Friday, August 29, 2008

Do you suffer from neck pain? Do you know why?

When I first started getting sick and had all kinds of symptoms, my neck was in pain and my natural instinct was to hold the front of my neck with my left hand. The pressure I placed on it helped the pain. However, I found that massaging the top of my head helped relieve the pain. I figured out that when I did not get enough rest I would end up with neck pain.

Well, I have been experiencing it for a few days and decided to share my thoughts. I always tell people to listen to their body, and I should have done that when I started to feel fatigued. I feel so great and believe I can keep working while forgetting that I am chronically ill and require a certain amount of rest. Yes, it is great that we feel good, but we have to remember to "PACE."

I am thinking about posting signs on my refrigerator and bedroom door. Or maybe I will post a list of rules. What do you think? Any suggestions?

I hope someone will learn from my own experience how important it is to pace yourself. Slow down, even if you feel great.

Soft hugs and I pray and hope everyone has a pain and fatigue free day.

Saturday, August 02, 2008

B12 for the Brain and Central Nervous System

I have been spending time organizing my medications and vitamins. I figured this was a good time to mention the importance of vitamin B12. Previous research indicated B12 and folic acid, another B vitamin helps maintain our brain and might help fend off Alzheimer's disease.

The lack of B12 could diminish cognitive function, so make sure you are eating properly and if you are a vegan, consider sublingual B12 supplements. Try to remember that older people have trouble absorbing B12.

B12 can be found in oysters and other mollusks, fish, meat, eggs and milk. You can take sublingual B12 supplements which dissolve under the tongue for better absorption. There are other factors to consider, people who don't make enough stomach acid or intrinsic factor become anemic and need to have B12 shots or large amounts of vitamin B12 as pills or tablets. I remember my PCP offered me B12 injections. They can be expensive which is why I decided to change my diet and take B12 supplements.

Lastly, researchers found that people with depression responded better to anti-depressants if they had higher blood levels of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is also important for our metabolism and central nervous system.

I hope and pray this information has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv