We’re entering the busiest season of the year and that’s all the more reason to consider relaxing for health. I know this because I’m as prone to getting caught up in the hoo-ha as anyone else. Just yesterday I went to the mall and stayed too long. That’s when I officially became my own worst enemy. I lost my keys!

Well, you know how the tiredness and pain of Fibromyalgia and CFS can take you to that really bad place and you truly need a transport machine to instantly “poof” you back home? I didn’t have one and I began to get frantic as I walked around, overly tired, with an aching back and legs and surely a big frown on my face. Why me? Why did I have to lose my keys in the middle of the 8th row of sweaters in the store’s last display? It happens.

So today, dear ones, I have a treat for you. Click on the Health Matters Show podcast link below and hear me read a creative visualization to help you relax and help your health be all it can be. The title of it is Healing Firemen. I believe you’ll like it, plus I know you can benefit from such a nourishing experience. Block out a portion of your day to do this. Find a quiet spot for a few moments to really do some relaxing for health. Don’t let people or responsibilities distract you from taking care of yourself. But,…don’t drive while you’re listening either!

You should get an immediate benefit from this experience. If you’d like to create some of these visualizations for yourself, check out Julie Lusk’s great book below.

(12 minutes 18 seconds jewel of an audio- Be sure to DOWNLOAD and keep this one!)

I hope you enjoyed my creative visualization reading from Julie Lusk’s wonderful book, 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing. Get your own copy at Amazon.com…

Thanks so much me for joining the podcast today. Please leave a comment if you like this type of broadcast -and- about how your “relaxing for health” needs are or are not being met!

Cinda Crawford, your host of the Health Matters Show

Are there “Immune System Defects in CFS”? Yes. We patients knew that a person with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) had them all along, but finally the scientists are proving this fact. Please read below as James Gallagher, health reporter for BBC News, reports “Chronic fatigue syndrome may be due to the immune system… .”

Researchers in Norway believe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as ME, may be caused by a wayward immune system attacking the body. The illness, the cause of which is uncertain and has no known cure, has attracted significant controversy.

A small study, reported in PLoS One, showed a cancer drug, which inhibited the immune system, relieved symptoms in some patients. The ME Association said the findings were “very encouraging news”.

Doctors in Norway stumbled across their first clue in 2004 when treating a patient with both Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells, and CFS.

When she received cancer treatment, her fatigue symptoms improved for five months.

The latest study, carried out at the Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, built on the previous discovery by testing 30 patients with CFS.

Half were given two doses of Rituximab, a cancer drug which eliminates a type of white blood cell, while the other half were given a fake treatment.

In those patients receiving the drug, 67% reported an improvement in a score of their fatigue levels. Just 13% showed any improvement in the sham group.

Øystein Fluge, an oncology consultant at the hospital, told the BBC: “There was a varied response: none, moderate, dramatic relief of all symptoms. Two had no recurrence [of their symptoms], their life was turned completely around very dramatically.”

Find this CFS info and more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15401746

Their theory is that a type of white blood cell, B lymphocytes, is producing an antibody which attacks the body.

The drug wipes out the lymphocytes which in some cases may “reset the immune system”, however, in other patients the fatigue symptoms would return when more B lymphocytes were made.

Mr Fluge said: “I think the fact that patients responded to treatment, improved cognitive function, fatigue and pain makes us believe we’re touching one of the central mechanisms.

“But we’re scratching at the surface, I would not characterise this as a major breakthrough.”

The researchers are now investigating the effect of giving more doses over a longer period of time.

If their hunch is right it will throw up more questions, such as what is the immune system actually attacking and whether or not an actual test for CFS/ME be developed.

Dr Charles Shepherd, the UK ME Association’s medical adviser, said: “The results of this clinical trial are very encouraging news for people with ME.

Firstly, they help to confirm that there is a significant abnormality in immune system function in this disease.

Secondly, they indicate that altering the immune system response in ME could be an effective form of treatment for at least a subset of patients.

We now need further clinical trials of such anti-cancer agents to see if other research groups can replicate these findings.

The disease is thought to affect some 250,000 people in the UK. (Extra: up to 1 million or more in the US.) Symptoms include extreme tiredness, problems with memory and concentration, sleep disturbances and mood swings. There is currently no accepted cure and no universally effective treatment The cause is not clear either, with many doctors thinking the term CFS/ME is being used for several different diseases. Some patients have sent death threats to researchers after disagreements over a cause or cure.

~~~

I, personally, am thankful for this research. With the work that I do helping people get well from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I find many indications that the immune system is not functioning properly. Finally…now, research tests are proving this dysfunctionality and the immune system defects in CFS.

Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

For many of us, it is time for winter again. That could be good or bad depending on your view of the season, your ability to get out and enjoy it or your confinement to bed or home. I like the fall season with its colors, but I know winter is coming soon. So, what do you and I do to prepare?

That question came to me a few weeks ago after I watched the Virgina Tech football game when they played Miami. The stadium was packed, the fans were antsy for a win and the day was right for making a lot of noise, stomping, jumping and probably causing the whole stadium to shake! Yes, with seconds left, the crowd went nuts. The whole place was surely rocking!

Now…how is that like or unlike you or me? If You and I are ready for what comes our way, we have reason to make a lot of noise and celebrate, too! (Please listen to the Health Matters Show audio podcast today; then watch the VA Tech video below. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a video that is hard to believe.)
(Audio podcast 5 minutes 11 seconds)

Below I grabbed this VA Tech video off of YouTube. I urge you to watch it closely as the game comes down to the wire. Two opponents compete, both wanting victory.

*Your opponent is illness/ sickness/ Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, etc. You fight long and hard, but the battle comes down to the wire and the question comes down to… is illness or wellness better prepared for victory? Which party consistently makes good use of time, resources and the people around them?

In this case, the winner was VA Tech. Other times, that’s not the case, but that day they won the ball game.

On days when your own game is down to the wire, you want to win and I want to see you be victorious, too. So I’m asking, how prepared are you? Are you spending your time fretting over the illness or learning how to get well? Do you have good resources to help you succeed? Who do you have on your team (side) helping you? When are you going to get off the bleachers (the couch) and take a brave, new step towards doing something different?

So, even if you’re asking, “Is it time for winter again?”, be prepared and ready. You’re in the game for the long haul. It’s what you make of it along the way that counts.

Thanks so much for joining me today,
Cinda Crawford, your host of the Health Matters Show

Many people with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome believe that their cortisol level and stress response system in the body is altered. The following study below talks of this abnormal hypothalamus- pituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis response and can pinpoint problems.

Cinda Crawford, Health Matters Show (*see study summary below)

Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2011 Sep 27. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2011.153. [Epub ahead of print]

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Papadopoulos AS, Cleare AJ. Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Box P074, 103 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK.

Abstract
The weight of current evidence supports the presence of the following factors related to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): mild hypocortisolism (adrenal insufficiency); attenuated diurnal variation of cortisol; enhanced negative feedback to the HPA axis; and blunted HPA axis responsiveness.

Furthermore, HPA axis changes seem clinically relevant, as they are associated with worse symptoms and/or disability and with poorer outcomes to standard treatments for CFS.

Regarding etiology, women with CFS are more likely to have reduced cortisol levels. Studies published in the past 8 years provide further support for a multifactorial model in which several factors interact to moderate HPA axis changes. In particular, low activity levels, depression and early-life stress appear to reduce cortisol levels, whereas the use of psychotropic medication can increase cortisol. Addressing these factors-for example, with cognitive behavioral therapy-can increase cortisol levels and is probably the first-line approach for correcting HPA axis dysfunction at present, as steroid replacement is not recommended.

Given what is now a fairly consistent pattern of findings for the type of HPA axis changes found in CFS, we recommend that future work focuses on improving our understanding of the cause and relevance of these observed changes.

PMID: 21946893 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Whether you have Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or some other health problem, it can be quite beneficial to hear excellent mind body spirit information.

When it’s accessible locally in a wellness seminar, that’s good. And if some of the information is made available to the whole world through the Internet? That’s good, too. That means the information is not only appropriate for your needs at the wellness seminar, but also timely and handy, when & where you need to access it day or night after you get back home! Truly, good quality health advice is a superb gift, one that keeps on giving, long after the moment or day has passed. {*Note: just for looking, “liking” Laura’s page and checking out the wellness seminar event, there are several “free” gifts right now! (Once on the page, go to Events.)}

Today I’m interviewing Laura Gentile, a certified life coach, personal trainer and aerobics instructor. This is the second time I’ve interviewed Laura for the Health Matters Show. (Feel free to look up her first interview, Finding Balance in Illness. She and her material were excellent!)

Today, we’re talking about her new program that she and Holistic Wellness & Motivational Fitness are putting on here in Roanoke, Virginia, on October 15, 2011 at the Hotel Roanoke. It’s called, Wellness Seminar and Conference!

This event is designed to encourage and remind you of the importance of why living healthy in mind, body and spirit is a key ingredient to longevity.

***Be sure to check out the business’s Facebook page and then click on the Events page for sign-up info, plus great pre- and post-seminar specials available to you really soon.

As one of the program speakers, I look forward to working with Laura and her crew for this spectacular event. They’re such a consummate bunch of professionals who truly do want you to have the best mind body and spirit information around!

Thank you so much, Cinda Crawford
Your host of the Health Matters Show

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST AND EVENT NEWS!!!

Often putting your health first is not easy and not an option for many reasons. For me, though, it’s a necessity right now. In originally getting well from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other illnesses, I was like an athlete suddenly waking from a horrible nightmare and wanting to bolt out of the gate. (Learn “how” with the video below.)

Thankfully, that revival happened over six years ago. I enjoy great energy and few symptoms most of the time, but currently…I’m struggling. Why? Probably from stress and burning the proverbial candle at both ends. So you ask…

Answer: In being truly transparent with you, my audience, I plan to drop back and return to basics by taking some downtime for “Cinda”. I’ll spend time being revived and refreshed using the energy and spiritual healing work that helped me heal in the first place! With Sacred Cellular Healing!

I hope you enjoy the following video that explains this even better. And, I promise to update you on my progress as I feel better.

Here’s a belief I believe we all share: as human beings living in a complicated modern society, we all are at the mercy of stress in our lives. I didn’t suddenly “run down”. The truth is my engine has felt challenged, running slower and darned rough for awhile. So, logically, I will be working to recoup my vitality. My efforts to feel better may take some time to work because the stress in my life is not going away simply because it’s affecting me negatively. We’ll have to see how I do. Either way I promise to check back in with you for an update.

So…how about you? What are you doing to feel better? How are you getting well? What do you have to fall back on when your health and life are challenged and stress is cracking your whip?

Thanks, Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

All kinds of illnesses can exhibit signs of Immune System Dysfunction, but surely Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME are two of the biggest and most aggravating conditions. What an understatement! Still, though, it’s true. Immune system dysfunction can show up in all kinds of illnesses, yet the one garnering the most attention is Chronic Fatigue (ME/CFS). That surely has something to do with the fact that in many circles, the illness is referred to as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS).

If you have it or suspect you have it, you know what I’m talking about. You get cold and flu symptoms more than more people. You ache for unknown reasons. Your glands swell and you can suffer with almost non-existent level of energy. Surely this is the immune system running amok and exhibiting a mighty level of dysfunction. At its worst, you’re out for the count…virtually horizontal throughout any 24-hour period. Fevers, sweats, aches, screaming pains, dizzy, nauseous, easy to faint, blurry-eyed, sore-throats, swollen glands, and your list can go on to include add-on illnesses like Sjogren’s Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, Fibromyalgia, autoimmune problems of many types, arthritis (both kinds), Lupus, Lyme Disease, and on and on.

What causes all this? So much immune system dysfunction? On the Health Matters Show podcast today, I discuss this problem. Join me. Then share this broadcast with your friends. It may open up a discussion and help us all to understand this tough problem a bit better.

(9 minutes 44 seconds)

Thank you so much, Cinda Crawford
Host of the Health Matters Show

Brain fog is the term most people use for cognitive dysfunction, the medical term. It’s a common symptom of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Infection is a symptom seen in both illnesses, too, but more so in CFS. Check out the following, upcoming scientific symposium & listen to my podcast today. There was surely a link between these two symptoms for me!

(7 minutes 30 seconds)

Find this study at this link. Let’s hope some good information comes out of this symposium and they are able to make even clearer decisions about the obvious (to the patients) link between brain fog, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Also, I wrote about brain fog symptoms yesterday and there’s a good link and list there, too.

Thank you for visiting the Health Matters Show today. Feel free to leave a comment if you are troubled with any of the aspects of brain fog. Other folks will want to know how you cope with this aggravating symptom.

Cinda Crawford, your host

Recently I’ve been writing about brain fog symptoms and some of the other aggravating problems regarding Fibromyalgia and CFS for a renowned publisher.

If my article gets accepted and published, it will take awhile for the process to be completed. As I wrote about the topic of brain fog and my history living with it, I began to reflect upon all the times (months, years) when it bothered me the most and so-o-o affected my life. Brain fog symptoms can be proverbial bears and bother even the heartiest of souls!

Tomorrow on the Health Matters Show Friday podcast, the topic is brain fog and I’ll offer you new, additional information. I hope you’ll join me for the broadcast and invite your friends. In the meantime, here are 18 symptoms of brain fog that should get you thinking. Now, pray tell…do you experience some or all of these? (Leave your comments below.)

1. Horrible short term memory
2. Difficulty with word finding and word substitution
3. Disorientation lasting 30-60 seconds ( You might be driving somewhere and you forget where you are and where you are going)
4. Loss of mental acuity
5. Forgetfulness
6. In ability to think clearly
7. A feeling that you’re in a fog or a dark cloud is over your head
8. Decreased attention span
9. Mild depression or anxiety
10. Lack of spatial awareness
11. Difficulty concentrating
12. Lack of focus
13. Confusion
14. Spaciness or Absentmindedness
15. Trouble learning new tasks
16. Trouble solving problems
17. Decrease in creativity
18. Decreased mental stamina

This list is courtesy of MyAdrenalFatigue.com.

Thanks so much, Cinda Crawford
Your host of the Health Matters Show

Because of her twenty years of living, learning and teaching principles of how to live healthfully with illnesses like Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Janice Lynne Lundy is able to reveal an absolute wealth of information in this video interview. She is one smart lady! No matter your illness, I suspect she has answers to help you. She possesses a veritable treasure trove of goodies or, as she and I call it, tools for your tool box!

(This is the 20 minute version. If you want the whole thing => THE 65 MINUTE VIDEO INTERVIEW => then continue down the page. Janice even offers you a guided meditation during the long version video!)

The full 65 minute video is below, however it has no helpful links in it for you. So…please go to Buddha Chick Training™ for Women with Health Challenges to read about and sign up for Janice’s new fall course. This is phenomenal information and surely a loving and caring experience to help you gradually become healthier. Discover the personal level of self-care that you can enjoy. You’ll learn some wonderful skills to use anytime, anywhere!

I urge you to make up your mind now to benefit in a mighty way from Janice’s kind offer.

Okay, the wait is over. Now…it is my pleasure to bring you the following full, uninterrupted, 65-minute video interview with Janice Lynne Lundy. The “free” guided meditation is towards the end of the presentation. ENJOY!!!

Sending you many health blessings, Cinda Crawford
You host of the Health Matters Show

When “life” hits you hard, you may find yourself in a world of hurt, aggravation and disillusionment. I’m close to that place today, but I won’t go there. Let me explain… .

My wonderful interviewee, Janice Lynne Lundy the Buddha Chick, and I have been trying to get a double-video conference recorded for you all week for the Health Matters Show that airs on Friday.

After two days of trouble and getting nothing done but a ton of emails and phone calls, we’re finally figuring out that it’s because a PC computer and a MAC don’t always talk well together. Go figure.

I am thankful that this has happened, because the messages for me in this situation are the same powerful ones that Janice teaches everyday:

• 1) Transparency, being comfortable with who you are, recognizing your blessings and being THANKFUL for them. (In my case, inabilities and all.) You and I have to work with what we have. Sometimes it seems that we only have problems in life and our personal health, but I assure you that’s not true. We are blessed in numerous way and have many “things” to be thankful for! It’s important to acknowledge & realize our blessings. Then we can practice being thankful for them and relish in greater peace.
• 2) Self-love and self-compassion. Today’s Resolution: I will love myself. I will not wallow in pity. And, especially now, I will not chastise myself for not knowing everything. After all, I’m not an Internet expert, not a professional videographer and I certainly do not know everything about how to do this, link programs, write code, etc. Like most people, I take a few elementary courses, but mostly, I must learn all of this as I go.

Thanks, Cinda Crawford
Your host of the Health Matters Show

*Please plan to return to the Health Matters Show on Friday. I’ll have something up…that’s for sure!

And in the meantime, when life hits you hard, indulge in self-love, praise and a long, deep, cleansing, life-affirming breath.

**In this Interview: What is a Mindful Makeover?, I am interviewing Janice Lynn Lundy, the Buddha Chick and discussing mindfulness. In case you missed last week’s Health Matters Show, she was my honored guest. Today we will discuss in more detail, what is a Buddha Chick and explain “how” you can be one! How fabulous is that? In Janice’s own words…

The Mindful Makeover Kit empowers women to live physically calm, mentally clear, openhearted lives, handling life’s challenges with ease. It includes 10 Modules, 12 hours of downloadable recordings, Workbook, Buddha Chick™ Affirmation Cards, and private mentoring support. Nothing short of a complete life makeover with mindfulness and self-compassion.

I believe in these concepts so much that I am working on my own Mindful Makeover. One can always learn new and improved skills for being healthier and enjoying a better quality of life.

With Janice’s expert guidance, she encourages you and I to do one thing at the time and be fully present (inside and out). Get rid of your tendency towards mind-less living. Begin to sense how the world is really impacting your life. What feelings (good and bad) are you most aware of? In your sickness, which feelings and awarenesses have you blocked out and chosen to ignore?

I urge you to “make over” your life for the better starting right now. How? By making better choices. Wiser choices. Learning the techniques and tools that Janice teaches will help you arrive at a place of balance and a better quality of health.

Today, you can hear Janice talk about the “Magic Formula” for inner peace… .

(17 minutes 27 second broadcast)

1. What is the magic formula for inner peace?
2. Learn how clarity can come to your world more clearly.
3. How wisdom arises through love, gratitude and calmness.
4. How through the 50 audio course, you can master self-pacing and find the support that you need to be healthy.
5. Learn the life-long benefits of manifesting self-compassion and gentleness towards yourself.

Yes, it turns out that mindfulness is a kissing cousin to self-compassion. As you grow in mindfulness, you can lead a life full of loving kindness. As you tap into your body’s innate wisdom, know that you didn’t ask to be sick from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or any illness. But you do gain advantages from living with it, if you choose to be mindful.

It’s time to embrace yourself with self-compassion and love. Do this for YOU! Discover exactly…what is a Mindful Makeover with the Buddha Chick.

Cinda Crawford, Health Matters Show

The month of July 2011 on the Health Matters Show will be an extra special one as I am interviewing Janice Lynne Lundy. She is a phenomenal lady and someone who has a lot of knowledge, wisdom and tools for helping each person not only recover from Fibromyalgia, conquer Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but also useable, comprehensive tips for being as healthy as possible.

Today I start off with the first of our five interviews for the month of July. The first four will show up each Friday as that week’s podcast.

The fifth will be a video interview. Read more about it below and how you can get involved and get your questions answered. Be sure to catch every one of them, if you can!

(If you do happen to miss one or you’re new to my audience, simply scan down the left side of the page until you find the podcast you’re looking for -or- check the “Broadcast Shows” tab on the top navigation bar. Each Health Matters Show broadcast is accessible there. Once on the page, click on the ‘title’ link.)

On the fifth Friday, July 29th, I will offer you a video podcast/ seminar where Janice and I will wrap up the month by summarizing the main points we’ve covered and answering any questions that you send. Please submit them this month by leaving a comment here at the Health Matters Show or email them directly to me at cinda@getwellhealth.com. Plus, plus, plus…by tuning in for the fifth and final Friday in July special broadcast, you will also get access to a special deal than Jan is offering each member of my audience!

And yes…I’m sure that you will be convinced like me, Janice Lynne Lundy is the real deal. Hear how she recovered from serious illness. She knows how much it means to suffer with chronic fatigue, chronic pain and exhaustion. She knows what it takes to struggle and finally attain a precious renewed state of health. I urge you to find Janice’s websites, products and services main link below, plus learn more about her special July 7th class called, The Fundamentals of Fear Control. And now for today’s Health Matters Show interview… .

(17 minute 50 second show)

You’ve probably guessed by now…Janice is the Buddha Chick! Click on the image above or go to the the Buddha Chick webpage. See the Events tab to learn more about her July 7th class about fear. Can’t we all learn more about this controlling emotion and how to handle it better in our lives? Of course the answer is YES! (She accepts donations to attend this 90-minute class.)

Thanks so much. Mark your calendars and leave your questions!
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

Know that in interviewing Janice Lynne Lundy, I am honored to be able to bring you quality information and help for healing what is injured and needs help within you. Whether you’re trying to recover from Fibromyalgia or seeking to conquer Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or some other illness, you want to learn about how to be as healthy as possible.

]]> http://healthmattershow.com/interviewing-janice-lynne-lundy/feed/ 5 http://healthmattershow.com/interview-balancing-my-life-with-fibromyalgia-video-tip-4/ http://healthmattershow.com/interview-balancing-my-life-with-fibromyalgia-video-tip-4/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:45:52 +0000 Cinda Crawford http://healthmattershow.com/?p=23468

If there is anyone who knows a good bit about your personal health problem, Balancing My Life with Fibromyalgia, it’s has to be my interview guest today for the Health Matters Show, Dr. Charles Lapp. He is a Fibromyalgia and CFS specialist doctor and director of the Hunter Hopkins Center in Charlotte, NC.

I’ve interviewed him several times and known him for more than twenty years. Today I have a video for you which includes part of today’s tip #4, which I’ll sum up as, “Know what you’re using for pain, sleep and anxiety control. You need good tools that work.”

Without any exception that I know of, people classed as having Fibromyalgia endure problems with central nervous system dysfunctions, such as pain, insomnia, anxiety and fatigue. Watch the video and hear Dr. Lapp discuss these problems, particularly addressing Fibromyalgia pain and the drugs which he uses to control pain and sleep issues in his patients.

Other products (besides the ones he talked about- Lyrica, Cymbalta, Savella and Xyrem) that are used for Fibromyalgia pain and symptom control include the ever popular Ultram, Neurontin, Xanax and Klonopin, plus plenty of muscle relaxers such as Skelaxin, Flexeril and Zanaflex. Of course, let’s not forget narcotic pain relieving drugs, pain shots, nerve blocks and pain patches. You won’t hear doctors recommending narcotic drugs because they don’t tend to work very well, but they have become an accepted part of the culture with so many, many patients living their lives in extreme pain 24/7.

I am happy to bring you this video with Dr. Charles Lapp telling you about the prescription drugs that he uses in his medical practice. If you have experience with these Fibromyalgia pain drugs or other drugs, I urge you to leave your comments below. Balancing My Life with Fibromyalgia- Video Tip #4 may be an important video, but it’s by no means the last word in how each person can survive this horrible illness or figure out how to get well.

Thanks so much to Dr. Charles Lapp and each of you for joining me today!

Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

]]> http://healthmattershow.com/interview-balancing-my-life-with-fibromyalgia-video-tip-4/feed/ 0 http://healthmattershow.com/balancing-life-and-fibromyalgia-video-tip-series-2/ http://healthmattershow.com/balancing-life-and-fibromyalgia-video-tip-series-2/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:45:24 +0000 Cinda Crawford http://healthmattershow.com/?p=23322

Balancing life and Fibromyalgia together is a constant physical, mental, emotional and spiritual battle for most people who are ill.

• If that’s you, it is likely that you constantly struggle with physical tasks. Can you do this or that? Will you fall down and get hurt? Will your body cooperate and have enough stamina to complete the job?
• Mental challenges can either be tough -or- totally un-doable because of the difficulty of using your brain totally overwhelmed with brain fog (e.g. Fibro fog or cognitive dysfunction).
  

  “Trying to think through Fibro fog is like slogging through a mud bog or a severe head cold for which the head congestion never goes away.”

• Emotionally you may be tired of waging the daily battle, but what choice do you have? If you want to get well, you have to show up and fight everyday.
• And spiritually, you may be having a tough time holding on to your faith, but your Creator is always there beside you to help you. He will provide you the love and support that you need.

Today, let’s talk about the art of balancing the multi-areas, the multi-tasks of life. When did you ever have the luxury of only handling one thing at the time? Please leave your comments below. It would be such a nice, multi-task gesture!

BALANCE (or the act of balancing) implies that you have the ability to multi-task and do several things at once.

I think that women are fairly good at multi-tasking when they’re feeling well; men, not so much so. However, on bad days when a Fibro flare has raised it’s ugly head, no person with Fibromyalgia can usually handle more than one task at the time. You’re probably doing good to get one thing accomplished without triggering a headache or severe fatigue.

On days when you’re sub-par (even more brain fog than usual) mentally or physically, back off. Choose your most important or most rewarding task and tackle it first.

If you get it done and you’re proud of your accomplishment, revel in the glory. If you can’t finish it, put it at the top of your to-do list for the next available day or time slot. Remember: slow and steady wins the race! The rabbit probably is still panting by the side of the road!

Thanks so much and don’t forget to leave a comment with your own tips for “balancing life and Fibromyalgia”! Brain fog is one of its tougher symptoms…for sure.

Cinda Crawford, show host

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