If we are to look for healing in our lives, what is the source? Does it come from God? From our family physician? What other things might augment our health in profound ways?

If I think back to the time when I was really, really sick, there was nothing in my life that spoke of hope and healing except for the persistent calling of my faith.

In a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FMS) Support Group that I ran for five years, we used to joke about a tongue-in-cheek doctor visit scenario:

The patient speaks up, "Doctor, I need your help. I need answers now. What is wrong with me?"

"Ma'am, it's a good news/ bad news situation. First the good news. You have (blank- fill in the name of either illness- either FMS or CFS). You're not going to die."

The woman smiles, but then worry lines appear on her face. "Okay, but what's the bad news?"

The doctor replies blandly, "You have (blank) and you're not going to die."

(The woman stares into space....)

This week Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum's website has a good article on Thyroid issues. It discusses the ins and outs of how we Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients are sometimes told our thyroid glands are within normal range, yet we exhibit classic symptoms of low thyroid.

You can find the article at http://www.endfatigue-dev.com/health_articles_d-e/Diet-thyroid_hormone_deficiency.html.

But here's the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey used to say....

On the Health Matters Show today we're presenting information about a different concept for you if you're new to the subject of energy medicine: cellular memory.

We'll also address why it's important to you and your health and where you can read more about it. One of my favorite books on cellular memory is written by Candace B. Pert, Ph.D. She is a true pioneer in the field of cellular memory. In 1979 she was an original researcher and discoverer of the opiate factors in the brain, however sadly, Dr. Pert was not nominated for the Nobel Peace prize like the other people involved with the project. In 1999 she wrote about her discovery and the industry-standard, hallmark work on cellular memory entitled, "Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine."

For those people who haven't read anything about how ELT works, see the 3 separate blog posts entitled, "The Body's Healing Memory" under the category, What Do You Do if You're Really Sick.

Initially it is difficult to understand the idea of how the body could have its own special memory. Scientists use the term cellular memory. It took them decades to begin to understand the implications of what cellular memory means and how it functions. Many people in the medical field are still trying to decifer the implications and magnitude of this emerging science.

(For those of you who like to do your own research, read Molecules of Emotion: the Science Behind Mindbody Medicine by Candace B. Pert, Ph.D. or Cellular Wisdom: Decoding The Body's Secret Language by Joan C. King, Ph.D.)

If you've experienced trouble in getting a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, you're not alone. Let's look at 3 reasons why.

1) Not all medical professionals can easily diagnose Fibromyalgia.

The truth be told, this illness should not be that confusing, but it often is. Specific diagnosis criteria available to any medical professional can lead to a definitive diagnosis. Either your symptoms merit them or they don't. After taking a careful medical history and doing a thorough exam, a doctor should be able to make a diagnosis for or against Fibromyalgia.

With more than one million people in the United States suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), do we have a national healthcare crisis on our hands?

If you're in that group, you probably think so. If you're not, you may be among the millions more people who have debilitating fatiguing illnesses, but you present with fewer or less severe symptoms than those of someone with CFS.

Hey, folks,

I'm hurrying to get the broadcast up and ready for you today. There's so much going on out in the world, it's hard to keep up! You ask, "What could possibly be that important?"

It's because Monday, May 12, 2008, is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day -and- it's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day!

I'm excited and I hope you are, too. This is our day to shine :-) If you're wondering how this special day affects you or your friends, read on. I'll give you shocking statistics and make a suggestion of how to celebrate the occasion.

That's a tall question to answer in just a few sentences, but here goes.

The name ELT stands for Essential Life Therapy. I ask you, "What is absolutely essential to every living human being?"

There could be a few answers to the question, but I point your thinking in the direction of energy. If we weren't energetic beings, we would not be alive. We would not be able to move or think or talk. We would cease to exist being alive.

Pain feels dangerous, doesn't it? It certainly doesn't feel friendly or make you think of going out and having fun.

Well, maybe not, but dangerous? That may not be the best way to view pain.

One time a friend advised me to get close to my pain if I wanted better control of it. I thought that peculiar, because all I wanted to do was run away from constant body pain!

People with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have illness symptoms that make life pretty tough. If you're like most of them, you need support in your daily life to help you manage. You can find that support in 2 places:

1) Friends and Family, and
2) Support Groups, both online and off-line

If you suspect that you're suffering with Fibromyalgia or a health expert has diagnosed you with this problem, don't despair. Yes, it's tough, but it's not impossible to live a good life.

Now, people who are in severe pain this minute may have just felt the hair rise up on the back of their neck, but consider these points for a moment:

Today on the podcast I offer you some helpful ideas about how to be in less pain when you sit down. The subject matter came up in a question from a person who visited us recently, Michelle. I wrote back to Michelle and answered her question, but then I added some important data. Listen to the 10 minute broadcast for some sensible things you can do- to help yourself!

Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

As we socialize with friends and loved ones this Memorial holiday season, we are prone to reminisce about family, sacrifices and time gone by. That can be a good thing.

What about the wonderful memories? What about the not-so-good ones? They all get mixed in that soup we call life. If we make the effort to "remember when..."

A nice lady named Cynthia recently posed a question about weight. From what she said, I believe she's struggling with being a bit overweight like some of us.

I would love to state that I don't have "any" trouble with my weight... but, that wouldn't be true.

Hint...Hint...Let's get a discussion on the blog about weight once I post this.

Yesterday I wrote a blog post about weight, specifically, being overweight and trying to do something about it. Well, not all diet issues involve the problem of feeling that you weigh too much.

Many people have trouble maintaining a healthy weight... they're too thin. Other people suffer great pain and have trouble digesting their food without additional symptoms. Others don't seem to tolerate some foods at all.

Listen to the entire broadcast for tips, facts, how to's and some information to really help you. (10 minutes)