Fibromyalgia Syndrome is not a terminal condition. Some people get over it and go on with their lives. Some people keep suffering. Others get worse and watch their health decline further.

Okay, What is Critical to Know?

This "poem" is for all those people who need to hear a few words of encouragement and may not have the energy to read a long work. Sit back and enjoy the audio if you prefer...

Oh, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Why do you hang around me so?

You have little personality. You dress all too casual and
You talk in a whisper making it hard to hear your calling

Other times you shout at the top of your raspy, weak throat
And set my poor head to ringing.

Oh, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
I'm no poet, but if I were one you'd leave me little to laud

I am so sorry that this program is delayed, but I assure you that it's well worth the wait! Because... whether you have pets or you're wondering if owning one would benefit you in any way, this broadcast of the Health Matters Show is right up your alley.

Today Health Expert Cinda Crawford interviews Robin Machris, the creator and orginator of Meow Cast, a new and fabulous blog and podcast on the internet. It's designed for anyone who wants more info about cats (and dogs, too).

On the show Robin discusses how animals (particularly, dogs and cats) add value to our lives, why they do and she explains some new information you probably haven't heard before. With her extensive "pet" background, Robin is truly a wealth of knowledge. Check out the broadcast and listen to this inspiring conversation between two friends and colleagues.

Thanks, Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

Recently, in the June 5, 2008 edition of the New York Times, there was an article about whether arthritis drugs cause cancer. That got me to thinking.

Now I don't know if you're like me, but I don't want to put things into my body that have adverse side effects... much less a drug to fix one thing, but ends up causing some disastrous side effect!

We have to wonder... how big a price do we have to pay to get healthy and stay healthy?

If patience is a virtue, what is impatience? For most of us, it's how we view everything that doesn't suit us this very minute, including how and when we get well from conditions like Fibromyalgia (FMS) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Plus we tend to be impatient if we don't have the means (mechanism/ faciltiy/ method) to get well.

A general example of impatience might be losing the weight we gained from the last holiday season. We want it gone yesterday! But the additional weight usually didn't come as a result of a few splurges. It arrived after attending multiple holiday parties and eating extravagant meals--or--it came after snacking incredibly festive munchies over a period of a month or two or three!

At times we all have trouble asking for love from others... including me.

By tomorrow afternoon, July 7, 2008, my husband will be minus one kidney. His operation is 11:00 AM EST. I believe he'll come through the serious operation quite fine with no residual problem.

However, now being on the receiving end of a situation where "compromised health" is an issue once again, I am humbled by the awesome power of our bodies and God's design within our lives.

Yes, I enjoy and happily minister to my friends and clients almost every day.

For tomorrow... I cherish and appreciate your positive intentions, good will and prayers in return.

My whole family needs your best energy flowing this way!
Thank you,

Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

Friday, we have a fun treat and lots of good information coming your way.

Thank goodness, I prepared for this interview a couple weeks ago, because Robin Machris, creator and author of a new blog and podcast named Meow Cast, http://www.meowcast.com, and I had a great time talking about the value of animals in our lives.

This is a really special broadcast, so be sure to tune in Friday, July 11th.

See you then!
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

Starting in 1990 through about 2003, my husband, Gordon, played the caregiver in our family because I suffered with terrible, life-altering cases of Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). He washed clothes, cleaned the house and cooked meals.

Much of the time I was too sick to do even menial chores. We got by because he was willing to work overtime at work and overtime at home pitching in. I will stay eternally grateful to him for his patience, persistence, sacrifice and love.

If you're new to the role of caregiver, you may be in total shock. Nothing in life really prepares you for the role of caregiver unless you're already associated with the medical or psychiatric care field.

But you can draw on many past lessons and skills to aid you. Here are a few:

If you've been providing care for awhile to someone who's sick (like someone with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), you may be feeling the strain on a personal level. "Caregiving" is not an easy job. (Of course, neither is being sick, but that's beyond the scope of this post.)

You want to keep going and feel like you're doing a good job. Here are a few tips that might help:

Just a note to say that there is a special broadcast coming to you "caregivers" on Friday, July 18, 2008 at 3 pm. I hope you get a chance to check it out.

Certainly there is a lot we can say about the people who give patients care, but putting out good info to help them survive and thrive is probably the best way to really help them accomplish what they want to do... support their loved one and help them get well!

We love you, caregivers. Every single one of us with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome honor and cherish you.

Thanks for all that you do!

Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

If you're sick and not feeling well because of nagging health problems and you don't want to wait any longer to get well....

If you're determined to enjoy the best health possible, but no one is helping you achieve your goal....

If you need the right health information and your patience is wearing thin because no one seems to have the answers....

Then you really need the following:

Please know that I truly appreciate input from folks who suffer with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndome or any illness, people who have something to say, and people who have questions and want to learn the newest information.

I would love to hear which subjects that you want addressed. Feel free to write me at 8146 Deer Branch Dr., Roanoke, VA 24019

-or-

post comments or questions below

-or-

call and leave a message at 1 (214) 615-6505 ext. 4654.

Feel free to suggest:

• Topics for the blog/podcast and teleconference/ teleseminar series (live telephone conferences) -and-
• People you would like to hear interviewed such as doctors, scientists, experts in their field, authors, or public policy figures.

Thank you so much and be sure to visit here often!
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

My husband appears to be recovering nicely. He has spent so much downtime sitting on the patio, his face actually looks tan. Amazingly, he looks rested and revived. However, I know that his body is secretly playing catch up as it heals from surgery.

I drove him to the office yesterday and he worked for 3 hours at his desk while I worked on my laptop computer. He came home and napped for hours. Today he ventures back to work on his own for a bit. I truly hope he does as well.

I, on the other hand, probably need a vacation. Nursemaid duties plus regular chores are keeping me busy and I'm tired. There is so much to do... I doubt if I get my downtime.

Now don't get me wrong. I am very grateful that he is healing nicely and that I've been able to help out. This, however, causes me to think back to those weeks, months and years when I was so sick with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. (Note: It was not until the end of that time that I discovered something that helped me get better quickly, but I certainly didn't have anything like that at first. I floundered a long, long time and my family suffered right along with me.) My husband and son get credit for really hanging in'.

So today, I say to all, you never know what you can do until you have to do it.

Thinking of you, caring for you and wishing you a great day,
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

I would appreciate hearing from you if you're interested in any of the following 3 things:

• Getting your ideas published regarding the health topics addressed on this blog, i.e. Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome -or- the general topic of healing from all types of illnesses,
• Having me interview you as an author or expert in your field for the weekly podcast program

-and/or-

• Scheduling special free and "for fee" tele-conference call events for my audience or yours.

Note to Writers: If you have something really special to say and you're interested in getting published in my newest book as a contributor, check back here Friday, 7/25/08, for a very special announcement included on the Health Matters Show podcast, Announcing New Health Information Coming Soon!

Let me hear from you right away. I am constructing the book now with an emphasis on the newest ideas and methodologies for healing. I will consider including guest author passages from people like you, if your information is appropriate.

See this resource page for contact information.

Thank you,
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show and author

According to the Sunday Parade section of my local newspaper, The Roanoke Times July 20, 2008 edition, Dotson Rader interviewed the movie star Kevin Costner. I've been a fan of Costner's for many years. He's made some great movies. At age 53 now, he's remarried and become a father once again, although at first I don't think he was too keen on the idea.

Costner is quoted as saying,

Anyone who has Fibromyalgia (FMS) knows that getting sleep is both a major pain and one of the most important factors in regaining and maintaining your health.

Recently I was looking through "But You Don't Look Sick" and found an incredible article on sleeping and mattresses.

May it give give you a little more info for those all important "sleeping" decisions.

Click here for the link.

(PS- If you not a member of "But You Don't Look Sick" and you want to be, go to their home page and check it out.)

Have a happy day and restful night,
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

I'm the first to admit that I don't get out much and when I do, I don't eat a ton of fast food. So today when I saw Burger King's ad for BK Apple Fries, I was stunned.

Were they actually advertising the sale of fried apples? As a meal choice for children? Oh, surely not!

I've been telling people about Leaky Gut Syndrome and all of the problems associated with the gut/digestive/Immune System link in the body for years. Almost without fail, the person I'm talking to gets this glazed over look in their eyes. Why?

I've often wondered, but my best guess is that they don't have enough information to relate to what I'm saying. They don't understand the unequivocal and vital importance of what it means to maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Certainly many of us with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have had digestive upsets (sometimes to the point of making us totally dysfunctional!), but what happens when it goes beyond just a stomach upset?

I invite you to click the link to Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum's, Leaky Gut Documented in Fibromyalgia, article in his newletter.

This Sunday, August 3, 2008 and for the next two Sundays, I'm offering a series about prayer, healing and the self discovery part of the process of illness.

Everyone who walks this journey trail called "Life" learns along the way. No one can experience life and not learn. It's