatment.

21st Century Hope for Diagnosing, Surviving and Thriving with Lyme Disease: A Medical Mystery is a seminar for professionals who want to learn more about Lyme disease and how to support clients. Speakers are Lyme survivors and thrivers. The seminar will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 4 in New Brighton. Certified continuing education credits (CEUs) are available.

Cost: $50 until May 2; $70 thereafter. Location: Meadowood Shores Apartment Living, 2100 Silver Lake Rd. NW, New Brighton. For more information and registration, visit  MNWellnessEducators4.eventbrite.com.

Worldwide Lyme Awareness Protest Day, organized by Minnesotans affected by Lyme disease, will offer literature on Lyme disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 11 in Rogers.

Cost: Free. Location: Cabela’s, 20200 Rogers Dr., Rogers. For more information, visit WorldwideLymeDiseaseProtestUS.blogspot.com.

Fundraiser for the Minnesota Lyme Association is a fun afternoon event that will include a silent auction and entertainment by the Looney Lutherans. It will be held at 1 p.m. on May 19 in Roseville.

Cost: $22. Location: Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 W. Roselawn Ave., Roseville. For more information or to register or donate items for the silent auction, visit MNLyme.com.

Lyme disease is the fastest-growing, vector-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. According to the Minnesota Lyme Association, “Every Minnesotan is one tick bite away from the devastating effects of tick-borne disease.” The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recognizes that actual cases of Lyme disease are 12 times higher than CDC reported “surveillance cases.” Minnesota ranks eighth in the nation for reported surveillance cases.

For more information, call Paula Quinlan at 612-719-0228 or visit PaulaQuinlan.com.