Man's Best Friend...Good For Your Health? - Ashley Boynes, Community Development Director, WPA Chapter

I’m pleased that it has been statistically proven that pets  — specifically dogs – can enhance the quality of life for people living with chronic illness. These types of conditions can breed depression, but pets can improve overall health – physical, emotional, and mental. Not only are dogs proven to be therapeutic, but research has also shown that pet owners tend to live longer than people who do not own a pet.

My personal experiences have proven this theory time and time again. During my sophomore year in college, while struggling with Rheumatoid Arthritis for years and possible Fibromyalgia, as well, I woke up one day with the left side of my face paralyzed on top of everything else. It was found after testing that I had a condition called Bell’s Palsy – the cause of which is unknown and a malady that can be temporary or permanent. I had to take a medical withdrawal from school, and was not allowed to work. I was too self-conscious of my face – as well as the almost 40 lbs. I gained from medication – to even go out in public and socialize. Unfortunately, on top of being very sick, I also became slightly withdrawn and, with all of my friends away at school, and my parents working, I became lonely, too. Finally, my parents gave in to letting me get a puppy – LucyLoo, a Pug/Brussels Griffon mix (pictured, left), who soon became one of the great loves of my life. No one could ever understand the happiness she brought me during one of the hardest times I’d had in life up until that point. She became my little companion, and having to take care of her made me forget about having to worry about myself for awhile.

My Bell’s Palsy went away after a few months. Lucy helped me through a lot of hard times, and though she now lives with my parents, I still love her dearly. Now, I’m getting to enjoy the experience all over again. My boyfriend and I have recently welcomed another dog into our new home. We have been blessed to adopt a purebred Pug named Maggie (pictured, below). At present, I am dealing with another very difficult and frustrating time, health-wise. I am struggling with not only the RA but also with other chronic and seemingly never-ending, potentially serious, health problems – but having Maggie the Pug by my side (along with Gus, my Parakeet) the hard times have been just a little bit better. They can always put a smile on my face, even when I feel as though I have not much to smile about. On days when I don’t want to get out of bed, I know that I have to take care of them, and it gives me peace to worry about the well-being of another creature instead of always worrying about my own health. Though I do not feel any better physically, I do feel better emotionally with these animals by my side. Sure, I have a fabulous support system of family, friends, and loved ones that I appreciate and love dearly – but something about the pure, unconditional, and dependent love of owning a pet makes it a special type of companionship that is inexplicable, and that I value almost as much as the other relationships in my life.

I decided to do some research on the topic of pet ownership and human health. I came across a wonderful book called, “The Compassion of Animals”, which is filled with heartwarming stories about how pets can essentially not only enhance, but sometimes even save, your lives. In a study by Dr. Wells in the The British Journal of Health Psychology, it was found that dog owners have a longer life expectancy than those who do not own dogs, and are usually healthier in general. The reasons are that caring for an animal can alleviate stress, which promotes healthier immune function and overall wellness. Also, people that own pets are usually more physically active as they take their animals for walks, play with them, and so on.

While having the responsibility of caring for a pet may be overwhelming to someone who has a chronic illness or disability, the research is undeniable: pets make us happier, healthier, and, in most cases, increase longevity of life.

According to one article entitled, “When the Doc Wears Fur”,   “any scientific studies have shown that pets have a positive effect on people — and especially on those of us living with a chronic condition. Pets not only ease loneliness, they help us break the spell of being mesmerized by our health concerns. Dogs help us exercise and socialize. Cats help us relax and feel soothed. Pets of all kinds help us laugh, feel reassured, and be in the present.”

Pets can alleviate and even prevent health conditions – particularly those triggered by stress. For people living with chronic or terminal illness, pets can be therapeutic and joyful.

Living with arthritis and other chronic conditions, it is important to exercise. Physical activity is key and having a pet to exercise with you is a great way to get motivated.

Exercising or playing with a pet is also a great way to harvest social interactions with others and a way to bring you closer with your loved ones.

Some dogs and other animals are trained to be medical therapy pets. Often, therapy dogs will be taken to visit senior citizens in assisted living homes, or children who are in the hospital. People also use dogs as service pets. Folks who are blind, prone to seizures, or with other serious health conditions depend on their pets both physically and emotionally to prevent potentially dangerous situations.

It is important when owning a pet to remember their health, too. When you live in chronic pain or with persistent illness, it is sometimes far too easy to get consumed by your own condition. It is important to remember to concern yourself with your pet’s wellness. Take them to the vets, and make sure they have proper food, hygiene, exercise, social interaction, etc. Remember, that as much as you depend on your pets, they depend on you even more! Dogs and horses are prone to arthritis, so remember as they age to make sure they aren’t having joint troubles like so many of us are!

While it is vital to surround yourself with a great support system of family and loved ones, don’t ever forget about “man’s best friend” – whether it flies, slithers, swims, gallops, or snores and slobbers like my little pug darlings. Pets can make the difficulties of life seem so much easier.

I’d love to hear how your pets have helped you cope with your illness! Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts!

As always, thank you for reading.

Be well,

~Ashley Boynes

Community Development Director

WPA Chapter

[Via http://arthritisfoundationwpa.wordpress.com]

Finding Contentment

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)

When living with chronic illness it can at times be difficult to find contentment. Our lives have changed in so many ways. We can even find our selves spending a lot of time alone, while others are busy with their days. How do we cope with this on top of pain and illness that we must face each day? We all will face troubles in this world at one time or another in our life. But God uses these trials to improve our character and help us to grow.

We are to rejoice in the Lord, as Paul writes in Philippians. When facing difficulties and situations out of our control, we are to rejoice! But our joy is based on our relationship with God, not our circumstances. We can find joy in having our Father ever present with us. We can find joy in the peace He brings to us, and the blessings He surrounds us with. If we look to Him and His word each day, we have His truth and His spoken word to us. Our relationship then begins to grow and we communicate with God, and He speaks to us.

Have you ever had a one sided relationship where the other person never spoke to you or spent time with you? That is not a relationship, is it? God wants those same things from us. Time with us in thought and prayer and word. We are to pray about our circumstances, and in giving them to God, we don’t have to worry over them. You will find your self rejoicing to be a child of God. Rejoicing in Him, and the Hope that He gives to us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I rejoice in You today, not the circumstances of the day. Help me to keep my heart and focus on You. To have a daily relationship with You. And I give you the praise as I rejoice in You daily. Amen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margie Scott lives in Arizona. She strives daily to trust God’s grace will always provide, as challenges arise due to heart problems, Parkinson, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis.

[Via http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com]

Shea Butter Soap Bars - The Process

Sustainable Esscentials' New Logo

Here I am, finally.  I must confess that though I am feeling less pain after my first cervical epidural from August 31st, I am definately not doing as well as I had hoped!  It has been obvious that I spoke too soon when I announced a few blogs ago that I would be back to writing every day!  I guess my grasp on reality is more tenuous than I thought!

I guess the message I’d like to get across is:

If you have any chronic ailment (such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Herniated Discs, etc.) try to keep your patience up and don’t think that just because you are feeling better, that you have to try to save the world all in one day!

Although I was all prepared to explain my process of making Shea Butter Soap Bars to you, I have now completely run through my energy, and have to go to bed.  I WILL be writing tomorrow.

[Via http://sustainableesscentials.wordpress.com]

AS WE STUMBLE ALONG, LISTEN FOR THE BLUE BIRD SINGING

DAY 11:  No Matter What, Look For The Blue Bird Singing

My husband and I like to take advantage of any moments when there are a few reprieves from the monotony of illness.  Often we purchase tickets for theatre  and then we are disappointed when I can’t attend.  Tonight we felt quite smart when we decided to go out for dinner and to just show up at the theatre one hour before showtime.  Tickets go on sale 50% off.  Perhaps because of the long weekend we got really good seats and enjoyed a light musical called The Drowsy Chaperone. I was particularly moved by one of its songs, “As We Stumble Along.”  I felt like I could relate to its lyrics “Seeking answers anywhere, Never sure of where to turn or what to do?”  And yet, “Still we bumble our way through life’s crazy labyrinth”.  Then each verse concludes with , “And the best that we can do is hope a blue bird, will sing his song as we stumble along.”  I experienced  that blue bird singing tonight when we sat in a restaurant eating our meals and then we later attended a lighthearted musical. While I continue to look for ways to optimize my health, I often feel like I’m stumbling along trying to find answers but I am determined to always be aware of that blue bird singing since he fills me with hope that my heart’s desire will become a reality.

As we stumble along

on life’s funny journey.

As we stumble along

into the blue.

We look here and we look there.

Seeking answers anywhere.

Never sure of where to turn or what to do.

Still we bumble our way

through life’s crazy labyrinth.

Barely knowing left from right

nor right from wrong.

And the best that we can do

is hope a blue bird,

will sing his song

as we stumble along.

[Via http://gaylejervis.wordpress.com]

Women and Pelvic Pain

When it comes to women and pain pelvic pain is often under treated. If she is not speaking up and shouting it can all be chalked up

just what she is supposed to be going through. So the general rule of thumb is to be open with your healthcare provider and to pay attention to the type

of pain. Keep track of the patterns of the pain and the changes in your life that may increase stressors. If your doctor is able to find out what is wrong

you will be treated accordingly. It will be between you and your doctor to come up with a plan for pain management and other treatment plan to manage

the way you deal with the pain.  It is important to know that the pain can range from mild to severe and also has can be difficult during sex. Some people

will use pain medication to alleviate this and if there is no history of drug abuse it can be no problem. Another issue is to be sure that you explore any

history of physical or sexual abuse and then take care of it accordingly; i.e., therapy, CBT, Antidepressants, or biofeedback.

[Via http://managingpain.wordpress.com]

It's not a character flaw, it's a disease

One of my favorite mentors stated the title of this post regarding individuals who are struggling with mental illness. I accepted that wholeheartedly and have shared it widely. So why am I not able to be so gracious with myself and my own maladies?

Yesterday I mused in frustration about finding a way to overcome (probably really hoping to just get past) physical and emotional challenges I face–that have seemed to come to the forefront once my energies have not been as tapped out taking care of someone else. That was a run-on sentence, and is pretty much how my life feels right now. Like one long run-on sentence just hoping for a comma or period so I can take a breath. But then again, life also seems like I have stalled after the end of a paragraph.

And then, I ran across an online article today that made me say “Yes! That’s it!”

I am going to share that article here. I am hoping that I will begin to be as gracious and compassionate with myself as I have so often been to so very many around me! Why is it so easy to be so gracious with others and not ourselves? Well, today I will start by stating… I’m not lazy–I’m sick. (Thank you to the author of this article.)

“How many times over the years have you been accused of being lazy since developing your illness, or even before the ME/CFS was diagnosed?   I can remember long before I was ever diagnosed people calling me lazy.  I knew I wasn’t lazy, but I was too young to know what was going on wtih my body and how to explain that I just didn’t have the energy.  If I would complain about being tired I would be told, “You haven’t done anything to get tired!”.  I can remember as far back as my pre-teen years not helping at my grandma’s to make dinner with my sister and cousin because I would have terrible pains in my legs and I would feel so extremely worn out.   My mother used to say that I was experiencing growing pains but I know it was the ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia – I know that now.

I think being called “lazy” by others is one of the worst things you can say to someone – especially when the person is anything but lazy.  I know this is one of the reasons why I became such an overachiever because I was always trying to prove that I wasn’t lazy.  As children, we take what we hear and what we are told and it sticks with us even into adulthood.  I have heard Dr. Phil say over and over that it takes a 1,000 “attaboys” to erase one negative comment you have received.

Those of us who are sick, and have been repeatedly called lazy most of our lives, will never get enough “attaboys” to erase all of the negative comments we’ve heard about ourselves.    Most of us do the exact same thing that I have done:  we internalize it and try to prove to the world that we aren’t lazy.  We are sick.” (source)

[Via http://journey2balance.wordpress.com]

New Armor

Revisiting the past, recalling the memories, it reminds me of how much growth has occurred. I was just listening to parts of an interview I did about 9 months ago. In this interview I recount the details of receiving the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia approximately 4 years ago as well as the darkest depression I sunk into as a result. I discuss details of my suicide attempt and share the need for suicide prevention.

It is odd to listen to yourself tell a story like that…it is eerie in ways.

I absorbed some of the gravity of the topic this time as I listened. Often times I detach as I talk about these things, otherwise I suppose it would be too painful. What I heard reminded me of the seriousness of the things I have dealt with, none more serious than what you may be struggling with, but seriously painful memories to me. Instead of feeling a need to run, or to avoid, I can embrace it. There is a danger in that, though, for I certainly do not want to find my identity solely through my pain. But I can embrace the person that has emerged from the darkness of my struggles.

After the darkness of depression, chronic pain, trauma, etc. I have emerged more whole, more accepting of the person that I am. It is possible that I might find myself battling some of these same issues tomorrow, but I am changed now. I have new armor, new weapons to go to battle with, and a new battle plan that I did not have before. I have a new courage within… oh wait… for a moment my mind tried to tell me that isn’t true…but it is! I am victorious over pain because I can choose to have a different experience.

Today I struggled. I physically felt sluggish and a little bit useless. Right now even I am working to keep myself focused on my worth, and to not focus on the fact that I have remained in my pj’s all day. So here is how it goes in my brain…”You are worthless, you accomplished nothing.” My response is: “That is a lie. The truth is: I am loved and valuable just for being me, it doesn’t matter what I do or what task I complete. I am loved simply because I am.”

I could have told myself these same lines a few months ago, but something happened in my life that made it possible to believe. I experienced true grace. I experienced what it feels like to rest in that place of knowing, that place of knowing that I am loved, no matter what. It was a moment in time like no other and a feeling of complete joy and peace. I will not let go of it, I will hold on and remember it well. I experienced this at BreakThrough. I know I have mentioned this previously, but I must share that I can only say these things I say today because of that experience. God blessed me greatly at BreakThrough, and although I am not paid or rewarded to endorse, I want to encourage you if you are in a dark place to consider this seminar series as a possibility for you. Connect with me, ask me about it, and I will share with you what I can.

It would be wrong of me to hide this gift that exists, it is the gift of grace and the freedom from shame. This gift is so magnificent that I encourage you to go after it with all means necessary! You deserve it, because you are.

[Via http://unavitabella.com]