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Mindfulness for Beginners
By Jon Kabat-Zinn
What if you could profoundly change your life just by becoming more mindful of your breathing? What if paying attention on purpose (and non-judgmentally) could improve your health? Both are possible -
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NFMCPA Pain Chat
Pain Research Week
Interview with Dr. Bruce Gillis
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Jennifer Anniston
Nominated for
Golden Globe Award for
Cake
The story of a woman living with chronic pain is coming to your local movie theater soon.
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Interested in scientific discussion about unique properties that underlie misconceptions about Schedule II pain drugs (including hydrocodones and opioids)? Politicians nationwide are ill-informed about the science of these pain medications. Dr. Thien Pham (B.A., B.S., Pharm.D.) provides factual information as a guest blogger on Dr. Jeffrey Fudin's blog. Read more...
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Who has inspired you?
How? When? Where?
The NFMCPA would like to spotlight people who make a difference!
Please send your tribute to info@fmcpaware.org
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Looking for Fibro Facts?
Click here to learn about symptoms, diagnosis, science, treatment ...
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Our Recommendation for
Appropriate Exercise from
Oregon Health and Sciences University
is backed by
25 years
of exercise research
DVDs showing
How to Safely Move and
"Science of Fibromyalgia"
by Dr. Robert Bennett
Find more info here
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Looking for an article in an earlier newsletter?
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Interested in sponsoring
the next
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Advocate Voice
Newsletter?
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When You Wish Upon A Star . . .
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 Dear NFMCPA Friends & Supporters,
If you had a magic wand to make all of your wishes come true, what would be on your list? Walt Disney was the master of creating fairy tale endings, and making wishes come true was his life's work.
During 2014 the fibromyalgia and chronic pain communities were honored by having a voice on many meeting agendas. The NFMCPA was appreciative to actively represent and advocate our concerns in a variety of settings including:
- March 26, 2014 FDA Public Fibromyalgia Patient Focused Meeting in Silver Spring, Maryland panel member;
- American Medical Association 2014 podium presentation;
- "Access to Pain Medication Survey" published in Practical Pain Management Journal; and
- Capitol Hill meetings which resulted in access to pain medication legislation in the Senate after passing the House of Representatives.
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 NEWS FROM THE RESEARCH FRONT |
What is unique about fibromyalgia? Researchers identified biomarkers in the blood showing that fibromyalgia is a real medical disease. Immune system dysfunction occurs in people with fibromyalgia, and continued research in 2013 reconfirmed original scientific findings that FM can be diagnosed with this biomarker. In an interview, Dr. Bruce Gillis discusses research results and what it means for millions of people suffering from FM symptoms. Listen to the full interview and Read more...
Glia - What Does It Do in the Brain?
Section I, Part 2: Radial Glia
In Part 1 we introduced a comprehensive review of glia and what it does in the brain. Part 3 of Section I will be in the next newsletter. Glia plays an important CNS role in fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions.
Radial glia is the second big group of astroglial cells, which are bipolar cells each with an ovoid cell body and elongated processes (vine like tendrils that extend from glia and other neuronal cells). They usually have two main processes, one of them forming end feet (small, terminal enlargements of nerve fibers that are in contact with the dendrites or cell bodies of other nerve cells) at the ventricular wall and the other at the pial surface. Read more...
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| GET INVOLVED |
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Sneak Peak of
2015 Events!
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Are You Planning
an Awareness Event?
Are you curious about creating an event but are unsure where to start? We'd like to help! Click here for additional information and how the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association can offer tips and guidance for a successful event. Already planning and would like help or resources for your event? Click here for our External Events Form and the Leader Against Pain May 12 Awareness Day Event Coordinator will contact you to help navigate the next steps for 2015 National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day & September Pain Awareness Month.
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????
Which message should go to Congress?
1. More funding for chronic pain illnesses?
2. More funding for fibromyalgia?
3. Create a new National Institute of Pain to centralize pain research at NIH?
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| LEADERS AGAINST PAIN |
Stephanie Maberry, Leader Against Pain
Stephanie Maberry was recently honored by a donation to the NFMCPA from the Northeast-Community Fibromyalgia CFS Support Group for her "Fibro Support and Resources" meeting presentation on May 12, 2014. Stephanie started the Montgomery County RSD & Chronic Pain Network in Pennsylvania in 2005, shortly after a work injury. She expanded her support group to include all those with chronic pain conditions. In 2010, she won second place for "Fighter of the Year" through the Fighting4Us organization. She participated in ProjectSmallTalk - a study on how Facebook has helped people with chronic pain conditions. Congratulations! and Thank you, Stephanie!
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| TIPS FOR LIVING BETTER |
The Role of Spirituality in Healing, Part 2:
Patient Interviews and Surveys
in the Medical Setting
Interviews: Medical interview questions during an office visit should include: 1) clarifying a patient's concerns; 2) making a connection; 3) identifying goals of care; and 4) mobilizing specific concerns. A 2002 JAMA article recommends that if a patient is comfortable, physicians should include interview questions about their spirituality to identify strengths to integrate in the medical treatments.[1] Patients can benefit by bringing up spiritual topics with their healthcare providers.
Read more...
[1] Lo B, Ruston, D, Kates LW. Discussing religious and spiritual issues at the end of life: A practical guide for physicians. JAMA. 2002;287(6):749-754.
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Tweeting Successful Tips for the Holidays
On Tuesday, December 2, the NFMPCA held a Twitter chat for tips to help make your holiday celebrations more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some tried-and-true ideas shared by tweeters and the NFMCPA.
What do you do to keep stress and pain at bay during the holiday season?
- The NFMCPA suggests doing your holiday decorating and shopping over time instead of all at once. This helps prevent stress.
- By spreading out decorating and shopping, it can also preserve energy so that you may enjoy the holidays without feeling exhausted.
- To learn more tips on controlling stress and pain during the holidays, visit here: http://www.fmcpaware.org/holidays/holly-jolly-pain-free-holidays.html
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| ADVOCACY UPDATES |
The Power of a Personal Story
"Tony Coelho taught me that one person can make a
difference... I'm happy I listened."
by Joyce Bender, CEO Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
Joyce Bender first met Tony Coelho at a Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation meeting, in Washington, DC, where he was the keynote speaker. The topic of people was "his story" and the national plight of the tragic level of unemployment of people with disabilities. That speech was in 1998. Since then, two things have not changed - people with disabilities still have an extremely high rate of unemployment, and Tony Coelho has never stopped telling his powerful story. Read more...
Tell Your NFMCPA Story for a
Chance to Win a Free Awareness T-Shirt
The NFMCPA is interested in hearing from our members and constituents about how we have positively
helped influence or change their lives. The story can be  as simple as enjoying the Advocate Voice Newsletter
and what the articles mean to you, or learning more about FM and chronic pain research on our website. Maybe you are interested in raising awareness and have a story to share about an event you created in your community utilizing NFMCPA resources.
Perhaps you have been impacted by the opioid medication controversy and are grateful for representation by the NFMCPA at FDA and other government agency meetings. Or you might like the NFMCPA Facebook page with the opportunity to post your thoughts and beliefs about your illness.
The most insightful and hopeful story submitted about NFMCPA resources or influences will be printed in next month's newsletter, and the winner will receive an Awareness T-Shirt of their choosing. It should be a maximum of 500 words and sent to info@fmcpaware.org before January 2, 2014.
Thanks! for taking the time to share your NFMCPA experience.
IMPORTANT OPIOID PRESCRIPTION NEWS
IMPORTANT NEWS: On October 6, 2014, new controls on some kinds of pain medicines caused big changes in how those drugs are prescribed. We are alerting you again about those changes so that you can work with your healthcare providers to keep from running out of medicine if that is part of your pain management plan. Hydrocodones are now in the more restrictive U.S. Government Controlled Substances Schedule II and require 30-day prescriptions. The article below includes information for your doctor, links to the new rules, and which medicines are involved.
http://www.fmcpaware.org/hydrocodone-rescheduling.html
Please share this information with others.
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We Wish You a Happy Holiday and a Wonderful New Year!
From the NFMCPA family to you and your family, we hope that you have a safe and peaceful holiday season. Blessings, Jan, Sharon, Tom, Cindy, Rae, Megan and Stacie & Leaders Against Pain Action Network 
(Facebook cover photo free to download and use.)
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