FMA UK brings out new Fibromyalgia magazine
There are a number of possibilities that are now open to us with producing our own magazine and we hope to expand the features and content available to subscribers. We recently conducted a survey prior to having to make a decision about our own magazine and we will be taking on board all the comments that have contributed.
How to Subscribe and get your copy
If you would like to subscribe to the magazine then please click here to order (will be published over the weekend) or you could fill in the paper subscription form here and send it in by post.We have a range of subscription options for those in the UK and abroad.
Help choose the name for the magazine and win a years subscription!!
We need as many suggestions as possible and are very interested in what you think the name should be. We want the magazine to be an information source on all things FM with news from the groups around the country, information from doctors and the latest trials and treatments. For a look at a bigger version of our magazine front page mock-up click here.
We need your stories!!
We need your own personal stories, your experiences as well as your tips and coping techniques. We want poems and recipes and anything else that you think others would appreciate. This is your magazine and needs your contributions. You can submit ideas and finished articles using the User Contribution Form and if you have any questions then please ask.
Fibromyalgia Conference and Pamper Weekend
We are planning a South of England Conference & Pamper Weekend at the Southdowns Holidays Village, Bracklesham Bay, from Friday to Monday, April 23/26, 2010, with surplus funds to research for FMS.
Vie at Home to help FMAUK
I would first like to introduce myself. My name is Kim, I am 30 years old and I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia nearly 4 years ago. I live with my partner and my 5 month old daughter. Earlier this year I became a consultant for Vie at Home (formerly Virgin Vie) where we sell products ranging from cosmetics, skincare, body, aromatherapy, jewellery and homewares and we currently have many fantastic Christmas Gift ideas and promotions.
I am pleased to say that the Trustees of FMA UK have agreed to give me the opportunity to use my business with Vie at Home to help raise money for FMA UK, which I am grateful for. I hope to do this by promoting Vie at Home products through this site and forum. Anyone interested in purchasing products through my webpage with Vie at Home from FMA UK will see that there is a process to follow and any commission I would normally earn from sales generated from users, friends and family of FMA UK will be donated to FMA UK on a monthly basis. I have also agreed to donate prizes for any raffles that FMA UK may do in the future.
DLA Green Paper
The following is a release from Benefits and Works and points out that, although Health Secretary Andy Burnham has appeared to say that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is safe from any shake-up in the new National Care Service. It seems that it only applies as long as you are under 65, or for those who will be under 65 when the Service is implemented.
It’s a start, but nowhere near enough. Health secretary Andy Burnham has said that he has ‘heard the concerns and worries about disability living allowance’. As a result, he has announced that:
“I can state categorically that we have now ruled out any suggestion that DLA for under-65s will be brought into the new National Care Service.”
Good news indeed . . . for some . . . for the moment.
October FaMily Magazine
Fun awareness events have been happening all over the country this summer. Have a read about the exciting raft race in Portishead, radio shows in Burton-on-Trent and Helen Butcher taking a stand on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square with her fibro duck!
Also, read about new research into possible new drugs to treat FM called naltrexone and sodium oxybate, Kaye Lane gives us the low-down.
This is also a very special month for me as I’m getting married on 18th October! It is all very exciting and I can’t wait to finally have some real sunshine in Egypt on Honeymoon!
Best wishes,
Kathy Longley (FMA UK Editor)
Support the Prescription Promise Campaign
At the 2008 Labour Party Conference, the Prime Minister pledged to abolish prescription charges for anyone suffering from a long-term medical condition. The Prescription Promise Campaign, supported by charities such as the British Heart Foundation and the Parkinson's Disease Society, is asking that Gordon Brown set out a clear plan of action which will allow him to fulfil his promise.As of April 2009, cancer patients no longer have to pay for prescriptions, and rightly so. However, those suffering from long-term debilitating conditions such as asthma, arthritis and fibromyalgia (many of whom are on a low income) must still pay the current charge of £7.20 per item. For fibromyalgia patients, and those with similar pain conditions, this cost can be extremely prohibitive. Due to the nature of such complaints, many patients have to trial numerous medications until they find the one that best suits their condition whilst causing the least side-effects.