Saturday, July 23, 2011
My Pain Life: The Stigma around aging and chronic pain
My Pain Life: The Stigma around aging and chronic pain: "'Pain is a more terrible lord of mankind than even death itself.' - Physician and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Richard W. Bes..."
My Pain Life: Chronic Pain In Homeless Managed By Using Street D...
My Pain Life: Chronic Pain In Homeless Managed By Using Street D...: "Posted by Emily Jacobson on July 22, 2011 1:16 PM Chronic pain is managed particularly poo..."
Friday, July 22, 2011
Ghana official threatens to lynch gays amid homophobic frenzy
| Ghana Officials Threaten To Lynch LGBT In The Country | | |
| From Instinct Magazine | ||||||
| Written by Jonathan Higbee | Thursday, 21 July 2011 | ||||||
 Not wanting its murderous homophobia to be out-shined by Africa sister nations like Uganda, leaders in Ghana have revved up their anti-gay policies, with one leader even calling for the lynching of homosexuals in the country. Details follow. Ghana MP David Tetteh, a senior member of the nation's parliament, wrote: "So I am sending a sign to these people that they will not have it easy in this country. They can leave here and go to other places to practice that. But in this country, I believe that they are treading on dangerous grounds and they could face lynching in future" he noted. The Legislator said issues of human rights cannot justify the practice of homosexuality in Ghana, which he according to him, could incur the wrath of God on a “God-fearing nation” like Ghana. Also, reports David Mixner, the country's Western Minister has already ordered authorities to immediately arrest every LGBT person in his jurisdiction (so, will they be arresting babies and children?!).Western Region Minister Paul Evans Aidoo has tasked the Bureau of National Investigations and all security agencies to smoke out persons suspected to be engaging in same sex. He also enlisted the services of landlords and tenants to provide reliable information which will lead to the arrest of homosexuals. The Western Region has been a beehive of activities linked with homosexuality. A recent media report claimed the Western and Central Regions together have a total of about 8,000 homosexuals and lesbians. That report sparked a series of religious demonstrations with the Moslem and Christian communities in the region hitting the streets to protest what they claim is an ungodly and demonic act. A lynch mob is literally heading for every LGBT citizen in Ghana. |
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
This came from Barack Obama's campaign headquarters, but it is good information.
This morning, a group of public servants showed up to work at a brand-new agency created to protect everyday Americans from the abuses of Wall Street.
They're the folks of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and they'll be the cops on the beat protecting consumers from predatory credit card and mortgage lenders, bait-and-switch creditors, and anyone trying to make a quick buck by deceiving or manipulating Americans who are just trying to secure their financial future.
Many Americans don't know it, but this bureau is just one part of a sweeping Wall Street reform law -- the most pro-consumer and pro-taxpayer reform of our financial system since the Great Depression -- that President Obama signed a year ago today.
Watch this video to get a quick overview of the law, and a briefing on the special interests trying to undermine it:
Whether you watch the video or not, please share this email with someone.
It's important that everyone knows what this law means for all of us. Simpler mortgages. Clearer credit card rates, fees, and rules. Fairer loan terms. It's based on the simple idea that if you make sure that people get clear information, they'll make the financial decisions that work best for them.
And we can all rest a little easier knowing that our common financial future is more protected from the irresponsibility of a few. This law made structural reforms to ensure that the financial crisis we experienced in 2008 never happens again and that taxpayers aren't on the hook to pay for Wall Street's risky bets.
It's up to you to make sure more people know about this. Most Americans don't have all the details on how this law is working for them, and it's our job to change that.
Take a look, and be sure to pass this one on:
http://my.barackobama.com/
Amazingly, each and every Presidential candidate on the other side opposes this law.
And the same opposition that tried to block it more than a year ago is still alive and well.
Right now, lobbyists are at work trying to weaken the tough regulations this law imposes.
That's no accident -- its provisions are designed to rein in the Wall Street, credit card, and mortgage banking interests these people represent.
As we know, there aren't a whole lot of high-powered lobbyists in Washington looking out for the common good of everyday families.
That's exactly why this law is necessary, and why our growing organization in all 50 states is so important. It's up to us to make sure our friends and neighbors know about it. Watch our video about Wall Street reform today -- and then pass it on:
http://my.barackobama.com/
This morning, a group of public servants showed up to work at a brand-new agency created to protect everyday Americans from the abuses of Wall Street.
They're the folks of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and they'll be the cops on the beat protecting consumers from predatory credit card and mortgage lenders, bait-and-switch creditors, and anyone trying to make a quick buck by deceiving or manipulating Americans who are just trying to secure their financial future.
Many Americans don't know it, but this bureau is just one part of a sweeping Wall Street reform law -- the most pro-consumer and pro-taxpayer reform of our financial system since the Great Depression -- that President Obama signed a year ago today.
Watch this video to get a quick overview of the law, and a briefing on the special interests trying to undermine it:
Whether you watch the video or not, please share this email with someone.
It's important that everyone knows what this law means for all of us. Simpler mortgages. Clearer credit card rates, fees, and rules. Fairer loan terms. It's based on the simple idea that if you make sure that people get clear information, they'll make the financial decisions that work best for them.
And we can all rest a little easier knowing that our common financial future is more protected from the irresponsibility of a few. This law made structural reforms to ensure that the financial crisis we experienced in 2008 never happens again and that taxpayers aren't on the hook to pay for Wall Street's risky bets.
It's up to you to make sure more people know about this. Most Americans don't have all the details on how this law is working for them, and it's our job to change that.
Take a look, and be sure to pass this one on:
http://my.barackobama.com/
Amazingly, each and every Presidential candidate on the other side opposes this law.
And the same opposition that tried to block it more than a year ago is still alive and well.
Right now, lobbyists are at work trying to weaken the tough regulations this law imposes.
That's no accident -- its provisions are designed to rein in the Wall Street, credit card, and mortgage banking interests these people represent.
As we know, there aren't a whole lot of high-powered lobbyists in Washington looking out for the common good of everyday families.
That's exactly why this law is necessary, and why our growing organization in all 50 states is so important. It's up to us to make sure our friends and neighbors know about it. Watch our video about Wall Street reform today -- and then pass it on:
http://my.barackobama.com/
To work or not to work?
By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com Guide July 20, 2011
Q:"I have watched my ability to do my job, e.g. getting projects done, responding to emails, working with people, answering very technical questions, going down the tubes. But I am very stubborn and persevere, trying to work harder in order to meet the requirements of my job. ... The frequency of bad days is increasing, creating the need to "push on through" and then working harder on the good days, thus triggering some more bad days. (By way of example, it has taken 30 minutes to write this email when it should have taken only 5 minutes.)
"So, when is it time to hang it up and go on disability? Do you just keep trying until you have completely failed and are fired? Do you struggle on until someone hits you in the head with the proverbial 2x4?" - Pete
A: That's a tough question for many of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, and one I wrestled with myself. I was like you and tried to just keep pushing myself, which of course didn't do my health any favors.
Two things combined to make me see that it was time to quit:
If you do opt to file for disability, remember that you can file while you're still working - which is a good thing, since it can take years to navigate the system.
Best of luck to you, whatever you decide!
Q:"I have watched my ability to do my job, e.g. getting projects done, responding to emails, working with people, answering very technical questions, going down the tubes. But I am very stubborn and persevere, trying to work harder in order to meet the requirements of my job. ... The frequency of bad days is increasing, creating the need to "push on through" and then working harder on the good days, thus triggering some more bad days. (By way of example, it has taken 30 minutes to write this email when it should have taken only 5 minutes.)
"So, when is it time to hang it up and go on disability? Do you just keep trying until you have completely failed and are fired? Do you struggle on until someone hits you in the head with the proverbial 2x4?" - Pete
A: That's a tough question for many of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, and one I wrestled with myself. I was like you and tried to just keep pushing myself, which of course didn't do my health any favors.
Two things combined to make me see that it was time to quit:
- I realized my job was getting everything and I had nothing left for my children (who were 2 & 5);
- I realized I was probably going to lose my job sooner or later because I was missing a lot of time and I was barely competent anymore, thanks to brain fog.
If you do opt to file for disability, remember that you can file while you're still working - which is a good thing, since it can take years to navigate the system.
Best of luck to you, whatever you decide!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Clinical trials website
For those of you interested in taking part in clinical trials, there is a website where you can register (it's free) and search for clinical trials you may be interested in. You can find the website here.
My Pain Life: Marijuana trial shows modest pain relief for smoke...
My Pain Life: Marijuana trial shows modest pain relief for smoke...: "In a small study, people who had chronic pain as a result of damage to the nervous system reported feeling less pain, as well as less dep..."
Monday, July 18, 2011
My Pain Life: Is marijuana effective for pain management?
My Pain Life: Is marijuana effective for pain management?: "There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that marijuana can relieve pain. I have not tried this, but have heard from friends that it works for ..."
My Pain Life: Biological link between pain and fatigue
My Pain Life: Biological link between pain and fatigue: "http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407153037.htm"
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Epiducer from St Jude receives FDA approval
Medical devices major St. Jude (STJ - Analyst Report) won the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for its Epiducer lead delivery system.
This unique system has been geared for neurostimulation therapy (stimulation of the spinal cord by electrical impulses) for managing chronic pain. The Minnesota-based company has begun a limited market launch of the system.
The Epiducer system was designed to reduce procedural complexities and improve efficiency in placing neurostimulation leads used in spinal cord stimulation (“SCS”) therapy for the management of chronic pain. This first-of-its-kind system enables physicians to place multiple neurostimulation leads through a single incision, allowing them to perform simpler, less invasive procedures. Earlier, the placement of multiple leads required several small incisions.
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects roughly 116 million adults in the U.S., according to Institute of Medicine (“IOM”) of the National Academies. The annual cost associated with this condition has been estimated at $100 billion. Chronic pain, which is long lasting or recurring, is common in several back and spine conditions and is often misdiagnosed. Poor prognosis of chronic back/spinal pain typically leads to treatment failure.
SCS, an implantable neurostimulation therapy, has a proven track record in providing pain relief to patients and is primarily used for chronic pain management when physical and/or drug therapies are ineffective. Mild electrical impulses are delivered to the spinal cord that interrupts pain signal transmission to the brain, thereby offering relief.
The Epiducer system is the latest addition to St. Jude’s neurostimulation product portfolio which includes the Eon Mini SCS system, the world’s smallest, longest-lasting rechargeable neurostimulator. It is already marketed in Europe, Australia and Canada and is well received by the physicians.
St. Jude’s Neuromodulation unit, which was formed through its acquisition of Advanced Neuromodulation Systems in November 2005, offers various neurostimulation systems. The company is one of the three major neurostimulation devices makers along with Medtronic (MDT - Analyst Report) and Boston Scientific (BSX - Analyst Report). More than 75,000 patients across 40 countries have been implanted with St. Jude’s neurostimulation devices. We are currently Neutral on St. Jude, which is in tandem with a short-term Zacks #3 Rank (Hold).
Read the full analyst report on BSX
Read the full analyst report on MDT
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