Fast ForWord Programme- exciting news for kids with learning problems

Thanks to my brother, Dr. Vince DeMarco for sharing the following information :"The Nature of Things was aired on Saturday, May 9th at 900am on CBC hosted by Norman Doidge. They showed the Fast ForWord program." According to Dr. Vince, this programme is so effective for ADD, slow learners and other learning problems, it has been adopted by many Ontario schools. Why are we using this technology everywhere?

The following is taken from their site at www.scilearn.com

The Fast ForWord® Program

The Fast ForWord program consists of a series of computer-delivered brain exercises to help educators improve academic achievement with a variety of student populations, meeting the individual needs and challenges of At-Risk, English Language Learners, and Special Education students.

When students can process more efficiently, every other instructional strategy a district invests in works better. Our results in schools throughout the country prove just that, with students achieving an average one- to two-year gain in reading skills in 8-12 weeks.

The Fast ForWord program is based on proven neuroscience research, validated by independent researchers, accepted by the scientific community, and most importantly, is school tested and district approved across the U.S. (and over 40 other countries).

losing inches instead of pounds

That so many women are permanently struggling with their weight is a sad commentary about our obsession with anorexic young models. I believe a high protein low carb diet is the best way to go. More important even then that is an exercise programme by Greer Childers called Body Flex. It helps you convert fat to muscle, is very easy to do, takes only 15 to 20 minutes a day, needs minimal equipment and best of all it works! Thanks Greer! See bodyflex.com

nutritional supplement big help for bipolar disorder

A recent study showed that a complex nutritional supplement can be immensely helpful for those that suffer from bipolar depression. The results of the study can be seen in the following news clip on global TV Edmonton. See truehope.com for further information

loss of smell early sign in 90% of Parkinson's patients

A certain type of sleep disorder, decline in sense of smell and depression may not only be preclinical signs of Parkinson's disease (PD)- they may be part of the disease itself.

"About 90% of patients have impaired olfactory function", says Dr. Harold Roberston, professor of pharmacology at Dalhousie Univeristy in an article in the Medical Post in April 2009.

Roberton is using a smell test known as the Univeristy of Pennsylvania smell test (UPSIT) to screen brothers and sisters of PD patients, If they have a decline in the sense of smell, they do a MRI and look at the olfactory tract to see if there are any changes.

It is still too non- specific to use as a screening test for Parkinson's. But certainly a symptom worth paying attention to if it does occur.

Essential oils that may help with loss of smells include basil, peppermint. rosemary, frankincense and golden rod. To order pure oils see my website drdemarco.com

Battling opiods bad rap

This is the title of an excellent article in the Medical Post dated April 21 2009. It is written by Dr. Roman D. Jovey, Program Director, CPM Centres for Pain Management. He quotes Henry Louis Mencken saying, " For every complex problem there is a simple solution...and it is usually wrong."

"Simple solutions for complex medical problems such as chronic pain rarely work, Jovey goes on to say, " rarely work. Simply banning or restricting certain opioids would likely cause great harm to the majority of people with pain who use opiods responsibly...

About 10 % of people will misuse the medications, that leaves a possible 90% improperly treated for severe pain.

"However ," continues Jovey, "what pain clinicians hear from our patients affllicted with intractable pain is that properly prescribed opiod medications in fact give them back their jobs, improve family relationships and enhance their quality of life by controlling their pain."

Opiates For Pain Control

A pharmacist friend told me recently that many patients have their lives completely destroyed by severe chronic pain. He felt they could lead relatively normal lives if their pain was well managed. He found that many doctors were afraid to provide adequate pain relief.

Says Dr. Roman Jovey, a pain specialist, in a recent article in the Medical Post April 21 2009, Despite being an important tool in treating pain and despite strict usage guidelines, opiods have long been demonized for their addictive potential. Rather than denying patients relief out of fear, it's time to address gaps in knowledge on their use."

It is a disgrace that so many people are suffering needlessly and that doctors in turn are being intimidated by their governing bodies.

Quit Dieting and Declare A Truce on Your Body

Yesterday I heard Kate Harding interviewed on CBC radio. It is so true that most dieting is based on self loathing. It is very unhealthy to yo yo up and down on weight. I think it is much better to focus on self acceptance and adopting a healthier lifestyle by eating well and exercising more. I think it is ridiculous to consider being fat as a moral failing and a character flaw.

Kate Harding had co-authored a new book called Lesson from the Fat-O-Sphere, Quit Dieting and Declare a Truce with Your Body. I also recommend a book by Gina Kolata, the science writer for the New York Times called Rethinking Thin, The New Science of Weight Loss and the Myths and Realities of Dieting.