I don’t know a thing about you, but I’ll tell you if wanting to learn about skin conditions and vitamin D deficiency affects on your skin, you’ve certainly come to the right place. Those of us that are concerned about the negative affects that UV rays have on the skin’s health are in a bit of a quandary. How do we protect ourselves from wrinkles caused by sun damage and skin-cancer, without also risking vitamin D deficiencies? Here’s what I’ve learned.

There are five layers of the epidermis, the outermost of the skin’s layers. Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is produced in the two deepest layers, when pre-vitamin D3, found in the epidermis, is exposed to UVB rays from the sun. UVB rays do not penetrate beneath the epidermis, but UVA rays do. Most sunscreens on the market, particularly the thinner ones that are found in many skincare products designed for daily use, only block UVB rays.

Since UVA rays penetrate more deeply, they cause cancer in the dermis layer that is even more dangerous than squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas. Those types of cancers occur in the epidermis.

So, the first point, if you are concerned about skin conditions and vitamin D, is to recognize that most sunscreens inhibit the skin’s ability to produce D3, but they do not block the hazardous UVA rays from the sun. It takes a broad spectrum sun-block like zinc oxide to do that.

In light skinned individuals, it takes about 20 minutes of UV exposure to reach maximum D3 production. In darker skinned individuals, it takes 3-6 times longer. Although supplements can cause toxicity, overexposure to sunlight does not. Because, once equilibrium is reached the vitamin is degraded. In other words, the body will only produce what it needs.

There is research concerning specific skin conditions and vitamin D supplementation. Psoriasis, for example, is known to improve with cholecalciferol supplementation. A chronic like of cholecalciferol intake plays a role in chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, tuberculosis, cancer, gum disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, depression, heart disease and Parkinson’s. In other words, this vitamin is extremely important to our continued health and well-being.

To protect yourself from skin-cancer, without risking deficiency, use a broad spectrum sun-block when you expect to spend more than 20 minutes in the sun. Do not rely on sunscreens in cosmetics to protect you from skin-cancer. If you have very limited exposure to sunlight, take a supplement that contains D3.

As far as age-related skin conditions and vitamin D are concerned, use a daily moisturizer that contains the antioxidants coenzyme Q10 and natural vitamin E. In most be specially formulated or it will not penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis to fight cancers that can occur in those layers. Antioxidants are our best defense against cancers of kinds, but the natural concentration in our cells is lower as we age.

Make no mistake about it. With an effective moisturizer and a reasonable amount of sunlight and/or supplementation, our worries about age-related skin conditions and vitamin D deficiencies are over. Aren’t you glad that you took the time to read this article?

Author: Laurel Levine To learn more about vitamins for healthy skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today. Laurel is a long time user and passionate advocate of natural skin care products. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: http://www.beautiful-skin-site.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurel_Levine Information on Fibromyalgia Cures and Mental Breakdown Fibromyalgia.

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Fibromyalgia and the conditions that accompany this beast lead to speculation that is a disease or is it a syndrome. Whatever it is, can supplements help in any way to contain this very painful condition?

There are so many different medications that are used to treat these set of conditions that it could make your head spin trying to understand them all. But there are some other alternatives.

There are also several experts on this subject and numerous companies on the internet that claim to have miracle supplements that will help to fight all of the conditions associated with it.

Some of these may help, but if you experience the symptoms of chronic fatigue and pain associated with this beast that seems to attack everything within you, you should be very cautious and use some common sense about what can really help you.

It’s your pain.

Fibromyalgia, or as many people refer to it, chronic fatigue syndrome, is really something that if you don’t actually have it, is very difficult to understand. So what exactly is it.

Defined:

Fibromyalgia is both a common and at the same time a complex grouping of pain disorders that affects millions of people world wide with physical conditions, mental conditions, and as a result, social barriers or conditions.

It has to be classified as a syndrome; as it has no real medical condition that can be specifically treated but rather a collection of symptoms that can’t be defined as medical problems, and at the same time not actually related to a specific cause.

But it still hurts and is painful.

It causes a multitude of pains in the body, ranging from several tender points, fatigue most likely caused by sleeping disorders, and in several cases can lead to psychological stress, or if severe enough, depression. These chronic conditions took years to actually be recognized and as it was in most cases ignored, dismissed as being in your mind, and looked upon as perhaps being someone who is a hypochondriac.

But they did not have it, experience it, or try to live with it. Because if you have it, it is real; very, very real.

Symptoms:

Trying to tame this beast that for so long was ignored, you must first really try to understand the symptoms, many which overlap each other.

First there is what has been described by many as profound pain. A pain that seems to travel into several parts of the body in different degrees of intensity and has been described as a shooting pain, a deep pain, or just throbbing or twitching pain.

Pain is not a disease, it is a condition, but this condition has been with us for thousands of years. Numbness, tingling, burning, all with different degrees of severity depending on the person, but it is a real viable pain.

And usually as a result of this pain, now both physical as well as mental, the next symptom will be fatigue. Fatigue is not a disease, but it is real.

But it is much broader than just being tired. In many people that suffer from this beast, it can feel almost like exhaustion. You have no strength, you have no stamina. But yet you are still having this only in your mind according to several experts.

And than to make these conditions worse, you can not sleep and have several problems that prevent you from getting any type of a deep restful sleep. For whatever the reason, your mind just won’t let you sleep.

And than the symptoms such as headaches ranging from mild to migraines, bladder problems, especially irritable bowel which was also ignored for several years, as well as memory problems, dizziness, ringing of the ears, vision and coordination problems.

Causes:

No one knows the exact cause, but there are several research groups that are stating to acknowledge that most of the causes are some form or forms of neurotransmitter regulation problems in the central nervous system. Ok, but what exactly does this mean.

Your brain is made up of billions of cells that communicate with each other. These cells rely on neurotransmitters to control the signals. When your ear itches, for example, it is being communicated to. They also tell the lungs when to breathe, the stomach when to produce enzymes, and so forth. With Fibromyalgia, it is very possible that your cells are not communicating properly.

Treatments and supplements:

The best form of treatments will be medications if this condition was actually a disease, but this is not a disease. Dietary supplements, your diet, as well as your exercise habits and sleeping habits will all be factors.

But let’s look at supplements, but not those that are called miracle supplements, just a few basic ones that are proven to work in preventing deficiencies, and well as helping with these neurotransmitters.

Magnesium and magnesium malate most likely will be found in all of these miracle cures for Fibromyalgia. So if that is the case, what about just supplementing with them?

Magnesium is an essential mineral that our body needs in over 300 enzymatic reactions. However, it is absolutely critical for cell formation, especially in the brain. It also assists in energy transport and storage and helps to breakdown fatty acids, DNA metabolism, and hormone regulation.

Magnesium malate contains malic acid, a natural fruit acid that is present in most all cells, helps with enzyme synthesis, and is one of the few substances that can bind aluminum in tissues from the body, extremely important in cell communications. Combined with magnesium, it is very important in fighting this beast.

Vitamin B12 is also essential for activating cells in both the brain and the nervous system, but it is also involved in the activation or signaling of every cell in the body. A deficiency of this vitamin leads to concentration difficulties, confusion, irritation, impaired memory, dementia, and depression, all classic symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Vitamin D is widely involved in brain functions with nuclear receptors as well as the encoding of enzymes in metabolism and the nervous system. Deficiency of this vitamin is linked with vision and coordination problems, as well as depression and sleeping problems, again all key factors with this beast.

All of these supplements will be mainstays in all of these miracle cures. Lack of supplements can and do cause deficiencies, and remember that it took the medical community over 200 years to accept that Thiamin cured Beriberi, and it has taken them much longer to acknowledge that this beast indeed is real.

Author: Frank Will I am an avid lover of pets and my wife and I have had several pets throughout our years. We are especially fond of dogs, and we have a 12 year old Dalmatian (our 3rd) and a "mutt" that we rescued when someone threw him away to die in a vacant field. He found us, nearly starved to death, and weighed about 2 pounds. After severe bouts of mange and severe dehydration, and over 1,000.00 in veterinarian bills, we saved the little guys life, and he is one of the best, if not the best, dogs we have ever had and today is a muscular, fit, and firm 70 pound best friend. After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach. Both of my daughters are avid cat lovers, and asked me to help them with health concerns and challenges with their cats. I am not a veterinarian nor claim to be, just a lover of pets that loves to research and pass on some knowledge that might be helpful, or at least stimulating to the thought process. Several of the articles that I have written can be found on my website; Liquid Vitamins & Minerals for Humans & Pets http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Will Information on Fibromyalgia Cures and Barrie Fibromyalgia Support Group.

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Fibromyalgia can be a pretty overwhelming condition. The wide spread muscular pain can make ordinary tasks like getting up and into the shower or preparing a meal and doing the washing up a real struggle. The experience may be a physical one, but fibromyalgia can also take its toll on the emotional and psychological aspects of life. This is where attending a fibromyalgia support group can be really useful.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is experienced by many people nowadays, characterized by muscle and joint pain and accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, migraines, trouble concentrating (brain fog) and even irritable bowel syndrome. This condition has been around for a long time, but it was only in 1990 that the medical community officially recognized it.

Currently there is no cure for fibromyalgia or even a FDA approved treatment specifically designed to tackle it. Once a diagnosis is given the approach by most doctors is to seek medication that combats the pain and relieves symptoms rather than trying to cure it. This is why it becomes important to seek additional help and information elsewhere.

Joining a Fibromyalgia Support Group

Considering the debilitating effect fibromyalgia can have on an individual, its not surprising that it can lead to other health issues. Being constantly in pain and feeling fatigued and sleep deprived can lead to depression and anxiety. Because even the smallest tasks can become huge mountains to climb it can often feel easier to stay at home and give up outside interests and work.

Cutting yourself off from the rest of the world is never a good idea so joining a fibromyalgia support group can be a good option for you to regain a foothold back into the real world.

Fibromyalgia support groups are often provided by private organizations. You will also most likely find one in your community organized by groups of people also suffering with fibromyalgia.

You can ask local health clinics for referrals or check online for forums and community sites that provide support to fibromyalgia sufferers if you don’t feel up to getting out and about. It’s possible to form some really strong friendships online, where location and nationality don’t matter.

Continue reading for the benefits of joining a support group and to sign up for the free fibromyalgia newsletter focusing on treating symptoms naturally.

A fibromyalgia support group of any kind can be a big help. Belonging to a group allows you to communicate with others going through the same experiences as you. It gives you the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas on treatments or even to let off a little steam on the challenging days. Not everything has to be about fibromyalgia either. Online forums usually have sections for other types of discussions, whether it’s hobbies, jokes or just general chat.

You’ll be amazed at what you learn from belonging to a support group. The other people are going through the same thing as you and will all have tried different approaches to treating their symptoms. There’s a great opportunity to share tips on pain management options that worked and also discover the ones that haven’t been as successful. If you are feeling depressed or anxious, this kind of community atmosphere can provide hope and encouragement and you’ll find that most people are really helpful and sympathetic.

Its great to read about or share in the success stories of those who effectively manage or overcome their symptoms and can act as a real inspiration. You can see how they worked their way out of the pain by improving on the other aspects of their mind and body.

Conclusion

One great way to cope with what this condition is doing to your life is to join a fibromyalgia support group to help you cope and manage this situation. This is can be really effective way to helping you regain the life that you deserve.

Author: Jane Thompson

Sign up for Jane Thompson’s free Fibromyalgia newsletter – Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about Fibromyalgia Support Group. In the newsletter you’ll receive regular information like this article on overcoming Fibromyalgia along with additional natural treatments to help alleviate pain.

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If you are anything like me, exercising when you are in pain is the last thing you want to do. However, over the years I have learned that without incorporating exercise into my daily routine, I experience more pain. Even while sitting, I am constantly adjusting positions to keep my body from having a "pain freeze", which is what I call the body’s stiff and sore reaction when arising from sleep or sitting too long.

My daily exercise program consists of stretching and aerobics. For stretching I use yoga positions after a warm shower or bath in the morning. The warmth of the water loosens the body and makes stretching less painful. If I am pressed for time in the morning and have to delay yoga, I use a large heating pad to warm my body before stretching. I purchased a 2 foot heating pad and it great for relieving aches.

Most exercise programs recommend warming up before you start any exercise program and slowly working into a routine. I think this advice is very important for those of us experiencing chronic pain. A couple minutes a day is beneficial. Above all, listen to your body. If it is too painful, ease back on a particular movement or remove it from your routine. Also, focus on your breath; make sure that you are taking in deep nourishing breaths. I used to hold my breath during yoga positions. Allowing your breath to flow in and out alleviates body tightness.

Stretching
Yoga (originating from India) is a type of meditation, which joins physical and mental disciplines together, which involves certain postures, controlled breathing, and mental focus. One website recommends Viniyoga or Hatha yoga exercises for those experiencing Fibromyalgia.

I was familiar with yoga and had determined that it was something that I could not do. However, a Physical Therapist and yoga trainer at a clinic I frequented felt it would help me. When he suggested incorporating yoga into my day, indescribable and frightening images entered my mind. What I did not know is that there are variations for each position. I was taught 8 different positions that were customized to my ability. I practiced each day until I reached 20 minutes per set; never pushing myself beyond what I was able to do comfortably. I was really impressed by how much better I felt in body, mind, and spirit.

People who experience chronic pain will recognize the benefits attributed to yoga from the list below:

- decreased muscle pain
– increased muscle strength
– greater endurance and stamina
– mood regulation and relief of depression
– improved sleep
– improved concentration

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of martial arts, which reportedly was used to train for strength, balance, flexibility, and speed. Tai Chi is also attributed with the same benefits as yoga. My experience with Tai Chi has been watching others and trying to follow a video. I have not received any personal training. Tai Chi movements can also be adjusted to fit each person’s ability.

The thing I love about both of these exercises is that they can be done at home without any special equipment and appear to bring benefit to one’s entire being. All that is required is loose clothing, patience with self, and willingness to continue. I would highly recommend beginning with personal instruction to learn correct form.

I recommend taking a few minutes to stretch throughout your day. Reach your arms up above your head as if touching the ceiling; slowly tuck your chin to your chest and roll your body down as if you were going to touch your toes, then allow your head and arms to hang loosely; cross your arms in front of your chest as if your were giving yourself a big hug. If you feel a lot of pain while stretching; pull back on the stretch a bit. Next time you may be able to stretch further.

Aerobics
Swimming is a great full body aerobic routine for those experiencing Fibromyalgia. Some communities have aquatic centers, which teach water aerobics that are designed for those experiencing chronic pain. Community centers, YMCA, colleges, and local schools may also offer programs.

Walking is also good. You can swing your arms and even march part of the time. If you are a fair weather walker, Leslie Sansone has several DVDs for in door walking routines. I have also walked inside a covered mall.

I experience neuroma in both feet and never know when it will flare up. Therefore, most of my aerobic routines are enjoyed inside my home. Using indoor programs at home allows me the freedom to pause at anytime, work at my own pace, eliminates the energy of preparing to go out, and driving myself to and from. I have a mini indoor trampoline, which is great for low impact jogging. Recently, my husband and I purchased an adjustable elliptical machine, which I use on the lowest setting. I began at 5 minutes and continue to add minutes. At this writing I can comfortably do 15 minutes per set.

"The Oregon Health and Sciences University has specific Fibromyalgia videos available":

- Stretching and Balance
– Stretching and Relaxation
– Aerobics

To my knowledge there is not an exercise routine that works for all. Fibromyalgia is unpredictable and experienced differently by each person. From years of experience and research, the best advice I can give is to continue to pursue what works best for you.

In Support of You Living Your Best Life with Fibromyalgia,

Mel

Author: Mel Lutterman

Mel is a certified professional life coach, creator of ValuableYou Life Coaching, meditation leader, and assistant trainer for the on-line Art and Science of Coaching. Much of her work is global via telephone and internet. Her web site is http://www.valuableyou.com.

Resources:

http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org

http://www.myalgia.com (Oregon Health Sciences University)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Lutterman

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The treatment of fibromyalgia (FM) involves a triple-pronged approach involving medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise. Medications and cognitive behavioral therapy have been discussed in other articles. In this article we will discuss specific exercise regimens that may be helpful.

Because the pain of FM may increase with physical activity, many patients with FM become sedentary. This sedentary lifestyle is the start of a downward spiral that leads to deconditioning. Deconditioning then makes symptoms worse at rest and even minimal exertion becomes painful. It is critical to avoid deconditioning because once it occurs, the treatment of FM becomes much more difficult.

Exercise- the proper amount and type- may prevent this deconditioning. Types of exercise that have been evaluated in patients with FM include aerobic exercise, stretching and strengthening, and combined stretching, strengthening, and flexibility exercises.

Aerobic exercise consists of walking, biking, and pool-based forms of exercise. While walking is the most convenient form of exercise, the impact of walking may be too much for some people with FM. Low to no impact types of exercise such as a stationary bicycle, elliptical trainer, and swimming appear to be the best tolerated forms of aerobic exercise.

High intensity exercise where the heart rate is more than 150 beats per minute is poorly tolerated. This discourages the patient with FM and they usually stop exercising. This situation obviously should be avoided.

More moderate forms of aerobic activity where the heart rate is kept to about 55% to 70% of age-adjusted maximal heart rate is better tolerated. Exercise should start well below the capacity of the patient and gradually increase in duration to a goal of 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per day.

In our clinic we recommend that patients start with 2-3 minutes a day and increase as tolerated from that point.

Studies have also evaluated strengthening and stretching for FM. While there may be some benefit with these modalities, aerobic conditioning appears to be the type of exercise that has the most value.

As with all programs, treatment needs to be individualized. Some patients may benefit from stretching and strengthening along with their aerobic exercise.

Exercise, in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and medications, works for the majority of motivated patients.

Author: Nathan Wei

Dr. Wei (pronounced “way”) is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland (http://www.aocm.org). He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information:Arthritis Treatment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Wei

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In the case of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, MS, ALS, autism, Alzheimer’s, lupus, and Lyme Disease, inflammatory proteins called cytokines cross into the brain. They do so through weakened areas of the blood brain barrier (BBB). In the brain, they cause "brain fog," sleep disturbances, and increased pain, depression, and anxiety. Certain cytokines can deplete the brain of tryptophan, which is necessary in the production of serotonin.

Low serotonin levels can result in non-restorative sleep, depression, increased stress, increased appetite, increased pain perception because of an increase in Substance P, and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The decrease in serotonin and increase of Substance P may result in low Growth Hormone (HGH) production, which is characteristic of Fibromyalgia.

This tryptophan deficiency is especially detrimental in those who suffer from depression, anxiety, Chronic Lyme, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia sufferers, who already struggle with low serotonin levels.

It is important to strengthen the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) against cytokine invasion. Cytokines will only cross the BBB in an area that it is weakened. Low levels of vitamin B, a deficiency of certain essential fatty acids, and a viral infection, like a cold or flu can weaken the blood brain barrier. A study published in June 2002, in the scientific journal Differentiation, reported new evidence that mobile phone radiation can also weaken the BBB against harmful substances. (Cordless phones pose the same risk, but to a lesser degree.)

Diet and dietary supplements can strengthen the brain’s protective barrier (BBB) against cytokine invasion. Because vitamin C can strengthen capillaries and the blood brain barrier is made up of capillaries, it is reasonable to believe that vitamin C could provide the BBB with added protection. Additionally, animal studies show that flavonoids, like those found in blueberries, bilberries, and grape seeds can protect the blood brain barrier. These flavanoids can be purchased in supplement form. They are also anti-inflammatory, so they protect the brain by reducing cytokine levels and strengthening the BBB.

Author: Heidi Whitaker

Heidi Whitaker is an author, popular speaker, and co-founder of http://www.healthydivas.com She has dedicated her life to the fight against autoimmunity. To download a free copy of her book "Conquering Autoimmunity" visit http://www.healthydivas.com/conquer_autoimmunity_free_download.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heidi_Whitaker

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If you suffer from fibromyalgia (FM) but feel that your current doctor does not have sufficient knowledge of your condition and is uncompassionate, it’s time to find a fibromyalgia specialist. Unfortunately, finding a doctor who specializes in treating fibromyalgia can be easier said then done. The reason is because many health care providers find fibromyalgia difficult to diagnose. This is exceptionally true for doctors who are unaware that the condition exists.

The first aspect you need to understand is that the term fibromyalgia specialists is not the medical title of the specialists you are looking for. The doctors who are often the best choice for treating and diagnosing fibromyalgia are:

o Rheumatologists (pronounced "room-a-tall-uh-jist") – A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis.
o Physiatrists (pronounced "fizz-ee-at-trist") – A physician who specializes in rehabilitation and physical medicine.
o Internists – A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of internal organs in the body, but also provides primary care for others.
o Anaesthesiologists (pronounced "an-us-thee-ze-all-uh-jist") – A physician who specializes in administering drugs such as anaesthetic typically before, during, and after surgery. They may also be a specialist who is consulted in nerve block treatment for arthritis pain.
o Neurologists – A physician who specializes in diagnosis and treating nervous system disorders.
o Other pain specialists

Although the above medical specialists may be ideal fibromyalgia doctors, don’t expect this of every doctor you meet. For instance, not all rheumatologists will specialize in diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia. Therefore, although you know the types of doctors who are most likely to help you with your condition, often the best way to locate a fibromyalgia specialist is through the help of others.

The following are the best methods you can employ for your search in locating a fibromyalgia specialists -

o Support group – get in touch with a fibromyalgia support group either locally or online and find out what doctors the other members see. You should also find out the ones they’ve seen in the past and disliked to find out why you should avoid these doctors. To find a support group visit the National Fibromyalgia Association website at fmaware.org

o Other resources – It’s not a bad idea to talk with people who suffer from other immune deficiency disorders such as those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc., and find out what physicians they see.

o Find fibromyalgia friendly doctors online – you can conduct your own local search by using your city and "fibromyalgia specialist" or "fibromyalgia doctor" as the keywords. Another great place to look for FM doctors is at the National Fibromyalgia Association website and WebMd at my.webmd.com

o Check out the legitimacy of the doctor – Once you have a name of a few doctors you are interested in, you need to ensure that this individual is a qualified and reputable medical practitioner. You should never be treated by an unlicensed doctor. The following are ways to determine the legitimacy of the doctor:
– Check to see if he/she is part of the American Medical Association by conducting a search at ama-assn.org
– Check to see if the doctor is "board certified" by visiting certifieddoctor.org
– Check to see if the doctor has been disciplined for an offence by visiting Medi-Net at askmedi.com

o Contact your insurance company – make sure you find out what physicians will accept your insurance plan.

o Make a list of important questions – Before you meet with a physician be sure to have a list of questions you want to ask such as how many fibromyalgia patients he/she treats, and their feelings regarding specific treatments, etc.

Continue your search until you find the fibromyalgia specialist you are comfortable with and have confidence in. Remember, it’s up to you to find the right specialist for you.

Author: Jane Thompson

Next just head on over to Eliminating Fibromyalgia to sign up for a FREE newsletter and to discover other suggestions for relieving and treating fibromyalgia symptoms naturally.

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Part 1 of a three part series on Fibromyalgia and CFS.

I am a long time sufferer of Fibromyalgia and CFS. I defeated the disease and I am now a massage therapist and instructor of massage. In this series I will tell you how to overcome the disease.

I believe that there are a number of avenues of treating Fibromyalgia that are not normally covered by doctors.

Doctors are trained to manage an illness and not trained to CURE it. They are taught only to explore options that they were taught in medical school or through trade journals and sales people pedaling medicines. This leaves other options completely out of the office visit. There are many different approaches to treating/curing Fibromyalgia. I would like you to be able to make intelligent choices on which treatments to begin first. I deal with Fibromyalgia and CFS on a daily basis and have learned a lot about it in the process. The simplest of the things we have learned is that just eating Cherries will help. Yes eating a dozen or so cherries will help with the edema (swelling in the legs usually). Cherries either fresh or dried along with blueberries easily available at most supermarkets will help a lot with reversing the edema. Many people have it since the discomfort of moving around with Fibromyalgia can be intense we tend to sit longer and with less movement the edema (swelling in the feet and legs) gets worse. The blood needs muscle action to be pumped back up to the heart and sitting just does not help it. Sitting too long can lead to painful swelling of the lower legs and while traveling as well and can cause tiny red spots that itch. These are actually small blood vessels that rupture and allow blood to be trapped under the skin when the edema is severe and the legs are not moved very much as in a long trip or sitting at a desk or through a long movie at the theatre. So eat the cherries and try to move as often as you can and sit no longer than 30- 60 minutes at a time without at least some walking.

My story is that initially I had gone to regular doctors but was unable to even get a decent diagnosis to find out what was wrong and why I was in such pain and discomfort. I found a Naturopathic doctor who gave me expensive magnesium shots, which did help and staved off some of the symptoms and allowed me to continue working and taking care of my family instead of giving up and becoming a semi-invalid like he told me some day Fibromyalgia may do. The shots helped significantly and I felt blessed that I had relief but the constant drain of $1500.00 dollars a month for two shots and office visits soon took their toll on the family budget. When the insurance company finally stopped helping to pay for them I was forced to abandon the treatment. Shortly thereafter the doctor quit his practice here and moved to Florida. I was left with no real resource to find a treatment. The magnesium shots I had found helped but were only of a temporary nature and I found myself looking forward to the relief the next shot would bring even though the shots were painful. I had previously had two children using natural childbirth and was accustomed to some levels of pain but the chronic nature of the disease begins to tire you and wear you down. (I later found that Magnesium taken in pill form at least 1000mg a day also helped).

I felt very fortunate at the time that my job as a financial analyst allowed me to sit a lot and I was not forced to stand and move around a lot and have to experience the discomfort I felt more intensely. I later found that this was exactly the wrong concept. I often wondered why my legs became so sore and would almost not bear my weight when I did try to stand. I was far from understanding that good circulation and a more active life was a major key in ridding my self from this debilitating disease. I often had no medical insurance and even when I did seldom found anyone who had even heard of Fibromyalgia much less have an effective treatment for it.

It is now a recognized condition and social security even recognizes it and can pay disability for it. I chose to not go that route even though I know others who did and will give you some advice in other installments on what is required if you would rather not do what is necessary and sit at home with a very low quality of life. (They simply do not pay if you are able to do much and the mind set of admitting you can’t and accepting it causes an even faster degradation of your body). Trust me there really is a LOT you can do to eliminate the symptoms of it. I now live a very active productive life and feel blessed that I can help people on a daily basis overcome this disease.

I discovered that massage worked wonders for me. It needed to be VERY gentle at first as most of my body was in pain. I found that if I mixed the massage oil with several essential oils I felt much better. Lavender oil mixed in along with others caused me to relax and be able to sleep better at night. By either self massaging at night or having help with it I was able to relax and get some relief. I found that as I slept better I did wake up more rested each day and did not tire quite as easily or have as much pain. I found that eating coconut oil would in a matter of days help me to feel better. It only takes 2-3 tablespoons full of oil a day to begin feeling better. You can use the oil to cook with or simply eat it. It is liquid at 70 degrees so it can be mixed into a drink or simply place in warm water as well. The coconut oil also seemed to help my energy levels. Once I was able to sleep better and have an increase in my energy levels I began to look for other ways to help myself and found many. I have found that anything which will increase circulation is a great benefit. Massage, massage cupping and Tai chi exercises are all wonderful ways to do so. If you cleanse your body with a sauna then the sweating does burn calories brings toxins out of the muscles and tissues and relaxes the muscles so the blood can flow easily. We tend to be very tense do to the pain, and that restricts the very flow of blood we need to take the toxins out of our systems.

Author: Rowena Case

I truly have found great ways to become symptom free after 13 years with the painful Illness of Fibromyalgia and CFS. I now am very active and teach massage therapy in Dallas, Texas at http://www.massageceresource.com/ I also teach a 6 hour course in massage so that those with Fibromyalgia can work on themselves at home and get the benefits every day.
I also have a spa location in Dallas http://www.backinmotionmassage.net/ where we specialize in Fibromyalgia treatment.

Rowena L Case. Massage therapist, Massage instructor, hypnotist

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rowena_Case

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The soda pop guzzling generation has come of age and now they are raising the next generation to follow in their footsteps. What am I talking about? The American Academy of Pediatrics today has doubled its vitamin D recommendation to 400 units per day for children from newborns to teens. Most commercially available milk is fortified with vitamin D, but most children and teens don’t drink enough milk to get the amount needed. Add to that the fear of over-exposure to sunlight (the best source of natural vitamin D) and prevalence of video games and other indoor activities and you have a growing population of children lacking in vitamin D.

Why is vitamin D so important to fibromyalgia sufferers?

Researchers have discovered that vitamin D can reduce the risk of several medical conditions, including osteoporosis, gum disease, diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and even certain types of cancer. Studies have also indicated vitamin D deficiency as being a major cause of unexplained muscle and bone pain. Gregory A. Plotnikoff, MD, of the University of Minnesota Medical School is quoted as saying "unexplained pain may very well be linked to a vitamin D deficiency". If you are suffering from unexplained pain it is your best interest to see your doctor and have your vitamin D level checked.

Individuals who are dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms should focus on getting more vitamin D into their diets. Here are some suggestions:

1. Eat more vitamin D-rich foods
   • Salmon
   • Mackerel
   • Tuna
   • Cod liver oil
   • Sardines
   • Shrimp
   • Skim and 1% low-fat milk
   • Shittake mushrooms
   • Fortified low fat yogurts
   • Fortified cereals
   • Egg yolk
   • Swiss cheese
2. Sun exposure
   • UV rays from the sun trigger vitamin D production in your skin
   • Ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D.
3. Vitamin Supplements
   • For women taking extra calcium, buy a brand that also provides vitamin D3, not regular vitamin D.
   • For men who would like to take additional vitamin D, look for a supplement that provides 400-1000 IUs of D3, also called cholcalciferol.
   • Men should not take supplemental calcium due to possible risks for prostate concerns.

Patients with fibromyalgia are deficient of vitamin D. The more severe the fibromyalgia, the lower the Vitamin D levels. Follow the suggestions above and keep a pain journal and food diary to track your progress.

Author: Scott W. Smith

Please visit Fibromyalgia Diet Info – Exploring Natural and Dietary Ways to Fight Fibromyalgia Symptoms for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_W_Smith

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In the workplace, there are a number of things that can cause disorders that last months, if not lifetimes. You can slip and fall, suffer an accident with a machine or chemical, or other such things. However, many people do not realize that stress, which is often work-related, has been linked to the lifelong disease called fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatoid condition closely related to arthritis. Also called fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS, this disease shows up as a multitude of symptoms that can either signal that you have the disease or that you are at risk for developing the condition. The signs of FMS can include:

Depression
Anxiety
Muscle and joint pain
Fatigue
Pain
Tender areas throughout the body
Lower threshold for pain

While these tend to be the key indicators of fibromyalgia, actual symptoms can include headaches, abdominal pain, insomnia, incontinence, stiffness, numbness or tingling in the extremities, extreme sensitivity to heat and cold, dryness in mucous membranes, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. Thus, it is no surprise that people who develop this disorder often feel depressed and uncomfortable in social situations.

Because of the variety of symptoms for FMS, there is no one test that can tell you that you have the disease for certain. Instead, doctors look at your symptoms as a whole, and gradually rule out other syndromes or diseases, basically just crossing every possibility off the list before settling on FMS.

Doctors cannot find one true cause for fibromyalgia syndrome. It has been linked to trauma, illness, hormonal/chemical imbalances, and stress. Also, women are ten times more likely to develop the disease than men. This might be because women have much less serotonin than men, Serotonin is a chemical that works as an anti-anxiety neurotransmitter. FMS is not restricted to elderly people, like arthritis primarily is, but it normally hits people between the ages of 25 and 60.

Sadly, there is no one treatment to cure you of fibromyalgia. Instead, doctors must resort to treating each of your symptoms individually, like with holistic medical techniques. Some medications like anti-inflammatories can help you with your muscle and joint aches, while sleep aids are used to treat the insomnia that can come with FMS. Physical therapy is often used to help a person ease their pain as well.

Some people have found success with alternative diets and herbal supplements in easing their fibromyalgia pain. Also, others have turned to easing their muscle aches with exercise.

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