Interactive Health By Pat Irwin Lycett, Body Wisdom Ltd., RN, B.Sc, RNCP; Certified Iridologist, 983-9475 FIBROMYALGIA OR CHRONIC FATIGUE HITS 10-15% OF US Have you ever noticed how many diagnoses are written up these days, maladies unheard of even 20 years ago? Where do they come from? Why, on earth, are there SO MANY of them? Is it somehow related to our ever-increasing technical know-how, the ability to group symptoms into nice little little packages and stick a name on them? Is it the urge to find a quick-fix, and a medicine that will deal with some of the pain? The ever-increasing stress-load carried by most people? The plethora of environmental environmental toxins which we constantly constantly breathe, drink, eat and think? To my way of thinking, thinking, all of these figure into the mix. What are the differences between Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? People who suffer from these ailments know from experience, experience, but to the rest of us the symptoms may be obscure. They are closely related to each other, there is a lot of overlap. FMS is closely associated associated with widespread pain, and CFS with a total drain of energy. CFS appears in 90% of FMS sufferers. Current research is showing that dysfunction dysfunction to the nervous system system may be the triggering event in both, as altered brain and nerve chemicals have provided evidence to this idea. Both seem to begin, giving credence to the nervous system system dysfunction hypothesis, after an infection or a severe physical or emotional shock. A virus as a possible cause has been largely ruled out. In Interactive Health, where the ill person takes responsibility for recovery together with a variety of health care professionals, there are many avenues of exploration which have been found helpful. Since fibromyalgia commonly occurs with other conditions such as allergies, anxiety, toxicity, toxicity, Candida, PMS, and irritable irritable bowel syndrome, it makes sense to entertain the idea of a holistic approach, an attempt to heal the whole being, body, mind and spirit. Chiropractic adjustments (moving spinal bones to relieve nerve pressure) to the upper neck bones over a period period of several months has been shown to improve the symptomatic symptomatic profile of 92-100% of CFS/FMS patients in a particular particular study. Since anxiety often plays a part in the person's daily life, meditation will seek to allay some of these feelings of anxiety. anxiety. Tai chi, qigong, yoga (or just plain sitting-meditation) with their non-intrusive, gentle, gentle, easy-to-do movements and accent on good breathing habits can go a long way in the move towards wellness. Walking and swimming are also of great benefit, starting slowly, and working up being the best plan. Nutrition is, of course, most important. A high veggie veggie diet (lots of green) puts needed fibre to work in thé bowel, making it healthier and more accessible to the minerals in the veggies. You might'try 4-5 small meals per day, to keep a steady supply of protein and CHO available for muscle function. If the body lacks fuel for energy it will rob the muscles, causing more pain. Saturated fats (red meat, the leanest being 40% fat), fried foods and rancid fats increase inflammation, thereby thereby increasing pain, Hydrogenated products are chemically unstable, making their digestion and absorption more difficult to complete. The fats that will reduce inflammation are in cold water fish (not, farmed), raw nuts and seeds, flaxseed, and extra-virgin olive oil (this is the first pressing, containing more nutrients). White flour and sugar, caffeine, and alcohol alcohol enhance fatigue and can increase muscle pain. Eight .glasses of pure water daily help to flush toxins from the body. It's a good idea to be checked for food allergies. The mineral Magnesium has been found to be helpful because it is known as the Great Relaxer (of muscle tissue). tissue). It is found in nuts, legumes, whole grains and dark green vegètables. For all your health needs be sure to see your health care providers. References available upon request. RECYCLE Orana Weekly Times, Wednesday, October 11,2000 - 13 Touch by John O'Toole, MPP Thanksgiving weekend saw our first sighting of frost and snow this fall. Before my family and I began our Thanksgiving dinner we said grace, remembering those who may be hungry at this time of year and also the farmers who grew the food we enjoy. These are difficult times for the agricultural community. The unusual weather we experienced this summer resulted in low yields and low commodity prices that have plagued agri-businesses. agri-businesses. These issues and more were discussed at a meeting this week with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. I am certain the caucus and members of cabinet will work with all the stakeholders, including the federal government, government, to recognize these issues. Over the past couple of weeks, I attended hearings on behalf of Health and Long- Term Care Minister Elizabeth Witmer. The hearings are part of a consultation process to review a discussion paper entitled "Proposed Personal Health Information Privacy Legislation". Health care providers, doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, longterm longterm care agencies, district health councils, mental health organizations and many other interested groups have participated: participated: The issue at hand is to clearly regulate the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information. While recognizing that personal records are very sensitive, and must be protected, many have recognized that patient information information needs to be integrated so that it is can be used by the right people for the right reasons. reasons. It is . a complex challenge challenge to find the right balance of protecting a patient's rights while ensuring integrated patient care. As the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister' of Consumer and Commercial Relations, I am strongly aware of the importance of protecting the privacy of individuals. individuals. With an increasing use of technology, there are concerns that personal information information could be viewed without without a person's consent. Earlier this summer, I participated in Bill 88, the e-commerce legislation, legislation, as well as my ministry's ministry's consultations on a proposed. proposed. "Ontario Privacy Act". These consultations on privacy privacy in the e-information age was precipitated' from the United Nations' standards and the federal government's recently passed legislation BÜ1-C6, Personal Information Protection & - Electronic Document Act. In Canada, the Canadian* Standards Association has adopted a model code that has been endorsed by the OECD and other jurisdictions around the world. Ontario will harmonize harmonize its legislation in areas ■ under provincial jurisdiction. It is the compiling of information information from a variety of sources that has caused many to raise concerns. The three principles that guide this process are: 1. You will have greater control control on how yoür personal information is collected, used (if at all) and disclosed. 2. You would be able to see and, if necessary, correct your personal information. 3. You would be able to file a complaint if your personal information has been collected, collected, used or disclosed in violation violation of the proposed act. Our reliance on computers, increasing use of the Internet, as well as the expanding use of wireless cellular technology technology and other technological devices presents us new challenges. challenges. This has caused me to re-head "Brave New World" written in 1932 by Aidons Huxley, where the phrase "Big Brother is watching you" was first coined. It is clear that every level of government government must modernize their rules in an age where you can vote by mail or by simply logging logging on to your computer. When thinking about the gathering of personal information information by different organizations, organizations, we can see how it has grown from our newspaper or magazine subscriptions to credit card and debit card transactions, real estate listings, listings, financial institutions, colleges, universities, hospitals, hospitals, charities and even through the process of sending sending flowers. Most companies have a computer database. The province wants to ensure that it can provide clear consumer consumer protection around the collection, use and disclosure of this information. If you would like more information on this- subject, please telephone telephone my community office at (905)-697-1501 or toll free 1-800-661-2433. Community Commitment • Elected presently to second term as vice-president vice-president Newcastle/Bond Head Taxpayer Association • Elected School Board Trustee 1994-1997 • Elected to Durham Region Labour Council 12 years • Volunteer Clarington Co- . Chair of the Durham College University Creating Futures Campaign • Member of the Newcastle Lions and Knights of Columbus • Volunteer to Durham Region Schools instructing instructing students about, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety issues. Ward 4 Local Councillor "I believe in a no-nonsense approach to governing, when a person asks a question they deserve an answer, not smoke- and mirrors. The municipal process must become more inclusive" . Cecil Mackesey A candidate with a track record of commitment and accountability to the community My Pledge to Ward 4: "I will work to protect the best interests of our community"