This document is available in PDF format from here  and has previously been sent out to medical professionals from head office. It is now available on our website in an easy to read article format with table of contents on the right hand side.

Introduction
Fibromyalgia is a painful, non-articular condition predominantly involving muscles; it is the most common cause of chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain. It is typically associated with persistent fatigue, non refreshing sleep and generalised stiffness (Table 1).¹

Fibromyalgia affects about 2% of the UK population² with females outnumbering males in a ratio of 9:1. The most common age group affected is between 45–60, though it can occur at any age, even in children. There is no distinction between ethnic or social groups.

This article was featured in a 2007 edition of FaMily
by Kathy Longley (Subscribe)  

Prayer has been used as an appeal for physical healing and emotional calm for thousands of years. In our modern day society thousands of people still use the practice of prayer and other religious activities to influence their health.

A study released in May 2004 by the US National Centre for Health Statistics involving 31,000 adults revealed prayer to be the most commonly used alternative and complimentary therapy in America1. 45% of these people used prayer for health reasons: 43% prayed for their own health; almost 25% had had others pray for them; and 10% had participated in a prayer group for their health.

This article was featured in the June 2007 edition of FaMily
by Kathy Longley (Subscribe)

The medicinal use of cannabis has shot back into the limelight following the conviction of three people with multiple sclerosis charged with conspiring to supply an illegal drug. The trio were involved in producing chocolate bars containing cannabis and supplying them to other sufferers with multiple sclerosis throughout the UK. To date they have sent out more than 20,000 bars.

Cannabis is renowned for its relaxation properties and many people with chronic pain claim that it reduces muscle spasms, helps them rest and allows them to be more independent.

This article was featured in the August 2007 edition of FaMily Magazine
By Kathy Longley (Subscribe)

Having a pre-existing medical condition like fibromyalgia can make it difficult to secure comprehensive travel insurance at a reasonable premium. You can be penalised for taking medications, being on a hospital waiting list or having more than one illness, leading to astronomical premiums, huge excesses or even a refusal to cover you at all.

Due to these problems some travellers, understandably, often avoid sharing their medical history and end up travelling uninsured, leaving the gate open to some frightening situations. Did you know that in the USA, for example, it can cost up to £5,000 per day just for your bed, before you have even seen a doctor? You simply can't afford to travel uninsured, but how do you find a reasonable deal with a reputable firm?