Eds Story - It Ain't Over

I'm Still With You - Jim Sloan

StichtingALS - I Could use Somebody

"What would you do?" The Nederlands campaign.

Their campaign is asking the public to live in the situation of people with ALS. To help them understand what it is to live with ALS. What would you do as long as you still can? What would you do if you know that you don't have more than a few years? What would you do if you for example could no longer move? Then embrace everything and everyone as long as you still can. You must embrace life.

StichtingALS                KOL - Kings of Leon - "use somebody"

ReWire Your Brain For Love | Marsha Lucas, PhD

Mindfulness meditation can change your brain in ways that support healthier, more successful relationships. But how can you meditate when your brain is so busy? Marsha Lucas, PhD is a psychologist / neuropsychologist who explains why the busier your brain is, the more opportunities you have to do the "reps" in meditation that re-wire your brain.

How Meditation Can Help Manage Stress and Improve Quality of Life

Many people think that meditation has to do with certain religion, this is not true. In fact meditation is nothing to do with religion. Anyone, regardless of his or her religion, can practise meditation and enjoy the health benefits from it. Meditation can help you to improve your mind function and overall health.

Meditation has been proven to reduce stress levels and it can even help with conditions such as high blood pressure. What I love about practising meditation is that it can help me to calm my mind and help me to concentrate better. This also helps a great deal in my work career as I can focus a lot better and able to see opportunities that come across my way.

Another great benefit of meditation is that it makes you to be aware of good health and this allows you to make healthy choices in your lifestyle.

But, What Exactly Is Meditation?

Meditation is all about the mind game. It helps you to focus and clear your mind. But it takes a little time and effort to get the hang of meditation, this is because our minds are so cluttered with so many things these days. With some practice and patience, you will be able to get into the habit of meditating. Once you are able to make it part of your habit, you will be able to reap the many health benefits from it.

Perhaps the next question to ask is, how to do meditation?

To get started, find a quiet place where you can be comfortable. You can sit in a cross-legged position, but this isn't mandatory. You may find another sitting position that is more comfortable for you, but the key is to maintain a good posture. Do not slouch, because if you do, you will get tired easily and feel like falling asleep.

Here are some techniques to help you focus and clear your mind:

Knockin' On Heaven's Door

Having grown up with rock legend Bob Dylan, Rob Borsellino always wanted to shake the hand of his favorite artist. With the help of a friend those hands finally met out west near a corn field.

On April 21, 2006, legendary musicians Bob Dylan and Merle Haggard traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to perform a concert in Borsellino's honor, raising over $100,000 for the ALS Association.

Rob received the Voice of Courage Award accepted by Sen. Tom Harkin at ALSA’s Celebration of Excellence Reception and Awards Presentation in Washington, D.C.

Columnist for Des Moines Registry, Rob testified before the Senate Subcommittee 2005.

The ALS community has many Legends - Rob Borsellino.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Facts (CAM)

More than 70% to 90% of physicians consider CAM therapies, such as diet and exercise, behavioral medicine, counseling and psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy, to be legitimate medical practices.

Approximately 80% of medical students and 70% of family physicians are interested in receiving training in multiple areas of CAM therapies.

In any given year, 69% of Americans use at least one type of CAM therapy.

Due to high market demand, at least 67% of health insurers and HMOs, such as Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Mutual of Omaha, Prudential, California Pacific, Catholic HealthCare West, HealthNet, and Oxford Health Plans, cover CAM therapies.

Chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal therapies, and mind-body techniques, among other CAM therapies, are offered at 64% of U.S. medical schools.

Approximately 57% of physicians have referred patients to CAM professionals.

It has been shown that 56% of Americans believe their health plans should cover CAM therapies.

Estimates place the size and value of the CAM market at $24 billion, a figure projected to increase at a rate of 15% per year.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) currently invests about $40 million per year in CAM-related research.

Based on the popularity and growth of CAM therapies in the U.S., the American Medical Association (AMA) ranked alternative medicine among the top 3 subjects (out of 86) for mainstream medical journals to address in the coming years.11 In response, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a highly renowned medical journal, identified alternative medicine as the 7th (out of 73) most important topic for future publication.

Chiropractors are licensed in all 50 states, and 12 states require that health plans include chiropractic benefits.

There are nearly 40,000 doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) throughout the country.

Acupuncturists are licensed in 34 states.

There are currently 21 schools in the U.S. that offer certification in homeopathic medicine.

Naturopathic professionals are licensed in 12 states.

MedausPharmacy

What is Spirulina?

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina plantensis is a food supplement form of a one-celled, spiral-shaped microscopic blue-green algae that is exceedingly adaptable to its surroundings and naturally occurs in a wide variety of environments including fresh water, tropical springs, and saltpans. It is not a sea plant, but does grow in fresh water bodies that contain a higher than usual amount of salt. Because of its natural ability to grow in warm environments that other organisms cannot survive in, spirulina is actually one of the most sterile foods on earth. It is also known to be one of the earliest forms of life and has been on the planet for more than 3.6 billion years. Spirulina is both a complete food and a whole food supplement. Long before it became known as a “probiotic” or “super food” by the health food industry, spirulina has been consumed by humans worldwide for centuries because of its rich nutrient range and ability to sustain life even without need for other foods. Today, spirulina farming has become a part of the new era of ecological agriculture and is recognized as a powerful food source.

Spirulina also contains extensive levels of trace elements and essential minerals. In its natural aquatic environment, minerals that have been deposited from ancient soils become chelated with their amino acids and can thus be more easily assimilated by the body. Aside from being a vegetarian source of vitamin B12, other major nutritional components of spirulina that are of significant value to human health are Essential Fatty Oils (rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which is effective against viral infections and promotes cardiovascular health), Phycocyanin (stimulates the immune system by making iron more bio-available), Chlorophyll (cleanses and detoxifies the body and helps to remove heavy metals from the system), Beta-carotene (10 times greater than carrots), and antioxidants (for complete immune support).

For more than 30 years spirulina (Spirulina platensis) has been the first choice for supplementing a vegetarian diet. This special blue-green algae is a good source of numerous vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids which are very difficult to reach and maintain at sufficient concentrations with a vegetarian diet. Most notable is the high quality protein, which contains all nine essential amino acids. Although this simple organism has been around for millions of years, it was only fairly recently when it has earned recognition as the superfood of the future because of its remarkable nutritional content. Spirulina, in comparison with either beef or soybeans, is a much better source of protein. It is also among the rare non-animal sources of vitamin B12, and contains twice the amount of B12 found in beef liver, which makes it an excellent addition to the vegetarian diet.

In the United States, Spirulina is sold as a dietary supplement, and dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. Therefore, premarket evaluation and approval by the Food and Drug Administration are not required unless claims are made for specific disease prevention or treatment.

Health Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina is best known for its ability to boost the immune system, and research indicates it may even help both treat and prevent cancer. Spirulina stimulates the natural killer (NK) cells that fight illness and attack and kill cancerous cells. In one study performed in India, participants taking spirulina saw a complete remission of mouth cancer. Spirulina is sometimes referred to as the world’s richest natural whole food source because of its phenomenal nutritional profile. It is also referred to as a “green food” or “whole food” because not only does it contain a huge array of trace minerals, carbohydrates, enzymes , amino acids and essential fatty acids, greater than 60% of spirulina is a highly digestible and biologically complete plant protein, providing higher amounts of protein than either red meat or soy.

Owing to the fact that Spirulina is rich in highly valuable proteins, amino acids, vitamins, beta-carotene and other pigments, mineral substances, fatty acids and polysaccharides, spirulina has been found beneficial for use as a bioactive additive. Spirulina strengthens the immune system by improving the synthesis of antibodies and cytokines thus improving resistance of humans, mammals, chickens and fish to infections. Spirulina sulfolipids have proved to be effective against HIV. Preparations obtained from Spirulina biomass have also been found active against herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, etc. Spirulina preparations are regarded as functional products contributing to the preservation of the resident intestinal microflora, especially lactic acid bacilli and bifidobacteria.

Spirulina has shown the ability to enhance immune function, and it also promotes hematopoiesis (formation and development of red blood cells) due to the high levels of iron present in this food supplement. Spirulina may protect against allergic reactions by blocking the release of histamines. By blocking histamine release, spirulina may prevent or lessen histamine’s effects, which include blood vessel expansion, muscle contraction, and stomach acid production. Spirulina contains beta carotene, zeaxanthin and phycocyanin which have powerful antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Both the antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects of spirulina may give it some anticancer properties.

Additionally Spirulina increases production of antibodies, cytokines (infection fighting proteins), and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer. In those with chronic hepatitis Spirulina may help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis (liver failure). Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) in spirulina is anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative. It is potentially useful for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic neuropathy. It may also play a role in lowering plasma triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol, thus preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Purity and Concentration of Spirulina

Who Knew ALSA Supported Qigong?

Bill Douglas is the Founder of World Tai Chi & Qigong Day and the 2009 Inductee into the Internal Arts Hall of Fame. Bill has expanded the use of Tai Chi into healthcare, corporate wellness, penal and drug rehabilitation, and education.

Bill is the author of the #1 best selling tai chi book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi & Qigong" (Penguin/Alpha Books, New York, 3rd edition), and is the presenter in "Anthology of T'ai Chi & Qigong: The Prescription for the Future" DVD. Bill also presented in and helped produce a Tai Chi & Qigong DVD for people with Parkinson's Disease that has been provided to patients all across the United States through their physicians. Bill also is the author of a mind-body related thriller novel, "2012 The Awakening," which explores research on human consciousness within it action narrative.

Bill has received the "Lou Gehrig Hero Award" from the ALS Association (2007), the "Extraordinary Service in the Field of Qigong Award" from the National Qigong Association, the "Media Excellence Award" from the World Congress on Qigong, and the "Team Leadership Award" from the National National Tai Chi Chuan Association.

Bill's global health education work has been covered by The New York Times, Parade Magazine, Reader's Digest, BBC World Radio, The South China Morning Post, and media worldwide. World Tai Chi & Qigong Day has been Officially Proclaimed by governors of most US states, and by senates, legislatures, and other institutions, including recognition from the World Health Organization, for being part of the UNWHO's Movement for Health.

Bill is the creator and editor of the world renowned "Tai Chi Medical Research Library" at www.WorldTaiChiDay.org which is the world's #1 such resource, and is used by media, government and individuals worldwide. WorldTaiChiDay.org has served as the hub for global World Tai Chi & Qigong Day organizing, and has referred over ONE MILLION of its visitors to local Tai Chi & Qigong teacher and school's contact information through its "Find Local Classes/Events" directory.

Sabrina Parker - Love Is Forever

For most teenagers love means trips to the movies, stolen kisses behind the bleachers and the heartbreak of that first breakup.  For Sabrina Parker and Matt Scozzari it means a whole lot more.

The two began dating after Matt, in his own words, got up the nerve to ask her out. Over the next three months things seemed perfect to them, but Matt noticed that Sabrina seemed ill. She was tired easily, she sometimes had trouble speaking, she was losing weight.

When he asked if she was ok she told him it was fine, the doctor was treating her.

What she did not tell him was that only a month after they started dating she had been diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and the prognosis was not good.

Finally after her surprise sweet 16 party two of her friends, both in tears, broke the news to Matt.

He was obviously devastated but when Sabrina asked him if he was going to leave her because of the diagnosis he responded “I will never leave you, no matter what”.  For both of them facing trials in life was not new.

Sabrina’s grandmother and mother both died from ALS. Matt had been diagnosed with a mild learning disability, had endured teasing from schoolmates due to speech problems and had watched his grandmother die from cancer. But both overcame these problems.

Sexy Evil Genius

Kara “Starbuck” Thrace is a woman with many sides: sexy fighter pilot, evil (or, at the very least, ruthless) towards her enemies, and a genius on the battlefield. For her next role, actress Katee Sackhoff is combining all three of those sensibilities to become a Sexy Evil Genius.

The Hollywood Reporter has the story that the Battlestar Galactica star is joining the cast of Sexy Evil Genius in the title role. Greek showrunner Shawn Piller is directing the film from a script by Scott Lew, a filmmaker afflicted by ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, the same malady suffered by Stephen Hawking. Lew is a quadriplegic and wheelchair-bound. He cannot speak and writes using an infrared dot on his forehead, pointing to letters and words on the computer screen.

"Writing is the only way I really get to express myself with complexity." Lew said.

Inspired by Scott and the message of the film, the film’s producers took no fees and are donating their entire share of revenues to ALS charities. The production company behind the film matched that generosity so that a quite sizable share of all revenues generated by the film will go directly to ALS charities.

Air Up the Football - "Journey On"

In September, Ty Herndon, Country singer partnered with former NFL player Kevin Turner to join forces in the fight against ALS. Turner was diagnosed with the disease in May 2010, and Herndon's "Journey On" is being used as the signature song and video for The Kevin Turner Foundation.
Visit http://www.tyherndon.net/ or http://www.kevinturnerfoundation.org/ for more information.

Tony Proudfoot an ALS Legend

For those of us still coping with ALS, we have seen our share of patients come and go.  Once in a while it is nice that someone leaves us with a pleasant and encouraging farewell. It comes to us in the form of a true winner, a champion to the ALS world.

Tony Proudfoot is a legend of the Canadian Football League and, specifically, the Montreal Alouettes. Over a 40-year professional relationship with the Alouettes, Proudfoot carved out a special place in the hearts of Montreal football fans, first as a player over nine of his 12 CFL seasons -- two of them as a CFL All-Star defensive back -- and later as a coach, game analyst, broadcaster and, in his own words, cheerleader.

In May 2007, at the age of 57, Proudfoot was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Characterized as bulbar onset ALS, this type of ALS first targets the motor neurons that control speech, swallowing and breathing.

If you're in need of reading the words of a true ALS mentor, you'll enjoy this, and remember no whining allowed.       Tony Proudfoot's ALS

Eyewriter 2.0

Some of you might remember the story of Tony Quan, an LA Graffiti artist who lost his ability to perform his talent due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Technology helped him regain his talent with EyeWriter glasses connected to the CPU of a laptop. This EyeWriter enabled Tony to move his eyes, and special dual projectors create an image.

A recent update to EyeWriter was on display at the Cinekid festival. I have a video here after the jump so you can see it working.

You will note that the person has to have his or head braced in a very stationary place, and then the eye-trackers do their work. It looks like these people are using a keyboard, and then the robot arm with the marker “prints” it out.

Eyewriter 2.0 / Livewriter Demo At Cinekid from Theo Watson on Vimeo.

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