By Peggy Ussery
Published: June 3, 2009
It started with stiffness in her neck. Over time, Jane Murphy noticed her chin was hanging low to her chest.
Doctors put her on arthritis medicines and recommended heat treatment. The pain spread and she began using her hand to keep her head up straight. The symptoms spread from her neck to her eyelids and then to her face.
“I was on so much medicine, I wanted to sleep all the time,” Murphy said.
The ball of Tim Hornsby’s foot began to swell. He noticed his toe was falling asleep regularly. He began dragging his foot. Hornsby thought it might be related to an old back injury. Doctors ruled out stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
Today, the once active engineer uses a walker for support. His toes curl up under the constant muscle contraction. His legs lock up without warning, causing Hornsby to fall on more than one occasion — he even broke his nose once on a night stand.
“You lose a lot of dignity,” Hornsby said. “I’ve always been one that’s done anything, and to have to ask people to do things for you ...”
The pain near the front of Chrissi Brannon’s ears spread to her teeth. For five years she saw dentists, oral surgeons, neurologists and ear, nose and throat specialists. She had root canals on all her back teeth. There were doctors and others who thought the 31-year-old was drug-seeking. Her chin started to pucker out uncontrollably.
Brannon’s left shoulder began to hurt; then, her right shoulder. The pain, fatigue and depression consumed her. Last year, the wife and mother of two gave up a career she loved as a pharmaceutical representative.
“I was a go-getter,” Brannon said. “I worked all the time.”
Murphy, Hornsby and Brannon each have a neurological movement disorder called dystonia. It’s the third most common neurological disorder in the U.S., but most people have never heard of it.
Dystonia is in the same family of neurological disorders as Parkinson’s disease. While Parkinson’s eventually destroys its victim’s brain, dystonia takes the body. It’s a debilitating condition that, while not fatal, forces muscles into a constant and painful contraction, sometimes disabling patients. The muscle contraction is so intense it’s compared to 18 hours of working out. It may hit one area of the body — legs, arms, neck, face, eyes — or attack the entire body, known as generalized dystonia. It can even effect hearing and speech, and severe cases of dystonia in the neck or vocal cords can actually impair breathing.
Hornsby, who lives in Headland, attends support group meetings in Birmingham. But he, Murphy and Brannon — who both live in Newville — hope to get enough interest to establish a Wiregrass support group. They figure there are others locally also dealing with the condition.
“I just know there are so many people out there with pain,” Brannon said.
Why and how dystonia happens is unknown. There are theories. It could be genetic. It may come on after a trauma, especially a physical trauma. Some people may be predisposed to it. Stress can aggravate symptoms.
Some people have only mild symptoms, while others live in agony. There is no cure.
A common treatment for dystonia is botox injections given every few months to paralyze the muscles and stop the involuntary movements. Medications can help, and in severe cases deep brain stimulation surgery can relieve symptoms.
“I had problems and didn’t know what the problems were,” Hornsby said. “They weren’t consistent.”
Unlike many people who spend years trying to get a diagnosis, Hornsby received a diagnosis within only a few months of seeking help in 2006. However, he saw eight doctors first. Within a year of his diagnosis, his symptoms had spread from one foot to the other.
When he and his wife, Virginia, received the news, they turned to the Internet for information. What they read was disheartening.
“Emotions for me and Virginia went from rock bottom to everywhere,” Hornsby said.
He was able to walk his daughter, Rebecca, down the aisle when she got married, but he can’t get out and walk with his grandson. He’s able to keep his job with the Alabama Department of Transportation in Troy because Virginia works in the same office and drives them both. But he’s no longer able to do field work.
“I have to depend on people I trust to get out and do things work-related,” he said. “But I’ve got some good people.”
Murphy saw 21 doctors before her diagnosis in the 1980s at the age of 48. Now 70 years old, Murphy has lived with dystonia for 22 years.
“We went to doctor after doctor ...,” Murphy said. “Nobody had heard of my ailment.”
Murphy has three kinds of dystonia in her neck, eyes and face. Her facial dystonia has gone into remission. She uses a back support to help her sit up straight in church and wears dark glasses to protect her sensitive eyes.
Brannon was 31 when her symptoms first occurred in 2001. She was diagnosed in 2006. Her dystonia affects her neck, face, back and hands. The pain and the fatigue has caused her to miss a lot with her children, ages 12 and 3. But her husband, Tom, has been supportive.
“If I have a day that’s pain-free, it’s few and far between,” she said.
Brannon now worries about the numbness she’s starting to feel in her toes.
“It’s getting worse, I can tell ...,” she said. “I’m hoping for the best, hoping to keep mine under control. Mine is moving, and that’s scary.”
Brannon is not alone in her fear.
“There’s that little bit of uncertainty,” Hornsby said. “Where is it going next and when?”——————————-Want to know more?If you or someone you know is interested in starting a local dystonia support group, e-mail DothanDystoniaSupportGroup@gmail.com
Understanding DystoniaThis week is Dystonia Awareness Week. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley signed a proclamation to support raising awareness about the condition. Here is some information about the different forms of the condition from the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation:
Laryngeal dystonia/spasmodic dystonia - Affects muscles of the vocal cords, making it difficult to speak.
Blepharospasm - Affects the eyelids, causing them to blink uncontrollably or remain closed.
Cranial dystonia - Affects face, jaw and tongue. Causes grimacing, tongue protrusion and jaw closure or opening.
Cervical dystonia/spasmodic torticollis - Affects neck and shoulder muscles, turning the head to the side or forcing the head back or forward. A tremor may be present.
Hand dystonia/writer’s cramp - Causes fingers to curl and the hand and forearm to cramp. Occurs when a person attempts to use the hand for writing, playing a musical instrument or other activities.
Generalized dystonia - Affects many parts of the body simultaneously. Causes cramping and twisting in the feet, limbs and torso.
Showing posts with label arthritis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arthritis. Show all posts
16 April 2009
Nordic Walking Poles Are Helping Many with Balance and Stability Issues - Including Many of Our Recovering War Heroes
When a thank you letter arrived from The American Red Cross for the one-piece Nordic Walking Poles that were donated to Walter Reed Veterans Hospital by SkiWalking.com and The American Nordic Walking System it was one of hundreds of confirmations that one-piece Nordic Walking poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.
Glen Arbor, MI, April 15, 2009 ---- Nordic Walking instructor, running and ski coach, Pete Edwards, discovered five years ago that Nordic Walking Poles were not just for expert skiers deprived of snow, but doubled as an aid for those with balance and stability issues. He started volunteering to host free Nordic Walking Clinics at Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD) and Diabetes support group meetings. A couple years later he donated dozens of pairs of durable one-piece Nordic Walking poles to Walter Reed Veterans Hospital in Washington, DC. He has also shipped free Nordic Walking poles directly to injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan after talking to their spouses and/or parents. Family members, doctors and physical therapists have been amazed by the improvement in posture, balance, stability and gate thanks to the use of Nordic Walking Poles in the correct lengths.For over 25 years Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers. His skiers have been ski walking and hill bounding with poles during the warmer months when snow could not be found.
After a knee injury ended his marathon running career, his Nordic Walking Poles saved the day – allowing Edwards to Nordic Walk and even Nordic Run (running with poles) pain free.Using the perfect length Nordic Walking Poles helps us to automatically walk with a super straight back - better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout - burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.Nordic Walking has been the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe for several years. Over seven million Europeans are walking with poles - in the city, in the country and up in the mountains. Walking with poles helps to burn more calories than regular walking, improves balance/stability, radically reduces the stress to the weight bearing joints and provides a workout for your upper body by engaging your arms and legs – a lot like cross country skiing.Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits are helping many individuals to walk comfortably again.
Nordic Walking Poles are helping individuals with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), parkinson’s disease (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Nordic Walking poles are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely and effectively launch much needed walking campaigns.Individuals that use canes and/or walkers often find that Nordic Walking Poles are much more comfortable and stable than their canes or walkers. Individuals that find pushing a shopping cart comfortable find that Nordic Walking poles provide even more support and much improved balance, stability and versatility. The feedback from amputees, individuals with head trauma and others with balance issues is consistent – the poles really do improve balance and stability.From a fitness standpoint, walking with the correct length poles and proper technique can burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Walking with Nordic Walking Poles can turbo charge any walking campaign.Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with comfortable fingerless glove type straps, durable metal tips (for use on trails, the beach, snow and ice) and special rubber tips/paws that are removable and designed for use on pavement and other hard surfaces. All poles from http://www.skiwalking.com/ and The American Nordic Walking System are also equipped with patented straps (patented by the Salomon Ski Company).Thanks to the efforts of Pete Edwards, SkiWalking.com and The American Nordic Walking System, individuals of All ages and All fitness levels, are safely unlocking the calorie burning and aerobic benefits of walking, hiking, trekking and running with poles. These durable one-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Nordic Walking Poles from SkiWalking.com and The American Nordic Walking System also includes a free Nordic Walking DVD and there are a variety of exertion options to choose from regardless of age, balance and/or fitness level.
Glen Arbor, MI, April 15, 2009 ---- Nordic Walking instructor, running and ski coach, Pete Edwards, discovered five years ago that Nordic Walking Poles were not just for expert skiers deprived of snow, but doubled as an aid for those with balance and stability issues. He started volunteering to host free Nordic Walking Clinics at Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD) and Diabetes support group meetings. A couple years later he donated dozens of pairs of durable one-piece Nordic Walking poles to Walter Reed Veterans Hospital in Washington, DC. He has also shipped free Nordic Walking poles directly to injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan after talking to their spouses and/or parents. Family members, doctors and physical therapists have been amazed by the improvement in posture, balance, stability and gate thanks to the use of Nordic Walking Poles in the correct lengths.For over 25 years Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers. His skiers have been ski walking and hill bounding with poles during the warmer months when snow could not be found.
After a knee injury ended his marathon running career, his Nordic Walking Poles saved the day – allowing Edwards to Nordic Walk and even Nordic Run (running with poles) pain free.Using the perfect length Nordic Walking Poles helps us to automatically walk with a super straight back - better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout - burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.Nordic Walking has been the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe for several years. Over seven million Europeans are walking with poles - in the city, in the country and up in the mountains. Walking with poles helps to burn more calories than regular walking, improves balance/stability, radically reduces the stress to the weight bearing joints and provides a workout for your upper body by engaging your arms and legs – a lot like cross country skiing.Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits are helping many individuals to walk comfortably again.
Nordic Walking Poles are helping individuals with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), parkinson’s disease (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Nordic Walking poles are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely and effectively launch much needed walking campaigns.Individuals that use canes and/or walkers often find that Nordic Walking Poles are much more comfortable and stable than their canes or walkers. Individuals that find pushing a shopping cart comfortable find that Nordic Walking poles provide even more support and much improved balance, stability and versatility. The feedback from amputees, individuals with head trauma and others with balance issues is consistent – the poles really do improve balance and stability.From a fitness standpoint, walking with the correct length poles and proper technique can burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Walking with Nordic Walking Poles can turbo charge any walking campaign.Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with comfortable fingerless glove type straps, durable metal tips (for use on trails, the beach, snow and ice) and special rubber tips/paws that are removable and designed for use on pavement and other hard surfaces. All poles from http://www.skiwalking.com/ and The American Nordic Walking System are also equipped with patented straps (patented by the Salomon Ski Company).Thanks to the efforts of Pete Edwards, SkiWalking.com and The American Nordic Walking System, individuals of All ages and All fitness levels, are safely unlocking the calorie burning and aerobic benefits of walking, hiking, trekking and running with poles. These durable one-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Nordic Walking Poles from SkiWalking.com and The American Nordic Walking System also includes a free Nordic Walking DVD and there are a variety of exertion options to choose from regardless of age, balance and/or fitness level.
08 March 2009
World’s oldest conjoined twins
The Sun |Features
By EMMA COX
Published: 07 Mar 2009
WHEN Maureen Galyon gave birth in 1951, she had no idea she was expecting two babies - let alone conjoined twins.
The tots, joined at the torso, were not expected to survive the night as baffled doctors tried to work out if they could be separated.
Now, at 57, Ronnie and Donnie are the world’s oldest conjoined twins and have amazed the medic world by hanging onto life for so long.
And, as their health declines and they near their dying days, the pair have opened their doors to a documentary team to reveal the secrets of their extraordinary life together.
Although every day is a struggle as the men have to coordinate the simplest of tasks, they have a close, loving relationship and are able to live together in their own home in Dayton, Ohio.
The affectionate documentary, Extraordinary People: The World’s Oldest Conjoined Twins on Five on March 18 at 9pm, will bring hope to British mum Lisa Chamberlain who is expecting conjoined twins as it shows it IS possible for the babies to not only survive but to live a happy life.
Ronnie and Donnie’s younger brother Jim says: “They have four arms and four legs to coordinate and that takes years of practice. When they want to move they look at each other - it's not like it's telepathy but they think so much in harmony. It's fascinating.
“For things like shaving, between the two of them they don't really need a mirror, they take care of that by shaving each other’s faces.
“That's what you call a good bond with your twin brother.
“They go out to their favourite diner once a month and everybody treats them normally, as if they are two separate people, which is what they are.
“And they have their own possessions. Even if they look identical, there is two of everything, because it’s important that they keep their own identity.”
The pair have learnt to do all their own household chores using one hand each - and Ronnie even calls Donnie “the little wife” because he is so domesticated.
And though Donnie is scared of the dark, comfort is always close at hand as Ronnie gives him a brotherly cuddle in the bed they share.
But life joined to your twin brother is not always happy.
The pair - who have completely opposite personalities - get so irritated with each other they often have physical FIGHTS.
Jim says: “They don't like the same shows so usually the biggest arguments are over the TV even though they have two now. If one turns the volume up on his TV, the other turns the volume up even louder.
Close ... with brother Jim and his wife Mary
“The last time they got into it, four or five months ago, Ronnie had a shiner.
“They get mad at each other like any other brother, but they can’t go in the other room and cool off. It gets so intense and angry, it usually takes literally four or five days to simmer.
“Ronnie's happy go lucky, no cares in the world. Donnie is very articulate, very hard headed, very stubborn.
“When it finally runs its course, they’ll start crying because it’s over and they’ll both be bawling their little hearts out. One will reach over and kiss the other on the forehead and they've made up. When it's done, it's done.”
Their doctor, Glenn Kwiat, adds: “The closeness that Ronnie and Donnie share is not always a positive. If you think of somebody, even the person you care about most, and imagine you were chained to them 24 hours a day, never being able to get away - their whole life is a compromise.
“I’ll go over there and there’ll be black and blue eyes. I actually had to sew one of them up because the other one had punched him.”
Other problems include the twins’ lifelong desire for a physical relationship with a woman - and even a baby.
Although the brothers have separate hearts, lungs and stomachs, their vital organs join in the digestive tracts - so they have one lower intestine and one set of sexual organs.
Jim says: “They would love to have been able to date and marry and father children, but having just one set of sexual organs, who would be the father? It gets a little quirky, does it not?”.
Dr Kwiat adds: “Their male function has been normal. And that's something that, when they were younger, had to be addressed because they had the normal male urges and the normal hormones. Trying to channel those so they didn't become aggressive or frustrated was an issue.”
When the twins were born, they made medical history. Conjoined twins make just one in 100,000 births. Of those, up to 60 per cent are stillborn.
Ronnie and Donnie were kept in the Saint Elizabeth Hospital for 29 months as fascinated doctors observed and worked out if they could be separated.
But Jim says the chances of Ronnie surviving a separation were thought to be minimal - so, Maureen having rejected the children, their father Wesley was left to make the decision on his own. He decided not to risk it.
He says: “Their lower intestine is one. One penis, one rectum. Donnie has control of that. Therefore if they separate them, Ronnie would have to be reconstructed. And you're talking about the 1950s - that probably wouldn't have been too likely. That decision was made that if they both can't make it, we're not going to proceed with that.”
Wesley was inundated with requests for the twins to star in freak shows - and although he resisted at first, the cost of looking after the boys and their seven siblings soon meant he had to relent.
They had already been banned from schools as teachers said they were “too distracting” for other pupils - so they have never learnt to read or write, one of their biggest regrets in life.
Jim says: “You’d get people parked out the front trying to get a peek at them. You'd get, for want of a better word, curiosity seekers. Understandably, that's something you're not going to see all the time, two people stuck together. That's confounding. But it meant it wasn't a normal life for us.
“My dad had this trailer and Ronnie and Donnie would sit there watching TV and people could pay to watch them.
“People would say, “That's offensive, having them making a living like that”. Well, what are they supposed to do? It's not like they can go out and drive a truck for a living.
“Dad made a living through Donnie and Ronnie, and supported nine kids on that. We're proud of him for that.”
In 1991 Ronnie and Donnie retired aged 39 and bought a two-bedroomed house with the money they made.
Now, suffering scoliosis and arthritis as well as being dangerously overweight, the pair can stand only for short periods and rarely venture outside.
Jim and Dr Kwiat are preparing themselves for the fact Ronnie and Donnie may not survive much longer.
Dr Kwiat says: “When you look at the literature on conjoined twins, when one dies, it's often immediate that the other one dies. But in other cases it can be 17 or 18 hours before the other one dies.
“At that point of life, you’ve been joined to someone your whole life and they’re dead, and you know what's coming. If that happened to Ronnie and Donnie I think you would have to sedate the other one until nature takes its course.”
But however their life comes to an end, there are no regrets for Ronnie and Donnie, who believe they have had a happy life.
Touchingly, Ronnie says: “Our belief is this - let God separate us. Let the good Lord separate us. God made us, let God separate us, not using surgical knives.”
By EMMA COX
Published: 07 Mar 2009
WHEN Maureen Galyon gave birth in 1951, she had no idea she was expecting two babies - let alone conjoined twins.
The tots, joined at the torso, were not expected to survive the night as baffled doctors tried to work out if they could be separated.
Now, at 57, Ronnie and Donnie are the world’s oldest conjoined twins and have amazed the medic world by hanging onto life for so long.
And, as their health declines and they near their dying days, the pair have opened their doors to a documentary team to reveal the secrets of their extraordinary life together.
Although every day is a struggle as the men have to coordinate the simplest of tasks, they have a close, loving relationship and are able to live together in their own home in Dayton, Ohio.
The affectionate documentary, Extraordinary People: The World’s Oldest Conjoined Twins on Five on March 18 at 9pm, will bring hope to British mum Lisa Chamberlain who is expecting conjoined twins as it shows it IS possible for the babies to not only survive but to live a happy life.
Ronnie and Donnie’s younger brother Jim says: “They have four arms and four legs to coordinate and that takes years of practice. When they want to move they look at each other - it's not like it's telepathy but they think so much in harmony. It's fascinating.
“For things like shaving, between the two of them they don't really need a mirror, they take care of that by shaving each other’s faces.
“That's what you call a good bond with your twin brother.
“They go out to their favourite diner once a month and everybody treats them normally, as if they are two separate people, which is what they are.
“And they have their own possessions. Even if they look identical, there is two of everything, because it’s important that they keep their own identity.”
The pair have learnt to do all their own household chores using one hand each - and Ronnie even calls Donnie “the little wife” because he is so domesticated.
And though Donnie is scared of the dark, comfort is always close at hand as Ronnie gives him a brotherly cuddle in the bed they share.
But life joined to your twin brother is not always happy.
The pair - who have completely opposite personalities - get so irritated with each other they often have physical FIGHTS.
Jim says: “They don't like the same shows so usually the biggest arguments are over the TV even though they have two now. If one turns the volume up on his TV, the other turns the volume up even louder.
Close ... with brother Jim and his wife Mary
“The last time they got into it, four or five months ago, Ronnie had a shiner.
“They get mad at each other like any other brother, but they can’t go in the other room and cool off. It gets so intense and angry, it usually takes literally four or five days to simmer.
“Ronnie's happy go lucky, no cares in the world. Donnie is very articulate, very hard headed, very stubborn.
“When it finally runs its course, they’ll start crying because it’s over and they’ll both be bawling their little hearts out. One will reach over and kiss the other on the forehead and they've made up. When it's done, it's done.”
Their doctor, Glenn Kwiat, adds: “The closeness that Ronnie and Donnie share is not always a positive. If you think of somebody, even the person you care about most, and imagine you were chained to them 24 hours a day, never being able to get away - their whole life is a compromise.
“I’ll go over there and there’ll be black and blue eyes. I actually had to sew one of them up because the other one had punched him.”
Other problems include the twins’ lifelong desire for a physical relationship with a woman - and even a baby.
Although the brothers have separate hearts, lungs and stomachs, their vital organs join in the digestive tracts - so they have one lower intestine and one set of sexual organs.
Jim says: “They would love to have been able to date and marry and father children, but having just one set of sexual organs, who would be the father? It gets a little quirky, does it not?”.
Dr Kwiat adds: “Their male function has been normal. And that's something that, when they were younger, had to be addressed because they had the normal male urges and the normal hormones. Trying to channel those so they didn't become aggressive or frustrated was an issue.”
When the twins were born, they made medical history. Conjoined twins make just one in 100,000 births. Of those, up to 60 per cent are stillborn.
Ronnie and Donnie were kept in the Saint Elizabeth Hospital for 29 months as fascinated doctors observed and worked out if they could be separated.
But Jim says the chances of Ronnie surviving a separation were thought to be minimal - so, Maureen having rejected the children, their father Wesley was left to make the decision on his own. He decided not to risk it.
He says: “Their lower intestine is one. One penis, one rectum. Donnie has control of that. Therefore if they separate them, Ronnie would have to be reconstructed. And you're talking about the 1950s - that probably wouldn't have been too likely. That decision was made that if they both can't make it, we're not going to proceed with that.”
Wesley was inundated with requests for the twins to star in freak shows - and although he resisted at first, the cost of looking after the boys and their seven siblings soon meant he had to relent.
They had already been banned from schools as teachers said they were “too distracting” for other pupils - so they have never learnt to read or write, one of their biggest regrets in life.
Jim says: “You’d get people parked out the front trying to get a peek at them. You'd get, for want of a better word, curiosity seekers. Understandably, that's something you're not going to see all the time, two people stuck together. That's confounding. But it meant it wasn't a normal life for us.
“My dad had this trailer and Ronnie and Donnie would sit there watching TV and people could pay to watch them.
“People would say, “That's offensive, having them making a living like that”. Well, what are they supposed to do? It's not like they can go out and drive a truck for a living.
“Dad made a living through Donnie and Ronnie, and supported nine kids on that. We're proud of him for that.”
In 1991 Ronnie and Donnie retired aged 39 and bought a two-bedroomed house with the money they made.
Now, suffering scoliosis and arthritis as well as being dangerously overweight, the pair can stand only for short periods and rarely venture outside.
Jim and Dr Kwiat are preparing themselves for the fact Ronnie and Donnie may not survive much longer.
Dr Kwiat says: “When you look at the literature on conjoined twins, when one dies, it's often immediate that the other one dies. But in other cases it can be 17 or 18 hours before the other one dies.
“At that point of life, you’ve been joined to someone your whole life and they’re dead, and you know what's coming. If that happened to Ronnie and Donnie I think you would have to sedate the other one until nature takes its course.”
But however their life comes to an end, there are no regrets for Ronnie and Donnie, who believe they have had a happy life.
Touchingly, Ronnie says: “Our belief is this - let God separate us. Let the good Lord separate us. God made us, let God separate us, not using surgical knives.”
18 November 2008
Greetings from the most inflexible yoga teacher
by Danielle Hope Hier, Tampa Bay Yoga Examiner
I am a yoga teacher...No, really. It's true, though you wouldn't think so. In fact, If I could go back in time, my high school yearbook should have read, "The least likely person on the planet to ever become a yoga instructor."
Why?
Last year, a neurosurgeon looked - dumbfounded - at my MRI following a car accident, saying the that person on the Xrays should be on the operating table at that moment, not touching her toes, swimming, dancing, lifting weights and having a greater level of mobility than the average - uninjured - person.
"Whatever you're doing," He informed me. "Keep doing it. Because, it seems to be working for you."
What I was "doing" was teaching and practicing yoga.
Born with scoliosis that not only came with a curved spine, but also a reversed curve in my neck, a shortened hamstring, misaligned hips and shoulders and extra pressure on my lungs (leaving me prone to allergies, sinus and bronchial infections), I was the kid in high school gym class who could barely touch her kneecaps (vs. toes) and had asthma-like reactions to exercise.
Now, I was being told that I additionally had a torn shoulder and a herniated disk in my low back...Not a great overall diagnosis for someone who earns a living keeping people healthy and fit.
Refusing to admit defeat, I tailored my practice and kept moving.
The results?
In a strange twist (corny pun intended), I began working a local neuromuscular center designed to provide yoga for those recovering from back and neck injuries, or dealing with ailments such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, spinal stenosis. And in my advanced classes, I could lead students through poses that my body didn't want to do, but were appropriate for them.
My point here is that when people say to me, "I wish I could do yoga, but I'm not that flexible" or, "I can't do yoga, because I'm too...[insert appropriate reason: injured, overweight, old]" I try to impress upon them that if it is something they want to learn, it can be adapted, even if that means teaching yoga from a chair vs. standing, or using props (like tables, chairs, blocks or yoga straps) that help facilitate stretching and balance.
Also, the physical practice of yoga (known as "Hatha" [pronounced: Hah-Tah] , is only one aspect of an entire philosophy, and is subject to interpretation. Therefore, assuming that yoga is only one way, is a misunderstanding. And, within that aspect are a million and one styles of yoga (like world religions and music), that translate into very specific methods.
So, while a person studying Ashtanga might be more interested in power, strength and cardiovascular development, someone studying Kundalini might be more in tune with kirtan (chanting) and energy-building excecises.
Do I think that means that all yoga classes are suitable for everyone all the time?
No, of course not.
However, I would offer that there is a class out there specifically for you (be it in physical practice, devotional studies or community service). Listed below are some resources for finding an appropriate school in your area.
For more info: www.birdlandyoga.com, www.iayt.org, www.yoganetwork.org, www.yogafamily.com
I am a yoga teacher...No, really. It's true, though you wouldn't think so. In fact, If I could go back in time, my high school yearbook should have read, "The least likely person on the planet to ever become a yoga instructor."
Why?
Last year, a neurosurgeon looked - dumbfounded - at my MRI following a car accident, saying the that person on the Xrays should be on the operating table at that moment, not touching her toes, swimming, dancing, lifting weights and having a greater level of mobility than the average - uninjured - person.
"Whatever you're doing," He informed me. "Keep doing it. Because, it seems to be working for you."
What I was "doing" was teaching and practicing yoga.
Born with scoliosis that not only came with a curved spine, but also a reversed curve in my neck, a shortened hamstring, misaligned hips and shoulders and extra pressure on my lungs (leaving me prone to allergies, sinus and bronchial infections), I was the kid in high school gym class who could barely touch her kneecaps (vs. toes) and had asthma-like reactions to exercise.
Now, I was being told that I additionally had a torn shoulder and a herniated disk in my low back...Not a great overall diagnosis for someone who earns a living keeping people healthy and fit.
Refusing to admit defeat, I tailored my practice and kept moving.
The results?
In a strange twist (corny pun intended), I began working a local neuromuscular center designed to provide yoga for those recovering from back and neck injuries, or dealing with ailments such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, spinal stenosis. And in my advanced classes, I could lead students through poses that my body didn't want to do, but were appropriate for them.
My point here is that when people say to me, "I wish I could do yoga, but I'm not that flexible" or, "I can't do yoga, because I'm too...[insert appropriate reason: injured, overweight, old]" I try to impress upon them that if it is something they want to learn, it can be adapted, even if that means teaching yoga from a chair vs. standing, or using props (like tables, chairs, blocks or yoga straps) that help facilitate stretching and balance.
Also, the physical practice of yoga (known as "Hatha" [pronounced: Hah-Tah] , is only one aspect of an entire philosophy, and is subject to interpretation. Therefore, assuming that yoga is only one way, is a misunderstanding. And, within that aspect are a million and one styles of yoga (like world religions and music), that translate into very specific methods.
So, while a person studying Ashtanga might be more interested in power, strength and cardiovascular development, someone studying Kundalini might be more in tune with kirtan (chanting) and energy-building excecises.
Do I think that means that all yoga classes are suitable for everyone all the time?
No, of course not.
However, I would offer that there is a class out there specifically for you (be it in physical practice, devotional studies or community service). Listed below are some resources for finding an appropriate school in your area.
For more info: www.birdlandyoga.com, www.iayt.org, www.yoganetwork.org, www.yogafamily.com
02 November 2008
Physical therapy: It’s all about movement
By Erik Nieuwenhuis
October is National Physical Therapy Month, and this year’s theme is “It’s All About Movement!”Physical therapists are the movement experts. We help people move forward. e help people who have had a stroke or an amputation regain their independence. We help millions of Americans manage or eliminate their neck or back pain. We educate and lead workers and companies to work smart and improve the ergonomics in their workplace and homes. We help children with cerebral palsy improve their overall function and participation in life.Movement is essential to our everyday lives at work, home and play. Movement is an essential ingredient in your daily health and quality of life! Having the ability to move safely and effectively is crucial in our lives and the lives of the people physical therapists treat. The physical therapy profession empowers people to move forward and take control of the movement that is essential in everyone’s life.
What is a physical therapist?Physical therapists are good people to know. They’’re educated in understanding the interaction of all your body parts. Their hands-on approach begins with examination, diagnosis, and then treatment of the immediate problem. Then they teach you how to take care of yourself by showing you how to do exercises and how to use and move your body properly to gain strength and mobility while preventing injury and wear and tear to your body. You’ll find them advising on proper work smart posture and body mechanics in the workplace, treating injuries, consulting on fitness/wellness and self care of the working, aging body. You’ll also find them treating patients in the hospital, clinic or home settings. Today physical therapists provide help for every part of the body and to everyone from infants to the elderly, serving more than one million people each day.Where do physical therapists practice?- Outpatient clinics or private practice n 41.5 percent- Outpatient hospitals n14.5 percent- Acute hospitals n 13.1 percent- Patient’s home (home health) n 7.9 percent- Skilled nursing, extended care, or sub-acute facilities n 5.6 percent- Academic institutions n 4.8 percent- Schools (Pre-School, Primary and Secondary) n 4.1 percent- Inpatient rehab facilities n 3.5 percent- Hospices- Industrial, workplace or occupational environments- Fitness centers, health clubs, sports training facilities- ResearchAPTA website June 2007 http://www.apta.org/Educational requirementsCurrently, nearly 200 colleges and universities nationwide offer professional physical therapy education programs.Des Moines University, the University of Iowa, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of South Dakota offer physical therapy programs close to the tri-state area. Western Iowa Tech Community College also offers a physical therapy assistant program. Most physical therapy programs require a student graduate from an accredited four year college and take prerequisite classes for the physical therapy school the student is applying to.Employment outlookThe demand for physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. The demand for physical therapists should continue to grow as the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function increases. Job opportunities are expected to be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings because the elderly receive the most treatment in these settings. Plus, widespread interest in health promotion should increase demand for physical therapy services at the worksite and health clubs. A growing number of employers are using physical therapy services to evaluate worksites, develop exercise programs and teach WorkSmart and safety habits to employees to reduce injuries, claims and costs.Daily job tasksWe treat patients to: improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and balance, improve coordination and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.Physical therapists restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health.Our patients include accident victims from motor vehicle accidents and slip, trip and fall injuries, individuals with disabling conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, heart disease and stroke, diabetes or those with amputations, fractures or total knee and hip replacements among others.Physical therapists determine the patient’s ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after an injury or illness with the goal of improving how an individual functions at work, play and home.Therapists also teach patients how to use assistive and adaptive devices to improve their safety and independence.Sources:1. American Physical Therapy Association Website at http://www.apta.org/2. US News and World Report 20063. Erik Nieuwenhuis MS, PT My Life and Career as a Physical TherapistContact Erik Nieuwenhuis at St Luke’s IMPACC WorkSmart and WELLness Services at 712-279-1842 or Nieuween@stlukes.org
October is National Physical Therapy Month, and this year’s theme is “It’s All About Movement!”Physical therapists are the movement experts. We help people move forward. e help people who have had a stroke or an amputation regain their independence. We help millions of Americans manage or eliminate their neck or back pain. We educate and lead workers and companies to work smart and improve the ergonomics in their workplace and homes. We help children with cerebral palsy improve their overall function and participation in life.Movement is essential to our everyday lives at work, home and play. Movement is an essential ingredient in your daily health and quality of life! Having the ability to move safely and effectively is crucial in our lives and the lives of the people physical therapists treat. The physical therapy profession empowers people to move forward and take control of the movement that is essential in everyone’s life.
What is a physical therapist?Physical therapists are good people to know. They’’re educated in understanding the interaction of all your body parts. Their hands-on approach begins with examination, diagnosis, and then treatment of the immediate problem. Then they teach you how to take care of yourself by showing you how to do exercises and how to use and move your body properly to gain strength and mobility while preventing injury and wear and tear to your body. You’ll find them advising on proper work smart posture and body mechanics in the workplace, treating injuries, consulting on fitness/wellness and self care of the working, aging body. You’ll also find them treating patients in the hospital, clinic or home settings. Today physical therapists provide help for every part of the body and to everyone from infants to the elderly, serving more than one million people each day.Where do physical therapists practice?- Outpatient clinics or private practice n 41.5 percent- Outpatient hospitals n14.5 percent- Acute hospitals n 13.1 percent- Patient’s home (home health) n 7.9 percent- Skilled nursing, extended care, or sub-acute facilities n 5.6 percent- Academic institutions n 4.8 percent- Schools (Pre-School, Primary and Secondary) n 4.1 percent- Inpatient rehab facilities n 3.5 percent- Hospices- Industrial, workplace or occupational environments- Fitness centers, health clubs, sports training facilities- ResearchAPTA website June 2007 http://www.apta.org/Educational requirementsCurrently, nearly 200 colleges and universities nationwide offer professional physical therapy education programs.Des Moines University, the University of Iowa, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of South Dakota offer physical therapy programs close to the tri-state area. Western Iowa Tech Community College also offers a physical therapy assistant program. Most physical therapy programs require a student graduate from an accredited four year college and take prerequisite classes for the physical therapy school the student is applying to.Employment outlookThe demand for physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. The demand for physical therapists should continue to grow as the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function increases. Job opportunities are expected to be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings because the elderly receive the most treatment in these settings. Plus, widespread interest in health promotion should increase demand for physical therapy services at the worksite and health clubs. A growing number of employers are using physical therapy services to evaluate worksites, develop exercise programs and teach WorkSmart and safety habits to employees to reduce injuries, claims and costs.Daily job tasksWe treat patients to: improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and balance, improve coordination and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.Physical therapists restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health.Our patients include accident victims from motor vehicle accidents and slip, trip and fall injuries, individuals with disabling conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, heart disease and stroke, diabetes or those with amputations, fractures or total knee and hip replacements among others.Physical therapists determine the patient’s ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after an injury or illness with the goal of improving how an individual functions at work, play and home.Therapists also teach patients how to use assistive and adaptive devices to improve their safety and independence.Sources:1. American Physical Therapy Association Website at http://www.apta.org/2. US News and World Report 20063. Erik Nieuwenhuis MS, PT My Life and Career as a Physical TherapistContact Erik Nieuwenhuis at St Luke’s IMPACC WorkSmart and WELLness Services at 712-279-1842 or Nieuween@stlukes.org
Chair Yoga May Help Those Who Stay Seated
By VICKIE BECK
As movement becomes more difficult, due to age or other issues, stretching becomes important just to maintain abilities. It may be difficult to imagine practicing yoga if you can't move particularly easily. But the peaceful, gentle stretching may actually be a good choice for people with disabilities.
The American Pain Foundation's Web site, www.painfoundation.org, has a six-week course called "Chair Yoga for Good Living" that helps those who must remain seated. While a yoga instructor is probably preferable, the course can be led by therapeutic recreation staff or nurses, peer advocates or volunteers. The course is described as a relaxation and breathing class, appropriate for those coping with chronic pain, stress, illness or disability. The six weekly themes are Being Positive, Being Mindful, Being in Community, Being Love, Being Compassion and Just Being Plain. Each hourlong class has 12 components, including sounds, hand gestures, breathing movement, relaxation and mediation.
Another resource is www.getfitwhereyousit.com, which offers a chair yoga fitness and exercise DVD for sale. The exercises are led by Lakshmi Voelker-Binder, a member of the Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
In addition to those with conditions typically labeled as disabilities, Voelker-Binder recommends chair yoga for those coping with weight issues, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, breathing problems, multiple sclerosis and scoliosis.
Chair yoga is good for anyone who sits at a desk all day. Once a few particular movements are learned, including the lower back circle, facial and eye movements, wrist and ankle rotations and some deep-breathing methods, they can be done at the desk throughout the day and co-workers will be blissfully ignorant. Voelker-Binder suggests a yoga break might replace the more traditional coffee break and improve production as well as the office atmosphere.
That might be a little too hopeful for me, but even the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability in Chicago ( www.ncpad.org) agrees the postures, which they say can all be modified or adapted to a seated position and the breathing exercises, can be beneficial to people with disabilities. In addition to basic stretching, some of the movements can help stimulate internal organs and increase blood flow and circulation.
Some studies also indicate the breathing techniques alone can ease anxiety, several forms of stress and possibly depression.
That might be enough reason to give yoga a try. There are plenty of yoga studios in the area; why not give the nearest one a call and see if they have a chair yoga class? If they don't, why not suggest they start one? There certainly ought to be enough people who could benefit.
Find this article at: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/01/chair-yoga-may-help-those-who-stay-seated
As movement becomes more difficult, due to age or other issues, stretching becomes important just to maintain abilities. It may be difficult to imagine practicing yoga if you can't move particularly easily. But the peaceful, gentle stretching may actually be a good choice for people with disabilities.
The American Pain Foundation's Web site, www.painfoundation.org, has a six-week course called "Chair Yoga for Good Living" that helps those who must remain seated. While a yoga instructor is probably preferable, the course can be led by therapeutic recreation staff or nurses, peer advocates or volunteers. The course is described as a relaxation and breathing class, appropriate for those coping with chronic pain, stress, illness or disability. The six weekly themes are Being Positive, Being Mindful, Being in Community, Being Love, Being Compassion and Just Being Plain. Each hourlong class has 12 components, including sounds, hand gestures, breathing movement, relaxation and mediation.
Another resource is www.getfitwhereyousit.com, which offers a chair yoga fitness and exercise DVD for sale. The exercises are led by Lakshmi Voelker-Binder, a member of the Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
In addition to those with conditions typically labeled as disabilities, Voelker-Binder recommends chair yoga for those coping with weight issues, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, breathing problems, multiple sclerosis and scoliosis.
Chair yoga is good for anyone who sits at a desk all day. Once a few particular movements are learned, including the lower back circle, facial and eye movements, wrist and ankle rotations and some deep-breathing methods, they can be done at the desk throughout the day and co-workers will be blissfully ignorant. Voelker-Binder suggests a yoga break might replace the more traditional coffee break and improve production as well as the office atmosphere.
That might be a little too hopeful for me, but even the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability in Chicago ( www.ncpad.org) agrees the postures, which they say can all be modified or adapted to a seated position and the breathing exercises, can be beneficial to people with disabilities. In addition to basic stretching, some of the movements can help stimulate internal organs and increase blood flow and circulation.
Some studies also indicate the breathing techniques alone can ease anxiety, several forms of stress and possibly depression.
That might be enough reason to give yoga a try. There are plenty of yoga studios in the area; why not give the nearest one a call and see if they have a chair yoga class? If they don't, why not suggest they start one? There certainly ought to be enough people who could benefit.
Find this article at: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/01/chair-yoga-may-help-those-who-stay-seated
01 August 2008
Valuing Who We Are
The days of January 2008 have almost passed us by. The rain has drenched the grown, the snow covers the mountain tops, and the sun tries to shine brightly through the grayish clouds. Pretty soon, it will be Valentine's day where partners send flowers and roses valuing their significant other. Will we stand alone or will we too be valued?
In the Oxford English Dictionary, the definition for the word valued is...the regard that something is held to deserve; importance or worth. Are we and our lives held with value or worth? Do others accept us for who and what we are? Disability, silent or not? Do we accept others and ourselves with the sensitivities we have as being people (with Cerebral Palsy or a learning disability)? Even though, we have C.P., a learning disability, have scoliosis, a developmental delay, arthritis, or whatever our disability may be- WE are still men and women, young and old, of the human race. We still want to be treated respectfully and with care and kind regard.
We want to be treated like those without a disability. We want to reach our highest potential and reach for the stars.
So, let me ask you...you do everything you can to move your life forward? And if you can't is there someone caring for you who can? Are you not only valuing yourselves more, but the one's around you taking steps to give you the worth, regard and importance you to deserve? Do you feel your own worth and confidence?
For the most part, in our hearts of hearts, it matters to us deeply; that others care. It matters how much people around us and in the disabled community understand and value us. It matters that we be treated with value. What ever our disability is, we would like people in our lives, our community, our world, our schools, and in our organizations to treat us like those without a disability.
Instead of competitiveness, let us teach others around us, to turn away from needing or having it all! Teach others how you need help, And show them the light and power of helping those who need help the most. It is not in the material or worldly good that we fine peace and harmony and worth within our every day experience- Instead, it is in the act of giving of our self selflessly and lending advise and a hand to those who need it the most.
In the Oxford English Dictionary, the definition for the word valued is...the regard that something is held to deserve; importance or worth. Are we and our lives held with value or worth? Do others accept us for who and what we are? Disability, silent or not? Do we accept others and ourselves with the sensitivities we have as being people (with Cerebral Palsy or a learning disability)? Even though, we have C.P., a learning disability, have scoliosis, a developmental delay, arthritis, or whatever our disability may be- WE are still men and women, young and old, of the human race. We still want to be treated respectfully and with care and kind regard.
We want to be treated like those without a disability. We want to reach our highest potential and reach for the stars.
So, let me ask you...you do everything you can to move your life forward? And if you can't is there someone caring for you who can? Are you not only valuing yourselves more, but the one's around you taking steps to give you the worth, regard and importance you to deserve? Do you feel your own worth and confidence?
For the most part, in our hearts of hearts, it matters to us deeply; that others care. It matters how much people around us and in the disabled community understand and value us. It matters that we be treated with value. What ever our disability is, we would like people in our lives, our community, our world, our schools, and in our organizations to treat us like those without a disability.
Instead of competitiveness, let us teach others around us, to turn away from needing or having it all! Teach others how you need help, And show them the light and power of helping those who need help the most. It is not in the material or worldly good that we fine peace and harmony and worth within our every day experience- Instead, it is in the act of giving of our self selflessly and lending advise and a hand to those who need it the most.
This Valentines, see what kind word or dead or act you personally can bring to the hearts of those with special needs. See how you feel. See the difference it brings to your spirit. It takes thought and mindfulness, care and consideration. It takes intention to do something positive. It takes a willingness to make a difference in just one person's life. And it take doing ONLY one good dead to bring someone hope and joy!
How can each and every one of us make a contribution to society. How can we bring hope and faith to those who what it, need it, and deserve it the most? How can we make ours and other peoples voices heard? How can we help to move our and those other people’s lives around us forward? How can we bring peace back into our and others lives? It is our basic right- these are the fundamentals of wiping out true discrimination. Help me to make a stand and to make a difference one person at a time! I ask you...
We need to communicate our needs, our wants, and our desires and those achievement that would truly make us happy and fulfilled, while gaining the public's respect and our world to value us as human being such as we are. We must know within our own conscience that we are doing good, that we are making a differences.
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