Fibromyalgia: Get A Good Night's Sleep

Fibromyalgia and a good night's rest go together like oil and water. Well, for at least 80% of the people who suffer from fibromyalgia this is true. Below are some of the sleep disorders which are associated with fibromyalgia:

Alpha EEG Anomaly
This disorder effects deep sleep. Those who suffer from it find it very difficult to obtain a good nights rest. The name derives from the activity in the brain which hinders the deep sleep. When the brain should be in deep sleep, it acts as if it's awake and produces alpha waves.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea causes stoppages in the breathing of the sufferer. This only happens when they are asleep.
 
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
The pain of fibromyalgia can be so severe in the lower limbs that while in bed the sufferer must move their legs to alleviate the pain.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
The PLM disorder occurs when the sufferer is in deep sleep and their limbs move. This also can cause disturbances in a persons sleep.

Bruxism
Brixism is another form of involuntary movement. Bruxism simply means "teeth grinding."

As stated in many of these blog posts on fibromyalgia, WebMD has a lot of information on the subject. We recently received the following slide show on how to get a good nights rest in out e-mail box. Check it out by clicking here.

What the Muscular Dystrophy Association Is All About

By looking at the Community Involvement page on our main website and by just taking a quick look at the sidebar on this blog, you can see that we are advocates of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. We, from time to time, like to share what we're doing with the Eastern North Carolina MDA. Just click on the MDA logo to the left to see all that we have done in the time this blog has been on the Internet.

With all this being said, What is the MDA all about? Well, today we're going to spell it out for you, so you can understand and hopefully share our passion in seeing a cure found. The following text is directly from the MDA official website:

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.


MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. With national headquarters in Tucson, MDA has more than 200 offices across the country, sponsors more than 200 hospital-affiliated clinics and supports more than 330 research projects around the world.

MDA supports more research on neuromuscular diseases than any other private-sector organization in the world. MDA scientists are in the forefront of gene therapy research and have uncovered the genetic defects responsible for several forms of muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), childhood spinal muscular atrophy and several other neuromuscular conditions.

The Association's comprehensive services program includes diagnostic and follow-up medical consultations, flu shots, support groups, MDA summer camps for youngsters, a medical equipment loan program, assistance with equipment repairs and resource referral.

Through its national advocacy program, MDA works to make life better for people with muscular dystrophy and related muscle diseases by providing representation in matters of public policy and research advancement, nationally and internationally; and facilitating active involvement in these areas by the people it serves.

MDA was created in 1950 by a group of adults with muscular dystrophy, parents of children with muscular dystrophy and a physician-scientist studying the disorder. Since its earliest days, it has been energized by its number-one volunteer and national chairman, entertainer Jerry Lewis.

Friday Feed #56

10 Spectacular Sand Sculpting Festivals
Sand Sculptures make their second appearance on the Friday Feed in as many weeks. That's because it makes for some great pictures.

Facebook's Half Billion Users: Fun Facts
Facebook recently hit 500 million users. Here are some fun facts concerning that milestone.

The NFL's Golden Oldies
Some crafty veterans of the NFL. Football is just around the corner and we couldn't be more excited.

Twenty Historic Photos of New York City
Some shots from the 30's and 40's.

35 Beautiful Examples Of Shadow Photography
Great shots.

The 5 Step Process of Deciding Disability

The Social Security Administration uses a five step process to decide if a person is disabled. After the following five questions are answered the SSA will decide if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. If you are denied benefits, this is when you may need to speak with an attorney and see if there is anything that can be done. The denial letter is not the end of the road. There are still options open to you. The following steps and explanations come straight from the Social Security Disability Administration.


1. Are You Working?
If you are working and your earnings surpass the amount set for substantial gainful activity (SGA) then you will not be considered for disability benefits. The SGA amount changes each years as the economy ebbs and flows. In 2010, SGA for non-blind persons is $1,000.

2. Is your medical condition "severe"?
If your disability is not severe enough you will not receive disability benefits from Social Security. What they are looking for in this portion of the process is if your disability restricts you from working. How long can you sit? Can you stand? Walk? This is where your medical records will come into play. Your medical records must convey your disability to the Administration.

3. Is your medical condition on the List of Impairments?
State Social Security agencies have a List of Impairments that describes medical conditions that are considered so severe that a person is automatically considered disabled by definition of the law. If your condition is not on this list, the Administration will then see if you condition is equal to one on the list. View the List of Impairments.

4. Can you do the work you did before?
The Administration will simply decide if your medical condition prevents you from being able to do the work you did before. If it does not, you will be denied benefits.

5. Can you do any other type of work?
If you are now on this step, it has been decided that you cannot do work you have performed in the past. Now, the Administration will look at your medical condition, age, education, past work experience and any skills you may have. If the Administration decides that you cannot do any other type of work, you will be awarded disability benefits.

Remember, just because you receive a denial letter does not mean it is the end of the road. In North Carolina, over 82% of those seeking Social Security disability benefits are denied. The denial is only the first step of the whole Social Security disability determination process.

Fibromyalgia: WebMD Q&A

If you're a regular reader of the blog, you may have noticed that we dedicate many post on this blog to the topic of fibromyalgia. We do this because in our practice we see many cases of it. In Social Security Disability cases, it may be the main cause of the person's inability to work. In auto accidents and workers' compensation cases, it may form after the accident and injury. Due to these reasons, we like to pass along any information that helps those who suffer from the effects of fibromyalgia.

With that being said, WebMD is a one stop shop of information on the topic. Below is a couple Q&A's about fibromyalgia. To read the whole article, just click here.

Does Morning Stiffness Affect Many Fibromyalgia Patients?
Studies show that more than 75% of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia feel stiffness in the morning when they get up. The stiffness is extensive -- affecting the muscles and joints of the back, arms, and legs. It makes them feel the need to "loosen up" after getting out of bed before beginning their usual activities.

Some people with fibromyalgia report that the morning stiffness may last only a few minutes, but in general, it is usually very noticeable for more than 15 to 20 minutes each day. In some cases, though, the stiffness lasts for hours, and in others it seems to be present all day.

While most people feel stiff when they first wake up, the stiffness associated with fibromyalgia is much more than simply a minor aching. In fact, people with fibromyalgia have the same feeling of stiffness in the morning that people feel with many types of arthritis, especially rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis.

Are Chronic Headaches a Symptom of Fibromyalgia?
Chronic headaches, such as recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches, are common in about 70% of people with fibromyalgia. They can pose a major problem in a person's ability to cope with and self-manage FMS.

Read more Q&A's from WebMD's fibromyalgia article here.

Signs of North Carolina Nursing Home Negligence: Dehydration

Dehydration happens when the patient is losing more water than they are taking in.


Many nursing home residents do not drink enough water. Mostly, they do not recognize how much water they need. So, it is important that the nursing home encourage nursing home residents to drink as much water as possible. Again, this requires a PLAN by the nursing home.

THE PLAN

Making sure water is available;

Making sure the nursing home resident can drink the water (can they reach the cup; use the straw, pour the water; physically drink the water);

Making sure the nursing home is recording how much water the resident is drinking;

Making sure the nursing home is assisting the resident drinking the water.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
Decrease in urine output or constipation
Increase in falls or problems with walking
Significant weight loss
Inability to sweat
Dizziness or headaches
Dry mouth and tongue
Significant drop in blood pressure

Friday Feed #55: 300th Post Edition

Yes, that's right. This edition of the Friday Feed is our 300th post on this blog. It's been a pleasure updating this thing everyd.....well, almost everyday and bringing you the info you need and sometimes the info that is just a pleasure to read. Enough of that, on with the Friday goods.

The Ultimate History Quiz
History buff? Take on the Ultimate History Quiz and test what you know.

88 Incredible Sand Sculptures
See if you can replicate any of these on your summer trip to the beach.

Home Remedies Around the World
Americans mothers go to the chicken soup, but what are they doing in other countries?

Shanghai Skyline: Before and After
This the Amazing Present and the Crazy Future of Dubai's Skyline
A couple of amazing skylines from overseas.

The World's Wildest Water Slides: Pictures
Popular Mechanics checks in on some water slides that offer a little more than the average summer fun.

11 Crazy Product Commercials From the 1980s
Ah, the 80's.

Avandia FDA Advisory Panel Meeting: Wrap-Up

If you've been keeping up with our blog or Twitter feed this week, you have seen that we are keeping up with all the news and opinion from the FDA Advisory Panel Meeting on the diabetes drug Avandia. Now that the meetings are over what is the fallout and what does this mean for the future of the drug?

If you checked out some of the news we linked yesterday, you might have been confused. While the panel expressed concern about the safety of the drug after seeing reports and evidence of its elevated risks, they still, by majority vote, reccommend to leave the drug on the market, but with stricter restrictions and warnings.

The FDA Advisory Panel also voted to continue with a Glaxo-sponsored clinical trial of Avandia. This trial will compare the cardiovascular risk of Avandia against its biggest competitor, Actos. It will take years to see the results from this trial. 

QUOTES:
"I did not think the that the evidence was strong enough to suggest that the drug should be taken off the market, but the preponderance of studies all suggested that there is relative risk"
-Dr. Allison Goldfine, assistant director of clinical research at the Joslin Diabetes Center 

"It would be very, very restrictive, essentially 95% of the use of this drug will go away if the [FDA] chooses that option."

- Dr. Steven Nissen, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic

"Per Sr Mgmt request, these data should not see the light of day to anyone outside of GSK,"

- GlaxoSmithKline internal e-mail discussing negative data about Avandia

Avandia FDA Advisory Panel Meeting: News From Day 2

The links below provide news and opinion from the 2nd day of the FDA Advisory Panel on Avandia. Get a complete look at both days of the meeting by checking out the first day of news and opinion.

Federal panel: Evidence shows increased health risks associated with Avandia

Avandia debate spotlights key FDA decision makers
Avandia, GSK, FDA, Angels & Demons
Avandia increases risk of heart problems: panel

Glaxo Said to Pay $460 Million to Settle Avandia Damage Suits

Blogging the F.D.A. Panel on Avandia
Clinical Data on Avandia Raises Safety Concerns
Avandia On Trial: Glaxo's Cardinal Sin of Bad Data
Avandia On Trial: A Plea To Weigh All The Evidence
Avandia On Trial: The Key Question
Avandia on Trial: Glaxo's Cognitive Dissonance
Avandia On Trial: How I Would Vote
Avandia on Trial: An Outsider Perspective
Avandia On Trial: The First Votes
Avandia: The Key Vote Is Negative
Avandia On Trial: The Panel's Damning Verdict
Panel Sees No Increase In Mortality For Avandia
(This list will be updated as more news becomes available)

CNN Video on Avandia

Be sure to come back this afternoon as we wrap up all the information from Day 2 of the FDA Advisory Panel on Avandia. You can also follow us on Twitter to get real time up dates of today's meeting. Also, check out the news and opinion from day one.

Avandia FDA Advisory Panel Meeting: News From Day 1

Following are links to news stories and opinion of the first day of a FDA advisory panel meeting on the diabetes drug Avandia. For more information on Avandia please click here.

Recall Avandia? "Keep an open mind," says one FDA commissioner

FDA Scientists Debate Results Of Glaxo Avandia Study

One Sign FDA Could Pull Avandia

FDA advisory panel may make recommendation on safety of diabetes drug Avandia tomorrow
Avandia Bares Changing FDA
Avandia Panel Hints at Doubts Over Credibility
Avandia Hearings to Reveal True Dangers of Popular Drug
Avandia on Trial: Glaxo’s Lame Defense
Avandia On Trial: The FDA Counterpoint
Avandia On Trial: FDA Reviewer Goes On the Offensive
Avandia On Trial: Nissen's Prosecution
Avandia On Trial: Glaxo's Defense III
Avandia on Trial: Glaxo's Defense Part II
Avandia on Trial: Glaxo Begins Its Defense
Avandia On Trial

Birth Defect Research For Children

We were checking out some law blogs today and came across a post about an informative website on Texas Attorney, Bob Kraft's blog.

The non-profit organization behind the website is Birth Defect Research for Children, Inc. (BDRC). The aim of the organization is to provide parents and expectant parents with information about birth defects and support services for their children. Below is a video which is on the website:

The organization also sponsors a research project called the Birth Defect Registry. The project studies the association between birth defects and exposures to radiation, medication, alcohol, smoking, chemicals, pesticides, lead, mercury, dioxin and other environmental toxins. Case studies of how the two have worked together can be viewed on the website.

You can also keep up with the organization's progress on Facebook.

Rocky Mount Harley Davidson July 10th Bike Night

As we posted on the blog last week, we made the trip down 64 and joined Rocky Mount Harley Davidson and the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G) at their first in a series of Bike Nights in 2010. We had a great time meeting with motorcyclists from around the area. We also learned a lot about the passion the area shares for Toys For Tots. Below are some pictures from the event. As always, check out all the pictures on our Facebook page.

Friday Feed #54

It has been some time since we posted a Friday Feed. We figured we'd bring back an old friend going into the weekend. Also, if you haven't heard LeBron James is going to the Miami Heat.

Summer is Here
Boston.com's Big Picture Blog shows how people (and animals) are keeping it cool around the world this summer. In pictures, of course. 

10 Most Recognizable Film Scores
Well known movies with well known music.

Debunking the Top 10 Energy Myths
Popular Mechanics tackles 10 myths associated with energy.

Red-hot grilling tips from Eatocracy readers
CNN's Eatocracy lets its readers share some tips for your summer grilling enjoyment.

World’s Top 10 Longest Single Span Bridges
Check out some of the world's longest bridges.

Rocky Mount Harley Davidson Bike Nights 2010

Come join us this Saturday as we take it over to Nash County, North Carolina to one in a series of "Bike Nights" put on by Rocky Mount Harley Davidson. The H.O.G. Chapter will be selling food and beverages. DJ Mark Speed will be blasting out hits from the 50's and 60's. A Poker Run will take place. It's going to be some great times down in Nash County and Rocky Mount. Last time we were down there, we had nothing but a blast.

Need directions to Rocky Mount Harley Davidson?

 CLICK HERE and enter where you will be coming from.

7 Foods to Avoid if You Suffer From Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition which affects 4% of the population. As our last blog post on this matter stated, a majority of those who suffer from the condition are females. With no known certain treatment for the condition and the wide range of its discomfort and location of pain in the body, no two cases are the same. With that, no two people can go the same way about treating it. Simply, different things work for different people.

Like many conditions, a good diet may be able to ease the pain. So what is the best diet to be on when fibromyalgia is present? Well, let's go back to the opening paragraph: Different strokes for different folks, but there are some foods that seem to make the condition worse according to a WebMD article on the subject.

Below are WebMD's 7 Foods to Avoid if you suffer from Fibromyalgia:
1. Aspartame (NutraSweet).
2. Food additives including MSG (monosodium glutamate) and nitrates
3. Sugar, fructose, and simple carbohydrates
4. Caffeine -- including coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate
5. Yeast and gluten
6. Dairy
7. Nightshade Plants: Tomatoes, chili and bell peppers, potatoes, and eggplant

To see why these foods made the list check out the full article on WebMD by clicking here.

The Star Spangled Banner in North Carolina

With Independence Day coming up this Sunday, we figured we'd post some videos of the Star Spangled Banner to give you a patriotic kick going into the weekend. Also, to put a little twist on it, all the videos have something associated with North Carolina. Enjoy!