Ai Chi for Fibromyalgia

Medical professionals recommend exercise for those with fibromyalgia; however, many sufferers live with chronic pain and are aerobically unfit, with little muscular strength and poor flexibility. Data analysis showed
that compared with the control group, tai chi participants experienced a clinically significant reduction in symptom severity over the 12 weeks and were still maintaining this reduction at the 24-week mark. The tai chi group improved in measurements of pain, sleep quality, depression and quality of life. Scientists do not know the mechanisms for why tai chi positively affects the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Study authors hypothesized that the combination of physical exercise with a mind-body focus, controlled breathing and movement may help in both overcoming fear of pain and coping with the experience of pain. At the same time, tai chi practice may stimulate certain neurochemical and analgesic pathways, leading to an overall improvement in quality of life.

The New England Journal of Medicine (2010; 363, 743–54).

Ai Chi (water Tai Chi) is the best for exercise with the healing properties of water to gain benefits from both. People with Fibromyalgia usually have complications with either or all: shoulders, knees, back, feet, neck, hands. Being in the water allows for relief along with the benefits of the specific movements of Ai Chi such as synchronized breathing for a duration of 45 minutes to an hour.

BE AN OPTIMIST!!! 10 TIPS!

Optimism has been shown to increase longevity,
promote happiness, and encourage healthy living.

1.Start the day in a positive way. Find one thing to be happy about — it may be the aroma of your morning coffee, some favorite music, or the unconditional love of a pet.

2. Practice gratitude. Take a moment each day to express
gratitude for something or someone in your life. Even better,
share it with that person. Now you’ve made your day and theirs!

3. Exercise. Endorphins released through exercise are accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook.

4. Do something you love to do. Add a pleasing activity or two to your daily routine, something for the body, mind, or spirit.

5. Look on the bright side. Your thoughts about events in your life affect your feelings about them. Switch your thoughts to a more positive track and your feelings will follow.

6. Try an affirmation a day. Short, inspirational phrases spoken to yourself can have a profound effect on the way you feel about yourself. Some examples: I am strong. I am healthy. I am beautiful. I am in control of my life.

7. Seek out positive people. Your newfound optimism will make you attractive to others. Now surround yourself with like-minded people.

8. Let go of the past. Holding on to bitter feelings drains us of positive emotional energy. Forgive yourself as well as others. Acknowledge what has happened and move on.

9. Get to know yourself. Focus on who you are rather than on perceptions other people may have of you. Meditation and journaling can help you achieve a greater understanding of yourself.

10. Be a balanced optimist. Accept that life throws us curves and feel confident that you can successfully handle whatever comes your way.

(2011, Jewish Home for Aging)

NASAL SPRAY FOR STROKE AND ALZHEIMER'S

Researchers from Tel Aviv University are working on a nasal two-in-one vaccine that could protect against both Alzheimer's disease and stroke. The proposed vaccine appears to repair vascular damage in the brain by rounding up "troops" from the body's own immune system.

According to an article soon to appear in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, the vaccine not only has a preventative function but could also help fight Alzheimer's symptoms that are already present.

This breakthrough is of extraordinary interest to American pharmaceutical makers, given that one in eight Americans will develop Alzheimer's disease - and its related devastating memory loss -- at some point in life. And because Alzheimer's is often associated with vascular damage in the brain, many patients are also at great risk of a potentially fatal stroke.

(March 3.2011, Israel 21C)

Dr. Susan Love speaks at Campbell Hall in Studio City, CA

Campbell Hall Parent Education Program
"Currents in Breast Cancer Research and Female Wellness"
Perspectives on Woman's Health

Special Guest speaker: Dr. Susan Love (author of "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book" and "Dr. Susan Love's Menopause and Hormone Book). She is also a Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine.

Tuesday, March 15, 7 p.m. in the Theater on the Campbell Hall campus.

Anyone can attend.

Yoga for Parkinson's and other Muscle Conditions

Colleen Carroll, formerly our Surf'n Turf yoga instructor continues to do wonderful things. Read this article about her work at Yoga Therapy For Parkinson's, Palisades Post 2/24/11.