Dealing With Isolation Due To Chronic Illness

How can we deal successfully with the isolation that unpredictable flares associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis or chronic disease bring about? This is a serious question many subscribers ask, and it's a problem we all experience at one time or another.

Those of us who deal with chronic illness greet each day knowing it will have challenges, but truly the most destructive challenge is that of isolation.
Chatting with fellow sufferers I've learned this is an issue we all face.
Sadly, our circumstances distance us from those we need most, our family and closest friends. The longer we deal with chronic illness the worse things can get; most people tire of inviting us places because we end up being a no show.

One of the unforeseen consequences of chronic illness is "social isolation" which refers to a negative state of aloneness or diminished participation in social relationships.
This happens to us in two ways; the symptoms and difficult regimens along with loss of energy force us to withdraw from most social contact or we are abandoned by friends and relatives because we don't 'show up' when invited to functions. In either case social relationships are disrupted, falter and break down.
Anyone suffering a chronic condition will tell you that they have lessened or impaired social contact and a sense of increased social isolation. It's been proven that social isolation has a detrimental consequence on us as humans with or without having chronic illness.

Those of us who have RA and deal with flares need lots of rest and can't push ourselves or it makes our illness worse. The longer we're chronically ill the more isolated we become. This can and does defeat all the good effort on our part to stay healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually.

What can we do to help ourselves? Personally I've found it helpful to reach out to others who share a chronic illness. It can be in the form of an email or visiting with new friends on a Social Media site like Twitter, StumbleUpon or Facebook.
I enjoy meeting people from around the world and sharing.

Maybe a pet will help? I will expound on this subject in a later post. (Recently I rescued a cat and she is helping me feel less alone.)

I've found that getting involved in anything you enjoy doing alone can help; then practice expanding that interest.
At times we may need support professionally, especially if loneliness becomes as chronic as our disease. Chronic isolation can and does cause depression.

Whatever you do, don't blame yourself. Remember despite various treatments for RA it remains unpredictable.
How often you have an acute flare-up depends on each individual and we respond differently to stressors as we do to therapies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is not a 'Cookie-Cutter' disease; we are all unique. There is no cure or control over this disease. We must continuously adapt to our disease state.

Please, whatever you do, stay "positive" and do whatever helps you cope within your means and limitations.
I truly believe the quote, "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Never give in to self pity. Keep hope alive and know that tomorrow is another day.
If possible get outside and enjoy the sunshine, that will always brighten your spirits.


"Good Health to You"

"The Autoimmune Epidemic: Bodies Gone Haywire In a World Out of Balance" - by Donna Jackson Nakazawa.
This book is a timely read to inform and better understand the empidemic in autoimmune diseases.

SandyGuerriere - Twitter
artistrybysandy - StumbleUpon
Sandy's page - Wilmington's 3rd Street Plaza

Photography: Stephanie Moore Photography

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Mediterranean Diet Helps Control Inflammation

The Mediterranean diet is known specifically for its use of olive oil, red wine, vegetables and fish. Keeping this in mind I share this quote:
"Thousands upon thousands of persons have studied disease. Almost no one has studied health."

Olive oil, or 'Liquid Gold' contains natural anti-inflammatory agents which scientific evidence suggests reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, aid in heart health and wards off many chronic diseases.
Olive oil is also well known for it's 'Beauty' secrets. Visit: www.artistrybysandy.com -'Anti Aging' Tricks Of The Trade - Olive Oil Secrets for details.
Jeanne Calment, who holds the record for the longest confirmed lifespan, reportedly attributed her longevity and relatively youthful appearance to olive oil, which she said she poured on all her food and rubbed into her skin.
So, enjoy this healthy oil on everything from salads to cooking meats, fish and vegetables.

Red Wine, a daily glass or two with meals has benefits for inflammation, digestion and your heart.
Regarding red wines, chemical and food experts have known for years that wine contains rich deposits of vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars that are often beneficial to good health. Wine is rich in potassium and low in sodium. Red wines have more of these elements due to the juices longer contact with the grape skins and is rich in Vitamin B which comes from the grape skins as well.
Red wine aids digestion in the production and flow of gastric juices. This facilitates digestion by breaking down the food in the stomach quickly and effectively.
For many persons after the age of 50 the body does not produce enough hydrochloric acid essential for proper digestion. In line with that fact, many health care providers suggest a glass or two of wine with a meal. Wine also may help lower the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer´s disease.

Protein sources for this diet are primarily fish, which is specifically helpful for RA patients. Fish, in particular oily fish like Salmon have anti-inflammatory effects. Protein is lost during the inflammatory process, and high amounts of protein may be protective.
Fish should be the primary sources of protein and some evidence suggests fish oil supplements may be helpful.

Carbohydrate choices should put a high emphasize on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, beans, and whole grains.
Foods seasoned with fresh garlic and onions are highly recommended.

Of special interest to sufferers of RA is the latest health news. A naturally occurring chemical found in extra-virgin olive oil is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.

Scientists from the Monell Chemical Senses Center and collaborators state that the named oleocanthal by the researchers is the compound that inhibits activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, a pharmacological action shared by ibuprofen.

This is "significant" because inflammation increasingly is believed to play a key role in a variety of chronic diseases.

Some of the health-related effects of the Mediterranean diet may be due to the natural anti-COX activity of oleocanthal from premium olive oils," observes Monell biologist Gary Beauchamp, PhD.
These findings are described in depth in the September 1st
issue of the journal 'Nature.'

Suggestions: Organic Unfiltered Olive Oil First Cold
Press and Organic Red wine.
Sold in most grocery stores in the Organic section.

"Good Health to You"

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

A Life Interrupted - Count Your Blessings

'To dream of the person you wish to be is to waste the person you are.'

Certainly everyone dealing with a chronic illness knows the discouragement of an interrupted life. Everyday is a fight; everyday a new challenge.
Not being able to do the things we use to do causes a great deal of frustration and can foster negative feelings as well as isolation.

"The only thing worse than having an incomprehensible, incurable illness is having an incomprehensible, incurable illness in isolation."

To counteract the negative I've found friendships with those who share and understand my illness to be the most supportive.
You may find such friends at a local support group or an online communities like Twitter, Stumbleupon or Facebook. (@SandyGuerriere)

Suffering from RA or chronic disease may cause anxiety about the future, a fear of becoming immobile or dependant on others. Most of us have thoughts like this especially on the BAD days.
Example: Recently I had to use a hammer to unbolt my front door. My hands were too painful to unlock it.
The hammer worked and I got out! I laugh about it today, because it's a GOOD day! (We share that special language don't we?)


Truly, "A Life Interruped" gives us a unique vision. We learn to appreciate what we have, and not worry about what we don't.
Life is a precious gift that holds meaning for us everyday when we count our blessings.

Daily inspiration: My father said, "Live Life on Life's Terms" and work with what you have!


Drug tip: Prednisone has a 'Boomarang' effect when stopped.

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2000/04/01/prednisone/

"Good Health to You"

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Olive Oil - Anti-Aging Skin Care Secret

When we suffer from a chronic illness it saps our energy and makes routine heatlh and skin care difficult. Daily routines we once accomplished in an hour now take three, and especially so during flares. Grooming is so important to our self esteem and it's a vital part of coping with a chronic illness.

Putting on a face to greet the world each day was always a habit with me, like brushing my teeth. Rarely did anyone see me without full makeup. Being a professional makeup artist most of my life this came as second nature.
These days it's a differnt story all together. I wear makeup maybe once a week or if there's a special occasion. It takes a lot of energy to do ones hair and makeup, and I never realized that until I struggled with the flares of RA.
Now, I have found that my skin is healthier because I don't use products that aren't organic. I enjoy the early morning sun and as the years go by I find the natural look more appealing.
Not that we should let ourselves go, not at all. But we can stop worrying so much about our looks, while doing the little things that made us feel pretty and glamourous.

Anti aging makeup tricks can help us girls look years younger and organic olive oil is one of my favorite skin care secrets. As a seasoned makeup artist I always focused attention on the eye and lip area since these age faster than other areas of the face. Larger lips and an open eye look give you a youthful appearance and are achieved with artistry tricks.
Makeup techniques take years off your appearance and these tips can be easily taught so you can duplicate the look whenever you desire.
A primary step for good skin care each week is exfoliation, this will help your skin look younger immediately and absolutely radiant after makeup application.
Like the famous Italian actress Sophia Loren, I use olive oil every day. The famous actress Sophia Loren, who is now well over 70 and considered one of the most beautiful woman in the world uses it daily too. Olive oil is an ancient Roman beauty secret and I’ve suggested it's use to my clients for many years.
Try a dab of organic extra virgin olive oil( first cold press) several times a week. It is also a total body moisturizer. Olive oil, or ‘Liquid Gold’ has been used throughout the Mediterranean for thousands of years as both a health and beauty aid. This precious oil has been treasured as a beauty aid because it protects, tones and moisturizes the skin. Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that are easily absorbed and water soluble so it won’t clog pores. Premium Olive Oil actually ‘feeds’ your skin to make it firmer, truly ‘anti-aging.’
Scientifically it’s proven Olive Oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent for total body health. As we age the inflammatory response is higher making Olive Oil benefits of greater value…. ‘Good health to you!’
Directions as a moisturizer for the face: Warm a tiny amount in your hands, pat in gently and not too close to eyes,( makes them cloudy) allow to absorb for 10-20 min., then pat off excess with a soft cloth and proceed with your usual beauty routine. It’s natural, healthy, and gives you a youthful glow! As the saying goes, ….

”You will love the skin your in!”

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Red Wine Fights Inflammation

*Red Wine fights inflammation, and the diet-inflammation connection has been well established. This is good news for those of us who suffer from autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Studies show drinking a glass or two of *Red Wine daily along with changes in our diet and lifestyle slow down aging, support a healthy immune system, and decrease chronic inflammation significantly.

Chronic inflammation is caused by many factors including genetics, environment and lifestyle but recent studies prove a connection with diet.
The Western diet promotes inflammation, obesity and has largely contributed to the health crisis we face today.
Red wine and a host of other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dark chocolate, green tea, and turmeric are a *'line of defense' against inflammation.
In a recent study published in May 2008 (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) it states, "by selecting foods based on total antioxidant capacity it has a 'marked effect' on decreasing inflammatory markers."

Choose Organic *Red Wine to limit pesticide residue.
Green living trends give us great wines from Organic farms and introduce a variety of wines at affordable prices. You can find many at your local supermarket. One of my favorites is a Pinot Noir from California for $13.00. But, I also enjoy many Italian and French wines. We are individuals so our tastes will vary.
'Line of Defense' - Decrease inflammation when cooking by using a variety of spices and herbs like fresh ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper, raw onions and garlic.
Add raw garlic last to retain nutritional value.

"Good Health To You"

*If you're taking medications or drug therapies they may conflict with a natural approach so please consult your healthcare professional before the use of alcohol including red wine.

Red Wine - Italian Style > http://www.lifeinitaly.com/food/nonna/red-wine.asp
Inflammation & Red Wine > http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730103742.htm
*2 Glasses! > http://getsomehairapy.wordpress.com/2007/11/28/women-of-the-world-rejoice-two-glasses-of-red-wine-a-day-good-for-you/

www.jimdowningphotography.com - photo by Jim Downing

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Need Support? Time to Reach Out!

Scientists have found that people who have a strong support network can improve their overall health. People who suffer from a chronic illness like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can build their own support networks to include family members, *close friends, coworkers, and health care providers.

Having a wide support group will help ensure you get the emotional, social, spiritual, and physical support you need to better manage your condition.

Unless we let others know what we're dealing with on a daily or weekly basis they won't understand our limitations. We can't sit back and suffer in silence. Speak up and ask for the help you need.
Here are a few examples of how to do this.
Involve your family members in decisions about chores around the house. If you have older children at home teach them how to do simple tasks, such as doing laundry or vacuuming. As an added bonus, children will benefit from knowing they are helping and become self-confident and learn compassion.

Educate friends and coworkers about your chronic illness. If they understand how the condition affects your life they are more likely to be supportive when you need to postpone plans or need help.

The people in our lives who care about us want to know how they can help, but we must learn to reach out to them.

"Good Health To You"

*Photographer - Harley Winborn
Harley is a friend who suffers a chronic illness yet he reaches out to others with cheer and support in spite of his personal battle.
He brightens my day often with email or gifts like the Photo used for this post. Thank you Harley!

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Michael Jackson - Lupus and Autoimmune Disease

King of Pop
Michael Jackson
1958 – 2009




"Gone Too Soon"....that is one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs and now it has been appropriately sang for him.
I was affected deeply and shocked by Michael's sudden death and my heart goes out to his family, friends and fans all over the world.
It came as a big surprise to many that
Michael Jackson suffered from the autoimmune disease Lupus. But, it was in 1986 that Michael Jackson was diagnosed with Vitiligo and Lupus.
As a fan of his music and someone who defended the entertainers uniqueness for decades, I'm glad the truth is coming out and Michael's being vindicated. He deserves it and so does his family.

As the story unfolds we learn Michael Jackson may have worn the famous sequined white glove to hide the early stages of his skin disease Vitiligo. Larry King interviewed Michael Jackson's dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein who stated; “Jackson's particular case was bad because it affected his entire body, but it was Michael’s face and hands that were difficult to treat."
Dr. Deepak Chopra told PEOPLE that his longtime friend Michael Jackson suffered from Lupus a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any organ of the body including the skin.
Sadly autoimmune diseases are gravely misunderstood and people are generally berated and criticized who have them. People do not understand why symptoms come and go so a person may be considered lazy or faking it. The symptoms are chronic and include various types of pain which can vary widely from one flare to the next.

Researching for this post I learned that Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis often have "Overlap Syndrome."
Connective tissue diseases are a family of closely related disorders which include: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Polymyositis-Dermatomyositis, Systemic Sclerosis, Sjogren's Syndrome and various forms of vasculitis. When you have more than one of these diseases it's called 'overlap.'

Michael hid his illness from the world but maybe the media coverage will enlighten people to autoimmune disease; and more compassion will be shown for those who suffer chronic pain.
Video: Michael Jackson in video clips discussing Vitiligo > http://mj.magnify.net/video/Michael-Jackson-Vitiligo-clips


ABC News video: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/MichaelJackson/story?id=8041395

Tribute to Michael Jackson

"Gone To Soon"

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=101iXwPTNE0

Recommended read: "The Autoimmune Epidemic"
by Donna Jackson Nakazawa.
The book sheds light on why there is an increase in autoimmune diseases in developed countries.

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-tv

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheumatoid_arthritis

Good Health to You!

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.