MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'healthy lifestyle'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:03:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107744&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fthe-ms-honeymoon%2F Diagnostics are better. Primary care doctors are more aware. Patients are seeking knowledge. The general population of people newly diagnosed with MS seems to be getting a bit younger. Truth be known, it’s likely that they are being diagnosed earlier in the course of multiple sclerosis, and that’s a good thing! Medications appear to be more effective early in the course of MS. That’s not just to say they seem to “work” better at keeping attacks down. The meds seem to slow the progression to the point where we may have some extra “good years” before (if) our MS decides to get progressive. Herein lay my thoughts for today: The MS Honeymoon. Many, if not most, of us can think back to some physical “oddities” which we experienced well prior to diagnosis. It wasn’t until a f... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107744 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:40:34 +0100 5107744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050956&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fhow-do-you-get-your-juice%2F A long, long time ago in a land far, far, FAR away… I was the Drum Major of my competitive high school marching band. Yes; your beloved writer of the Life With Multiple Sclerosis Blog was, indeed, the geekiest of Band Geeks! This time of year often takes me back, in the Cuisinart of my mind, to the blend of heatstroke and joy that was our preseason Band Camp; the place where we but music and marching together with a well choreographed field drill with color guard accents. During those long, heat-filled summer days on a dusty back field with chalk lines — faint, sometimes, as the Nazca lines — we would march and play and march some more… and then put the playing together with the marching. Mind you, the act of marching while putting hard metal mouthpieces to lips could be far more t... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050956 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:03:20 +0100 5050956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036432&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2F10-years-with-ms-6-years-with-my-dog-sadie%2F This past April I “celebrated” the 10th anniversary of my diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis — a rather auspicious date to remember. Today, I am thinking back as well. This time, only 6 years… Six years ago today I received an e-mail from a most wonderful young woman in Athy, County Kildare, Ireland. The short note informed me that my new puppy had been born (well, actually that 7 puppies had been born and three of them were bitches; which is what I was hoping for). It was July and I wouldn’t be going to Ireland to pick her up until October — which later got moved to November so that I could speak at an MS fundraising luncheon — but my dear Sadie had been born. The next 8-weeks, as I have chronicled here before helped me decide which of the three young ladies would be mine (or... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036432 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:19:44 +0100 5036432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008473&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-falls-secondary-damages%2F Supportive, light-weight shoes, a sturdy cane (“stick” in Ireland), cool ocean breezes and keen mindfulness allowed for some “hiking” on my recent holidays in Ireland. We kept to well worn paths and all, but it was nice to get out into nature even if it was only a few feet of the roads. Preparations for these jaunts included cool showers, a fistful of meds and the ever-watchful eye of Caryn as we trod step by spongy, peat supported step… And I’m proud to say that I was one of the few in our group who did not fall during our trekking! Chalk that one up to another lesson of living with MS. So many times, however, we know that we do fall and as I’ve commented before we may meet the canvas more often when we are feeling at the upper end of the MS spectrum. The injuries resulting ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008473 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:18:28 +0100 5008473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4993014&cid=t_128466_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyramp.com%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Healthy lifestyleFruits are rich in vitamins and minerals and they provide moisture to the skin. Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder. It is certainly true but to look beautiful it’s just not makeup that helps. You can cover few flaws with makeup but to look beautiful it is essential that skin should be attractive and glowing. Heard of natural beauty? Yes, that doesn’t require much makeup to cover up things. It is already glowing, shining and makes you look vibrant. It is very essential to eat healthy as that reflects on your skin. There are some quick tips that will help you to make you completely beautiful. Just add them to your daily routine and see the amazing effects. 1. Freshen up your breath: Nothing is worse than bad breath. It really creates a bad impressio... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4993014 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:19:57 +0100 4993014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960209&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fthe-little-things-we-can-still-do-for-ourselves%2F Like many of my generation and those who came before, I feel now like I may have spent too much time in my “former life” chasing the elusive brass ring. It wasn’t enough to be recognized wherever I went, professionally. Not enough to have the house in town and an apartment in the city. Even my dear Jaguar was a few years older than I would have liked. Now, please don’t get me wrong! I was very appreciative of the things I had attained, but they did not make me happy — Things seldom make us happy. Because of the way I have learned to live my life post-MS, I feel much more attuned with what happiness rarely is and I find it mostly on the inside. That being said, there are still a few little things that I do that make me very happy indeed. Last week, while in New York I treated myse... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960209 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:36:22 +0100 4960209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902421&cid=t_128466_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Faccepting-different-body-types-but-not-approving-of-obesity%2F2011.06.05 I just learned (yes, I’m a little late to the party) about the Body Shop anti-barbie controversy from a post on Facebook. The ad to the left has been banned from most countries, because it was believed to be in bad taste. For me, it raises some very interesting questions. First of all, it’s been my experience that the media has been relentless in its portrayal of feminine beauty as being a dress size zero. This is an unattainable goal for most of us, and a very narrow view of what is truly attractive and physically healthy. I can’t imagine how many young girls feel deeply flawed when they compare themselves to Barbie et al. If unchecked, that self-doubt and insecurity can become a lifelong self-esteem issue or worse. Eating disorders are becoming more and more common, and... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902421 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 21:00:57 +0100 4902421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853011&cid=t_128466_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Ff_lMEI5cFSg%2F This Huffington Post article is written by Dr. Cynthia Green, an active member of the Friends of SharpBrains.com: Innovation to Enhance Brain Fitness group on LinkedIn. A good reminder of what we should all do to boost our brain fitness: getting off the couch and on your feet maintaining a healthy weight with a low ratio of belly fat Leading a brain-healthful lifestyle Play games against the clock Learn simple strategies to enhance your daily recall Look for activities out of your comfort zone Let’s add to this list managing your stress (via meditation or physical exercise for instance), staying socially connected, and reading interesting and stimulating posts! For more info, revisit our readers’ favorite one: The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Brains (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853011 Mon, 23 May 2011 16:27:08 +0100 4853011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693399&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fa-post-mortem-of-events-leading-to-monday%25e2%2580%2599s-ccsvi-conversation%2F For many who are new to the Life With MS Blog, Monday’s spirited exchange about CCSVI served as something of a surprise. Though there was most assuredly an element in the extensive comments section who took direct aim at me for my addressing the topic the way I did (and some rather nasty retorts shouted back at them as well), I was very happy to see moderate voices joining in the conversation as well. One comment had to be removed (against my requests) due to its unacceptably vulgar language and Everyday Health’s Terms of Use policy on such things. You can still, if you’d like, read the comments of those calling me everything from “ignorant asshole” to a “laughing stock”, and labeling me in the “anti-CCSVI crowd”. I have come call myself a “hopeful skeptic” on the top... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693399 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:20:29 +0100 4693399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684571&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fapril-showers-beg-the-question-hows-your-ms-today%2F We’re just six days into the month of April and if feels like “things MS” have crammed a month’s worth in already! We try to take one post every month and open it up to general conversation about multiple sclerosis — a place where each of us can reflect, question and share. Today, in particular, I’m happy to take a step back from our most recent blogging topic and focus on the people who have made the Life With MS Blog community one of the richest on the web. Time and time again, you have seen people reach out for answers in this monthly post and shared your compassions and experience. We’ve all learned a great deal from this monthly check-in. Please feel free to post possible topics for future exploration by our community as well. How’s my MS today? Well, as my opening lin... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684571 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:37:44 +0100 4684571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615277&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Flife-with-ms-means-living-with-multiple-sclerosis%2F When I wrote our first blog over five years ago, Rose posted it under the heading “Life With MS”. How very prescient of her. Whether we’ve written about drugs for MS, the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, disease progression, or the joys of service animals this blog has really been about the living of “Life” as part of our lives with Multiple Sclerosis! The past couple of days were one of those postcard Pacific Northwest weekends. Bright blue skies were streaked by only the highest and wispiest of stratus clouds, and ornamental cherry trees shed their bud casings to show their furry pink selves. Sweet grass, covered with thick morning dew, wetted and stained my tattered old denim as I began the spring planting ritual. Gardening – vegetable gardening, as I’ve never really had mu... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615277 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 19:38:07 +0100 4615277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512502&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fcog-fog-multiple-sclerosis-cognitive-fog%2F I’m told by those who have cared for someone with Alzheimer’s disease that the hardest part is when the patient emerges, momentarily, from their dementia and it is evident by the look on their face (or comments) that they know exactly what is happening to them. While we know that multiple sclerosis isn’t Alzheimer’s, many of us are cognizant of the fact that “cog-fog” is a part of MS too. The anecdotal reports of treatment for CCSVI (the narrowing of veins which is theorized to be a contributing factor in MS) include a lifting of cog-fog as a major benefit. This “brain fog,” as it’s sometimes called, is difficult to pigeonhole in the realm of direct MS symptoms because teasing it from co-morbidities such as depression and fatigue can prove beyond the abilities of patients... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512502 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:52:36 +0100 4512502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464608&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fexercise-and-multiple-sclerosis%2F There was a day — a day not that long ago — when people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis were told not to get too worked up, let alone worked out! Today, however, exercise is seen as an important part of living well with the disease. More than just “A healthy body recovers from an exacerbation better than an unhealthy one”; exercise is now seen pivotal to our overall health as well as possibly helping with the disease itself. The endorphins released during physical exertion can help control pain and improve mood. Adding moderate physical activity, even from a seated position, can help make up for more sedentary lifestyles imposed by MS limitations and check weight gain brought on by said imposition and drug side-effects alike. Now, no one is suggesting that we break ourselves by t... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464608 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:30:53 +0100 4464608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455371&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fwhen-is-it-time-to-see-someone-about-coping-with-ms%2F We’ve shared a lot about drug treatments and therapies for Multiple Sclerosis in these pages over the past few years. New therapies have come on the market for MS symptoms from walking and weakness to spasticity and neuropathy. What I’d like to talk about today is “the other” kind of therapy. At last night’s “Poker Night” — my men with MS self-help group — we had a wonderful guest speaker talking about emotional/psychotherapy. We asked her to specifically talk what might be called ‘warning signs’ that it might be time to talk to a professional about the emotional issues which surround MS. There are so many different types of therapy and they all have their merits for different people. We talked about depression and anxiety issues, about family coping, about spousal re... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455371 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:19:34 +0100 4455371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411626&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-and-the-new-normal%2F As shock and horror over the tragic events in Tucson that left six dead and another dozen injured slipped into hope and praise for those who survived and assisted on that awful morning, a phrase familiar to far too many people living with multiple sclerosis began to slip into the nation’s consciousness: “New Normal.” Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ remarkable recovery in the trauma ward of Tuscon’s University Medical Center after being shot in the head inspired many as she opened her eyes and responded to doctor’s directions to complete simple tasks. Now, under the guidance of rehabilitation specialists at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, Rep. Giffords and her family have begun the long, arduous (and some would say even “heroic”) battle to find her new no... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411626 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:02:18 +0100 4411626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394605&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-love-and-other-debilitating-disorders%2F I We are still three weeks away from what my favorite jazz DJ calls “Our National Day of Emotional Extortion” – St. Valentine’s Day. You wouldn’t know it, however, as the pharmacy where I pick up my multiple sclerosis meds and other supplies has, for more than a month, been decorated with pinks and reds and lace and enough heart-shaped boxes of bad chocolate to pay off the collective mortgage of members of the American Dental Association! Couple that with an odd confluence of events – a couple of comments on an older “Dating with Multiple Sclerosis” blog and an inquiry from a major newspaper about a relationship blog from our first year of blogging (which is still our most “re-posted” blog to date) and I think it’s time to re-address the topic of multiple sclerosis in... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394605 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:06:20 +0100 4394605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349584&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fpaying-the-bills-with-multiple-sclerosis%2F I A comment posted by widawn earlier this week brought something to mind about our daily responsibilities. We’ve had a few conversations in the past about the economic and personal financial impact of multiple sclerosis over the years. But widawn’s comment was brought home to me when my postman stopped by today. I opened an envelope from the city of Seattle Municipal Court… This can’t be good! Well, it was a check. A check from the court! After a few calls, I found out that I had double paid a parking fine. It is, we must assume, better to overpay a bill than to forget to pay it, but had it been a “regular” bill I doubt I would have gotten a refund. A number of years ago (I can’t find the blog reference right now) I made mention that when MS is messing with me cognitively, it... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349584 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:22:21 +0100 4349584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309746&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fits-not-always-about-ms%2F An event which began on Christmas and took several days to sort out has served as a reminder for me, about multiple sclerosis, and I thought I’d share. As some of you know, Caryn and I have three dogs — kind of a “hers, mine, and ours” thing. I got Sadie (age 5) while living in Ireland, we rescued Max (11) after we had moved in together and then there is the Mama of the pack, Stella. Caryn got Stella when she the pup was two and a half: a sleek, black-and-tan German shepherd mix. As of next month, Stella turns 16 years old and even our veterinarian cannot believe the wonderful shape she’s in. We know that Stella’s time with us is limited but she’s shown no signs of being short for this world… until last weekend. I think any pet owner hopes, when the end comes, that it c... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309746 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:44:54 +0100 4309746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266032&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fgratitude-for-sleep-with-or-without-an-ms-attack%2F Sleep comes in fits and starts when I am in the midst of an MS attack. I’ve been told by my doctor that my brain goes into overdrive trying to re-route signals and assessing damage and generally freaking out during times of active exacerbation. As I head into the third week of this “thing,” sleep is becoming more and more spotty. I get VERY tired but will only sleep for a few hours before something will wake me and I lay awake three to five hours, too exhausted to get up and do anything, too awake to shut down the bouncing of my mind. If I am able to get back to sleep by 5 a.m., I sleep until about 8 a.m. and wake again; this time tired and cranky. Last evening, while driving home from Poker Night (my self-help group for men living with multiple sclerosis) I heard something o... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266032 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:18:18 +0100 4266032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259044&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fccsvi-questions%2F Deep breath, everyone; I’m about to ask some questions about chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). I say that because our blog posts about the emerging science around this condition and its relation to multiple sclerosis have not yet failed to elicit pointed comments from ardent supporters of the theory and its treatment. Said comments are typically directed to me as the leader of the Life With MS Blog community. I accept them — while admitting that some of them sting just as sharply as I suspect they are intended – as manifestations of frustration with what I have or have not written about “liberation treatment.” Today I am not going to write anything about CCSVI or its treatment. Today I am going to ask about it – but ask only of those who have been... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259044 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:26:09 +0100 4259044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4241848&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fwas-ccsvi-treatment-the-cause-of-this-ms-patients-death%2F It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Mahir Mostic, a Canadian and fellow soldier in the fight against MS. According to The Vancouver Sun, Mostic died of complications after he traveled, twice, to a private Costa Rica hospital for the controversial “liberation treatment” to relieve blocked veins in his neck, which, some doctors and legions of patients purport, relieves some symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Those who have been drawn to our blog in the past by my conservative outlook on this treatment would expect me to herald this as proof positive that clinics and hospitals offering MS patients liberation treatment should be closed down post-haste. That is not the case. While I still hold firm to my status as a hopeful skeptic of the procedure and do not think enou... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4241848 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:44:06 +0100 4241848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214324&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fnew-ms-symptom-at-least-it-waited%2F Thanks to months of planning, weeks of methodic preparation and – I’ll not lie – a couple of Provigil tablets, our 11-hour, 12-course Thanksgiving feast came off as well as I could have hoped (and likely better than it should have!) Family drama aside, it was the best dinner party I’ve ever thrown! The foods were all inspired by the flavors of the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca – deep, earthy and complex flavors which lent themselves to small portions and long, luxurious contemplations. I tasted every bite like it was my last. And then came Sunday… Actually, if I had thought about it, it was probably Saturday evening that things began to go haywire. We had a small plate of leftover turkey and roasted pumpkin bread pudding for our dinner and it didn’t taste quite right. The t... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214324 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:11:44 +0100 4214324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197224&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-and-lowered-holiday-expectations%2F Holidays can set us up for a fall. There has been comment chatter in the past about how so many of us with multiple sclerosis are Type-A personalities. This time of year brings out the A-plus in us. Some of you who read these words can relate to them with woeful memory but are beyond your superhero days. Others will know the pain of trying to rise to the occasion when simply rising from bed is a major undertaking. There are numerous shades of gray to our coping with MS and the holidays. I, this year, have taken a hybrid approach to the whole Thanksgiving holiday. Well… it’s not really likely that anyone close to me sees it as a hybrid; I am putting on the most insane dinner party I’ve ever contrived. This is one of those events which has been months in the planning and weeks in prepa... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197224 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:17:18 +0100 4197224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190336&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-and-falls%2F Unfortunately, multiple sclerosis and falls can go hand in glove. Please do not be alarmed if you have not had such gravitational events; not everyone is going to have every symptom of MS. The soup of weakness, vertigo, visual distortion, and other less common symptoms of multiple sclerosis can and do make us more susceptible to the occasion trip, face plant, or “yard sale” (the kind of fall where you and everything in your retention are splayed across the visible horizon). I took one such tumble this past week. Were it not for the lingering, deep-tissue bruise of my shoulder it would have been a pretty funny fall. Okay, who am I kidding? Even with a bit of limited motion in my shoulder and all, it must have been a damned hilarious sight for Caryn to walk in upon. It’s 2:30 a.m. ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190336 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:35:43 +0100 4190336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175854&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-affects-everything%2F My name is Trevis Gleason and I live with multiple sclerosis. I have lived with this diagnosis for over nine years and experienced symptoms of MS for some 15 years prior to that. I say so because I “get it”! I’ve lived through a very active period of my disease which afforded me six (unwelcomed) exacerbations by which to experience and learn to understand the power of MS. I have lived through many tenuous weeks and months wondering if what was lost would return, if it would return… and when the next attack would come. In the past several years, the attacks became less frequent but the ever-progressing symptoms have slowly nibbled away at (and sometimes taken great, hungry bites from) many aspects of my command and control. My sight is (now and again) wonky, my left side demonstrabl... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175854 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:00:49 +0100 4175854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4168091&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fwhos-taking-ampyra%2F In January 2010, the FDA approved Ampyra, a timed-release version of the drug 4-aminopyridine for people with multiple sclerosis who have walking difficulties. The clinical trial data showed as much as a 25 percent increase in walking speed and leg strength in patients who responded positively to Ampyra (around 40 percent of people who took it in trials). If there’s one thing we’ve all learned from life with MS it’s that studies say one thing; patients using a newly approved drug say VOLUMES! I have read a peppering of comments throughout the year from people who are taking Ampyra and see improvement in their walking abilities. I cannot bring to mind any posts from people who are not finding the drug helpful. While our “comments” section is hardly any form of scientific data coll... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4168091 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:56:28 +0100 4168091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134031&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fseasonal-changes-in-ms-symptoms%2F Multiple sclerosis, the disease, is different for everyone. MS symptoms are different as well. Then, for kicks, let’s throw in terms like disease activity, MS progression or progressive/remitting MS and we’ve got a soup that bubbles vile, like a Hecate’s caldron! As we move, in earnest, from one season to the next I have read from many of your comments how your MS symptoms change. Many are affected by summer’s heat while others revel in the freedom the warmth gives their muscles. Winter’s bite is a breath of cool freshness to those who are heat-sensitive and a cursed vice to others. Some have reported that even exacerbations seem to happen more frequently (or even repeatedly) at particular times of year. Other than heat sensitivity, I must admit that my multiple sclerosis seems t... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134031 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:46:09 +0100 4134031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098231&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-newsmakers-series-tysabri-6-years-on%2F As one new oral therapy drug for MS makes its way to the world market and another, Cladribine Novaplus (Cladribine), stumbles in approval proceedings, many of our readers still have questions about Tysabri (Natalizumab). This summer, we asked what questions you would like to ask the experts about this method of treatment which many tout as their lifeline but strikes fear into others. These MS Newsmaker series articles have taken far longer to execute than I (or my patient editorial director, Rose) ever thought they would! Our latest in the series, MS and Tysabri 2010, has just been posted and we’re very excited about the information therein! Your questions led you an in-depth discussion with leaders from around the world. We spoke to the drug’s manufacturer, to federal regulators, and ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098231 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:17:39 +0100 4098231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045244&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fwith-your-ms-are-you-the-coach-or-the-water-boy%2F Fall nips the air, leaves begin to turn, zucchini bread becomes pumpkin, and the boys of hopeful summer become the battered men of October. It’s baseball playoff season and, even though my team has been out of contention since, well… June, I still love it! I even once wrote a blog comparing life with MS and baseball. Today is a travel day for most of the teams so I’m going to have to get my fix by talking about it rather than watching. It made me think about a webcast we hosted a few years back about putting together our health care team and treating it like a baseball club. Some of the comments I’ve been reading from many of you of late have lead me to ask the question in today’s title: Are you coaching your health care team? I know I am very fortunate to have an MS team which i... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045244 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 20:21:30 +0100 4045244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994139&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fwhat-in-the-ms-world-gets-your-eire-up%2F This past Friday being the half-way point to St Patrick’s Day (what –you didn’t celebrate?) coupled with the ferocity of some (oh, who am I kidding? MOST) of the comments on our recent CCSVI blog, got me thinking about temper and multiple sclerosis. Now, that didn’t go very far… It did, however, spark me to wonder what really gets to you when it comes to living life with MS. Not the disease itself, as we could write (and have written) volumes on that topic. Rather, I’m wondering about parts of the life with MS part. It’s obvious that there are frustrations with drugs (and drug companies) with needles, with the distance you have to travel to get to your docs… that’s the kind of thing I’m thinking about. For me, and I know this is small, but mine has to do with the ca... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994139 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:27:01 +0100 3994139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3924999&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fthank-you-jk-rowling%2F As it burst upon the press like a Hermione Granger spell, it’s likely that you’ve all heard about Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling giving £10,000,000 to MS research (that’s over $15 million, US). Most of you also know that Rowling’s mother died of complications of multiple sclerosis. What you may not know is how broad a gift this really is. Quoted in the London Daily Telegraph, the renowned author said that, as much as anything, she was giving back to the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, the city in which she has lived and written for many years. The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at Edinburgh University (named for her late mother) will focus on MS as well as other degenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3924999 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:37:27 +0100 3924999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911788&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fback-to-school-with-multiple-sclerosis%2F It’s that time of year again; pencil boxes and paper, laptops and dorm décor. It’s the time that the kids loathe, parents pray for and makes college freshmen squirm… Back to school! I’m wondering if any of our community is taking up the pencil and rule this autumn. Each year, as the days begin to shorten, the leaves pale and evenings require a wrap, I am drawn back to my days in education. I miss the students making their fumbling ways around campus, though I seldom miss the added traffic. I miss the sense of excitement at learning something new every day, every hour, every class… It’s not only formal classroom education that stirs me this time of year. I always try to pick up a few new non-fiction books so I might learn something new to toss out at the holiday cocktail partie... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911788 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:11:14 +0100 3911788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3903042&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-and-the-power-of-laughter%2F I am in pain! We are just back from our annual extended weekend camping trip known as “Big Kids’ Kamp”… and I’m in pain! My lips are cracked, my cheeks are sore, and my stomach muscles ache… from laughter! I’d tell you more about Big Kids’ Kamp, but that’s just against the rules. I can, however, say that we spent a lot of time laughing! Laughter is just one of those things that make me feel better even when I’m not feeling well (or good). I oft had to use my forearm crutch, was always the first into my tent at night, and was forced to abandon many afternoon activities for a long nap. Still; I laughed! I wasn’t always able to laugh at myself (not that ALL of the laughter was at or with me this trip), but that is one of my keys to living well with multiple sclerosis: la... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3903042 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:48:02 +0100 3903042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3880987&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fwhen-someone-else-you-know-gets-ms%2F We have read in these pages over the years of families and/or clusters of multiple sclerosis. The reasons why two, three, or even more members of one family have MS are unknown, and when a small community is hit extra hard by multiple sclerosis, the experts still scratch their heads. Even as recently as nine years ago, when I was diagnosed, the “genetic” factor was vague at best, but we know differently now. I got a voicemail from a cousin yesterday; her mother (my aunt by marriage) has tested presumptive-positive for MS (via MRI and lumbar puncture) and is being referred to an MS specialist. What followed was a flurry of phone calls and e-mails to experts and resources, available to those of us who know our way around this disease, and I was able to have a nice (even jovial) conversat... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3880987 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:23:17 +0100 3880987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872655&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fdear-ms%2F I am in the throes of writing a rally program for the annual Bike MS event, which takes place in a couple of weeks. The purpose of the evening’s event is to thank everyone for their ride on day one, hand out prizes to the top teams and riders, and (this is where it gets difficult…) remind everyone of our mission at the ride. For the guys who decorated in “Animal House” décor and are now attending in full Roman toga, it can be a tough transition from “Best Team Tent” to “this is why we ride …” Then I stumbled across something in the information I was reading about our chapter’s recent Kids MS Journey Camp. At camp, kids were given the opportunity to write a letter to multiple sclerosis. In reading the content of some of these tomes to our disease… WOW! I’ve been... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872655 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:16:02 +0100 3872655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865359&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmomentum-recognizes-live-with-ms-blog%2F Though I had no idea what a “blog” was when I was asked to begin writing Life With MS in 2006, we have steadily grown in our readership and influence. In the Fall 2010 issue of Momentum magazine from the National MS Society, the featured article on MS in the Information Age draws upon our blog pretty heavily. Your attention and participation to these pages has made us a go-to for much of the multiple sclerosis community! Other “online leaders” who have blogs were also interviewed for this feature. We already have Brass & Ivory on our list of recommended blogs. We’ll be adding the other, Wheelchair Kamikaze to that list soon. If you don’t get Momentum delivered to your home, you can read the entire issue via the National MS Society’s website (linked above). The whole artic... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865359 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:55:38 +0100 3865359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854633&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fits-hard-to-feel-good-when-you-dont-feel-well%2F We all wake in the morning knowing we have MS, just like when we fell to sleep the night before. We all get out of bed (most days) and make the best of the day the way we did the day prior. We all do our best to be our best. Some days, however, we are far from our best! This past weekend, I was hit with a debilitating ocular migraine headache. I’ve had them before, and with greater frequency of late. This was a doozie and, well… I just didn’t feel well. I began to notice how my other MS symptoms seemed to be more of an issue than they typically are. My leg and entire left side felt weaker, my neck felt fragile, my cognition was out the window. Even my attitude, the thing we’ve talked about at length in these pages, was way off. I know that a severe headache can turn the world on it... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854633 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:33:07 +0100 3854633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831574&cid=t_128466_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F07%2Fhow-fit-is-your-city-d-c-is-healthiest-city-in-america%2F The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recently published their 2010 list of the fittest major cities in the United States. The full list ranks 50 major metropolitan areas in America – where does your city fit in with fitness? The ACSM has listed the following cities as the top ten healthiest in the United States: Washington D.C., Boston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Seattle, Portland (Oregon), Denver, Sacramento, San Francisco, Hartford, and Austin. According to the press release from ACSM, ”characteristics of the D.C. area that helped it achieve the top ranking are a relatively low smoking rate, a higher-than-average percentage of folks eating the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables, and lower-than-average rates of chronic health concerns such as obesity, a... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831574 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 01:11:56 +0100 3831574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831474&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-newsmaker-series-oral-ms-treatment%2F Things seem to change in fits and starts when it comes to multiple sclerosis news. Over the past nine-plus years, I’ve been living with MS, I’ve seen front-page MS stories and groundbreaking theories, as well as months of figurative handwringing. Last month we put out a call for questions to see what you might ask an MS expert. Today, I’m happy to announce that our first interview, on the topic of the likely new oral MS Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT), is posted and available for you to read in the MS Center. This interview with Dr. James Bowen, MD of the Swedish Neuroscience Institute is about the new oral MS medication, fingolimod. In the coming weeks we’ll be posting our interviews on the topic of CCSVI and Tysabri. Have a look, have a read, and let us know if there are question... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831474 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:59:26 +0100 3831474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823035&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fpaying-it-forward-with-ms%2F I don’t think it’s a particularly Seattle thing; in fact I expect that it’s likely more prevalent in many smaller parts of the country. Over the past couple of months, however, Caryn and I have been experiencing tiny bits of compassion known as “Paying It Forward.” On several occasions now, C has been in line for coffee (even in a drive-through) and been told that the person in front of her had paid for her coffee (or offered directly in come case). The typical reason – someone bought theirs the day prior. I love the idea of paying it forward and have been known to pick-up someone’s breakfast in a little spot without them knowing it or to leave an extra couple of bucks to buy the next person’s coffee. It’s just a little thing that we can do to totally change the trajector... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823035 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:25:40 +0100 3823035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3813096&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fjustifying-our-ms-disabilities%2F None of us want to live with multiple sclerosis (although, it is better than the current alternative). We’d much prefer to go to sleep at night and not wonder what this disease could take from us in the night. We would rather have all the capacities we once did. I would have liked to keep going down my old path, even though I admit that there have been some positives to be mined from this experience. Why, then, does it seem that are we constantly feeling like we have to justify what we can or cannot do? Whether it’s simply having to explain why we’re using a disabled parking spot when we “look so good;” pleading with the boss for an air conditioner in the office; or the monster-pile of paperwork for disability insurance – making it known how our disease affects us takes up valu... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3813096 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:23:29 +0100 3813096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767195&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fis-it-ms-or-am-i-just-getting-old%2F How many times haven’t we with multiple sclerosis asked ourselves that? We forget things, we seem confused, large crowds set us o’kilter, simple mental tasks overwhelm… Is it MS? Is it “normal” aging? Is it something else? It is a valid question for us to ask ourselves and our medical team. Many of us have gotten away from our initial, knee-jerk reaction of blaming everything on our MS. It’s easy, with the help of friends who say, “Oh, I forget things too…”, to write these things off as something other than multiple sclerosis taking its toll on our executive function. It is easy; it may even be the likely cause. It may, however, not be wise. The way I gauge my “progression” with most things MS, is by comparing myself and my symptom to my neuro-typical friends. If ever... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767195 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:10:09 +0100 3767195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740571&cid=t_128466_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fweight-loss-7-ways-to-fight-hunger%2F photo from Flickr user Muffet We’re not big fans of dieting. But sometimes even just watching what you eat sucks. Nothing’s worse than the feeling you get when you want chocolate, but know you can’t have it. (Okay, the BP oil spill, earthquake in Haiti, and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan might be worse.) With these tips to stay full while eating less, you may be able to treat yourself once in a while. 1. Eat protein for breakfast. Eating a lean protein at breakfast keeps you fuller than other nutrients, because your body takes more time to digest and absorb it. Try low-fat yogurt or egg whites. But not mixed — that would be gross. 2. Swallow some spuds. The starch in potatoes resists digestive enzymes, which means it takes longer for your body to break it down. Potat... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740571 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:52:16 +0100 3740571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3723304&cid=t_128466_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2F6-tips-to-a-simpler-lifestyle%2F2010.07.03 I like to pass on good tips, and these ways to simplify your life make a lot of sense. The constant stress we feel because life is so complicated isn’t good for our health. Here are six tips to have a simpler lifestyle: 1. De-Clutter Your Home Look around. If you have piles of paper, too many “things” and nic-nacs laying around, it’s hard to think clearly and function. An open, clear space allows our minds to feel open and more peaceful. Tackle one room at a time. Be ruthless and donate or toss everything that isn’t useful, beautiful, or has special memories. 2. Limit Family Activities Try to force family members to choose only those activities that are most important. Many of us are over-scheduled and have no time to “just see where the day will t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3723304 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3723304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714320&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fwhen-attitude-isnt-enough%2F Let it be known that I try very hard to respect everyone’s “place” when it comes to multiple sclerosis.  By that, I mean that each of us is on the journey (somewhat) alone and our position is determined by so many factors that it would be ridicules for me to try to list them all. Now and again - in our comments section, in magazine articles and on the Internet – I’ll read quotes from people living with MS saying the equivalent of “attitude is everything” or “I won’t let MS keep me down”, etc… First; I say “Good For You!!!” I am very happy that that person has come to a sense of peace in the belief that by controlling their attitude, they have controlled their disease. Second; I think that it is rude as hell as well! I don’t live on some mountain top in Tibet no... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714320 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:12:02 +0100 3714320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683923&cid=t_128466_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FmMU1olbjRto%2F You want to be healthier and have more energy. You want to take good care of yourself. The problem is, life is hectic. However nice it’d be to have time for long strolls in the countryside, afternoon naps and relaxing baths … you’ve got a few little matters like work, family, friends, chores and hobbies to fit into your day. Perhaps you’ve made a few attempts at trying to live a healthier lifestyle, and they’ve never worked out. You start a new diet every Monday. You try to quit caffeine, sugar and alcohol all at once. You take up exercising – and your muscles are protesting after a day. Sometimes, though, it’s the little changes which make a big difference. You don’t need to follow a huge time-consuming plan for the perfect body – you just need the energy and enthusiasm ... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683923 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:40:26 +0100 3683923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671699&cid=t_128466_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftoo-much-testing-and-treatment-try-superb-primary-care%2F2010.06.16 The Associated Press has been running a fantastic series of must reads with the latest article highlighting the consequence of too many imaging studies, like X-rays and CT scans, which are the biggest contributor to an individual’s total radiation exposure in a lifetime. Americans get more imaging radiation exposure and testing than people from other industrialized countries. Reasons for doing too many tests include malpractice fear, patient demands for imaging, the difficulty in obtaining imaging results from other doctors or hospitals, as well as advanced technologies, like coronary angioplasty, which have increased radiation but avoid a far more invasive surgery like heart bypass. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Saving Money and Surviving the Heal... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671699 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3671699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641160&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-and-a-moment-of-silence%2F Multiple sclerosis has created a lot of “noise” in my life.  Either real or perceived or figurative; a lot goes on in the head of someone living with MS.  I think the sheer volume of “stuff” I think about has quadrupled since diagnosis. I mean, seriously, who else has to think about all of the “what if’s” and “then I would’s” and “how will I’s” and “am I able to’s” that go with just about every part of our lives as MS progresses?! Whether it’s sleepless nights during/post attack, as my brain tries to reroute signals or the constant self-talk to get me through-over-around-(sometimes) under obstacles (both real and imagined) it seems that I’ve never a quiet moment. Well, this weekend I got one… well, several. I a... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641160 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:26:45 +0100 3641160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566781&cid=t_128466_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Freducing-my-breast-cancer-risk-through-exercise%2F The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week to reduce the risk of developing cancer. They also tout the benefits of exercise to survivors of estrogen-positive breast cancer. Exercise is known to lower estrogen production, and it works for both post- and premenopausal women. With this in mind, I try to achieve the 30-minute goal each day by walking my Jack Russell terrier, Dixie. She is 9 years old and loves to sleep in, but boy does she love her walks. I also call it strength conditioning — she pulls so strongly on the leash that it is a real workout for me. Lately I have been considering adding a quick workout at the gym three times a week to my schedule. This will help me with the cancer risk, but I have to admit it is all ab... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566781 Fri, 14 May 2010 19:22:08 +0100 3566781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545542&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fstem-cells-for-crohns-disease%2F Since I am now in the midst of a huge flare up, I have been researching new and upcoming therapies for Crohn’s and thought that I would share what I have found out. One of the most exciting areas of research right now is stem-cell research. There are a couple of different investigations with stem cells for Crohn’s disease going on right now that I found very interesting and hopeful. All of the stem cell therapies are still in the clinical trial phase and are not available to the public yet. The first area of research is studying the effects of injecting adult stem cells into the patient. I actually almost joined this clinical trial back in 2007, but decided to wait since I was getting better at that time and had just started my new job here in the states. I kind of wish that I did joi... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545542 Sat, 08 May 2010 03:46:42 +0100 3545542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533840&cid=t_128466_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-much-does-a-heart-attack-cost%2F2010.05.04 How much would a heart attack cost you? Quite a bit, according to CBS MoneyWatch.com: According to an article from the National Business Group on Health, the average total [editor's note: lifetime] cost of a severe heart attack -– including direct and indirect costs -– is about $1 million. Direct [lifetime] costs include charges for hospitals, doctors and prescription drugs, while indirect costs include lost productivity and time away from work. The average [lifetime] cost of a less-severe heart attack is about $760,000. Amortized over 20 years, that’s $50,000 per year for a severe heart attack and $38,000 per year for a less-severe heart attack. I’m all for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but before we get all hot and bothered about performing more testing to “prevent&#... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533840 Tue, 04 May 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3533840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522674&cid=t_128466_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F01%2Fhealthy-nutrition-through-behavior-modification%2F For the past two years I have been attempting to manage my weight through behavior modification, healthy eating and exercise. After losing 190 pounds with diet and exercise, I can assume that I am very capable of making healthy choices; however, this past weekend illustrated how emotions can contribute to slipups in the healthy lifestyle department. I am as human as anyone else and I ended my week with a weight gain. Through each painful experience I have learned much about managing my emotions. Finding my inner balance may always be a struggle for me and many of you as well. The important factor in finding my inner balance is to modify my behavior through discipline and goal setting. The negative factor in my equation of healthy lifestyle choices are unforeseen events, which by their very... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522674 Sat, 01 May 2010 13:15:51 +0100 3522674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508316&cid=t_128466_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fl3ddrIAAg9w%2F In light of the current BBC-led controversy on whether “brain training” works, we believe it is critical to spend some time discussing the basics of brain functioning and brain-healthy lifestyles, what “brain training” is and isn’t (to be accurate, the BBC didn’t test Brain Training as a category, only the new games that their researchers chose to build from scratch and designate as “brain training” ignoring previous research), what methodologies for brain training are in fact backed up by science (meditation, cognitive therapy, biofeedback, computerized cognitive training) as valuable for a variety of populations and goals, and how consumers and professionals can learn to navigate the growing array of claims. SharpBrains wants to contribute ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508316 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:14:00 +0100 3508316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499197&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-and-compassion%2F Do you ever feel like you maybe don’t give yourself enough credit for doing as much as you do…MS and all? I had a very busy work weekend (which ran into Tuesday).  I had every intention of waking up on Wednesday, banging out a blog for posting and getting on with a productive day. And now, it’s Thursday! I really have no idea where yesterday went. By the evening I was beating myself up pretty good over what didn’t get done; including (but FAR from limited to) that blog… But this morning, even though I don’t feel 100%, I think I’ll get a little more done.  Certainly, I’ll not get everything done I want.  In fact I hope to get everything done I need and will call that a successful day.  But, here I am writing this blog so things are at least a bit better than yesterday. P... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499197 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:32:31 +0100 3499197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3435144&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fwhen-ms-wrings-you-out%2F MS is a condition which, no matter how well we plan, takes us by surprise now and again.  Go to bed “fine” wake up with part of our body not responding to a call to action.  A simple battle with the circulating bug du jour and a fever sits you down like a crumpled boxer in his corner. Vertigo, which can make a turn of the head into a cyclone-spiral to the floor… MS can really wring one out…with little warning! I’m currently on a planned slide into anemia after my treatment on Monday.  I’ve been able to pretty much plan a lighter schedule (ok, who am I kidding?) knowing that I’d be far from 100%.  Still there are things which should get done by me.  It’s just taking a little extra effort. So, it got me to thinking about those times when our requirements wander beyond t... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3435144 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:18:02 +0100 3435144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378617&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2F4-years-of-the-life-with-ms-blog%2F Sometimes, life with MS can be an annoyance.  Sometimes, life with MS can be depressing.  Sometimes, life with MS can be frightening.  Sometimes, life with MS can be uncertain.  Sometimes, life with MS can be exhausting… I hope, however, that you’ve found the Life With MS Blog to be, at least sometimes, a comfort! This week marks the 4th anniversary of the Life With MS blog and I quite frankly cannot believe it’s been that long!  Well over 600 postings, thousands of comments, tens of thousands of regular readers and I sometimes feel as if we’re just getting started! Many things have changed since that first posting in 2006; new website, new formats, new topics, new treatments… lots of new!  We’ve consistently seen new readers join our community. We’ve also lost track of... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378617 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:12:00 +0100 3378617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354467&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fnaturopathy-and-ms%2F Today, I am keeping one of my New Year’s Resolutions! I am packing myself off to see a new doctor for my MS (and for my whole health).  Today I’m off to see a Naturopath. For well over 2 years, I’ve had the very good intentions of adding Naturopathy to my medical regimen.  For just as long, I’ve found reasons not to make the appointments.  It’s not like it was difficult; there is a wonderful clinic not 5 miles from my house with NDs who have a keen interest in multiple sclerosis (in fact, the clinic chief is recommended by my MS neurologist!) I’m not using Naturopathy as an alternative to more standard “western medicine”.  Rather, I intend to augment and compliment my other MS treatments/procedures with the practice. I’m sure that the battery of lab work will expos... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354467 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:45:45 +0100 3354467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003928&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-recipe-for-success-apple-pie-oats%2F Breakfast: It’s the most important meal of the day. We’ve all heard that and, at some level, we understand that eating a good breakfast is good for us.  We also all know that, MS or no MS, we don’t always do that which is good for us… Each month we take one of our posts here at Life With MS and chat about food.  This month, I have a special recipe from my friend Heather Nucifora R.D.  Heather and I have been part of a team teaching nutrition, sanitation, menu planning/shopping and cooking to home health aides these past few months. Home Health Aides are trained assistants that help (in this case, older) people stay at home and live more independent lives, even if they need help with most of their daily routine.  It is not, of course, lost on me that I know of several people liv... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003928 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:33:59 +0100 3003928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967251&cid=t_128466_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fconcerned-re-health-yup-proactive-nope%2F Are Americans concerned about their health? Yes, they are. Are they concerned enough to be proactive about staying healthy? Not so much. In fact, not really. Good health habits start young and we all know that children watch adults very closely. Parents can hardly expect their children to live a healthy lifestyle if they themselves don’t. Yet, despite this, the message of healthy living starts early doesn’t seem to be getting out. According to a study done by the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA), The national survey revealed that more than three in five (61%) Americans incorrectly believe that the processes related to heart disease do not begin until adulthood. Alarmingly, fewer than four in ten (38%) correctly surmise that people should be concerned about li... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967251 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:42:41 +0100 2967251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2947029&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fgive-us-generic-drugs-for-our-ms-treatment%2F The first therapy for MS (Interferon beta-1b) was made available to us nearly 20-years-ago now.  It was followed, in relatively rapid succession (over the next ten years) by two other interferon therapies and Glatiramer acetate.  Most recently, a monoclonal antibody has been added to our MS arsenal. These are all compounds known as biologic drugs, meaning that they are grown, not synthesized.  They must be grown from living cell cultures in a controlled environment with great care and at great cost. These drugs are not the “$500 Million for the first pill, $.05 for the rest.” A cost which is, as we know, passed along to the consumer…us. Like all drugs, they are patent protected so that the proprietary company can recoup research and development expenses and return a profit to ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2947029 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:00:39 +0100 2947029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782189&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fa-chance-to-give-your-opinion-on-ms-research%2F This week, I was contacted by a researcher on the topic of MS and genetics.  Her name is Virginia Hughes and she is presenting to a panel of experts next week.  The reason for her contact was to ask YOU about MS! She is conducting an online survey of people, living with MS and their families.  The information is, obviously, confidential and will further multiple sclerosis research by informing researchers about where WE would like to see the field of personal genomics go, in respect to our disease. I have a crazy busy day today, but made time to take this survey.  It’s only a few questions long and it wasn’t painful at all! I ask you to go to the survey site and answer her questions.  Then, if you’re feeling particularly helpful, pass the link on to friends and family in the MS ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782189 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:08:21 +0100 2782189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2748159&cid=t_128466_167_f&fid=37833&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition.edublogs.org%2F2009%2F08%2F30%2Fbe-healthy-4-life-presentation%2F Be Healthy 4 Life is a focused concept presentation that I developed to be a minimalist version of an earlier presentation, “How to Live a Healthy Life” for the SlideShare Best Presentation Contest that runs through early September. The presentation has gotten a lot of views and downloads, but not a lot of votes for the contest. Be Healthy 4 Life View more presentations from Kirsti Dyer MD, MS. This presentation was developed as a patient and student education resource for younger students, high school students, college students and adult patients. In the presentation the common steps that people should follow to life a healthy life are included. More Information: Dyer K. Be Healthy 4 Life. Squidoo.com (Source: Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50) Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2748159 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:12:23 +0100 2748159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737944&cid=t_128466_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fhealthy-lifestyle-changes-and-multiple-sclerosis%2F Sometimes it seems that Multiple Sclerosis is going to be MS no matter what we do!  We take our prescribed disease-modifying therapy, we down our “other” meds that are devised to reduce symptomatic issues; we work with our docs to live the best life we can. I’m wondering today, what else you do to live a better life with Multiple Sclerosis?  What changes have you made to the way you live your life (they may or may not have changed your MS) that have made you feel more in control of your life and your disease? I’ve read from you in these pages over the past 3-odd years about diet changes (some drastic, some subtle); exercise regimes including yoga, stretching, swimming, etc.; changes in careers, hobbies; just about everything.  I thought it might be nice to have a place w... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737944 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:15:43 +0100 2737944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2571043&cid=t_128466_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FLuWNWH2C1eo%2F Are you going somewhere this fourth of July? It’s the biggest holiday in the US and that means lots of time in the family car on long road trips! While many things can happen on a family road trip, healthy eating usually isn’t one of them…. well, until now. SUBWAY created its restaurant locator (http://www.subway.com/Applications/locator/index.aspx) where you can spot various SUBWAY locations along your route so you don’t end up eating less-healthy greasy burgers or gas station food. And the restaurant locator is world-wide so wherever you go, you’ll find some SUBWAY restaurants to choose healthy foods from! And, in the spirit of road trips, SUBWAY teamed up with National Geographic for the “Taste for Adventure” sweepstakes. Starting July 1, kids age 6-14 can tell about the... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2571043 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:16:28 +0100 2571043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1999265&cid=t_128466_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FoV5n1MXvCzA%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(420,626,302964,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() There’s a really nice article over at Diabetes Health that talks about exercise in general. It lists some common misconceptions and I think it’s important to recognize these. The way we understand the body has changed so much over the last several years, and that includes exercise. My husband and I laugh about the “carb loading” days of old, where you ate tons of pasta and then abused your body some more by running your fool head off! Just think about our bodies having to digest tons of carbs and then exercise heavily to put more pressure on it. And that was just a few years ago! Today, we have learned that being healthy mea... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1999265 Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:26:46 +0100 1999265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1868564&cid=t_128466_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FIQlSHm8IJGM%2F With genetic testing companies sprouting everywhere, people now have the resource to know their risks for certain types of disease. Companies like Navigenics, 23andme Inc. and DeCode Genetics all offer genetic tests to their consumers to show whether certain genetic mutations make them more likely to develop diseases such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes. But is it enough to know? Or will knowing what the inherent risks are motivate a person to make changes to his lifestyle to prevent the disease from developing? Surprisingly, no research has been performed that answers this question. "There are a lot of anecdotes about this, and the question is, What is the impact? It’s been dangling for a while and no one has really orchestrated a project like this until now to study it... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1868564 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:46:03 +0100 1868564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1658234&cid=t_128466_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F348107526%2F I found a very nice read today, pointed out to me by Mike Street of Reader’s Digest Online: an article entitled 31 Simple Ways to Prevent Cancer. Some very practical tips presented in a sorta funny way but with a big ring of truth into it. Besides, before we all get rattled by the recent cancer scare on cellphone use and other stuff, really the prevention (or at least reducing our risk of developing any cancer later in life) all boils down to the dietary and lifetsyle changes each of us are willing to take, IMHO. Anyways, here goes in bullets only: Serve sauerkraut at your next picnic. Eat your fill of broccoli, but steam it rather than microwaving it. Toast some Brazil nuts and sprinkle over your salad. Pop a calcium supplement with vitamin D. Add garlic to everything you eat. Sau... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658234 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:00:33 +0100 1658234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1297988&cid=t_128466_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F250183262%2F It has all been said so many times already that one’s diet plays a big role in cancer and cancer prevention. Although that is true, we cannot just decide one day to pick up a healthier diet (like increasing the intake of fruits and veggies!!) and be assured we won’t increase or risk of developing any cancer type. One cannot just erase one’s history of unhealthy eating and lifestyle, right? How can one erase something like not giving fruits, veggies and fish a second look during the first 30 years of your life?! Ever heard of the words: from cradle to grave? That’s also the period of time we all should be living healthy, not only against cancer but also against any other serious medical condition. As of late, here are the most recent reports that involves nutrition ... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1297988 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:22:42 +0100 1297988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1259003&cid=t_128466_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F241615678%2F This article was written by Pascale Michelon, Ph. D., for SharpBrains.com. Dr. Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and has worked as a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University, and teaches Memory Workshops in numerous retirement communities in the St Louis area.   --------------- If you are interested in learning more: - Recommended Books on Brain and Mind - Build Your Cognitive Reserve, an Interview with Yaakov Stern - The Art of Changing the Brain, an Interview with James Zull abstract information, bilingual brain, brain exercise, Brain exercises, brain hea... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1259003 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:25:35 +0100 1259003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=999529&cid=t_128466_93_f&fid=36200&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.jammedph.com%2Fthe-eight-step-plan-to-prevent-cancer%2F The American Institute for Cancer Research has released these eight guidelines for avoiding cancer. The last six are eating related: Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight Be physically active as part of everyday life Limit consumption of “energy-dense foods,” foods that are high in calories, fat and sugar. Avoid sugary drinks. Eat mostly foods of plant origin, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat Limit alcoholic drinks to one per day for women, two per day for men Limit consumption of salt. Avoid moldy grains or legumes Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone, without dietary supplement. Tags:Cancer, Fitness, Health, Health Tips, Healthy Lifestyle, Medicine, Tips Read 200 times... Jammed: Full into Capacity blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=999529 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:43:02 +0100 999529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=965297&cid=t_128466_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F172456447%2F This is interesting enough… mental illness and heart disease. Yes, they do go hand in hand. Newcomer, who is the professor of psychiatry and psychology and of medicine and medical director of the Center for Clinical Studies at Washington University, said that people suffering from mental ailments including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and various forms of depression live 25 -30 years shorter than those with no such ailments. Though suicide remains one of the major causes of death among these individuals, but most of them die prematurely on account of cardiovascular diseases. I can see it very clearly. It would be a vicious... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=965297 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 10:33:49 +0100 965297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=868370&cid=t_128466_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F155828685%2F The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has a brochure: M. D. Anderson’s Road Map to Cancer Prevention - that anyone can get for free by visiting the website or calling The M. D. Anderson Information Line at 1-800-392-1611. Most importantly to students who are going back to school, healthy lifestyle changes are necessary in order to prevent cancer: avoiding tobacco limiting time in the sun eating five servings daily of fruit and vegetables limiting alcohol consumption exercising regularly knowing your family’s history of disease All of the above are a reminder to (especially) college students who most of the time does the exact opposite. A little bit old but definitely applicable at any time, read all about it at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Share This (Source: Cancer C... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=868370 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 06:27:35 +0100 868370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=875299&cid=t_128466_93_f&fid=36200&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.jammedph.com%2Faging-and-how-to-stay-young-george-carlins-views-on-aging%2F I received this message from an e-mail. I thought it was another one of those chain e-mails circulating in the internet which threatens to kill your mother or your loved one. But I read it anyway despite my dislike to chain e-mails. IF YOU DON’T READ THIS TO THE VERY END, YOU HAVE LOST A DAY IN YOUR LIFE. AND WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED, DO AS I AM DOING AND SEND IT ON. George Carlin’s Views on Aging Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids? If you’re less than 10 years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions. “How old are you?” “I’m four and a half!” You’re never thirty-six and a half. You’re four and a half, going on five! That’s the key!! You ... Jammed: Full into Capacity blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=875299 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:21:58 +0100 875299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=825409&cid=t_128466_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F28%2Fthe-secret-to-weight-loss%2F Filed under: Diets, Exercise, NutritionLet's face it, there is no "secret" to losing weight. It's simple -- bank less calories than you spend and the weight will come off. You don't need to take pills or buy into the latest diet craze. Common sense is all you need.I spoke with my oncologist the other day about my own weight loss -- I have lost nearly 14 pounds since the beginning of May, thanks to a no-sweets, low-sugar, low-fat, water-only diet with an emphasis on high fruit and veggie intake. Now this is no temporary diet. This is for life. My goal was never to lose a bunch of weight and then go back to eating junk -- I just wanted to shed a few cancer treatment-induced pounds while embracing a brand new healthy lifestyle.My doctor was proud of my progress and shared his too -- he's lost... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=825409 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 825409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=706572&cid=t_128466_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F30%2Fsix-steps-to-a-healthier-heart-and-life%2F Filed under: Prevention, Nutrition, Mind Body medicine, Women Heart Health, Men Heart Health, Aging Heart HealthWhen it comes to taking care of your heart and protecting it from disease, there's no time like the present. Whatever your age, the things you do now will affect you down the road -- it's up to you whether these effects are positive or negative. Courtesy of the Embrace Your Heart blog, here are six things you should be doing, or should start doing, to take care of your health, and life:1) Get informed: talk to your doctor. Find out what illnesses you're at risk for, and take steps to prevent them. Get screened for things -- it might seem scary but you have a better chance of beating them early on than down the road2) Get active: Incorporate some sort of activity into your life ev... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=706572 Sat, 30 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 706572