What do tick bites, moldy homes, depression and alcoholism have in common? The Vineyard Haven Public Library continues its evening lecture series with a presentation by Dr. Lisa Nagy on environmental health — and the controversial connection between ill health and chronic Lyme, depression, alcoholism, and living in a moldy home. The lecture is at Katharine Cornell Theatre on Spring street in Vineyard Haven on Thursday, Nov. 29, with 7 p.m.

Dr. Nagy, an Island resident, attended the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell Medical College and was board certified in emergency medicine. She recently studied and was board certified in environmental medicine. She is now public relations chair of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. Dr. Nagy believes it is critical that people find a physician trained in recognizing and treating environmental illness.

Patients can present with symptoms of chronic Lyme, Gulf War Syndrome, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, chemical sensitivity, Katrina or 9/11 worker-related illnesses from mold, toxic dust and petroleum product exposure.

The most common presentation, however, is ordinary women in their 40s who have seen a decline in their protective hormones and an increase in their sensitivities. Suddenly becoming allergic to the cat, or developing Attention Deficit Disorder, or becoming depressed, is cause for investigating the possibility of environment illness.

Dr. Nagy will speak about the toxins we are exposed to every day and make recommendations about how to mitigate their health effects. Several Island residents will join her, speaking of their experiences dealing with environmental illness.

For details, call Betty Burton at 508-696-4211, extension 16.