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About MS Views and News
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Disclaimer: 'MS Views and News' DOES NOT endorse any products or services found on this blog. It is up to you to seek advice from your healthcare provider. The intent of this blog is to provide information on various medical conditions, medications, treatments, for your personal knowledge and to keep you informed of current health-related issues. It is not a substitute for the advice of your physician. Should you or your family members have any specific medical problem, seek medical care promptly.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
My Hiatus from my MS Medication - The Pros and Cons - a valuable lesson learned....
Why I did it, and how it affected me...
At first I thought I deserved a break from using it. After all, it had been longer than a year (thankfully) since having a bad exacerbation.
But most importantly (at the time that I began the hiatus) was that I was tired of my injection sites looking as they had been. Many of you know, the puffy and bruised looking, tender, or hardened skin reaction that can often be found from those doing sub-cutaneous injections.
How often do you, my ms peers, hear or read or know first hand of these skin reactions?
How often do you hear from a peer, who (like me) is now admitting of the temporary halt of his or her medication?
How often do you read or see this admittance in writing?
I do hope that at least some of you, will reply to this story by leaving your comments for me and others to read...
I know that my doctor will not be happy to hear that I stopped taking my medication when I did. He might be hearing of it first-hand, as I know that he reads my e-Newsletters and might even now be reading what I post to this blog.
I know that my own family will not be happy to read what I did. My wife has known since the beginning and has been on my a-- about it...
Okay, aside from the skin reaction ( which really isn't a big deal), I was often depressed. Yes, of course I know that this too is an MS Symptom but it can become worse from the interferon too. And aside from the skin reactions and the depression, I was getting severe skeletal pains.
Yes this too, could be just the MS "or" it also could be from the interferon.
I don't know if you realize, but these medications have side effects.. Sometimes, very serious and consequential side effects. Of course I easily gelled past the initial side effects of using an interferon. You know, the flu-like symptoms.. That was a breeze and that was many years ago. After all, I had been using this medication since April 2002.
Well let's get down to what happened. Somewhere near to mid February (2008) I decided (foolishly) to stop taking my injection. It was only supposed to be for a week or two. Well, after two weeks, I was feeling GREAT. Yes, I mean REALLY GREAT.. No depression, no body aches, and the bruising on my belly and legs began dissipating. I asked myself, "Self, maybe you don't need to go back onto the medication so soon, You've been feeling great".
My energy actually increased. I am sure the cooler temperatures, here in South Florida, helped this to occur. Cooler temps causing less fatigue. But in either case, I was feeling good. So, two weeks stretched to three and then three stretched to four, without taking my MS Medication.
I didn't even need to take Tylenol as much as I had been taking. No pain, no tingling, no headaches, and best of all NO depression.. when someone asked how I was doing, I noticed how often I responded that I FEEL GREAT, or Fabulous or other similar words.
I was able to think clearly and positively. I was getting so many things accomplished that I was not able to do prior to the middle of February. I even began playing golf again and got in I think 5 games during those weeks. Okay so yes, I played crappy, but I PLAYED and it felt good to be able to get on the golf course and do what I so often used to do. Play Golf. Of course those that I play with, knew how I once played and no why I now play, well just just say, not so good.
But again - I was able to ride in the cart, get to my ball and swing..... I was able to walk up to the greens and 2-putt ( for those that understand this)..
Then week five came along and BLAM... !!!!!!!
It first began as that annoying buzzing feeling, like being connected to a wall outlet from the top of my neck down to my feet.. Okay, I thought, I can live with this... Then within days, I began forgetting things again. Like getting lathered-up in the shower and leaving the stall before rinsing.. Or getting dressed while also putting toothpaste on the toothbrush but forgetting to put it into my mouth. Or putting my sneakers on without my socks.. I never did that before, why now......
Then just a couple of days later (week six), BLAM AGAIN !!!
Something major now has returned. My Vertigo. Sure I had had problems with vertigo on and off over the years but not to the degree that this was.. This was how I used to get it 5 and 6 years ago. Where the inside of my head felt like a wet towel that was being wrung-out, swishing side to side and then the whole world began to spin.. I was driving when this first happened, just a couple of weeks ago but fortunately ( I have no clue how), but was able to pull off into the shoulder and wait for the effects to subside. Then drove 40 MPH on a 65MPH highway to get home.. Ooh that was weird, I thought. The while returning home just a couple of days later with my wife next to me int he car, I swerved to get onto the swale alongside a side road near to my home. She asked what the problem was and I had to tell her what happened just a few nights previously, and then that it was happening again at that instant.
This time though, not only did I feel like I was being pulled inside out and left to right, but the lines on the roadway began to criss-cross over each other.
The very next day, in the morning, I was in the backyard with my dogs and the world started spinning. As in years past, I had to fall to the ground and grab the grass to hold on for a space flight.. In the past it happened in my home, in restaurants and other places when I had to fall to the floor and just try to HOLD onto the floor, the carpeting, whatever!!!! Just trying to remain in one position. When it's happened in the past, I had to be covered in ice, to cool my body and kill whatever inflammation ... Take some pills and try relax.. That was the only way to get out of it......
In addition to what I just mentioned, quickly returning to me were symptoms that had happened to me in the past, just never all at once:
Slurring, blurriness, double vision, foot drop (tripping over my own feet),the forgetfulness, inability to concentrate or make decisions, the headaches have resumed full blast and the pain on the right side of my body. Leg Pains so severe I could barely walk... And I developed a fear of getting behind the wheel of my car, not wanting to drive too far, or on roadways that are high speed. And most scary, is not knowing where I am, when driving only across town, or as I am heading-out of my own neighborhood...
Quite obviously I began relapsing (exacerbating).. Of course like I mentioned above, my doctor has not known until maybe now, what I did to myself. He probably would have wanted me to immediately resume my medication, which I obviously already re-began (last night having had my third injection since re-commencement) and maybe take steroids which I surely do not want to do after working my tail-off on losing (thus far) 30 Lbs since last August.
So for the last few days,I have stayed close to home, have rested much and am trying to get myself back to where I was (medicinally), prior to mid-February.
Lesson learned: the side effects of the medication are far less damaging than whatever damage I just inflicted upon myself. The Medication's side effects are far less destructive than what this disease (MS) can do to us.
Bottom Line : Never again will I do, what I just did, no matter how good it might feel for the short interruption of taking my medication.
I wrote this so that you can have advanced warning of the danger to stopping your medication. If you are experiencing problems with your medication, immediately speak with your doctor or MS nurse.
Now that you have read about My Hiatus from my MS Medication, you will know that the CON'S (Negatives) of stopping, were far more detrimental (damaging) that the short lived Pro's (benefits). I now look forward to my next injection.
Please leave your comments at will !!!!!
Thank you.
p.s. - Remember that the meds do not halt the disease. They only thwart further progression.
By not taking the medication, it's obvious that the decline only continues. Therefore you
(and I ) must not allow the MonSter to have it's way.
p.s.s - see the follow-up stories to this hiatus
When the Disease Eludes a Diagnosis ..
By BARRON H. LERNER, M.D.
Lucy, one of my longtime patients, has a neurological ailment she believes I have been unable to adequately diagnose.
Although I hope to make further progress on her case, I have also told her that there may never be a definitive answer. Not surprisingly, she is feeling pretty frustrated with me.
Why do doctors and patients often approach the diagnosis of disease so differently?
Part of the answer lies in the concept of triage — the notion, originated in wartime, of caring for the sickest and most salvageable patients first. Once they were saved, attention could be turned to less drastic cases.
A similar strategy has evolved in emergency rooms, where physicians are trained to "rule in" or "rule out" severe conditions. Thus, doctors immediately consider heart attacks or pulmonary embolisms for patients with chest pain, and intestinal rupture for those with abdominal pain.
But what happens when these conditions are ruled out? In such cases, doctors proceed to search for less dire (and, it must be said, more mundane) diagnoses. The trouble is that at this stage, some physicians, busy with other patients and duties, lose interest.
For example, many patients with chest pain carry a diagnosis of costochondritis (inflammation of the chest wall bones) or gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus).
These are real conditions. But they tend to generate little interest from many physicians, who may refer to them as "wastebasket diagnoses," offered when nothing more serious has turned up.
The frustration of patients who believe that the medical profession takes these types of ailments too lightly has led groups of them to form alliances to publicize their illnesses. Foremost among them are fibromyalgia, a syndrome involving muscular and other pains, and chronic fatigue syndrome, which has recently been given increased credibility by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Part of the problem with these conditions is that existing treatments are not nearly as effective as those for, say, heart attacks and pneumonia. As a result, doctors may grow irritated when patients continually complain of symptoms that cannot be "cured."
Patients' frustration may rise even more when their conditions are especially obscure. I once had a patient who complained of persistent drenching sweats that forced her to change her bedclothes several times a night.
Upon learning of this problem, I first went into triage mode, ruling out possible dangerous causes, including tuberculosis, a thyroid abnormality and rare tumors that release hormones. I referred her to a gynecologist on the chance that she was getting hot flashes decades after her menopause.
When all the tests were negative, my patient was understandably upset, even angry. "No doctor that I have spoken to has been able to tell me what it is," she said, as I remember. She even called a doctor on a local radio show for his opinion.
I recalled this story when I learned recently that my longtime patient Lucy's new neurologist was questioning whether she had multiple sclerosis, a diagnosis she has carried for more than 25 years. Since I have known her, Lucy has had painful and weak legs that necessitate a walker.
Rather than simply corroborating her existing diagnosis, this doctor had thought outside the box, noting that Lucy's relatively stable condition — and her lack of brain lesions on an M.R.I., a test not available at the time of her initial diagnosis — warranted a new perspective.
At first, Lucy was excited too. After all, being told you may not have a serious disease like multiple sclerosis is surely good news.
But while the neurologist had correctly questioned the diagnosis, she had a harder time finding a new one. Lucy became discouraged. "I want to know," she told me. "I point-blank asked the neurologist, 'What is it?' And the only answer she can give me is: 'I don't know. I'm not sure.' "
Eventually, the neurology team decided that Lucy had an atypical form of multiple sclerosis, one that caused unusual neurological symptoms and was present in the spinal cord but not the brain. Yet the doctors admitted that this diagnosis generated more questions than answers about Lucy's prognosis and her future treatment.
While trying to be as sympathetic as possible, I find myself reminding Lucy of the limits of certainty in medicine. Despite enormous advances in technology, some diagnoses may remain elusive. I also told her that it was highly unlikely her doctors missed diagnosing a disease that could have been successfully treated. But she remains convinced that she deserves to know exactly what she has.
So we will continue to search.
Barron H. Lerner teaches medicine and public health at the Columbia University Medical Center.
No More Needles? - Info on the soon coming Oral Drugs for MS
Laurie Long 11/14/07
There are currently six drugs available to slow the progression of MS (Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Rebif, Novantrone and Tysabri). But whether you get it once a day or once a week, subcutaneous or intramuscular, you're facing the needle over and over again. Effective oral drugs for MS have been a sought-after solution for a long time. Now, multiple drug companies are racing each other and the clock to get US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for their particular offerings.
Most of the drugs below are currently in Phase III trials (the last trial phase before applying for FDA approval), which generally last 2-3 years. Time is also required to collate the data, apply to the FDA for new drug approval, and receive that approval. If it can meet the requirements, a drug can receive Priority Review, which speeds up the process of FDA review.
The big questions now are: what are these drugs, how do they work, how effective are they, what are their potential side effects and when will they gain FDA approval and hit the market? Let's take a look…
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
What Are Neutralizing Antibodies, Anyway?
You will find the answer to the Question: What Are Neutralizing Antibodies, Anyway?
for Multiple Sclerosis
How Concerned Should You Be?
Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are antibodies produced by the body, which react with a foreign agent and destroys it or inhibits its effect. That is great when the "foreign agent" is a virus, and the antibodies work to fight the infection and (in some cases) make you immune to that virus. However, antibodies are not so good when your body is producing them in response to a medication and they are inhibiting the effects of this medication -– in this case an interferon-based disease-modifying therapy. The interferon-based therapies for MS include Avonex, Betaseron and Rebif.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Occupational Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
People with MS are faced with numerous challenges that may affect the things they want and need to do. Often limitations impede the ability to take care of basic needs at home, at work and within the community. Simple everyday tasks can turn into daily frustration. One of the best approaches to help alleviate these challenges is through the intervention of Occupational Therapy.
I am an occupational therapist with 20 years experience and I have had MS for 12 years. It has been essential for me to incorporate my professional skills to help me as my MS has progressed over the past several years. I can validate the impact occupational therapy can make not only as a healthcare provider but also as a person who has MS.
Monday, March 31, 2008
About this new Blog and First General Question
Let me know of conversations that you would like started and after I post them, we can go from there, with others answering and people getting to know each other...
I have something to ask of you:
How early in your life (at what earliest age) do you feel, that you could have been diagnosed with MS, knowing now, what you didn't know then?
Please Reply, by leaving a comment.
ITB TherapySM And Multiple Sclerosis
ITB TherapySM And Multiple SclerosisInfo obtained by: Stuart Schlossman
It is reported that 34% of people with MS have spasticity that interfered with daily living.4 Managing severe spasticity with Medtronic ITB TherapySM (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy) in people with spinal-origin spasticity, including MS:
- Results in significant decrease in Ashworth and Spasm scores9,10,32,36
- Results in improved function, as shown by statistically significant improvement in Functional Independence Measure scores32,33
- Improves functional ability in bathing, dressing lower body, and transfers33
- Demonstrated the highest satisfaction rating compared to all oral treatments4
- May result in significantly less spasticity and fewer painful spasms compared with those treated with oral medications only4
- Significantly reduces spasticity-related pain35,36
- May help retain ambulatory function36
See the Clinical Evidence in Hypertonia Associated with MS section for more information on these studies and their outcomes.
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers developed an online program, titled Evaluation and Management of Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis, to support educational efforts on advanced spasticity in MS and available treatment options including rehabilitation, oral medication, local injections, and surgical interventions. You may view the program, at no charge, at www.mscare.org/spasticityteam.
About Medtronic ITB TherapySM
About Medtronic ITB TherapySM
Information obtained by Stuart Schlossman
Medtronic ITB TherapySM (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy) offers a precise, targeted, adjustable treatment for the management of severe spasticity. ITB Therapy uses an implantable, programmable pump to deliver precise amounts of Lioresal® Intrathecal (baclofen injection) directly to the site of action at the spinal cord via the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
The precise mechanism of action of baclofen as a muscle relaxant and antispasticity agent is not fully understood. Baclofen inhibits both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level, possibly by decreasing excitatory neurotransmitter release from primary afferent terminals, although actions at supraspinal sites may also occur and contribute to its clinical effect.7 Baclofen is a structural analog of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and may exert its effects by stimulation of the GABAB receptor subtype.7
Because ITB Therapy delivers baclofen directly to the spinal cord, it relieves spasticity with smaller amounts of medication than when taken orally. This helps minimize systemic side effects.
|Anatomic figure adapted from Kroin, JS. Intrathecal drug administration: present use and future trends. Clin Pharmacokinet 1992, 22:319-326.
Introducing Lioresal Intrathecal directly into the intrathecal space permits effective CSF concentrations to be achieved with resultant plasma concentrations 100 times less than those occurring with oral administration.7
Environmental factors linked to development of autoimmune diseases
Medical Research News
Scientists working at the MRC National Institute for Medical Research have shown that environmental factors can influence the development of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
A team led by Dr Brigitta Stockinger has identified a molecular mechanism that links a wide range of environmental factors to the autoimmune reactions in which immune system cells attack body tissue. The results are published online in Nature.
The research focused on a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Activation of the AhR causes enzymes to be produced that are involved in reducing the toxic effect of a wide range of chemicals on the human body. Many of these, such as dioxin, are generated in industrial processes. The research found that stimulation of AhR by environmental factors could be involved in development of autoimmune disease.
Environmental factors linked to development of autoimmune diseases
Medical Research News
Scientists working at the MRC National Institute for Medical Research have shown that environmental factors can influence the development of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
A team led by Dr Brigitta Stockinger has identified a molecular mechanism that links a wide range of environmental factors to the autoimmune reactions in which immune system cells attack body tissue. The results are published online in Nature.
The research focused on a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Activation of the AhR causes enzymes to be produced that are involved in reducing the toxic effect of a wide range of chemicals on the human body. Many of these, such as dioxin, are generated in industrial processes. The research found that stimulation of AhR by environmental factors could be involved in development of autoimmune disease.
Human Fetal Stem Cell Therapy
A medical treatment whereby Human Fetal Stem Cells are transplanted into a patient. These cellular building blocks are usually administered intravenously and subcutaneously (under the skin). It is a painless procedure, which takes place in approximately one hour, and has no negative side effects.
View this site: www.medra.com
MS Research Bulletins
Ethics of Placebos in MS Clinical Trials Reassessed in New Publication
Investigators Explore MS Risk Conferred by Combination of Gene and Virus
Study: People with MS Who See Neurologists Are More Likely to Use MS Drugs
( Bob is the gentleman who has been trying to help all in need of Social Security reform) See a previous article of what he has been doing:
August 27, '07: Fighting for disability rights in America
Hi Stuart:
Could you post this?
Please consider sending a quick email to your senators by cutting and pasting the following:
Dear Senator ___________: (Find your senators at www.senate.gov )
During the past year, Stu's Views and M.S. Related News has helped gather over 6,000 signatures from individuals afflicted with multiple sclerosis, as well as from physicians, hospital administrators, pharmaceutical company executives, celebrities, social security administration and other federal employees, as well as major chronic illness advocacy organizations, including United Spinal, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and several others, to revise our nation's Social Security Disability programs to more adequately address the unique circumstances and challenges of MS victims.
Recent testimony before congress included recommendations to eliminate the five-year limitation on "expedited reinstatement" for disability recipients with serious chronically disabling conditions, such as MS who desire to attempt to return to work should their condition permit. This is extremely important as no one can predict the severity and course of a disease such as MS.
Many individuals who receive SSI/SSDI would welcome the opportunity to resume working if they knew that federal assistance would resume expediently should their condition worsen in the future. Under the current program, automatic resumption of benefits only continues within five years of disability approval. Beyond that timeframe, individuals who do return to work and then get ill again must apply for SSDI/SSI all over again. This is unfairly restrictive for those who suffer from MS and other chronic illnesses.
A formal presentation made to the House Ways and Means Committee by Terry Moakley, Vice President for Public Affairs of the United Spinal Association to the House Ways and Means Committee on January 16, 2008 included a key recommendation to eliminate the five-year limitation for expedited reinstatement of disability benefits for chronically disabled individuals who desire to work as they are able, without jeopardizing their benefits should their condition worsen in the future.
The following excerpt of the testimony specifically addresses a key area of necessary reform...
Allow ongoing presumptive re-entitlement for those able to work, but who have continuing disabilities – Continued Attachment. (Title II and SSI). We recommend that Title II and SSI disability beneficiaries have a "continued attachment" to the programs as long as their impairments last, even if they do not receive cash benefits because of their work earnings. Beneficiaries of the programs who are sometimes able and other times unable to be employed should have continued attachment to the cash and medical benefits that can be activated with a simple and expedited procedure that is as "seamless" as possible. Many beneficiaries fear working to their full potential because it might cause a permanent loss of cash and/or medical benefits. This is a particular concern for beneficiaries who (a) have relapsing/remitting conditions such as mental illness or many chronic illnesses or (b) need accommodations that may be available in one employment setting, but difficult to obtain in the future. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act partially addressed this problem by allowing a limited "expedited reinstatement" to benefits, but this is not a complete solution since it is available for only 60 months from termination of cash benefits.The existing expedited reinstatement program could be improved by making the following statutory changes: (1) Eliminate the 60-month time limit; (2) Provide provisional cash and medical benefits until SSA processes the request for reinstatement (current rules limit provisional benefits to six months); (3) Ensure that both cash and medical benefits are promptly reinstated once SSA has approved the reinstatement; (4) Explicitly recognize that people may use expedited reinstatement repeatedly; and (5) Provide that beneficiaries are eligible for expedited reinstatement if they are unable to engage in SGA when they are no longer working.
In short, this is an important first step in revising our nation's SSDI/SSI programs to more adequately address the unique circumstances of those battling MS and other serious chronic illnesses.
Here is the link to the entire testimony.
Please consider how you can use your strong reputation and influence to ensure that the House and Senate will work together to revise SSDI/SSI laws that will improve the security of over 400,000 Americans whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered by multiple sclerosis.
Thank you, in advance, for your help and personal involvement in this vitally important issue.
(Insert your signature and address here)
My Continued thanks to Bob, for what he has been doing, for those of us who need people like Bob.
View more MS Related articles by clicking here


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My heroines fight for rugby's future
Former England captain Sue Day catches her breath after wallowing in the sheer joy of an exhilarating Rugby World Cup, and explains how the game can continue to grow
It has taken me until now to get my breath back after the World Cup final. For once in sport, the superlatives were justified. And so were the clichés. It really was a classic: a brilliant display of exciting rugby from two teams at the top of their game. It was end-to-end stuff.
It was also, dramatically and extremely, that oldest of old clichés, a game of two halves: 80 per cent possession for England in the first half, 80 per cent possession for New Zealand in the second. It was as if a rugby vortex at the Family Stand end of the Kingspan stadium in Belfast was drawing all of the play towards it. The difference between the teams, in a nod to another of sport's finest clichés, was that the Black Ferns made their possession count.
If fortunes changed dramatically at half-time, it was almost as if the teams had swapped shirts before the game: England dominated their semi-final with France by playing tight, controlled, forward dominated rugby and kicking for territory in the corners; New Zealand wowed us throughout the tournament with the most breath-taking demonstrations of running rugby, feeding the try-scoring beast that is Portia Woodman on the wing.
Yet this final was all about England playing expansive rugby (at least in the first half, when they actually had the ball), orchestrated by the quite brilliant Katy Mclean: flinging the ball deep behind decoy runners – a Kiwi tactic if ever there was one – into the outside channels.
Far more surprisingly, though, it was all about the Black Ferns playing tight, nine-woman rugby around the fringes. We all knew that this New Zealand team had one player good enough to score a World Cup final hat-trick. We just thought that player was Portia Woodman, not Toka Natua, the New Zealand loosehead prop. The three tries she scored in the final could not have been more different to a typical Portia Woodman finish, yet in their strength, technique, timing and intelligence, they were every bit as beautiful to the rugby purist.
As a former England player (and two-time silver medal owner), it's hard to write these words, but you have to take your hat off to the intelligence of this New Zealand team. Their video analysis told them that their wide game wouldn't work against this England defence; they chose instead to kick into the gaps behind the England wingers. It worked once early on: Selica Winiata scored after gathering a cross-field kick with pretty much the first bit of attacking possession her team had. But once that stopped working New Zealand didn't panic.
When they could barely get a moment's possession in the first half, they still didn't panic. They regrouped at half time and came out with a 'kick to the corners and pick and go' game-plan and played it brilliantly. It's one thing to totally transform your game-plan at half-time, it's quite another to execute it to perfection against full-time contracted, incredibly well-organised and talented defending champions. It was a phenomenal display of intelligent rugby and makes New Zealand undeniably worthy world champions.
For those of us shouting, cheering (and crying) on the sidelines, it was a truly absorbing rugby match and yet it was even more than that. I earned those two World Cup silver medals in 2002 and 2006; at that time, no one in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States, and perhaps even France, could watch us on the TV. This time it was watched on prime-time TV by 2.6 million people in this country, and more than three million in France. It was on Sky Sports in New Zealand and NBC in America. When the victorious New Zealand teams of 2002 and 2006 landed back home, people barely noticed. This time there was a heroines' welcome at the airport and, judging by my Twitter feed, seemingly non-stop television appearances for the now legendary captain Faio'o Fa'amuasili. And after winning three world cups, eleven years apart, legendary is no hyperbole.
This time the world noticed. When TV notices, suddenly the corporate sponsors notice; when the corporate sponsors notice, they pour money into the game; when more money comes into the game, the standard improves further still, and TV gets yet more interested. And so it goes on. This is why it's so important that we make the most of this moment in the limelight, and push for more coverage and attention; the growth and success of the sport depends on it.
That is why, even though they have silver medals around their necks and not gold, Katy Mclean, Emily Scarratt and Sarah Hunter are still my World Cup heroines. All three of them are world-class rugby players; all three of them had phenomenal World Cups – how Katy didn't join the other two in the tournament 'Dream Team' remains a mystery to me. But what stood out for me most was that in those new and unprecedented media spotlight moments that followed that game, each one of them chose to use that amplified platform to send a message – to the 'suits' that run rugby, to the media and to the corporate world.
In their different ways, they told us (and I paraphrase): we have to use the momentum from this amazing tournament to really move women's rugby forward. We have to expect more coverage; we have to remind the corporate sponsors what impact the game can have and therefore that they really should part with their pounds; and we have to demand the rugby unions from around the world invest more in the women's game. It is nothing short of an outrage that the Australian team, for example, turned up at this World Cup having barely played a game between the last World Cup and this. Imagine how good that team could be. This tournament was outstanding; imagine how truly great it could be with better and fairer levels of investment.
I know what it feels like to lose a World Cup final – two, actually. It feels empty, it feels devastating; it feels like you've let everyone down including, but least of all, yourself. You remember you have to wait another four years to try to put it right. But really, right now, you just want to curl up in a ball and wait for the memory to go away. Except that it stays with you, forever.
Yet in that moment all three put aside their personal feelings of devastation to make a plea to the sporting world, knowing that this might be their only opportunity to speak to such a wide audience. In the moment that those three world-class players rose above their own overwhelming sadness to fight, in front of millions, for the future of the game they love, they became my heroines.
I intend to do my best to follow their lead. I challenge you to do the same.
Sue Day is former England and Wasps rugby captain and begrudging owner of two World Cup silver medals. In rugby retirement she is now a Partner at KPMG Advisory as well as being President of Wasps FC, an occasional rugby commentator and a very proud and active trustee of the Women's Sport Trust. Sue has not long returned from Belfast where she was commentating on the World Cup for World Rugby. Sue's latest articles
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Women's Sport Trust want to thank our partner Getty Images for some of the imagery of women in sport used on this site. Click here to view the editorial curation featuring the world's top sportswomen in action and learn more about our partnership with Getty Images.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hiking kilomanjaro in tanzania
Any recommendations of which tour company to book with?There is alot of them on the internet. Advise would be helpfull.
7 Answers
Hi, Herculine!
Kilimanjaro is SUCH a great experience! We did climb it last year, August 2016. A MA ZING. =)
We travelled with Nyange Adventures: https://www.facebook.com/nyangeadventures/?pnref=lhc, it was an awesome team. Machame route, 7 days. You won´t regret.
I wrote about the experience here: https://slowspotting.wordpress.com/2016/09/22/way-to-kilimanjaro-the-roof-of-africa-tanzania/
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask! over 3 years agoAnswered by aeiza via WorldNomads.com
- Thank you so much. Lovely writing and photos. Was there snow on top of the mountain in august? Why did you have so many crewmembers? herculine barnard over 3 years ago
I went with Intrepid Travel, the English side let me down a little, but when in Tanzania everything went smoothly.
It's a great experience! I definitely recommend the Machame Route, whichever company you choose.
I wrote about my experience here:https://natpacker.com/kilimanjaro-adventure-day-1-arrival/ (be warned, it is several posts long)
You may also want to check out: https://natpacker.com/things-wish-id-known-kilimanjaro-trip/ over 3 years agoAnswered by Nat via WorldNomads.com
Summit Adventures and Nomadic Experience! (www.nomadicexperience.com). The founder, Simon, holds the world record for the fastest unsupported ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro... and is just lovely! over 3 years agoAnswered by C via WorldNomads.com
I went with Popote Africa (http://www.popoteafrica.com/) last year (7 day Macheme route) and they were incredible. The team were fantastic and made it one of the best weeks of my life, and I am still in contact with some of the Popote team a year later!
I booked it spontaneously when I was already in Tanzania and they sorted me out with all the gear (I only had hiking boots) and I asked to be put into a group with others which they were able to accommodate as well. Our guides were so kind and ensured our pace suited the various abilities and needs of the whole group.
Cannot recommend enough. over 3 years agoAnswered by Naomi via WorldNomads.com
I would highly recommend using Africa Travel Resource. Their price is a little more than others, but they have a lot of Kili experience (17,000 customers), 91% success rate and excellent safety record. They also take good care of their support staff. Even if you end up choosing another company, the ATR website has great resource material to help you prepare for your trek. My son & I chose the Rongai route. Here is the link:
http://www.africatravelresource.com/mount-kilimanjaro-treks/. over 3 years agoAnswered by Doug via WorldNomads.com
I climbed Kili with my teenage daughter a few years ago and paid a premium to go thru an American travel agent for perceived safety and reliability. If I were to go again I would try to avoid the middle man and book direct with an experienced Tanzanian company. This could save you 30 to 50% of the cost. Regardless who you book with you will have a local guide, cook and 2-3 porters. over 3 years agoAnswered by Wm Jasen via WorldNomads.com
I sumitted Kilimanjaro in October 2016 with Eco-Africa Climbing. Fredrick Wilbert the organizer and his crew were just awesome. They are located in Moshi and from the time of arrival, acclimitazing to departure they took excellent care. Food was also prepared to our liking and their chef Eliya was open to cooking to Canadian and Indian tastebuds. I highly recommend this company and their cost was reasonable. over 3 years agoAnswered by Renuka Sanghvi via WorldNomads.com


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Using laxative diet for Constipation and Hemorrhoids
These laxative foods can help get your bowels moving in the right direction. As you examine your laxative diet, check whether you are getting enough (or any!) of the following foods:
- Fruits—especially peaches, pears, cherries, apples, orange
juice, and apple juice
- Brassica vegetables—such as broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage
- Beans
- Whole-grain bread
- Coffee
- Tea
- High-fiber foods—such as celery and salads
Of course, you do not want to overdo it with these foods; that can take you from one extreme to the other. Notwithstanding, these natural laxatives may help you on your path to a healthier digestive system. Think about creating a balance, rather than just overloading on natural laxatives.The laxative diet recipes that are organized by Constipation symptom to
help you keep your healthy digestion.
See more H Miracle – Nature's Method to Cure Hemorrhoids Review
Laxative diet # 1 : Barley Breakfast Cereal
1 cup low-fat milk
In a small pot, bring milk to a boil. Stir in remaining ingredients, And simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, Cover, and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Stir and serve.
Makes 2 servings
Nutrition information per serving—includes walnuts, versus almonds: Calories: 233; Total fat: 7 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Trans fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 6 mg; Sodium: 61 mg; Total Carbohydrates: 39 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 18 g; Protein: 9 g.
Laxative diet # 2 : Black Bean Dip with Tahini
Delicious and healthful served with raw vegetables and Whole-Wheat Pita Chips or crackers made with no trans fats.
1 small bunch green onions, chopped (white part only)
In a serving bowl, combine green onions, cilantro, lemon juice, And tahini. Roughly mash beans in a food processor or blender.Add to bowl, and mix until blended.
Makes 16 servings
Nutrition information per serving: Calories: 69; Total fat: 4 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Trans fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 87 mg; Total carbohydrates: 6 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 0 g; Protein: 3 g
Laxative diet # 3 : Buckwheat Crepes
These crepes are even yummier stuffed with apple butter and Sliced banana. Alternatively, use this recipe to create Raspberry and Cheese Blintzes simply by adding filling. Buckwheat is also an excellent flour for people with diabetes, as it contains more fiber and protein than whole-wheat flour does.
3 eggs, or equivalent amount of egg substitute
Combine eggs, flour, milk, and 1 tablespoon of water in a blender or food processor. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
The batter should have the consistency of thin cream. Coat a small (6-inch) skillet with cooking spray and place over high heat. When a pan is hot, pour in about 1 tablespoon of batter. Tilt pan so that batter evenly coats the bottom. When small bubbles appear, use a spatula to flip the crepe, and cook for a few seconds on another side. Transfer crepe to a plate. Repeat with remaining batter.
Fold each crepe in half, and then fold in half again to make a quarter circle. Place three pancakes on each of four serving plates and spoon yogurt on top.
Makes 4 servings
Nutrition information per serving: Calories: 76; Total fat: 0.1 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Trans fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 1.8 mg; Sodium: 130 mg; Total carbohydrates: 11.1 g; Fiber: 0.8 g; Sugars: 6.4 g; Protein: 7.5 g
As you begin to change your eating habits and diet, use the list of constipation, culprits to get some ideas about which foods are may be hindering you on your journey to digestive health. If you have questions, or if you are not sure about the linkage between a particular food and your symptoms, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for help.
The constipation laxative diet plan is targeted to creating a balance between laxative foods and nonlaxative foods; you may end up doing more adding than eliminating as you gain control of your condition. Your log may show you that you just need to add a few more glasses of water and an extra salad or two to your laxative diet!
Recommended Reading MiraLAX Laxatives: Best laxative brand for fast results


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Thread: Help Me Figure Out What to Do?!
- Join Date
- Sep 2018
- Posts
- 12
Help Me Figure Out What to Do?!
So this is going to be really long and probably jumbled, I apologize. I have been mulling this over for weeks and need to make a decision.
This is my second year homeschooling DS (8, ASD, has some pretty intense behaviors) and DD (5.5, more or less neurotypical, has a few sensory issues and red flags, but not enough for diagnosis after multiple evaluations). Last year went pretty well, but was mostly teaching DS. DD just played nearby and learned a lot more than I expected.
This year with both kids officially registered as homeschoolers has been much harder to find a groove. In December DS went from in-clinic therapy (which gave me an afternoon to focus on DD and get errands done), to in-home therapy for six hours on Tuesdays, which gives me no time apart from either child. And it's difficult to work with DD then because she wants to be involved in what DS and his therapist are doing.
In January I signed DD up for a Christian co-op where my friend is a member, so DD would have her own thing and would be getting some focused instruction with a group of NT kids. I felt like we weren't doing enough with her at home and what we were doing wasn't sinking in. The co-op class is two hours, very hands on, and a lot of group work. The teacher sends pictures and videos and a personal message every week. It's also $300 a semester, plus the registration fee and volunteering hours I have to do. I think DD really enjoys it though and is growing from the experience. She was so happy when I picked her up today after I'd already decided not to send her next year.
Well, now it's time to pay for the co-op for next year, and I'm wavering about what to do: the co-op and homeschool, homeschool and no co-op, or just send DD to Kindergarten at the local public school for a few reasons:
1) DD's not getting as many playdate opportunities or social connections as I think she would like to have, even with the co-op. The older kids at the co-op seem very social and friendly with each other, but most of the kids in her class aren't. My friend's child who is in the class is friendly to her, but may not be coming back next year and would be there at a different time than DD anyway. Her neighborhood friend goes to daycare after school and we don't see her often, and her two best friends we play with weekly will also be going to Kindergarten at a different school next year. Also, DS's behavior and sensory issues prevent us from participating in the co-op activities as much as I'd like. DD also has mild sensory issues that contribute to that, but seems to be coming out of her shell a bit now that she's adjusted to co-op. I think the things she likes about co-op are things she would like about public Kindergarten.
I know the socialization opportunities at public school leave a lot to be desired, but I do think she'd make a few little friends and have chances to socialize. I should add DH and I are both pretty introverted.
2) DD has developed a speech disfluency and stutter over the past few months. I think she will need speech therapy that I am not sure we can afford to pay for, especially since she doesn't have another diagnosis that insurance would cover. I am not 100% sure, but I doubt she can get services from the school district unless she is enrolled at a school. Also, I think her brother interrupting her all the time might contribute to her stutter, and it certainly doesn't help it. Speech therapy is really the most important reason to send her.
3) With the in-home therapy most of the day Tuesday and then the co-op Wednesday, plus lunch and usually an afternoon outing to the park or library after, that only leaves Monday, Thursday and Friday for sit-down school work, other field trips and playdates with friends. I feel like it's hard to get a good routine and hard to get enough of anything done: homeschooling, housework, errands, self-care for me.
4) We live in what would be probably be considered one of the best public school districts in the country, but our school is a Title-I school that ranks very low compared to most of the surrounding schools. I am not sure how much that matters, if at all. But the school does have Music (and string instruments beginning in 4th grade) Art, foreign language, STEM lab, etc... all stuff we would struggle to pay for outside of school.
Except I don't want to send her, because I love homeschooling when it goes well. I feel like the things I was struggling to teach, she just wasn't ready for yet and I should have waited a year to enroll her as a homeschooler. I would miss DD so much if she was gone all day too. She already feels like her brother gets more attention (and honestly he does, though I try not to let it happen.) She may feel like she is being sent away. She really likes her co-op teacher and class. I feel like she is just settling in there and if we stay she may make more friends, albeit ones who live 40 minutes away and may not be into the fact that we are secular.
Also, we had to argue with the public school for services when DS went there and we didn't get them. We gave up and started homeschooling. And I didn't really like the atmosphere I saw there: special needs students eating alone in the hall, staring at the wall with paras who didn't try to engage them at all, teachers yelling at students, kids running wild and not really learning what was intended during special events in the gym and cafeteria, kids ostracizing my DS at the bus stop with their parents standing right there doing nothing, never really knowing how DS was doing educationally or behaviorally unless I got a disciplinary call from the principal or a bad report card. I also feel like my DD is very sweet and caring, but could easily be influenced into being one of the mean girls in that environment.
But I just can't help feeling like I am shortchanging DD if I don't send her to the public school, even though I don't like the school after my experience there. And I feel like if I'm going to send her, it should be at the beginning of Kindergarten in August.
I like the co-op, but it's expensive, has some very Christian elements that I just try to ignore for now, and it adds a lot of stress to my plate each week just getting us there. I also think it's welcoming now, but wouldn't be if my DS let loose with the behaviors we are working to curb. Basically, I don't feel like we can be ourselves there and still be accepted. I could use the co-op tuition toward speech therapy or ASD therapy, whether DD is homeschooled or in public. But $300-600 isn't going to cover that much therapy anyway.
Last edited by Sea-and-Sky; 05-02-2019 at 09:14 AM.
Welcome! You seem so distraught! You seem to have a mix of issues, perhaps tackle them one at a time?
(There is also a problem with your post being stuck in moderation, I will be back after that gets resolved.)Homeschooling DS13, DS6.
My spelling was fine, then my brain left me.
One thing I understand is that you had a bad experience getting services from the school district for your son, and your daughter now needs those. My neighborhood school was a PITA about giving services for my youngest. We were able to get them from a local charter homeschool instead (and he gets twice weekly speech and OT). You can request an IEP evaluation, and toss words around like Fair and Appropriate Education, let me call our Advocate, etc. Do the local research, have an advocate on standby, have talked with them to know what you should expect, and be prepared to go all MamaBear on them. Dont let them bully you!
It may come down to you paying out of pocket for the therapy (we did that route and it drained our savings and had us eating very simply for a few years). Then again, maybe insurance will cover it.
Also, public school might not solve your daughters social desires. I think as homeschooling parents we expect ourselves to provide a plethora of friends to choose from, and have an illusion that all these friendships happen spontaneously and naturally if our kids are in public school. Your sons experience shows you this isnt the case. Public school kids might still be unhappy (bully stories, depression, anxiety), but the parents arent out beating the bushes trying to find their kids more friends.
As far as the co-op, do you like it because it makes the kids happy and gives you a little break? Could you replace it with some other activities that would give you the same benefits, at less cost and spiritual unease?
You do need to make time for yourself, and for your other responsibilities. Ive found for myself that I lack the mental energy to do a great job homeschooling and cleaning house.... one always suffers.
This may sound a little creepy, but when your son has his therapy, can you take your daughter to a special place and do fun homeschooling? Like carve out a closet into a I Dream of Jeannie princess lair, that you only go into when therapy is going on? (Im guessing a parent is expected to be available during the sessions.)
And try to escape in the evenings! You need time away from the pressures of being the mommy servant at the familys beck and call.
We do understand what youre going through! Talk to us, we will help you get through it.Homeschooling DS13, DS6.
My spelling was fine, then my brain left me.
- Join Date
- Sep 2018
- Posts
- 12
Hi Alexsmom! Thank you for replying. Yes, I do have a lot going on. Sometimes I need to remember to just breathe!
I think co-op is not worth it. I like it because it gets us out of the house and DD gets to do fun learning activities with other kids. But it doesn't really give me a break, and getting us all there and doing the volunteer requirements adds stress. I can replace the co-op with something else for DD. I don't think she would care.
I do try to "do school" in another room with DD when the therapist is working with DS. She has been very resistant, but has been more cooperative the past couple of weeks. I think she is more ready to do academic work now.
DS's ABA therapy is expensive even with our insurance, so we are already eating simply and not saving as much as we'd like! That's one reason the public school is so tempting with its therapy services and music, foreign language and Art classes. But I think you are right about
it not being an automatic way for DD to find friends, just like co-op isn't.
Regarding the school services, I think DD's stutter will be harder for the school to ignore than DS's behavior issues. He is 2E and they said he wasn't eligible because he did well on their tests.
Thank you for the advice about the advocate! We were naive when we initiated the IEP process for DS in Kindergarten. I really felt like the school did shady things that I later found out weren't allowed, like giving us less than 24 hours to review their test results before the eligibility meeting. We probably didn't fight hard enough, but DS was so miserable there I really don't think an IEP or 504 would have fixed it.
I will start researching advocates and get DD set up for an evaluation with the school system and go from there.
I totally understand the distraction factor. Getting one kid to attend to boring school when brother is having fun with a therapist is pretty difficult. Making a special place that is only visited at that time might help. Hence a closet, or maybe a tent or picnic blanket in the backyard. And use that time for the most fun homeschooling activities - a poetry tea, story blocks, a math skills game, gardening and biology studies. (My oldest gained addition fluency by playing blackjack with me.)
You could also give up on her doing schoolwork, and think about what you could do that would be most productive in its place. Would she engage with you in the kitchen, for a weeks worth of meal prep and some baking? Folding laundry and helping with housekeeping for a little pocket money? If you create scarcity for a favorite activity or screen time, she may be more motivated to indulge if its offered then.
Im not familiar with the parts of ABA, but is it possible to include her for an activity or two each session? It might make her feel included, and satisfy her longing to participate with her brother.
That is all Im brainstorming to redirect her attention. And if homeschooling then is a lost cause, know when to walk away, know when to run. Its not the end of the world if bookwork doesnt get done then.Homeschooling DS13, DS6.
My spelling was fine, then my brain left me.
- Join Date
- Jun 2018
- Posts
- 25
Hello Sea-and-Sky,
I'm sorry you are dealing with so many what-ifs. I'm a first year homeschooler but I do understand. We enrolled my son in public school preschool at age 3 just for speech therapy services, did public school for 3 years, and then decided to pull him out for homeschool as a first grader. I definitely noticed his speech getting worse after a few months of not frequently being around other children and adults.
Where I live (Colorado), many public schools have a "Homeschool Enrichment Academy," where you can send your child to a full-day of school once a week where they are among their homeschool and public school peers and doing electives (PE, music, art) as well as a little bit of school (science experiments, testing if you want it). We've only been doing it for a couple months here, but I was able to get my son speech services as a part-time student. They tried to lean on me to come in 2x/week but I said no to that. Not sure if it matters but it was labeled an RTI, or Response to Intervention, rather than an IEP Individualized Education Plan which might be where the request for 2x/week came in. I'm honestly not crazy about doing the Enrichment program but it's meeting my son's needs so I keep my mouth mostly shut
We also went back to his private speech therapist associated with the Children's Hospital. While our insurance covers speech, the Scottish Rite Foundation gives scholarships to families with children who need speech services. I don't know a lot about that organization's locations, but I do believe they are nationwide. Here it's called RiteCare.
Sorry to hear of your struggles. They are in some ways similar to ours. I have an older child (DD almost 11) who is 2E with anxiety and slow processing and maybe more (have not been able to get her fully assessed for the challenges side of it due to a lack of suitable professionals and finances), and a younger one (DD almost 6) who seems gifted with no challenges, but I have not had her assessed at all yet.
I homeschooled the younger one between 5 and 5.5, and then she wanted to go to school because she was missing specific friends she had met in her 3 day/week play-based preschool. So she went and literally the only thing she went to school for was those specific friends. Then they moved, and she has made one other good friend that is 2 years older than her, and she is the only one she plays with. DD seems very outgoing and social (compared with myself and my other daughter), but she still seems happy with only a limited number of friends at a time. So, while it appears on the outer that she would have these high social needs, in reality, they are easily met.
Which brings me to something that might help reframe your thinking and make things seem less of an issue. I have been recently listening to these talks on the Bright and Quirky IdeaLab, and one talk (can't remember exactly who it was by, but a child psychologist) said that most kids really only need to know (not necessarily see every day like in a school environment) that they have two friends. A friend and a 'spare' in case one moves away. And then most are happy with only about one play date a fortnight.
So if you reframe your younger one's social needs/issues into a friend and a spare and one play date a fortnight, that may make it easier.
Then on the side of that, rather than going to the co-op, as I think AM suggested, can you use that money to pay for an after school activity with some public schoolers that are a better fit for you? Then she would get some busy group time as well. If money is tight, are then any community run classes that are cheaper.
The other thing that comes to mind from the Bright and Quirky IdeaLab, is that they talk a lot about focusing on small steps or 1% gains. What can you do to make their life 1% better or make them 1% happier? Rather than thinking large scale and oh my gosh I need to make all these drastic changes to our life, just focus on little things, and then over time they add up.
But I do know how hard it is. I miss my youngest one so much, and she would prefer to be at home now she has tried school. However, it is not possible at the moment because of my oldest's behavior issues. We live in NZ (and are NZ'ers) and there is absolutely no assistance from the public system here for my daughter's level of issues either in or out of the school system. So we would have to pay privately, which we cannot afford right now. She has a lot of sensory sensitivities, and with DD5 home (who is super loud and exuberant), DD10 gets triggered into meltdowns a lot and it is not fair for DD5 to bear the brunt of that 5-days/week. So until we can get a handle on DD10's meltdown's, DD5 has to be at school. I think I could possible manage it better if I could dedicate 100% of my time each day to them, but I also work part-time and need time for myself.
So overall, I would try changing your focus to smaller gains/changes, seeing if 'less' for friends keeps your daughter happy, and investigate to see if there are any afterschool activities that you could replace co-op busy/group time with. Then if that does not work, you can move on to bigger changes like school. I don't think you should worry about starting her right on the regular starting age/time. If you spend a year seeing if you can make homeschool work for you with little changes, she would still fit in. My daughter did not start school until 6 months after when she should have, and she only started 3 weeks before the end of the school year, and she has fit in just fine.
Sorry I have no advice on the speech therapy. The only thing I would try is to get some free advice from your son's therapist. Like "oh I have been noticing DD is having this issue, do you have any resources or activities you would recommend that we could try with her at home to work on it?".
Edited to add: the main motivator for us going with the big change (school) for DD5 was that we had a balloted place that was only available for that school year, and if we did not use it, it would be very unlikely she would get into that school later on as their roll is usually full for the post-entrance year grades. The behavior issues with DD10 at home, and DD5 wanting to see her friends were things we took into consideration. But we would have worked on homeschool for longer if we did not have to take the ballot place before it expired.
Last edited by NZ_Mama; 05-02-2019 at 06:55 PM.NZ homeschoolers (school year runs start Feb to mid Dec).
DD 12 (year 7) and DD 7 (year 2).
Fourth year homeschooling.
Part-time freelance science copyeditor.
- Join Date
- Sep 2018
- Posts
- 12
I wrote a reply to everyone last night, but it's either awaiting moderation or has disappeared. I wanted to let you all know I did read your responses and you all gave me some great ideas I can use! Thank you all!


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This battle axe was purchased at the Opa-locka/Hialeah flea market's plucky Pakistani knife booth for five dollars. "This is a weird store," said the pleasant girl behind the counter. "You'd be surprised at how often we sell this stuff to weird people like you."
The owner of the booth was back in his home country of Pakistan. He had worked out some kind of awesome deal, she said, with a weapons factory out there. There were finger knives, Rambo knives, Pakistani ninja stars, a 20-inch blade that straps onto your arm, brass knuckles, belt-buckle knives, and a sword sale ($25, any size).
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A young, dour man with a quaffed pompadour perused the aisles of various stabbing items, straightening boxes of Chinese cleavers and making sure the Brazilian machetes were sorted by size. I assumed he was the boss man's son. But he wouldn't talk to me.
Especially when I asked about Barack Obama.
Hear this America! The Pakistanis are preparing for Obama's election with all the speed of a colony of pissed-off fire ants. They're manufacturing clever shanks and pointy shit like sociopaths in a prison shop. If we start poking around in hills that we don't belong in, expect one of these babies to come down on the base of our national skull. --Calvin Godfrey


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Getting Into Various Trends In The Market And How This Can Be Put Out In Many Different Ways
Everyone likes a viral trend especially if it's good one in which everyone tends to want it in order to be in the latest trend of what you have and what you don't, there are many viral trends which are giving a lot of business to the products which are going viral, this is because it tends to help you understand what is needed and why people tend to demand, there are people who tend to demand this for many different and simple reasons, some of which could be the easy fact that this product has gone viral and they just want to try it out, this can be applicable in many scenarios in which the product could be an accessory like the choker, or clothing which could be male rompers or even other designs and housing ideas which require to be in style and how people tend to be fascinated with the idea of it as they tend to like it in many different ways and whatnot, however these trends could only become successful if it is used in the right way, these are rather available for many given aspects in which it tends to require you to understand why and how these can be suitable for you and whichever that you tend to have, sometimes people do this in a scattered manner without having any idea to it, which is why there are services that specialize in this and help you gain better benefits in regards to this.
What do these services tend to include?
There are many different things that these services tend to include, some of which are connected to condo interior design in Singapore in which you tend to understand what is rather needed along with it depending on which house needs what, there are special teams of people who tend to be experts at coming up with different and unique ideas in which they can use these circumstances and make it better for the consumers who need it especially when it comes to beautifying your own home.
What are the things you get from this?
There are many benefits in which you can gain from having such services, not all of us want to make our house or even our workplace look like scattered and disorganized and in order to not do so, sometimes we may not have the time and effort to put this and make it rather a good and a modernized design in which this can happen, there is now even 5 room interior design Singapore which may help you understand that even many different rooms in the same house and whatnot may need the same attention and service for their own betterment.
This is rather useful to do so.
As it can help you in many different aspects in order to make your home a pretty place.


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Get the latest tips & apps for your Smartphone
HTC myTouch 4G and myTouch 4G Slide planned to receive maintenance update
DroidDog Joey Lehto Mar 16, 2012
DroidDog Mar 16, 2012
Joey Lehto Mar 16, 2012 Read Source
Mar 16, 2012
Our good pals over at TmoNews have let us know about an upcoming update to the myTouch 4G and its keyboard equipped brother, the myTouch 4G Slide. Both updates will include a Google security update, with the myTouch 4G also getting a new version of Swype and software improvements. The myTouch 4G Slide will be receiving improvements to the Genius button,... Read more


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Managing partner, attorney-at-law.
A graduate of law, with honors, at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the Jagiellonian University, he also completed post-graduate studies in Analyzing Capital Markets and Investment Advisory at the Kraków Business School of the Kraków University of Economics. Also a certified advisor in the NewConnect Alternative Trading System. A member of Kraków Bar Association of Attorneys-at-law since 2009.
Prior to starting the Law Firm, he worked for companies of an international corporate group, a brokerage house, and a highly regarded law firm. In mid-2010, he started his private legal practice.
A specialist in company law and capital markets, intellectual property law, business contracts law, and regulations in terms of trading in copyrights.
He has a number of years of experience in providing comprehensive services to IT companies, negotiating business contracts, and implementing projects on capital and real property markets, both domestically and internationally.
He speaks English.
In private, a fan of soccer, also interested in philosophy, the city of Kraków, and the Tatra Mountains.


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Condemn Bigoted Liberal Religious Attacks
Tell Joe Donnelly: Condemn the bigoted anti-Catholic attacks made by his liberal allies.
Stand with Luke and condemn liberal Senators Dianne Feinstein and Dick Durbin for their "anti-religious" remarks made against fellow Hoosier and Notre Dame Professor Amy Coney Barrett. Bigotry targeted at someone's religion is beyond the pale – sign the petition and tell Senator Joe Donnelly to condemn these attacks.


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I've been asked many times how someone can tell they need a Sales Coach. The answer is simple: if you're in sales, you need a sales coach. Whether it's me, your "sales manager" or someone else, everyone in sales needs a Sales Coach.
Rory McIllroy has a golf coach. Miguel Cabrera has a hitting coach. The best athletes in the world have coaches. So, why shouldn't you?
A Sales Coach—in my opinion—simply sees things you can't see because they're looking at your work, processes and performance through a different lens. It's my job to analyze what you do and help you do it better. Does that make me a better salesperson than you? Not hardly. It's just that I am here to work with you to make you better!
Is Rory's golf coach better than him?
One of the things I enjoy most is customizing a specific training program just for your sales team, organization or business. I work with businesses of all sizes in helping them get out of their comfort zone, find ways to separate themselves from their competition and make work fun and I can do the same for you. From an hour long sales meeting to full-day training sessions or ongoing training programs, I focus on engaging, educating and challenging you and your salespeople to reach new heights.
By hiring me your team will:
- Learn how to increase the number of contacts they make each week
- Find ways to turn those contacts into HOT prospects
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- Get better organized and be able to track contacts, prospects and customers
- Find more satisfaction in their professional selling career
All of my coaching and training programs are all backed by a money back guarantee. (Ask for details)
"The only thing worse than training and employee and losing them is to not train them and keep them." ~Zig Ziglar
Sales Coaches and Trainers today are a "dime-a-dozen" and many have never sold anything—except their training. In my career, I've been where you and your people are: in the trenches SELLING. Belly-to-belly, belt buckle-to-belt buckle, calling on prospects, making presentations and closing LOTS of deals. I've ridden the highest highs over huge sales and been in slumps where I never thought I'd sell anything again. I've been there! Through it all I've learned strategies and techniques that have greatly enhanced my abilities and skills. Everything in sales is a learned skill. Everything. I've also learned that my success (and my sales) were dependent on one thing: ME! Not the government, the weather, not the economy or the company's advertising campaign. My success (or lack thereof) was controlled simply by the man in the mirror.
Finally, I encourage you to never stop learning and growing. Sales is a profession. You are professional! You should be updating, enhancing and improving your skills every single year.
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Verifying the authenticity of your products is an important step, regardless of who the seller is of anabolic steroids, peptides or HGH, or where you choose to buy. By issuing a unique security code which is different for each box, you have a direct guarantee from the official laboratories that the products purchased on Super-Steroide.com are original.
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BRING your friends, family & neighbors to CELEBRATE the hard work of STP thus far. There will be food, drink, live music, raffles, swimming and an information session about what's happening now and our next steps.
When: Sunday, August 17th 1–5pm
Where: The Vaudevillian building and surrounding grounds at beautiful Pine Lake, 1894 Charlotte Creek Rd., Davenport, NY. (GPS: use Oneonta)
Click here for more details and to RSVP.
As the proposed Constitution Pipeline (CP) enters its third year of delays and opposition, a SECOND high-pressure transmission line was proposed in late May along nearly the same route as CP.
What is it and who's behind it? The Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company (TGP) is proposing a 296-mile-long pipeline called the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Northeast Energy Direct Project (NED).TGP is owned by Kinder Morgan, the third largest energy company in North America.
In early June, the US Court of Appeals ruled that segmentation of pipeline projects is unlawful. One way that pipeline companies attempt to make massive and far-reaching pipeline projects appear less disruptive is by presenting them to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in several small "segments," claiming that these segments are unrelated to one another.
The EPA sent a great letter to FERC on June 10 pointing out that FERC had not followed proper procedure by omitting the Migratory Bird and Upland Forest Plan from the dEIS (draft Environmental Impact Statement). As such, says the EPA, the plan "did not receive thorough public and agency review and comment." EPA requests that FERC reissue the dEIS.
COME TO THE NEXT STP MEETING on Tuesday, July 22nd, at 7pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta, NY.
STP's MISSION is to preserve and enhance the rural heritage and pristine environment of central New York State and north central PA by ensuring:
DONATE TODAY to SUPPORT THIS EFFORT
Contributions go to support all of our work—mailings, informational materials, postage, printing, legal support and much more. Visit our Donate page today!
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Villa Pearl
Villa Pearl – Ibiza Dramatically perched on a cliff-side, you…
For Rent
€12,000 Euros (From) Per Week
Es Cubells, Illes Balears, Spain
For Rent
€5,750 Euros per week (From)
This exceptional property, Villa Es Cubells, is located in the highly sought after area of its namesake, otherwise knows as the ¨Golden Mile" of Ibiza. Here you will find some of the most exclusive and luxury properties that Ibiza has to offer and this property stands tall amoungst them.
The villa is large, with 450m2 of liveable interior and benefits from an open plan mezzanine layout. The floor-to-ceiling windows add an abundance of natural light and a feeling of spaciousness throughout
The decoration and styling has a distinct Morrocan flavour, with the use of warm rich tones and the lush contrast between stone and wood. The Phillip Stark furniture adds to its luxury feelnand the fitting are all of the highest quality.
The exterior of Villa Es Cubells is extensive and filled with lawns and chill-out areas. The sunbeds by Gandia Blasco are a joy to spend time in under the Mediterranean sun as is the refreshing swimming pool.
May: 5750 Euros per week
June: 7500 Euros per Week
July and August: 10,500 Euros per week
September: 8000 Euros per week
October: 6500 Euros per week
This house has beautifully furnished living areas with views to the sea and swimming pool. The dining area has seating for 8 people with views to the patio and there is a modern fully equipped kitchen. Outside there are a number of amazing chill-out areas.
Bedroom 1: King size bed with bathroom en-suite (shower/tub). Two terraces and a fireplace. Kenzo Sheeting
Bedroom 2: Queen size bed with bathroom en suite (shower/tub), terrace, TV and air conditioning. Kenzo Sheeting
Bedroom 3: 2 single beds with bathroom en suite (shower), TV and air conditioning. Kenzo Sheeting
The nearest Beach is just 5 minutes away. The Village of San Jose is 8 minutes away, the Airport and Ibiza town is 10mins away in the car, where you can discover the cultural and historic centre of the island.
Villa Pearl – Ibiza Dramatically perched on a cliff-side, you…
€12,000 Euros (From) Per Week
Villa View Ibiza The beautiful Villa View Ibiza is a…
€10,000 Per Week (From)


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Page last reviewed: 13/07/2011
Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus.
In Ireland, diabetes affects approximately 200,000,people.
How does diabetes occur?
Normally, the amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach. When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves any glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it is broken down to produce energy.
However, in people with diabetes, the body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there is either not enough insulin to move the glucose, or because the insulin that is there does not work properly.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. This article focuses on type 1 diabetes.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body produces no insulin. It is often referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes. It is also sometimes known as juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes because it usually develops before the age of 40, often during the teenage years.
Type 1 diabetes is far less common than type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes make up 10% of all people with diabetes.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to take insulin injections for life. You must also make sure that your blood glucose levels stay balanced by eating a healthy diet and carrying out regular blood tests.
Useful links
Page last reviewed: 13/07/2011
The main symptoms of diabetes are:
- feeling very thirsty
- producing excessive amounts of urine
- tiredness
- weight loss and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk)
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can develop quickly, over weeks or even days. Other symptoms are:
- itchiness around the vagina or penis or getting thrush regularly
- blurred vision
- drowsiness
- cramps
- constipation
- skin infections
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose)
The symptoms of diabetes are due to chronic hyperglycaemia. This happens because there is no insulin to move glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells to produce energy.
If left untreated, hyperglycaemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which can eventually cause unconsciousness and even death. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when your body begins to break down fats for energy instead of glucose, leading to a build-up of acids in your blood.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Seek urgent medical attention if you have diabetes and you develop:
- a loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick)
- a high temperature
- stomach pain
- a fruity smell on your breath, which may smell like pear drops or nail varnish
Want to know more?
- Dehydration
- Dehydration is an excessive loss of fluids and minerals from the body.
- Glucose
- Glucose (or dextrose) is a type of sugar that is used by the body to produce energy.
- Insulin
- Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas that helps the body control blood sugar levels.
Page last reviewed: 13/07/2011
Type 1 diabetes occurs because your body cannot produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to control the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood.
When you eat, your digestive system breaks down food and passes its nutrients into your bloodstream. Normally, insulin is produced by your pancreas to take any glucose out of your blood and move it into your cells, where it is broken down to produce energy.
However, if you have type 1 diabetes, there is no insulin to move glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells.
What causes type 1 diabetes?
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not fully understood, although in most cases it is believed to be an autoimmune condition. This means it occurs as a result of your body's immune system mistaking a natural substance in your body as harmful, and attacking it.
In the case of type 1 diabetes, it is thought that the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas, destroying or damaging them enough to stop insulin production. It is not known exactly what triggers the immune system to do this, but some researchers have suggested that it may be due to a viral infection.
Type 1 diabetes usually runs in families, so there may also be a genetic cause for the autoimmune reaction. If you have a close relative, such as a parent or brother or sister with type 1 diabetes, you have about a 6% chance of developing the condition. The risk for people who do not have a close relative with type 1 diabetes is approximately 0.4%.
In some cases type 1 diabetes may be caused by a condition of the pancreas called chronic pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis causes your pancreas to become inflamed, resulting in severe damage to the cells that produce insulin.
Page last reviewed: 13/07/2011
It is important to diagnose diabetes as early as possible so that treatment can be started. If you experience symptoms, see your GP as soon as possible. They will ask you about your symptoms and ask for a urine sample and measure your blood glucose..
Diagnosis of Diabetes
A urine sample positive for glucose does not diagnose diabetes but may be an indicator that you have the condition as normally the urine does not contain glucose.
Diabetes is diagnosed using a blood test. If you have symptoms of a high blood sugar then a random blood glucose sample may be sufficient to make the diagnosis.
If you don't have symptoms of a high blood sugar then a fasting blood glucose sample taken in the morning or a sample used to measure a test called the IFCC (HbA1c), which is an indicator of your blood sugar levels over the preceding 8 to 12 weeks may be sufficient to make the diagnosis.
Very rarely in type 1 diabetes, a test called the oral glucose tolerance test, where you are given a sugary drink is used to diagnosed diabetes.
Page last reviewed: 13/07/2011
Insulin treatment
As type 1 diabetes occurs because your body cannot produce any insulin, you will need to have regular insulin treatment for life to keep your glucose levels normal.
Insulin comes in several different preparations, each of which works slightly differently. For example, some last up to a whole day (long acting), some last up to eight hours (short acting) and some work quickly but do not last very long (rapid acting). Your treatment may include a combination of these different insulin preparations.
Insulin injections
In most cases of type 1 diabetes, you'll need to have insulin injections. Insulin must be injected because if it were taken as a tablet, it would be broken down in your stomach, just like food, and wouldn't be able to enter the bloodstream. When you are first diagnosed, your diabetes healthcare team will help you with your insulin injections, before showing you how and when to do it yourself. They will also show you how to store your insulin and dispose of your needles properly.
Insulin injections are given using a syringe or an injection pen, which is also called an insulin pen or auto-injector. Most people need two to five injections a day. Your GP or diabetes nurse may also teach one of your close friends or relatives how to inject the insulin properly.
Insulin pump therapy
This is an alternative to injecting insulin. An insulin pump is a small device, about the size of a pack of playing cards, that holds insulin.
The pump is attached to you by a long piece of thin tubing, with a needle at the end, which is inserted under your skin. Most people insert the needle just under the skin (subcutaneously) or into their tummy, but you could also insert it into your hips, thighs, buttocks or arms.
The pump allows insulin to flow into your bloodstream at a rate that you can control. This means you no longer need to give yourself injections, although you will need to monitor your blood glucose levels very closely to ensure you are receiving the right amount of insulin.
Insulin pump therapy can be used by adults, teenagers and children (with adult supervision) who have type 1 diabetes. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Your diabetes healthcare team may suggest pump therapy if you often have hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose).
Want to know more?
Monitoring blood glucose
Monitoring your own blood glucose levels
An important part of your treatment will be making sure your blood glucose level is as normal and stable as possible.
You will be able to manage this using insulin treatment and by eating a healthy diet, but you'll also have to regularly check your blood glucose levels to make sure they are not too high or too low.
Exercise, illness, stress, drinking alcohol, taking other medicines and (for women) changes to hormone levels during your period can all affect your blood glucose levels.
In most cases, you'll need to check your blood glucose levels at home using a simple finger prick blood test. You may need to do this up to four or more times a day, depending on the type of insulin treatment you are taking. Your diabetes healthcare team will talk to you about your ideal blood glucose level.
The normal blood glucose level is 4.0-7.0 mmol/l before meals and less than 9.0 mmol/l two hours after meals. Mmol/l means millimoles per litre, and is a way of defining the concentration of glucose in your blood.
Find out how to test your glucose levels.
Having your blood glucose levels checked
While you need to monitor your own blood glucose levels every day, your GP or diabetes healthcare team will also do a special blood test every two to six months. This shows how stable your glucose levels have been over the past six to twelve weeks, and how well your treatment plan is working.
This is known as the IFCC (HbA1c ) test. Unlike the finger prick test that measures blood glucose at a single time, the IFCC (HbA1c) test gives an idea of blood glucose levels over time.
It measures the amount of haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying substance in red blood cells, that has glucose attached to it. A high IFCC (HbA1c level) can mean that your blood glucose level is consistently high and your diabetes treatment plan may need to be altered.
Want to know more?
Treating hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose)
Hypoglycaemia can occur when your blood glucose level becomes very low. It is a complication of the insulin injections.
Mild hypoglycaemia (or a 'hypo') can make you feel shaky, weak and hungry, and can be controlled by eating or drinking something sugary, such as a fizzy drink (not a diet version), or a small carton of juice or glucose sweets.
If you develop severe hypoglycaemia, you can become drowsy and confused, and you may even lose consciousness. If this occurs, you will need to have an injection of glucagon into your muscle. Glucagon is a hormone that quickly increases your blood glucose levels.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you may need to carry glucagon with you at all times. Your diabetes healthcare team may show several of your family members and close friends how to inject the glucagon into your muscle, should you need it.
Once you begin to come round, you will need to eat something sugary when you are alert enough to do so. If you lose consciousness as a result of hypoglycaemia, there is a risk that it may happen again within a few hours, so you will need to rest afterwards and have someone with you.
If the glucagon injection into your muscle does not work and you are still drowsy or unconscious 10 minutes after the injection, you will need urgent medical attention.
You'll need to have an injection of dextrose (sugary water) into a vein, which must be given by a trained healthcare professional.
Want to know more?
Treating hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose)
Hyperglycaemia can occur when your blood glucose levels become too high. It can happen for several reasons, such as eating too much, being unwell or not taking enough insulin.
If hyperglycaemia occurs, you may need to adjust your diet or your dosage of insulin to keep your glucose levels normal. Your diabetes healthcare team will advise you about the best way to do this.
However, if hyperglycaemia is not treated, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which can eventually cause unconsciousness and even death.
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when your body begins to break down fats for energy instead of glucose, leading to a build-up of acids in your blood. See Symptoms of type 1 diabetestes for the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis.
If you develop diabetic ketoacidosis, you will need urgent treatment in hospital. You will be given insulin directly into a vein (intravenously). If you are dehydrated, you may also need to have other fluids given by a drip, including salt solution and potassium.
Other treatments
Type 1 diabetes can lead to long-term complications. If you have type 1 diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. To reduce the chance of this, you may be advised to take:
- anti-hypertensive medicines to control high blood pressure
- a statin, such as simvastatin, to reduce high cholesterol levels
- low-dose aspirin to prevent stroke
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril, lisinopril or ramipril if you have the early signs of diabetic kidney disease
Diabetic kidney disease is identified by the presence of small amounts of a protein called albumin in your urine. It is often reversible if treated early enough.
Page last reviewed: 13/07/2011
If your diabetes is not treated, it can lead to many different health problems. Large amounts of glucose can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs. Even a mildly raised glucose level that does not cause any symptoms can have damaging effects in the long term.
Heart disease and stroke
If you have diabetes, you are up to five times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than someone without diabetes. Prolonged, poorly controlled blood glucose levels increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis (furring and narrowing of the blood vessels).
This may result in poor blood supply to the heart, causing angina. It also increases the chance that a blood vessel in your heart or brain will become completely blocked, causing a heart attack or stroke.
Nerve damage
High blood glucose levels can damage the tiny blood vessels of your nerves. This can lead to a tingling or burning pain that spreads from your fingers and toes up through your limbs. If the nerves in your digestive system are affected, you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation.
Retinopathy is damage to the retina at the back of the eye. Blood vessels in the retina of your eye can become blocked or leaky, or can grow haphazardly. This prevents the light from fully passing through to your retina. If it is not treated, it can damage your vision.
The better you control your blood sugar levels, the less chance you have of serious eye problems. Having an annual eye check through a retinal screening programme or with a specialist (an ophthalmologist or an optometrist) can help pick up signs of a potentially serious eye problem early on so that it can be treated.
Diabetic retinopathy can be managed by laser treatment or eye injections if it is caught early enough. However, this will only preserve the sight you have and will not make it better.
Kidney disease
If the small blood vessels of your kidney become blocked and leaky, your kidneys will work less efficiently. In rare, severe cases, this can lead to kidney failure and a kidney transplant will be necessary.
Foot problems
Damage to the nerves of the foot can mean that small nicks and cuts are not noticed, which can lead to the development of a foot ulcer. About 1 person in 20 with diabetes gets a foot ulcer, which can cause serious infection.
Check your feet every day and report any changes to your doctor, nurse or podiatrist. Look out for sores and cuts that do not heal, puffiness or swelling and skin that feels hot to the touch. You should also have a foot examination at each diabetes clinic visit.
Sexual dysfunction
In men with diabetes, especially those who smoke, damage to the nerves and blood vessels can lead to erection problems. This may be treated with medication.
Women with diabetes may experience a reduced sex drive, reduced pleasure from sex, a lack of vaginal lubrication, a reduced ability to orgasm or painful sex. Women with a lack of vaginal lubrication or who find sex painful can use a vaginal lubricant or water-based gel.
Miscarriage and stillbirth
Pregnant women with diabetes have an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. If their blood sugar level is not carefully controlled in the early stages of pregnancy, there is also an increased risk of the baby developing a serious birth defect.
Pregnant women with diabetes will usually have their antenatal check-ups in hospital or in a diabetic clinic, where doctors can keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels and control their insulin dosage more easily.
Want to know more?
- Insulin
- Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas that helps the body control blood sugar levels.
- Kidneys
- Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen, which remove waste and extra fluid from the blood and pass them out of the body as urine.
- Retina
- The retina is the nerve tissue lining the back of the eye, which senses light and colour and sends it to the brain as electrical impulses.
Page last reviewed: 13/07/2011
You can monitor your own blood glucose levels using a simple finger prick test
Finger prick testing
What you will need:
- blood testing strips
- blood glucose meter
- finger pricking device
- lancets
- blood glucose monitoring diary
- sharps box for disposal of sharps
These are available from your GP or hospital.
- Before doing a finger prick test, make sure you have all your equipment in a clean, dry place.
- Wash your hands and rinse well with warm water (dirty hands can contaminate a blood sample and give an inaccurate result).
- Choose your finger and massage it to improve blood circulation.
- Pricking the fleshy part of your finger can hurt. Instead, prick the side of the finger away from the thumb. Squeeze your finger gently to obtain a drop of blood.
- Apply the drop of blood to the testing strip. The meter will automatically read the result. Note the result in your diary.
Want to know more?
Content provided by NHS Choices www.nhs.uk and adapted for Ireland by the Health A-Z.


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FISH-NL commends Ottawa on new lifeboat stations, but search-and-rescue helicopters still work banker's hours
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 10th, 2018
The Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) says Ottawa's commitment to new lifeboat stations in this province is commendable, but it's not the No. 1 search-and-rescue issue facing mariners
"The Canadian military's Gander-based, search-and-rescue Cormorant helicopters are the fastest form of rescue and they still operate on banker's hours," says Ryan Cleary, President of FISH-NL. "A lifeboat won't cut it when the survival time in the North Atlantic — in the absence of a survival suit — is measured in minutes."
A five-year, $108-million federal government plan across Canada includes new lifeboat stations in Old Perlican and Twillingate and improvements to a search-and-rescue facility in St. Anthony.
A lifeboat station focuses mostly on the inshore. The station in Old Perlican, for example, will include storage room for fast-rescue craft, and a new 19-metre vessel that will be capable of searching up to 120 miles offshore.
However, the quickest way to respond to an offshore emergency is with a Cormorant helicopter, and Canada's search-and-rescue response times aren't in line with the international readiness standard of 30 minutes around-the-clock — from tasking a helicopter to becoming airborne.
In Canada, the wheels-up response time for its fleet of Cormorants is two-fold: between Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., it's 30 minutes; after 4 p.m., on weekends, and during holidays — the wheels-up response time is up to two hours.
"A two-tier response time wouldn't cut it in terms of fire on land, and it doesn't cut it in the North Atlantic," Cleary said, pointing out Cougar Helicopters — which services NL's offshore oil industry — has a wheels-up, search-and-rescue response time of 20 minutes around-the-clock.
"The life of an oil worker is worth the same as the life of a fish harvester," said Cleary, "but that's yet to be reflected in federal government policy."
"We are a seafaring people, and while our search-and-rescue personnel are the best of the best, the service is simply not."
Contact: Ryan Cleary 682 4862


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Dear Readers,
Belated Chanukah wishes…
Got this lovely card from my mother with a donation that she made to the American Bird Conservancy for Chanukah.
Another bit of cuteness from school. Max says Snowman Soup is delicious.
I received this holiday card from an old friend.
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you health, love, peace, laughs, joy and all things merry and bright!
Thank you for reading and being there.


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Indulge along the stunning Amalfi Coast, with a stay at the Miramalfi Hotel. Nestled along pine-cladded cliffs and adorned in striking bougainvillea, this luxurious hotel overlooks the sparkling azure vista of the Tyrrhenian Sea, even offering steps directly into the warm waters. With all of the onsite facilities you could possibly need including a restaurant and serene swimming pool, the Miramalfi Hotel will also assist you in discovering the world renowned area of the Neapolitan Riviera.
The hotel is located on the waterfront overlooking the stunning Tyrrhenian sea, with direct access to the crystalline waters.
The hotel is only a short stroll from the main Piazza of Amalfi.
Naples International Airport is approximately 75km away from the Miramalfi Hotel.
Il Miramalfi


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