You will always be in less pain when you are doing something that you enjoy. Enjoyment brings pleasure. What is the opposite of pain? Pleasure! Pleasure brings balance into your life which would otherwise be consumed by pain. Enjoyment brings a smile. Try smiling more often and it is amazing how everyone around you starts to smile back. It's infectious. Enjoyment, pleasure and smiling... now that is an infection worth having.

Hobbies are a great distraction. Get caught up in a fun project, before you know it you have had two hours without thinking about the pain. A distracted mind will not focus on the pain because your attention is focused elsewhere. Considering that the people who are in the most pain and suffering tend to be the ones who are very vigilant about their pain, a good hobby is well worth some pain relief.

It is hard to have a hobby without meeting some people. Pain can be so isolating which is why it leads to suffering. A social network provides a lifeboat to get you off the island of pain. Surround yourself with positive people and with positive energy; soon enough, you will feel better.

Medications cannot touch the pain relieving power of a totally fun, distracting hobby of enjoyment. Doctor's orders: Have some fun and meet new people! Best of all, learning a new hobby will teach you how to "walk with rocks in your shoes." (thanks to Emily West for a great song)

Too many women in this country look at having a baby like taking a crap.  You want to get it out of you as quickly as possible, wipe the icky residue away, and then forget the whole nasty business ever happened.  I don't understand that outlook, personally.  I thought that the process of bringing a child into the world was pretty kick ass.  Its something I like to talk about, because it was cool.  Yeah, it hurt, and sure, there were some gross parts, but in a nation where we line up to see the latest gore porn sequel every time the masterminds behind Saw decided they'd like a little more money, can we really not handle hearing about a little placenta?  Seriously, people, don't be such pussies.  I'm as squeemish as the next person, but this isn't feces, its a child.

So yeah, I'll say it, I peed myself in transition.  Several times.  I'll say it, I pooped on the delivery table while pushing.  I'll say it, some sort of green fluid gushed out of me after they yanked my son out.  And yeah, I'll say it, I bled like a stuffed pig for six weeks after labor.  Its all part of that kick ass labor experience I had, and I'm very sorry if you didn't have a kick ass labor experience yourself.

All it takes to have a kick ass labor experience is to participate in your own labor.  You don't have to do it all natural, with no drugs, like I did.  Natural birth isn't for everyone.  If you're the type of person who would rather wake up in bed next to Ted Bundy than to run a mile, natural labor is probably not for you.  If you're the type of person who cries when you get a paper cut, natural labor is probably not for you.  If you're the type of person who makes your husband have sex with you through a hole in a sheet with all the lights out so he can't see your shameful, shameful nakedness, you probably should go ahead and schedule an elective c section.  But whatever kind of person you are, you can still take an active role in your labor and participate fully in the experience, and wind up having a totally empowering birth experience. 

All you have to do is research your pregnancy and labor options fully, and pick the options that are best for you.  Maybe you know you want pain relief, but you're terrified of needles.  Do a little research, and you'll be relieved to know that there are many pain relief alternatives to the epidural, such as Demerol (which my aunt says was just great for her first labor, but not enough pain relief for her second).  Or maybe you want to look into sedation methods for when they put in that epidural needle, so that you can just ignore the whole needle ordeal.  Look into your options!  Don't just lean back and figure the doctor is a professional, so let him decide.  Nobody knows you like you.

Next, write a birth plan and give it to your doctor.  Birth plans are awesome.  They let the doctor and nurses know what kind of person you are, what kind of birth you want, and how best to serve you during your labor.  A lot of women think a birth plan is not necessary if they are not having a natural birth.  WRONG!  Since you researched your options and have picked a specific plan that's going to be best for the unique and special individual you are, you're going to want to articulate that to your hospital staff - even if your plan looks like the pretty standard action plan of most OBs (epidural, augmentation with pit).  If we all demanded to be treated like the unique individuals with unique individual needs that we are, that action plan would not be standard.  There would be no standard!  For example, when writing up my birth plan, I seriously considered requesting an IV (totally not standard for an otherwise natural birth).  Why?  Because I like them.  They make me feel super hydrated.  I know I'm crazy.  No, I'm unique.  So are you.  Demand to be treated as such.  (Furthermore, you'll probably want to specify how you want yourself and your baby treated after birth, otherwise god only knows what they'll do to you)

Finally, ask questions.  Why? Good question.  Because things change.  You can never have total control over labor, but if something happens and your plans change, you will feel better about everything if you know whats happening and what your options are from there.  Women who report feeling positive about their birth despite emergency cesareans all say that the thing that let them feel so empowered after such a drastic change in plans was getting all the information they could from the doctor so that they were able to participate in the decision process.

Look, all the time you hear people saying that its about the journey, not about the destination.  People apply that cliche to everything, from your career to relationships.  But for whatever reason, we don't want to apply it to labor and birth?  Come on.  Sure, that baby destination is pretty awesome, but if you don't participate in the journey to the baby, you're really missing out on a pretty kick ass thing your body is doing.

In 2005 an Australian company, who are leaders in pain relief and injury technology, developed the Sports version of their already famous topical lotion called, Elmore Oil, and set about enhancing it with the technology and the methodology to rapidly increase the rate of recovery from injury in athletes at the elite level, as well as providing multiple pre-competition advantages.

Elmore Oil Sports and the Faster than RICER recovery program has been picked up by some key individual athletes around the country, but has failed to capture the attention of the countries sports medicine decision makers. The companies managing director, Mark Linford, says that while he is pleased about the Chinese interest he is worried that Australia will again lose a key advantage to another country.

"There is no doubt we are delighted and proud of the interest shown by the Chinese team, but it's a shame that once again Australia may lose cutting edge technology to a sporting competitor. Elmore Oil Sports has anecdotally proven to provide a massive competitive edge, but clinical trials have not yet been fully completed and as a result the Australian Sports hierarchy seem to have just ignored the product. Despite that, the Chinese Medical advisers have at least taken the time to investigate the potential and will trial our product in the lead up to the games," said Mr. Linford.

Already used by the prestigious Singapore Sports Academy, the product will now be assessed by Mr. Sun Guixian, the principal medical advisor to the Chinese Olympic team in Beijing. The process was not a simple one, with all available clinical data having to be translated into Mandarin Chinese for the evaluation to take place, but Mr Linford says the project is certainly worth the cost.

"The market in China is enormous and with the potential endorsement from the Chinese team our entry to that market would be made all that much easier," said Mr. Linford.

Dr. Bob Chen, a U.S. trained physiotherapist heads up the medical team, based at the Hong Kong Polytechnics University and Dr. Chen has turned the focus of his medical staff towards recovery in the lead up to the 2008 games.

Studying the best techniques from Australia, the USA and the United Kingdom, Dr. Chen and his staff set out a program designed to extend the longevity of their athletes and allow them appropriate time for recovery between sessions. And now armed with the latest technology in sports medicine recovery from Australia, there could be no stopping them.

The innovative Polytechnics medical team have already used alternative, but cutting edge technology including a computerized Tai Chi exercise program. Recently featured on Discovery Channel, in a story on the goals and aims of the Chinese team for 2008, Dr. Chen says the target of being number one in the total medal count is right within their grasp and he believes his team will use any advantage they can find.

"In anticipation of the 2008 Olympics, most teams need rehabilitation services and occupational therapists. This is exactly where our expertise lies," said Dr. Chen

The new technology revolves around the already proven RICER system. With the potential for Elmore Oil Sports to be used in between ice applications, due to the lack of heat generation from the product, the opportunity exists to get the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of the polybractea and melaleuca into the injured area quickly.

The unique combination of vanilla extracts in the product formula act as a circulatory synergist to carry the active ingredients to the injured area without the need for deep massage.. A review paper entitled "The Bio Synthetic relationship of Terpenes and Cineoles" has been written to provide an overview for the more technically minded and can be downloaded from the Elmore Oil website as part of the medical data pack.

When asked exactly why he thought his product had been ignored by Australias peak sporting bodies, Mr. Linford was forthright in his answer. "Well you might call it scepticism" he said, "but the AIS does have a commercial relationship with Dencorub, who may be considered by some to be a competitor of ours. The truth of the matter is that Elmore Oil stands in a class of its own, but it may well be that they are putting money before the welfare and the potential competitive advantage of Australian athletes."

Log on to http://elmoreoil.co.uk or email elmoreoil@amcaimports.co.uk for more information.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new warning on Friday regarding the popular painkiller fentanyl, basically a re-issue of its 2005 warning. The FDA estimates that the patch version of the potent painkiller may have been involved in more than 3,500 deaths.

Fentanyl patches (brand name Duragesic) are typically prescribed to patients with chronic pain, or to those who have trouble swallowing pills. The patch's transdermal system releases a uniform dosage of the drug over the course of three days.

“I think there is more that needs to be done, or else we’re just going to see this [warning] happen again another two years from now.” “The deaths are going to continue.”

-Michael Cohen, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (PA)

The FDA also warns that heat and exercise can cause the patches to release the drug at a faster and potentially lethal rate. Patients who experience breathing problems while using fentanyl should call their doctors immediately, because high doses of the drug can cause the patients respiratory system to fail.

_

• View the 2005 fentanyl  FDA Alert
• View the 2004 fentanyl  FDA Recall Notice
• Duragesic Website: duragesic.com
• Image Courtesy Wikipedia

Do you suffer from joint, foot or arthritis pain?   One of the best kept secrets is the amazing arthritis relief that you can find using a natural pain reliever.  It can also give instant pain relief through plantar fasciitis treatments as well as metatarsal foot pain relief.  You won't want to miss the opportunity to eliminate nagging pain.

Do you suffer from joint, foot or arthritis pain? One of the best kept secrets is the amazing arthritis relief that you can find using a natural pain reliever. It can also give instant pain relief through plantar fasciitis treatments as well as metatarsal foot pain relief. You won't want to miss the opportunity to eliminate nagging pain.

Article By: Alidia Leary

Constantly pushing our mental and physical limits leaves us feeling exhausted and highly stressed, which results in increased susceptibility to illnesses such as hypertension or chronic exhaustion.

Regular participation in sports, eating healthy foods and making use of several wellness applications are important tools to combat these demands. Regular visits to the sauna have also proven to have extremely positive effects on the immune system and stress levels.

Ton Verachtert, spa owner and former CEO of a company that produces heavy equipment for the construction industry says: “As my company began to grow, I was faced with the pressures of increased production coupled with complex labour requirements.”

“To combat the increasingly negative effects the stress was having on my life, my doctor advised me to have regular sauna sessions. Now you will find me in a sauna facility every Saturday afternoon — which is quite common in North West Europe.”

Verachtert goes on to say that once he started regular sauna sessions, he noticed a marked improvement in his stress levels and a significant reduction in fatigue.

“It felt as if the increased blood circulation gave me the opportunity to increase my capacity to think,” he says. “I believe that regular sauna sessions are essential to my success.”

Sauna benefits

The sauna has been used for thousands of years to alleviate both physical and mental stress and has been attributed with healing, preventative and cleansing properties. Many doctors agree that taking a sauna regularly is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body.

When the body feels soothed and energised, the mind and the body often follow suit. In addition to combating stress, sauna offers a host of other health benefits. For example, it is a preventative measure when it comes to combating winter ills such as cold and flu.

When you take a sauna you inhale air temperatures that are too hot for cold and flu viruses to survive. The hot temperatures also stimulate a fever, which raises the body's temperature above normal in an attempt to destroy invading organisms and sweat impurities out of the system. A ‘good sweat’ at the onset of colds and flu helps to relieve and ward off the most severe symptoms.

In addition, the contrast between hot and cold strengthens the body’s defences and improves circulation.

The extreme temperatures in a sauna also increase your metabolism and pulse rate by 50 to 75%, which provides the same metabolic result as a brisk walk. The heat causes your blood vessels to become more flexible, expanding to accommodate increased blood flow.

Saunas play an important role in helping the body detoxify. The heat pumps up the blood circulation near the skin, causing the body to sweat. Prolonged saunas open the pores and flushes impurities from the body.

“Sauna bathing penetrates deeper into the skin than pure cosmetic treatments ever could – resulting in healthy skin and a clear, glowing complexion,” says Paulette Tindle, Kievits Kroon spa manager. “Spas often utilise saunas and steam baths in conjunction with massage to loosen fatty tissue and combat cellulite.”

How to sauna

“There are no definite rules on how to sauna, but the ritual is meant to be relaxing,” says Tindle.

Before entering the sauna, have a shower or wash yourself to prepare and moisten the skin. Also take a small towel or something to sit on in the sauna for increased comfort.

A single sauna session should be no longer than 8 – 12 minutes with a maximum of 15 minutes in a sauna-cabin with a temp between 85 and 95 degrees Celsius. To get the full benefit you should relax by sitting or lying down. Ladling small doses of water onto the stove stones can regulate air humidity in the sauna.

When you feel hot enough, exit the sauna and cool off by taking a quick cold shower eventually followed by a swim. Alternatively, you can simply relax outside the sauna. Have a drink if you feel thirsty, but avoid alcohol in the sauna. Once you are thoroughly cooled down, the process should be repeated with a second and if you like even third bath.

Before putting on clean clothes allow enough time for cooling off, or else the sweating will continue. Also be careful not to get cold since the body is in a more sensitive state after the sauna.

Groups of people who may have health risks in the sauna and who therefore should pay special attention to the way they bathe are patients with various diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma or skin disease.

more info visit www.sa-sauna.co.za

It is important to remember that the pain of childbirth is a pain with purpose, and second, that it is influenced by many factors. Like all other pain, the intensity of contractions causes pain (or intense power, according many), which is a signal to you. It is a signal to avoid injury to your body and that of your baby's. In the case of labor, the path to avoid injury is the same path by which the baby must be born. Avoiding pain by changing positions, emptying the bladder, eating and drinking, and by receiving continuous emotional and physical support will help to protect you and baby and to facilitate the natural progression of the birth experience.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to meet the requirements for natural pain relief in an environment that favors convenience and technology. It is therefore important to choose your birth attendant carefully, as well as the environment in which you will give birth.

There are some indications of when medication for pain relief may be of benefit such as: during routine procedures (i.e. restriction to bed, no food or drink, continuous electronic fetal monitoring), when labor is induced or augmented by medications which cause increased pain, back labor with a posterior baby, very long labors, and labors with a lack of continuous emotional and physical support. Though each of these may have a resolution (i.e. letting the tired mom rest, allowing her to remain out of bed, and attempting to turn a posterior baby), pain relief medications may ease the your anxiety and allow labor to progress efficiently.

However, there are risks to taking any pain medication that every mother should be aware of before accepting them. The less risky of medications are narcotics. These may take the edge off the pain but are not without side effects. Narcotics may make you and baby sleepy, resulting in an inability to handle contractions well and feeding difficulties or need for medical intervention in your baby.

The most common choice of pain relief is epidural anesthesia. Once administered, your labor will become a medical event. You are required to have intravenous fluids and continuous electronic fetal monitoring as well as restriction of movement and the increased possibility of needing a urinary catheter. An epidural may cause your labor to slow down, especially you are less than five centimeters dilated when it is administered, though for a woman who has become exhausted because of a very long labor, the epidural may allow her body to progress more efficiently. Pitocin may be required to speed up the labor. Once the second stage (pushing phase) of labor is reached, lack of feeling will prolong the birth and make it more difficult. In this situation, if you and baby are doing well, it is best to "labor down" and wait for the urge to push or until the baby's head is visible to begin pushing. This will reduce your chance of becoming overly tired and will help to keep your baby's heart rate at a normal pace.

Women who have an epidural are more likely to develop a fever after birth. If you do have a fever, your baby will likely be taken to the nursery and given and IV and a blood test to make sure he is healthy. Other risks of epidurals include: difficulty breathing and/or feeding in the newborn, increased chance of a vacuum extraction, forceps or cesarean delivery, and backache lasting for days after delivery.

Other pain relief medications include the sterile water block (for back labor, with no known side-effects) and spinal anesthesia (an injection in the spine, similar to an epidural with less of a numbing effect).

Choosing a supportive birth attendant, letting labor start on its own, staying home as long as possible and remaining active throughout labor will increase your probability of having a normal and safe delivery.

Be confident in your ability to give birth, address your fears before labor and if you need pain medication, continue to work toward as normal a birth as possible. Your efforts will bring strength to your confidence as a woman and mother. You cannot guarantee the outcome, but you can influence it, and both you and your baby will benefit.

When taking this quiet time, it is important to take deep belly breaths, bringing oxygen to each part of your body, as well as to your baby. In order to do this, take deep, slow breaths, bringing your belly outward instead of your chest upward. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Every mom will be different, but you should fall between four and eight breath per minute. It may help to have your husband or friend read the following exercise for you during the first few quiet times that you have. After that, you may be able to picture it well enough on your own. This imagery can be adapted to other periods during pregnancy, or for life in general, but this has been designed for women at least 38 weeks pregnant. Feel free to add in your own thoughts and adapt it to meet your needs.

Now, find a quiet, comfortable place in your home. You may choose to have music playing in the background, preferably instrumental so that you can focus. Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Feel the fresh air coming in through your nose to each part of your body, making its way to your baby. Sense the air, along with any stress, leaving your baby and exiting your body. Your baby is enjoying this quiet time and the new air you are giving him.

Let any tension fall from your shoulders, dripping down your arms and out through your finger tips. Loosen your forehead, your cheeks, your jaw. Relax your neck and let all tension float away.

Feel your spine begin to loosen up, allowing your hips to find the best position. Let any tension fall from your hips to your knees, until it builds up and spills over, falling down to your ankles, and running out through your toes.

Sense your overall relaxed state and feel the peaceful and healthy effect it is having on your baby. Feel how happy and healthy he is, cradled by your pelvis and wrapped in your womb like a warm fuzzy blanket. Your baby is fully formed and getting ready for a new step in life. His lungs are almost finished developing and he is waiting to be held in your loving arms.

Notice how your womb is healthy and vigorous with life. Feel how strong you are; your body was created to take on the work of labor that is ahead. Even now, your body is getting ready. Notice how your cervix is thinning and softening, how your pelvis is stretching to make room for your baby and feel how your womb is practicing contractions, like a rehearsal before a play. Your baby is your birth partner, you will help each other through labor and birth.

Notice how your baby is already drooping into place, feeling out the most comfortable and wise position for birth. Think of how willow trees droop, and tree branches with the weight of ripening fruit. Relax your pelvis and vagina, let your baby droop lower and lower, ready for the perfect moment to be born.

Any tension or worries you have are now free to leave. You are healthy and strong, your baby is healthy and strong. You have each other, and God is working a miracle through this special relationship.

Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth, letting everything you don't need just float away. Both of you are now ready to take life head on, while you wait for the big day when you will meet each other.

Continue to relax until you feel comfortable and rested. All you have to do is breath, nothing else, until you are ready to open your eyes.

While this does not surprise me, it is somewhat startling to see it printed in black and white by a major research university. What I’ve been calling the Painkiller Epidemic is essentially a rising tide of patients developing powerful addictions to prescribed opiate-based painkillers. Like it or not, these illegal web merchants are simply responding to a very real surge in demand.

If the failed “War on Drugs” has taught us anything, we should know that shutting down these Websites will not fix the problem. Fundamental changes in the way narcotic painkillers are used and prescribed are needed to combat this problem in the future. As for the present, the needs of these addicts will be addressed one way or another—either through treatment, or through the criminal—and often violent—machinations of the black market.

It’s up to us to choose.

_

CASA's Website: www.casacolumbia.org

Download the CASA White Paper: "You’ve Got Drugs!" V: Prescription Drug Pushers on the Internet

Sunday Slowdown

Sunday is a good day to schedule rest. Your assignment for today is to block out time for something you enjoy that is relaxing. It could be watching a sunset, taking a long bubble bath or listening to your favorite music. It's important that you actually schedule an activity, though you can change it when the time comes. This isn't something that you think may happen, you plan for it, expect it and enjoy every minute of it.

"Everything you can imagine is real."
-Pablo Picasso

Let yourself watch the clouds and see what shapes you can identify. Appreciate the beauty of outdoor flowers and allow yourself to follow a bee or a bug as it moves along. You'll notice and appreciate colors, shapes and smells you never did before. Try visualization: sit in a comfortable position where it is quiet or you can play soft music. As much as possible, let others know not to disturb you. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a favorite place from memories past or a place you want to visit. Clearly see yourself in your mind's eye. What are you wearing? If you are outside, how is the weather? Feel the sun on your face and the sand or grass beneath your toes.

See yourself smiling and happy. Let your mind wander to enjoy every detail. There is no pain, only happiness. Allow yourself to stay in this place for up to 20 minutes. At first, it may only be a few minutes. Just accept whatever happens and gently try again next week. Each time you will relax more and enjoy it longer. There are guided imagery tapes available in most bookstores or on-line which can be helpful for some people.

The important point is to let yourself relax. Time is a gift you give to yourself. Everyone deserves it. You'll be amazed how much brighter your world looks when you take some reflective, quiet time every Sunday.

Monday is Me Day

Monday is a time to ease back into the week. Be sure to schedule something pampering. Do you get your nails done or schedule regular massages, if not start now. If you can't go out or can't afford to pay for services weekly, paint your toenails or have a friend do yours and you do hers. If you aren't into nails, you can soak your feet or buy a paraffin wax treatment heater to dip your hands into. After all you'll be using it every Monday. You can do the same activity weekly or change it. It's important to schedule it just like an appointment. This is not fluff, it really helps on an emotional and physical level to know that you deserve this and make it a priority.

"I think you earn the right to do things the way you want to do them."
-Reba McEntire

Tuesday Is News Day

Tuesday is a great day to look for new tips and ideas. Do you belong to the association for your health condition (i.e. arthritis, fibromyalgia), if not join, go on-line and learn about it or order free information. If you don't have a formal diagnosis, read about your symptoms. Stay open to new and different treatments that may be helpful for you. Take time to read through newsletters, related magazine articles and the newspapers. Staying informed and updated is the best way to be your own advocate.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world, indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
-Margaret Mead

If you are feeling too fatigued or unable to concentrate when you go to the doctor, ask a trusted friend or family member to go with you. When you are hurting it can be hard to keep track of everything. Go over questions ahead of time and ask your support person to step in if everything isn't asked or answered. You have the right to have your report of pain taken seriously.

Contact resources for support and more information.

It's highly recommend that everyone contact and join the association for your own condition as well as the other ones listed, to meet others in your situation, get the latest updates on research and legislation and to make a difference for yourself and others.

Wednesday Is Week Hump Day

The weekend is in sight! Be sure to tell yourself what a good job you are doing. Post positive affirmations on your bedroom and bathroom mirrors. Give yourself words of encouragement just as you would talk to your child or good friend. Criticizing yourself only brings you down mentally and physically. Staying as positive and hopeful as you can about your situation and especially about yourself is one of the most important techniques that you can incorporate to help yourself.

"Pain nourishes courage. You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you."
-Mary Tyler Moore

Consciously tell yourself positive thoughts throughout the day. It's important to have the same thoughts everywhere you look as you will forget and see it subconsciously. When you start to criticize yourself, see a stop sign in your mind or blink your eyes. Whatever signal works for you, you can train yourself to stop the negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. You help yourself when you think and feel positive. It's a healing technique only you can do for yourself.

Another technique to think and feel more positive is to reframe something that seems bad into the positive. We have all heard the saying, "is the glass half empty or half full?" When you can see every situation, as half full, you will have a positive impact on your perceptions, which is very helpful in coping with your pain. As Mary Tyler Moore is quoted above, look at your pain as giving you courage. What other benefits have you developed because of your pain?

Thursday Is Time Out

Thursday is your day to go out. Whether you meet someone for dinner, talk a walk in the park or sit on your front porch. If you are homebound, spend time looking out your window. Ask someone to put a birdfeeder up for you or just enjoy watching people and traffic go by. If it's possible to get out, make this your day. Of course you can do things on other days, but this is the day you go out to do what you enjoy. A change of scenery is good for the mind and soul.

"Curious things, habits. People themselves never knew they had them."
-Agatha Christie

What else would you like to do? Cut out pictures and words from magazines and paste them on a piece of paper making a collage. This can put your wishes into a vision and make it more possible for you. Hang it where you will see it regularly. This is a feel good exercise for you, there are no boundaries. It feels good to be open to possibilities.

Friday Is Friends Day

Do you have friends or relatives you never seem to talk to? This is the day to call them. If possible schedule a regular activity with a friend whether it's meeting at the movies or just having coffee. This can also be a good day to meet new friends. Attend a support group meeting, go on-line for a chat room with your related health concerns or call a help line. If you're able, volunteer to make phone calls to shut-ins or other people needing attention. One of the best ways to feel better is to do what you can for someone else. If you need ideas, call your related association or your state pain initiative; they will appreciate whatever you can do. Be a friend, reach out to friends-it's the day to cherish our relationships.

"There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved."
-George Sand

Saturday Is Silly

Saturday is a good day to let your silly side shine. Read the comics; watch a funny movie on TV, or meet a friend at the dollar store. Do something fun and different. Do things you enjoy and be open to doing activities that are new or you don't think you'd like. Expand your horizons. Associate with positive, upbeat people. Lighten up! Don't take yourself or anyone else too seriously. Life is more enjoyable when you are having fun.

"Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!"
-Dr. Seuss

Be willing to try something even if you've never enjoyed it in the past. It's amazing that tastes change. The more open you are to different ways to have fun, the more fun you will have.

Since it usually takes 21 to 30 days to form a new habit, if you incorporate these suggestions into your weekly routine using the weekly planner to move beyond chronic pain, you will feel a healthier difference by the end of the month.

If you incorporate the tips that go with each day of the week every day during September, you will start to have more good days. Life will become more enjoyable. The longer you practice these ideas and others the easier they will become, until you have a healthier lifestyle. A life with chronic pain can be a life enjoyed and lived well. Here's to your good health.

I went from being in constant pain, we're talking 24/7, 365 days a year. At times so crippling I couldn't even get to the phone to dial 911. That went on for at least 15 years.

Today I am 100% healed. My health and my life have been transformed.

This is My Story