Monthly Archives: November 2010

Fibromyalgia research links 2010

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fibro1I am a fibromyalgia sufferer who relies on alternative and complementary medicine, rather than pharmaceuticals.  This is because I have multiple food, chemical and drug allergies and decided years ago that suffering through side effects was not for me. I keep watch on all the research that’s done every year and when treatment options don’t include pharmaceuticals I try them to see if they will provide relief from the inflammation and pain.  I also keep watch for alternative and complementary medicine research pertaining to the many associated conditions.

Causes of fibromyalgia are not known

The condition produces vague symptoms that may be associated with diminished blood flow to certain parts of the brain and increased amounts of substance P, which is thought to be a sensory neurotransmitter involved in the communication of pain, touch, and temperature from the body to the brain. Researchers have identified several other possible fibromyalgia causes, including the following:

  • Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
  • Chronic sleep disorders
  • Emotional stress or trauma
  • Immune or endocrine system dysfunction
  • Upper spinal cord injury
  • Viral or bacterial infection

Alternative therapies and treatments work to heal your total being, which is why some fibromyalgia patients opt for them in treating their widespread symptoms. A variety of alternative options may ease your fibromyalgia pain—from acupuncture and biofeedback to herbal supplements and massage to yoga and meditation.

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from fibromyalgia, you should be aware of the new research developments involving your disorder. The more you know about fibromyalgia, the better equipped you’ll be to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Fibromyalgia research links 2010

High Rate of Restless Legs Syndrome Found in Adults With Fibromyalgia
October 15, 2010:  A new study finds that adults with fibromyalgia had a much higher prevalence and risk of restless legs syndrome than healthy controls. The study suggests that treating RLS may improve sleep and may improve sleep and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.

Yoga Can Counteract Fibromyalgia, Study Suggests
October 14, 2010 — Yoga exercises may have the power to combat the chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia — a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain. The research is being published in the November 10 online edition of the journal Pain and will appear online on Oct. 14.

Adolescents With Fibromyalgia Who Are Physically Active Report Lower Levels of Pain and Disability
September 19, 2010: Adolescents with fibromyalgia who are physically active report lower levels of pain and disability,

How Badly Does It Hurt? Research Examines the Biomedical Diagnosis of Pain
August 28, 2010:  Sociology research investigates the challenges of patients experiencing pain symptoms that don’t visibly turn up on any tests. Research out of the University of Cincinnati is examining the diagnosis of pain that evades scientific testing, and the additional emotional suffering that can result for the patient.

New Principle Discovered for How Muscle Pain Is Signaled
July 19, 2010:  Chronic muscular pain may be linked to a previously unknown principle for how pain signals are transmitted in the human body.

Obesity Associated With Increased Risk of Fibromyalgia
May 4, 2010:  Researchers in Norway have found an association between the level of leisure time physical exercise and a future risk of developing fibromyalgia. The research team also identified BMI as an independent risk factor for fibromyalgia.

New Reliable Method Based on Patients’ Gait Helps to Diagnose Fibromyalgia
April 30, 2010:  A researcher from Spain has designed a reliable method that — combined with the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Reumathology — helps to diagnose fibromyalgia on the basis of of patients’ walk parameters, i.e. their gait.

Study Highlights New Way to Diagnose Fibromyalgia
May 27, 2010: To test the new criteria, the researchers conducted a multi-center study of 829 people who had fibromyalgia and a control group of people who had other pain disorders. The researchers found that the combination of the pain index, number of symptoms, and severity of symptoms provided the most accurate fibromyalgia diagnosis. The researchers reported that the new criteria will correctly diagnose more than 88% of people with fibromyalgia—and that’s without a tender point examination. — The American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia and Measurement of Symptom Severity

Fibromyalgia Affects Mental Health of Those Diagnosed and Their Spouses, Study Finds
April 30, 2010 — Researchers are examining how the diagnosis of fibromyalgia can affect marriages. Initial findings reveal that diagnosed spouses have considerably higher levels of depressive symptoms and pain and report more marital instability and anger than their spouses. For both spouses, the symptoms can trigger increased emotional withdrawal and mental strain.

Exercise Reduces Pain Perceptions in Fibromyalgia Patients
April 1, 2010:  People with fibromyalgia can experience debilitating pain—and that can erase any motivation to exercise. But what this study shows is that 30 minutes a day of moderate activity can make a difference in how you perceive pain. –  Effects of lifestyle physical activity on perceived symptoms and physical function in adults with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized trial

Cannabis-based Drug Improves Sleep in Fibromyalgia Patients
February 24, 2010: Sleep problems are common in people with chronic pain disorders—and fibromyalgia is no exception. There are a number of medications that may treat sleep problems associated with fibromyalgia, and anti-depressants are among the most common. But new study findings may change that—a synthetic cannabinoid called nabilone (marketed as Cesamet) relieved sleep disturbances better than the anti-depressant amitriptyline (Elavil).  – The Effects of Nabilone on Sleep in Fibromyalgia: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Savella Gets Good Marks for Treating Fibromyalgia
February 22, 2010: In both studies, 52% of patients taking 100 mg of Savella and 56% of those taking 200 mg of Savella reported a reduction in pain. This is compared with 40% to 42% of the participants taking a placebo. Overall, the patients in the Savella group experienced better pain control, compared to the placebo group.–  AAPM: Drug for Fibromyalgia Boosts Multiple Outcomes

Fibromyalgia Pain Relief: Is It All in Your Lungs?
February 1, 2010: This is important because it highlights the link between emotional pain and physical pain. Many people with fibromyalgia suffer from depression and anxiety, which only exacerbates their physical pain. On the other hand, this study also shows that a positive mental state helps stave off physical pain. — The effects of slow breathing on affective responses to pain stimuli: An experimental study

Three Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipes

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cranberryCranberry sauce is a traditional part of American and Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations. Americans consume some 400 million pounds of cranberries each year, 20 percent of that during Thanksgiving week!

The cranberry is a Native American wetland fruit which grows on trailing vines like a strawberry. The vines thrive on the special combination of soils and water properties found in wetlands.  Native Americans used cranberries, fat and ground venison to make a survival cake known as pemmican. They also used the fruit in poultices and fabric dyes.

The first recorded use of the word “cranberries” appeared in 1647 in a letter written by missionary John Eliot.  Cranberries soon became a vital source of vitamin C for whalers and a valuable resource to New England residents. New England sailors ate cranberries, a good source of vitamin C, to fight off scurvy.

Cranberries are primarily grown in five states — Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. They are also cultivated in Chile, Quebec, Eastern Canada, and British Columbia.

Almost all, 95%, of British Columbia’s cranberries are grown for the processing market. The rest are sold as fresh berries. BC produces about 26 million kilograms of cranberries valued at $12 million. These berries are grown by 50 family farm operations on 1150 producing hectares. The berries produced in British Columbia are sold and shipped into the United States for processing to the Ocean Spray Pool along with the crop from Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Oregon and Washington. Fresh cranberries at Granville Island and other local markets are from British Columbia, but most sold in Canadian supermarkets are likely from Wisconsin. — Cranberry Facts — Ministry of Agriculture & Lands – BC Berry Industry Overview

Cranberries and health

Cranberries are considered a healthy fruit. They contain no cholesterol and virtually no fat and are low in sodium. Various cranberry products may contain substantial levels of dietary fiber and certain vitamins, as well as a variety of photochemical that may be beneficial to health. — Cranberries Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Historically, cranberry fruits and leaves were used for a variety of problems, such as wounds, urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems.  Recently, cranberry products have been used in preventing or treating urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infections. Cranberry has also been reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activity.    — Fibromyalgia: Cranberry for Cystitis

No other berry has undergone as much scientific study applied to humans than the cranberry. Aboriginal Canadians knew that they had medicinal properties, and recent research indicates that the powerful phytochemicals contained in these berries may provide a remarkable range of health benefits. Cranberries, for example, contain chemicals that prevent the adhesion of bacteria to cell walls, which help defend against the organisms that cause stomach ulcers and gum disease; probably for this reason, cranberries have long been a recognized treatment for urinary tract infections. Cranberries may also improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood-cholesterol levels, and their anti-inflammatory properties may be a factor in promoting overall health.  — Canadian Cranberries:  A Tart Treasure

cranberry coffeecake

K. Fields has a blog titled Arcticulates:  Focusing on Alaska’s Beauty. She shared this coffeecake recipe below with me two years ago and it was an instant hit.

Next I will be trying her Wild Cranberry Muffins.

Cranberry Coffee Cake

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup applesauce*
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces of canned cranberries or 1.5 cups of wild cranberries

*Applesauce replaces the cup of sugar… so diabetics or health conscience folks can eat it too.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, grease and flour one 9 or 10 inch tube pan.
  2. Mix thoroughly the butter, applesauce, and the eggs.
  3. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and cinnamon. Add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream or yogurt to the butter mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix only until just combined. Pour 1/3 of the batter into the prepared pan. Swirl 1/2 of the cranberries/ or cranberry sauce into the batter. Repeat, ending with the batter on top.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees F for approx. 55 minutes or until golden brown and your finger does not leave a indent when you gently tap on top.
  5. Let stand 5 – 10 minutes before removing from the pan.  Cool on a wire rack.

cranberry pumpkin coffeecakeTwo more delicious cranberry cake recipes

Cranberries and canned pumpkin with a variety of spices make a fabulous cake. Choose from a crumb topping or a simple icing. This deliciously different cake is very easy to make. — Pumpkin Cranberry Cake Recipe

Don’t miss the lovely variation here. –  Cranberry Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Simple Pleasures: Homemade Cards

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cardsA form of Christmas card began in England when young boys practiced their writing skills by creating Christmas greetings for their parents, but it is Sir Henry Cole, the first director of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, who is credited with commissioning artist John Calcott Horsley to create the first real Christmas card. The sending of commercially printed Christmas cards originated in London in 1843.  Since that time Christmas has become the number one card-selling holiday of the year.

When I was a child I loved making and receiving handmade greeting cards. I  considered them to be special in comparison to the commercial ones and  I have continued making my own.

xmasstickersSome of my friends make their own cards too and we get together and have a great time making them together,  exchanging ideas,  and supplies  and chatting about who we will send them to.

tree cardMaking greeting cards isn’t expensive as I have most of the supplies on hand-  recycled paper; colored paper; construction paper; recycled cards; card stock; guillotine paper cutter; scissors; x-acto knives; glue; colored pencils; rubber stamps; decorative paper  punches; paints; ink and ink pads; fabric; ribbons; stencils; stickers; sequins; stars;  glitter.

Best of all and there’s lost of room for innovation in card making.
papersnow

One of my favorites is making pop-up cards.

If you would like to make your own then can find a wonderful selection of design and instructions here > Simple Pop-Ups You Can Make!

Here are instructions for creating a Beautiful Paper Snowflake for the adept and ambitious paper cutters to tackle.

Hat Tip: Crafty Cards

Love Dream Musica

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New Video – Love Dream Musica – リラクゼーション音楽 Marcome

Marcome’s world of ambient New Age music has a special quality that draws me. Her energy speaks of inner strength and optimism. This latest video remix offers a unique mix of serene sound and kinetic, electronic images. Find out more about Marcome, her philosophy, her music on her blog.

Two Canadian Pumpkin Soups

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maple leafThe frost is still to come but  it’s cold outside and the daylight ends early. When days are short and nights are long I usually think about cooking comfort food.

This post contains recipes for two pumpkin soups that my friends and I enjoyed at Canadian Thanksgiving dinner and I hope my readers will try them and enjoy them too.

Canadian Pumpkin Soup

This is a vegetarian pumpkin soup with curry and maple caramelized onions.
It takes about 40 minutes to make and serves 8.

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup real Canadian maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored and diced
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans pumpkin or fresh pumpkin
  • juice from 2 oranges
  • 6 cups milk
  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • small rounds of toast or holland rusks

Instructions
(1) Use a large skillet on a medium-high heat, pour in 4 tablespoons of olive oil and add half of the onions. Then saute until the onions are very soft and lightly browned.

(2) Add the maple syrup and ginger, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring often, until the onions are thick and caramelized and then set aside.

(3) While the onions are caramelizing, in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil, the remaining onion, the curry powder, red pepper flakes and the apple. Then saute until the onion is tender.

(4) Add in the pumpkin and orange juice and then place the mixture into a blender or food processor. Add milk and puree until smooth.

(5) Pour the soup mixture into and saucepan and gently simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

(6) Ladle the soup into bowls, then top each serving with toasts or rusks and spoon the caramelized onions onto the toasts.

Pumpkin and Sausage Soup

Serves 8

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces country style sausage
  • 1/2 cup onions, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped
  • 15 ounces pumpkin, canned
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup water

pumpkin

Instructions

(1)   Over medium heat brown the sausage breaking into small bits. Drain fat. Add the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and mushrooms and saute until vegetables are cooked.

(2)   Add the canned pumpkin and the broth, stirring to mix well. Cook at a low simmer for 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, sour cream and water, and serve.