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Saturday, July 10, 2010 

General Discussion

      Craig Gimble (co-leader) brought some new research to our attention today, including details on a new pain killer, Vivimo, and suggested dangers of an existing one, Diclofenac - see new items 418 and 425 from SAA!

We were also pleased to welcome SEVERAL new members,
including Tom (don't ask him about chiropractors) and Suzanne, mother of Tom, fighting AS courageously at age 19!

 

Anxiety and Stress Reduction for the AS Patient

    We "anxiously" awaited a wonderful presentation by Dr. "Ronny" Glassman

Stress is anything that causes you to feel out of balance.  The sources are diverse and unavoidable (and for those with AS, pain and inflammation associated with the disease are added!)  The physiological response to stress is autonomic ("fight or flight"), but the stress response can be controlled!

Try the following mental management exercise for 5 minutes at a time, 3 times per day (for at least 2 weeks):

    Take 6 deep breaths, then breathe normally, eyes closed.  Progress though successive stages of major muscle group relaxation  from top to bottom - facial muscles, shoulders, arms, abdominals, legs (you may tense muscles first, and then relax them!)  Then when you've relaxed everything, visualize something that makes you happy for the next minute or so (or you may let your mind wander undirected in this relaxed state.)  When you finish, touch dominant hand thumb and forefinger (or say a specific phrase) - this will allow you, after practice, to recall the "programming" with its associated increase in endorphin and dopamine levels and lowering of pulse, blood pressure and stress-related hormones in the bloodstream on demand when stressful situations occur in daily life!

References raised for further discussion included:

neuroplasticity:  Daniel G. Amen, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

Amen clinics

Dr. Ron Glassman, Alpha Solution for Permanent Weight Loss

Harvard Mind Body Institute

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