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Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia is a complex disease in which both genetics and environmental factors play a role. For a better understanding, here are some basic facts about Fibromyalgia and its symptoms:

• Fibromyalgia afflicts 8 to 12 million people in this country alone. It does not discriminate by gender or age, but predominately affects women between the ages of 35 and 54. It has been found to be genetic, affecting children and the elderly, both male and female alike.
• Fibromyalgia is a complex disease involving multi-system disturbances and abnormalities. Because of this complexity, these conditions have been poorly treated by the current 8 to 15 minute visits that address only a portion of the wide spectrum of underlying dysfunctions.
• Diagnosis is difficult. Currently there is no medical test that will clearly diagnose Fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is presently based on patient history and tender point sensitivity. "Tender Points" refer to 18 points on the body in which extreme sensitivity may occur in at least 11. Tender point sensitivity, as well as a history of widespread chronic body pain for at least 3 months, provides the most definitive diagnosis at this time. Other symptoms relating to a diagnosis are listed below.
• The underlying cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown. Research is ongoing, but there is agreement that Fibromyalgia patients have an enhanced pain sensitivity and response originating from the central nervous system. Traumatic illness or injury may trigger the disease. Additional research is continuing to determine other factors that may lead to the development of Fibromyalgia including: genetics, environment, autoimmune dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies and connective tissue disease.
• Frequency, degree and location of pain vary from day to day. Any given day a Fibromyalgia patient's level of discomfort may range from mild muscle stiffness to extreme, radiating pain so severe they feel completely debilitated and unable to carry out simple activities.
• Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms. The severity of Fibromyalgia varies from person to person and day to day, therefore, the treatment plan should be individualized. The patient must be focused, determined and dedicated to regain control and manage the symptoms.
• A well-rounded management program may include: nutritional counseling, conditioning, exercise programs and lifestyle changes. Alternative therapies such as acupressure and massage, stress management and relaxation techniques may be considered and we would work with other health care providers outside our Center in a cooperative collaboration for your treatment options.
• Support from family and friends are critical. Understanding Fibromyalgia and having the emotional support of those closest to you can make a tremendous difference in your outcome.

Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, hereafter known as "CFIDS", is a complex disease involving multi-system disturbances and abnormalities. Here are some basic facts about CFIDS and its symptoms:

• Approximately 4 to 7 million people are afflicted with CFIDS in this country alone. Accurate statistics are difficult to obtain due to the difficulty in diagnosing. As many as 15 million Americans have fatigue-related issues without a diagnosis of CFIDS, yet exhibit the symptoms.
• It is a debilitating condition marked with extreme exhaustion and fatigue. CFIDS patients have a severe chronic fatigue lasting 6 months or longer (having excluded other potential conditions) and also having four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, headaches of a new type, pattern or severity, unrefreshing sleep, and post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.
• Past treatment regimens have focused primarily on bed rest, antidepressant medications and the need to "learn to live" with the symptoms. Research is ongoing, but is it believed there are four major contributing factors: low thyroid levels, adrenal exhaustion, undiagnosed chronic infections and underlying mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Diagnosis may be difficult with a vast number of other diseases and illnesses having similar contributing factors. In the past, it has taken years for patients to receive a diagnosis. Parameters have now been established for earlier identification and intervention. If the symptoms listed below do not adequately describe what you're feeling, you may have Unrelenting Fatigue.
• For many people, symptoms of CFIDS emerge following the experience of a dramatic event, physical or emotional, or a stressful period in their lives. It is not unusual for Fibromyalgia and CFIDS patients to correlate their symptoms to events such as this. Studies are proving that underlying infections or imbalances may manifest during these periods. Some identified symptoms are listed below.
• Treatment requires an extensive knowledge of the specialized field and focus on the symptoms. Tremendous advances have been made in the understanding and treatment of this disease. Successful treatment requires a comprehensive approach, determination by the patient and support by those in their lives.
• A new study by the CDC showed that CFS is 6 to 10 times as common as previously suspected.

For more information on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome visit www.fibroandfatigue.com

ADD Health & Wellness Centers

What is ADD / ADHD
ADHD stands for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Most children who have ADHD have signs of both hyperactivity and inattention while some may have only signs of attention problems. The inattentive type is sometimes referred to as attention-deficit disorder (ADD). However, ADD is really a form of ADHD.
What are the symptoms of ADHD
The primary indicator for ADHD includes inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is inappropriate for the child’s age. However, it is important to note that for an accurate diagnosis, a thorough and extensive history including neuropsychological testing along with a physician evaluation is essential. Neuropsychological testing helps to objectively assess attention and evaluate other aspects of learning such as memory, reading, and auditory language skills.
Interestingly, parents of children with ADHD often notice tendencies toward hyperactivity and impulsivity that are present even from a very early age. It is common for hyperactive children who have ADHD to show signs of consistent hyperactive behavior before the age of 7. Mothers of children with ADHD sometimes even remember that their baby was unusually active in the womb, while many parents of children with ADHD often describe their children as having been fussy and difficult to quiet as babies.
Types of ADHD
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), there are actually three different types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:

• Predominately inattentive type: Often referred to as attention deficit disorder, or ADD, this sub-type involves impaired attention and concentration, as well as "daydreamy" behavior. These children are not overly active and do not disrupt classrooms; instead, they typically fail to complete tasks, are easily distracted, make careless errors, and avoid activities that require sustained mental work and close concentration. Because they are not disruptive, their symptoms are more likely to be overlooked. These children are often misread as being lazy, unmotivated, and irresponsible. This accounts for approximately 30% of individuals with ADHD.
• Predominately hyperactive-impulsive type: Children are both hyperactive and impulsive but usually do not have problems paying attention. This accounts for approximately 10-20% of individuals with ADHD.
• Combined type: The most common type involves all ADHD symptoms, including inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This accounts for approximately 50-60% of individuals with ADHD.

The Costs of Not Treating ADHD: The Hidden Toll on Families
Although many children with ADHD experience a general diminishing of symptoms like hyperactivity as they approach adulthood, 50-60% of children with ADHD will still meet the full criteria for ADHD as adults and will continue to have significant problems with attention and impulsivity. Most children with ADHD will grow into adults with ADHD.

Many studies have looked into the personal and financial costs associated with untreated ADHD. The results are often troubling in terms of the consequences.
Sexual Behavior and ADHD
In a longitudinal follow-up study (Milwaukee Study) of young adults with ADHD, the following statistics emerged indicating the effects of untreated ADHD in terms of impulsivity and carelessness:

• On average, young adults with ADHD reported their first sexual experiences at an earlier age compared to their non-ADHD peers. (15 years old vs. 16)
• On average, young adults with ADHD had more sexual partners compared with their non-ADHD peers. (19 vs. 7)
• Young women with ADHD reported 34% higher rates of pregnancy.
• Young adults with ADHD reported a 13% greater incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and a 33% higher incidence of testing positive for HIV.

Accidents and Injury
In general, people with ADHD experience greater rates of injury due to increased impulsivity and the impairment of executive functioning associated with ADHD. The executive or controlling functions of the brain are essential to juggling tasks, independence, organization, and planning. As a child moves from late childhood into adulthood, executive functions become more and more important to daily life and long-term success. If executive functioning becomes inhibited by ADHD it can have a significant effect on health. Studies provide further examples of how ADHD can impact health:

• Adolescents with ADHD have 4x as many serious injuries and 3x as many motor vehicle accidents than those without ADHD or those with ADHD that take medication.
• A 9-year study of medical utilization shows that persons with ADHD have more than double the cost of care as compared with controls.

For more information on ADD, ADHD, or Learning Disabilities visit www.addhealthandwellness.com