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ME/CFS SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC

Registered Charity 3104

Email:
sacfs@sacfs.asn.au

Mailing address:

PO Box 322,
Modbury North,
South Australia 5092

Phone:
1300 128 339

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday,
10am - 4pm
(phone)

ME/CFS South Australia Inc supports the needs of sufferers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and related illnesses. We do this by providing services and information to members.

Disclaimer

ME/CFS South Australia Inc aims to keep members informed of various research projects, diets, medications, therapies, news items, etc. All communication, both verbal and written, is merely to disseminate information and not to make recommendations or directives.

Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed on this Web site are not necessarily the official views of the Society or its Committee and are not simply an endorsement of products or services.

In the News – 2009
December
November
October
September
August
July
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April
March
February
January


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In the News

2009

Arrow right

Fibromyalgia news

Arrow right

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity news

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Multimedia
 
December

New Year's resolutions with Fibromyalgia & CFS
Thursday 31 December 2009: About.com's Adrienne Dellwo has some advice for the New Year.

Immunological similarities between cancer and CFS: the common link to fatigue?
Wednesday 30 December 2009: An abstract from PubMed.

KatZen album
Tuesday 29 December 2009: US group KatZen has released an album entitled Overcome which highlights the struggle that lead singer Tamara Cimmerian has had with Fibromyalgia.

Guidelines for visiting a person with MCS
Monday 28 December 2009: Although a little late for Christmas, the following guidelines from Allergy, Sensitivity & Environmental Health Association Qld Inc are very thorough and useful for anyone visiting people suffering from MCS.

New culprits in chronic pain
Sunday 27 December 2009: Scientific American reports on newly-discovered pain receptors.

Courageous Llangollen teen fighting illness to help others
Saturday 26 December 2009: UK newspaper The Leader has a profile of 15-year-old Lydia David.

Merry Christmas from the Society
Friday 25 December 2009: The Society wishes you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Author tells seasonal tale in new e-book
Thursday 24 December 2009: The UK's Northumberland News has an article about the latest e-book from author and MCS sufferer Franny Armstrong.

Christmas coping with Fibromyalgia & CFS
Wednesday 23 December 2009: About.com's Adrienne Dellwo has wirtten an article about coping with Christmas when you have ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia.

World map of CFS and Fibromyalgia
Tuesday 22 December 2009: PR.com reports on a world map of CFS and Fibromyalgia.

The Riverland Support Group wishes you a Merry Christmas
Monday 21 December 2009: The Riverland ME/CFS Support Group sends you a Christmas greeting.

Documentary on household chemicals
Sunday 20 December 2009: The Canary Report has posted an article about Chemerical, a new documentary focusing on a family and their efforts to minimise the amount of potentially harmful chemicals in their home.

Tissue Bank update
Saturday 19 December 2009: Action for M.E. has an update on the UK's Tissue Bank.

Epilepsy Centre closed during the holidays
Friday 18 December 2009: The Epilepsy Centre, home of Epilepsy Association of South Australia Inc – and the Society's office – situated at 266 Port Road, Adelaide, will be closed over the holiday break.

FDA gets application for new Fibromyalgia drug
Thursday 17 December 2009: About.com's Adrienne Dellwo reports on a potential new drug for Fibromyalgia.

Early diagnosis vital
Wednesday 16 December 2009: The Star Online has an article about the advantages of early diagnosis with Fibromyalgia.

The relationship between Fibromyalgia and the MCS
Tuesday 15 December 2009: The Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology has published a research paper that demonstrated the links between Fibromyalgia and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Office and Support Line closed over Christmas
Monday 14 December 2009: The Society's office and Support Line will be closed over the Christmas break.

Researchers touch on something new
Sunday 13 December 2009: US newspaper the Times Union has an article about new research that may help expand our knowledge of Fibromyalgia.

Phoenix Rising's 2008 Researcher of the Year
Saturday 12 December 2009: Phoenix Rising has a profile of its 2008 Researcher of the Year, Dr Suzanne Vernon.

New management structure for ME/CFS Australia
Friday 11 December 2009: Paul Leverenz, Chairman of ME/CFS Australia, has written an article on ME/CFS Australia's Blog about new plans for ME/CFS Australia.

Exercise Guidance Note
Thursday 10 December 2009: Susanna Agardy has written an Exercise Guidance Note, with an introductory message.

Brain fog
Wednesday 9 December 2009: About.com's Adrienne Dellwo has an informative article about brain fog.

Cambridgeshire woman launches her own business despite health issues
Tuesday 8 December 2009: Cambs24 has an article about Barbara Curtis, a UK woman who has set up her own business despite suffering from ME/CFS and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Handling the holidays: a gift for yourself
Monday 7 December 2009: In addition to recent Christmas-holiday-related articles, here's another we hope you'll find useful.

What to buy (or not!) for someone with Fibromyalgia or CFS
Sunday 6 December 2009: Following on from yesterday's article featuring tips on how to shop in the holiday season, About.com's Adrienne Dellwo offers suggestions on what to buy someone who has Fibromyalgia or ME/CFS.

Holiday shopping with Fibromyalgia & CFS
Saturday 5 December 2009: About.com's Adrienne Dellwo has some timely advice.

FDA rejects Hemispherx’s chronic fatigue drug Ampligen
Friday 4 December 2009: The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that The Food and Drug Administration has rejected Hemispherx BioPharma's new drug application for Ampligen.

Tips for coping with severe ME
Thursday 3 December 2009: Lois Owen, a UK woman whose book of poetry featured here a little while ago, wrote an article on ways to cope with severe ME.

Expert Answers on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Wednesday 2 December 2009: The New York Times has an article in the form of a Q&A with Dr Nancy Klimas answering various questions about ME/CFS.

Coping With Chronic Illness
Tuesday 1 December 2009: Alpine Guild ("Publishers of Books to Educate and Inform") has made available an excerpt from After the Diagnosis, a book by JoAnn LeMaistre, PhD.

November

Poetry book to benefit CFS charities
Monday 30 November 2009: The Life As We Know It blog reports on Lois Owen and her poetry.

The Music Works
Sunday 29 November 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

Grieving your losses
Saturday 28 November 2009: Regular CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help contributor Bruce Campbell has a helpful article on the loss and grief caused by chronic illness.

Ulysses Club donation
Friday 27 November 2009: Simon Jackson, our Riverland ME/CFS Support Group coordinator, reports on the wonderful generosity of the Mallee Branch of the Ulysses Club, a motorcycle club for mature riders.

An essay on psychology and ME/CFS
Thursday 26 November 2009: Paul Leverenz, Chairman of ME/CFS Australia, has written an essay on ME/CFS Australia's Blog about psychology and ME/CFS.

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
Wednesday 25 November 2009: Society member Valerie has let us know about a helpful service from the Australian Government.

ME/CFS colouring book
Tuesday 24 November 2009: Visit ME! is a colouring book by Danish author Vivian Hvenegaard and her eldest daughter Frederikke, and it follows the adventures of SMEA the little forest slug.

Ten tips for travel
Monday 23 November 2009: With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help contributor Bruce Campbell has some timely advice on travelling for people with ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia.

Why ME/CFS Australia needs to get stronger
Sunday 22 November 2009: Paul Leverenz, Chairman of ME/CFS Australia, has written an article on ME/CFS Australia's Blog about the need for greater power to ME/CFS Australia.

More evidence of inflammation in ME/CFS
Saturday 21 November 2009: ME Action UK has an article by Margaret Williams in response to recent claims by Professor Peter White.

Health system failing people with ME/CFS
Friday 20 November 2009: Paul Leverenz, Chairman of ME/CFS Australia, has written an article on ME/CFS Australia's Blog about the state of the Australian health system for people with ME/CFS.

Chronic fatigue beaten in path to draft
Thursday 19 November 2009: AFL.com.au has an article about 18-year-old Australian Rules Football Draft pick Jack Fitzpatrick overcoming ME/CFS.

ME/CFS research funding needs boost
Wednesday 18 November 2009: Paul Leverenz, Chairman of ME/CFS Australia, has written an article on ME/CFS Australia's Blog about the need for more research funding in Australia.

Southern Chronic Illness Links Network meetings
Tuesday 17 November 2009: The Bridges and Pathways Institute Inc / Southern Chronic Illness Links Network is an organisation that provides support for people with CFS and Fibromyalgia.

TAFE SA disability guide for staff
Monday 16 November 2009: TAFE SA has produced a guide for staff on disability discrimination and how best to support students with disabilities.

New MCS book
Sunday 15 November 2009: Femail has some information on Slow Death by Rubber Duck, a new book by Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie on the effects of toxic chemicals.

Pacing by Numbers: using your heart rate to stay inside the energy envelope
Saturday 14 November 2009: CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help has an article by Bruce Campbell about pacing.

PatientsLikeMe expands to include CFS
Friday 13 November 2009: PatientsLikeMe is a website that promotes a community of people with diseases to share their experiences.

RCEP Handbook of Disabilities
Thursday 12 November 2009: The Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP) at the University of Missouri was an organisation that provided training and other services to vocational rehabilitation agencies and counselors in the four US states of RSA Region 7 (Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas).

Top Ten Things Not to Say to Someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Wednesday 11 November 2009: This is Kent reports on ME/CFS patient Jeannie Carson who has criticised her treatment by the UK's National Health Service and how the NHS views the disease as a psychiatric rather than physical one.

ME/CFS patient's treatment in UK health system
Tuesday 10 November 2009: This is Kent reports on ME/CFS patient Jeannie Carson who has criticised her treatment by the UK's National Health Service and how the NHS views the disease as a psychiatric rather than physical one.

Art exhibition inspired by ME/CFS
Monday 9 November 2009: The Saturday 7 November edition of Adelaide's The Advertiser newspaper had an article on a new art exhibition inspired by its creator's experiences with ME/CFS.

Society AGM: President's report and farewell speech
Sunday 8 November 2009: The Society held its Annual General Meeting yesterday (7 November) and outgoing President Peter Cahalan took the opportunity to give his annual report and farewell speech.

Slow diagnosis hampers uptake of fibromyalgia drugs
Saturday 7 November 2009: Medical Marketing & Media reports on the difficulties associated with the under-diagnosing of Fibromyalgia.

Next Society meeting
Friday 6 November 2009: A reminder that the Society's next meeting will be held tomorrow (7 November).

Australian funding for ME/CFS
Friday 6 November 2009: Paul Leverenz, chairman of the ME/CFS Association of Australia, has written about the state of national funding for ME/CFS.

Drugs affecting the central nervous system effective against fibromyalgia, study finds
Thursday 5 November 2009: The Medical Report has an article on a thesis indicating drugs that can possibly alleviate Fibromyalgia symptoms.

Antiviral protocol for CFS
Wednesday 4 November 2009: Adrienne Dellwo discusses an antiviral treatment formulated by Dr A. Martin Lerner.

Milnacipran and Fibromyalgia
Tuesday 3 November 2009: MedPage Today reports on the results of a double-blind trial involving the antidepressant milnacipran (brand name Savella) and its success in helping reduce the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

Bending the rules
Monday 2 November 2009: Critics of new medical tests aimed at getting claimants off benefits and into work say they are target-driven measures that penalise genuinely ill people.

The Music Works
Sunday 1 November 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

October

A review of CBT and GET
Saturday 31 October 2009: PubMed has published a review of the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Graded Exercise Therapy (GET).

AHMF website upgrade
Friday 30 October 2009: The Alison Hunter Memorial Foundation website has been revamped and given a new look.

ME/CFS Australia blog
Thursday 29 October 2009: Paul Leverenz, chairman of our national association, ME/CFS Australia, has told us of the association's new blog.

Physiological cost of walking in those with CFS
Wednesday 28 October 2009: Disability & Rehabilitation, official journal of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM), has published the results of a study that looked at the manner of walking in people with ME/CFS.

CFSAC meeting to be videocast
Tuesday 27 October 2009: ProHealth reports on an upcoming meeting of the US Government's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee that will be videocast.

Health care proposals concern doctors
Monday 26 October 2009: The Age has published an article about health care proposals by the Australian Government that have health care professionals concerned.

Universal evaluation tool in CFS
Sunday 25 October 2009: Adrienne Dellwo reports on the development of a fatigue measurement tool called the Energy Index Point Score.

Phenotypes of CFS in children and young people
Saturday 24 October 2009: The Archives of Disease in Childhood has published a medical paper on phenotypes in youngsters with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Proposed national chronic pain strategy
Friday 23 October 2009: An article from The Australian on a proposed national chronic pain stategy from.

ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia mentioned in women's health article
Thursday 22 October 2009: From CNN.com: "Women's health problems doctors still miss".

New Australian research
Wednesday 21 October 2009: Our friends from the ACT ME/CFS Society Inc have let us know about new ME/CFS research being undertaken in Australia.

October proclaimed EHS Awareness Month in Newfoundland
Tuesday 20 October 2009: Newfoundland's mayor has proclaimed October 2009 as Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Awareness Month.

Laura Hillenbrand interview
Monday 19 October 2009: The New Yorker has an interview with author Laura Hillenbrand who has had ME/CFS for many years.

ABC News article on Eric the Postie
Sunday 18 October 2009: Australia's ABC News has an article about Eric Smart, the former postie who recently arrived in Adelaide after his marathon bicycle ride for The ME Association.

CFS & Aging
Saturday 17 October 2009: The CFIDS Association of America's regular magazine, the CFIDS Chronicle, issued a special feature on CFS and aging.

CFS and Stem Cell Therapy – Latest Research
Friday 16 October 2009: Launching this week, the Cheney Research Web site which includes cutting-edge medical concepts and therapies.

Making sense of medical research
Thursday 15 October 2009: The CFIDS Association of America has a timely article on the best ways to interpret medical research results.

Eric the Postie arrives in Adelaide
Wednesday 14 October 2009: Eric Smart, the former postie who was on a marathon bicycle ride for The ME Association in the UK, has finally arrived in Adelaide.

Wilhelmina Jenkins
Tuesday 13 October 2009: Wilhelmina Jenkins, a spokesperson for the "The Faces of CFS" exhibit, appears in a video talking about life with ME/CFS.

XMRV in the news
Monday 12 October 2009: News about the XMRV retrovirus has flooded both print and online media.

Retrovirus might be culprit in CFS
Sunday 11 October 2009: Scientists report online October 8 in Science that an obscure retrovirus shows up in two-thirds of people diagnosed with the condition.

Dr Buttfield research – healthy volunteers urgently required
Saturday 10 October 2009: This is an URGENT call for help from South Australians.

Eric the Postie – latest update
Friday 9 October 2009: Eric Smart is a former postie who is currently on a marathon bicycle ride for The ME Association in the UK.

SolveCFS
Thursday 8 October 2009: SolveCFS is a new website created by the CFIDS Association of America that aims to raise money and awareness for worldwide research into ME/CFS.

New play explores MCS
Wednesday 7 October 2009: The UK's This is Gloucestershire reports on the splendid scholastic achievements of three remarkable students.

Remarkable stories on GCSE results day
Tuesday 6 October 2009: The UK's This is Gloucestershire reports on the splendid scholastic achievements of three remarkable students.

Documentary: Allergic to the 21st Century?
Monday 5 October 2009: The UK's Channel Four broadcasts a series of documentaries entitled First Cut, presenting a range of topics.

The Music Works
Sunday 4 October 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

Swine flu & vaccines with Fibromyalgia or CFS
Saturday 3 October 2009: Adrienne Dellwo offers her thoughts on the merits (or otherwise) of swine flu vaccinations for people with ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia.

Canary Report author interview
Friday 2 October 2009: Franny Armstrong, a regular contributor to The Canary Report, a website that focuses on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, was recently interviewed in the Northumberland News.

Australian swine flu advice
Thursday 1 October 2009: There is now official advice about swine flu in Australia.

September

Video on ABC News
Wednesday 30 September 2009: ABC News on its Good Morning America: Health program has an interview with Donnica Moore MD.

Men and Fibromyalgia Survey
Tuesday 29 September 2009: Men's Health Network has launched an online survey to gauge awareness, knowledge, and willingness of men to take action when faced with the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Research: ME/CFS people and Second Life
Monday 28 September 2009: The most recent contact we have had about research is from Dr Mike Kent from the School of Media Communication & Culture at Murdoch University.

Umbrella Fest
Sunday 27 September 2009: The Somersault project comes to an end with its final event, Umbrella Fest, on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2009.

Transcript of Dr William Reeves on Georgia Public TV
Saturday 26 September 2009: Dr William Reeves appeared on an episode of Georgia Weekly, a program on US public television station Georgia Public Broadcasting.

What should an FM or ME/CFS patient do about the swine flu?
Friday 25 September 2009: In addition to advice from Dr Charles Sheppard about swine flu for people with ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia, Dr Charles Lapp also has some advice for people concerned about whether they should be vaccinated, considering their current condition.

Northern Suburbs Chronic Illness Youth Meeting
Thursday 24 September 2009: There will be a Northern Suburbs Chronic Illness information-sharing forum for youth (aged between 16 and 35 years) on 30 September 2009 in Elizabeth.

A member and children's novelist
Wednesday 23 September 2009: Society member Marianne Musgrove took up writing for children after contracting ME/CFS.

Open Door: ME
Tuesday 22 September 2009: Open Door is a New Zealand television program that consists of a series of documentaries made by members of the community.

Society AGM
Monday 21 September 2009: The Society will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 7 November 2009 at 1pm in the Meeting Room, 80 Payneham Rd, Stepney.

Adverse reactions to Graded Exercise Therapy
Sunday 20 September 2009: Tom Kindlon has collated research results that show Graded Exercise Therapy produces a high rate of adverse reactions in ME/CFS.

Prof Kenny De Meirleir in Australia
Saturday 19 September 2009: ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) tells us that Belgian ME/CFS specialist Kenny De Meirleir will be appearing in Australia during October 2009 for two seminars.

Dr Oz on Oprah.com: Four treatments for Fibromyalgia
Friday 18 September 2009: Dr Mehmet Oz, a medical consultant on The Oprah Winfrey Show, now has a regular column in O, The Oprah Magazine and on Oprah.com.

Invisible Illness Awareness Week
Thursday 17 September 2009: Bringing The Heat's Cort Johnson has handed over the writing reins to guest blogger, Laurel.

A personal lesson in humility
Wednesday 16 September 2009: Bringing The Heat's Cort Johnson has handed over the writing reins to guest blogger, Laurel.

Q&A with Martin Pall, PhD
Tuesday 15 September 2009: ProHealth has a Q&A with Martin Pall about MCS.

Phoenix Rising
Monday 14 September 2009: Phoenix Rising is an informative newsletter put out monthly by American CFS sufferer Cort Johnson on his Phoenix Rising website.

The CDC's CFS Public Health Research Program Draft 5-year Strategic Plan
Sunday 13 September 2009: The CDC has posted its CFS Public Health Research Program Draft 5-year Strategic Plan.

CFS: Possible diagnostic markers
Saturday 12 September 2009: Adrienne Dellwo reports on some encouraging new research.

ME research charity flourishes in modest surroundings
Friday 11 September 2009: The UK's Watford Observer has an article about the CFS Research Foundation.

The crippling illness that GPs refuse to diagnose
Thursday 10 September 2009: The UK's Daily Mail has an article about Fibromyalgia which profiles sufferer Maria Roberts.

Acupuncture research
Wednesday 9 September 2009: Recent research from the University of Michigan shows that acupuncture does provide measurable pain relief.

BBC profiles Fibromyalgia
Tuesday 8 September 2009: BBC Northern Ireland has an article, with an accompanying video, about Fibromyalgia.

CFS symptom survey results
Monday 7 September 2009: The CFIDS Association of America asked CFS patients to respond to a questionnaire about their CFS symptoms.

Dr Cheney goes his own way – again
Sunday 6 September 2009: Cort Johnson has written an article about Dr Paul Cheney and the surprising findings of his recent research involving echocardiographic testing.

Criticism of the CDC's CFS research
Saturday 5 September 2009: Adrienne Dellwo cricitises the US's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about its research into ME/CFS.

Next Society meeting
Friday 4 September 2009: The Society's next meeting will be held tomorrow (5 September) at the Ellen Gowan Hall, 80 Payneham Rd, Stepney.

Social media for Fibromyalgia & CFS
Thursday 3 September 2009: Adrienne Dellwo discusses social networking and ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia.

Christmas cards
Wednesday 2 September 2009: Our friends across the border, ME/CFS Australia (Victoria), have Christmas cards for sale each year.

Legitimacy of fibromyalgia still a contentious point
Tuesday 1 September 2009: The Richmond Times-Dispatch has reprinted an even-handed article from the Sam McManis from The Sacramento Bee about Fibromyalgia.

August

Can music ease Fibromyalgia pain?
Monday 31 August 2009: Adrienne Dellwo reports on some remarkable research results involving music and its effectiveness in alleviating Fibromyalgia pain.

The Music Works
Sunday 30 August 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

MCS a reaction to chemicals, not odours
Saturday 29 August 2009: ProHealth reports on new research by Martin Pall, PhD, on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Book now online
Friday 28 August 2009: The entire contents of the 1992 edition of the book, M.E. – Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome – How To Live With It, can now be downloaded.

New Queensland web page
Thursday 27 August 2009: Queensland's ME/CFS/FM Support Association Qld Inc has updated its website.

Holidays without travelling
Wednesday 26 August 2009: Four Walls No Limits' Ricky Buchanan conducted an interview with Claire Wade, the founder of Holidays from Home.

Rheumatismo special on Fibromyalgia
Tuesday 25 August 2009: The Italian journal Rheumatismo has published 77 pages of special reports on Fibromyalgia.

Play explores CFS in marriage
Monday 24 August 2009: Audrey Howell reports on Standing Still Standing, a new play by Melissa Leilani Larson in which the main theme is CFS.

Final two events of Somersault project
Sunday 23 August 2009: The Somersault project comes to an end with two final events.

CFS discrimination suit successful
Saturday 22 August 2009: Adrienne Dellwo reports on a US court case that ended successfully for a woman who was discriminated against for her CFS.

MCS America list
Friday 21 August 2009: Advocacy group MCS America publishes an occasional list of web-based articles on MCS, ME/CFS and related conditions and issues.

CFS article wins award
Thursday 20 August 2009: An article by Peggy Rosati Allen, CNM, WHNP, MS, entitled "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Implications for Women and Their Health Care Providers During the Childbearing Years" has won an award.

Managing your energy envelope
Wednesday 19 August 2009: The CFIDS Association of America has published an article entitled Managing Your Energy Envelope.

Evidence of chiropractic treatment for fibromyalgia "insufficient"
Tuesday 18 August 2009: The UK's Arthritis Research Campaign reports on a review of medical literature involving chiropractic treatments being used on Fibromyalgia patients.

Chronic pain plaintiff awarded millions
Monday 17 August 2009: CBC News reports on a Canadian woman who was awarded $3.5 million after developing Fibromyalgia following a fall in hospital.

The Australian article
Sunday 16 August 2009: The Australian newspaper has published an article about ME/CFS.

Herald Sun article
Saturday 15 August 2009: The Herald Sun has a profile of Alex Wilson-Glab, a teenager with ME/CFS.

Eric the Postie – latest update
Friday 14 August 2009: Eric Smart is a former postie who is currently on a marathon bicycle ride for The ME Association in the UK.

Moderate exercise increases expression for genes in CFS
Thursday 13 August 2009: ProHealth reports on the results of a study involving exercise, CFS and genes.

Pain Meds for Fibromyalgia: Poll Results
Wednesday 12 August 2009: Adrienne Dellwo conducted an informal poll on what types of pain medications were used by people with Fibromyalgia.

Swine Flu and ME/CFS – Questions and Answers updated
Tuesday 11 August 2009: The ME Association has published updated advice on swine flu for people with ME/CFS.

We've moved!
Monday 10 August 2009: Adrienne Dellwo conducted an informal poll on what types of pain medications were used by people with Fibromyalgia.

ME/CFS Knowledge Center
Sunday 9 August 2009: The ME/CFS Knowledge Center is a new website that, in the words of its creators, focuses on "ways to help ME/CFS sufferers, as well as to increase knowledge of the illness among medical practitioners."

Increased d-lactic acid intestinal bacteria in patients with CFS
Saturday 8 August 2009: A significant increase of Gram positive facultative anaerobic faecal microorganisms in 108 CFS patients as compared to 177 control subjects (p<0.01) is presented in this report.

Asthma and MCS: study finds significant overlap
Friday 7 August 2009: The Environmmental Illness Resource reports that a "new study looking at the prevalence of both asthma and chemical hypersensitivity in the United States has found a significant overlap between the two conditions."

Hollywood ignores those with illnesses
Thursday 6 August 2009: Amy Kaufman & Tina McGilton have written an article in The Wrap, an online magazine covering the behind-the-scenes industry in Hollywood.

CFS after infectious mononucleosis in adolescents
Wednesday 5 August 2009: Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has published an article detailing research into the likelihood of adolescents contracting CFS after a bout of infectious mononucleosis.

Bill approved to fund Neuroendocrine Immune Disorder Center of Excellence
Tuesday 4 August 2009: ProHealth reports: "Research center would be dedicated to ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, Gulf War Illness, Lyme disease, MCS, and other environmental illnesses."

Invest in ME Conference DVD
Monday 3 August 2009: A 4-DVD set of the Invest in ME Conference 2009 is now available.

The Music Works
Sunday 2 August 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

Running a small business with Fibromyalgia
Saturday 1 August 2009: Here's a video of a discussion of tips on how to successfully run a small business for those who have ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia.

July

Austrian Governmment recognizes MCS as a legitimate disease
Friday 31 July 2009: The German Chemical Sensitivity Network website reports that Multiple Chemical Sensitivity has now been recognized in Austria as a legitimate illness.

Royal Society of Medicine conference (article deleted by request)
Thursday 30 July 2009: The Royal Society of Medicine held a conference in London on 11 July 2009.

Riverland meeting reminder
Wednesday 29 July 2009: A reminder that the Riverland ME/CFS Support Group’s next meeting will be held this Friday (31 July) at the Riverland Resource Centre in Berri.

Research shows toxic chemicals initiate MCS
Tuesday 28 July 2009: A local youth group will be holding a quiz night this Saturday (1 August).

Quiz night
Monday 27 July 2009: A local youth group will be holding a quiz night this Saturday (1 August).

What's On My Food? website
Sunday 26 July 2009: What's On My Food? is a new website from the US that's been launched by Pesticide Action Network North America.

Disability Parking Permit Scheme
Saturday 25 July 2009: The Australian Government is calling on people to submit responses to proposed changes to its Disability Parking Permit Scheme.

Sleep and Chronic Fatigue Study
Friday 24 July 2009: Dr Mark Kohler, of Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital, is conducting a study on the effects of sleep on children with ME/CFS and is looking for participants.

Swine Flu and ME/CFS – Questions and Answers
Thursday 23 July 2009: Dr Charles Shepherd has written a comprehensive Q&A about swine flu for people with ME/CFS.

Phoenix Rising
Wednesday 22 July 2009: Phoenix Rising is an informative newsletter put out monthly by American CFS sufferer Cort Johnson on his Phoenix Rising website.

Sophia Home
Tuesday 21 July 2009: The Society held its most recent meeting on Saturday (18 July) at Sophia for the very first time, and we thought it might be helpful to let you know about Sophia and its services.

CFS and Stem Cells
Monday 20 July 2009: Carol Sieverling has written an article about an experimental and groundbreaking treatment by Dr Paul Cheney involving stem cells.

Sodium Oxybate for Fibromyalgia
Sunday 19 July 2009: About.com's Adrienne Dellwo reports on promising research involving sodium oxybate for Fibromyalgia.

Salon says your pain is imaginary
Saturday 18 July 2009: The Feministe blog has a scathing review of an article that appeared in the online magazine, Salon.

Next Society meeting
Friday 17 July 2009: A reminder that the next Society meeting will be held tomorrow (18 July) at a different time and place than usual.

Nutritional Approaches in Fibromyalgia
Thursday 16 July 2009: Dr Mark Pellegrino has an interesting article about the importance of nutrition in helping to deal with Fibromyalgia.

ME sufferers plead for research into their illness
Wednesday 15 July 2009: The South Wales Echo reports that "ME is one of the most misunderstood illnesses. Ceri Isfryn spoke to three sufferers whose dreams have been shattered by the condition."

Battling illness day at a time
Tuesday 14 July 2009: Cambridge News has a profile of Jeff Gerrard that provides a good overview of life with ME/CFS.

Treating Fibromyalgia Pain: Medication Options
Monday 13 July 2009: WebMD has published a feature article on medications available to those Fibromyalgia.

History of Fibromyalgia
Sunday 12 July 2009: The Fibromyalgia Resource Center has a history of the disease.

Cheney Clinic now online
Saturday 11 July 2009: The first phase of The Cheney Clinic's new website is now online.

Switch on, switch off
Friday 10 July 2009: The National has an interesting article about a new development in medical research called B-cell depletion therapy, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that appears to also have potential for those with ME/CFS.

Flinders University fatigue study
Thursday 9 July 2009: Researcher Kate Cameron calling for more participants in her Flinders University study.

Catalyst program to focus on complex pain
Wednesday 8 July 2009: The next episode of the ABC's TV program Catalyst asks the question: "What happens if pain persists, even after an injury has healed?"

MCS-friendly house for sale
Monday 6 July 2009: Gillian McCarthy, a severe sufferer of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), was profiled on UK television program ITV WestCountry in a segment that highlights the plight of Gillian and many others.

The Music Works
Sunday 5 July 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

Epidemiology, costs, and the economic burden of fibromyalgia
Saturday 4 July 2009: The journal Arthritis Research & Therapy has published an article entitled "Epidemiology, costs, and the economic burden of fibromyalgia" by Michael Spaeth.

Home Medicines Review
Friday 3 July 2009: Here's information about the Home Medicines Review.

Prevalence of fibromyalgia in low socioeconomic status population
Friday 3 July 2009: 7thSpace has reprinted an article that was first published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.

We're back
Thursday 2 July 2009: The Society's phone line is open and available again.

Hypnotherapy shown to reverse pain
Thursday 2 July 2009: Natural News.com has an article about the potential benefits of hypnotherapy.

Technical difficulties – please stand by
Wednesday 1 July 2009: The Society is in the proces of moving office, and for short periods (very short, we hope) our phone service may be offline.

Fertility and Fibromyalgia
Wednesday 1 July 2009: Planet Thrive's vitality 101: cfs and fibromyalgia solutions section recently had a question about possible fertility problems for people with Fibromyalgia.

June

Quality HealthCare Conversation – change of date
Tuesday 30 June 2009: The date for the Health Consumers Alliance of South Australia's "Quality HealthCare Conversation" has changed – it will now be held on Thursday 20 August 2009.

Stepping in to the 'minefield' of finding the right treatment for CFS
Tuesday 30 June 2009: The Healthier Life has an article about negotiating the muddy waters of so many different treatment options available for ME/CFS.

How to dress for less Fibromyalgia pain
Monday 29 June 2009: About.com's Adrienne Dellwo has written a helpful article on tips for dressing if you have Fibromyalgia.

Wisconsin ME/CFS Association announces Medical Student Scholarship
Monday 29 June 2009: The Wisconsin Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association is announcing the creation of the Friedman Medical Student Scholarship Award.

Reduced complexity of activity patterns
Sunday 28 June 2009: BioPsychoSocial Medicine has published an article entitled Reduced complexity of activity patterns in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a case control study.

Curcumin and CFS
Sunday 28 June 2009: Examiner.com has an article by Deborah Mitchell about the potential benefits of curcumin.

Leigh Hatcher talk reminder
Saturday 27 June 2009: A quick reminder that author Leigh Hatcher will be speaking in Adelaide this evening.

A gene signature for post-infectious CFS
Saturday 27 June 2009: From The ME Association: A gene signature for post-infectious chronic fatigue syndrome.

Self-Management Course
Friday 26 June 2009: ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) is hosting a Self-Management Course in August that anyone will be able to participate in (via Skype).

Prof Kenny De Meirleir in Australia
Friday 26 June 2009: ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) tells us that Belgian ME/CFS specialist Kenny De Meirleir (pictured) will be appearing in Australia to head a Research and Education Session for health practitioners on Wednesday 22 July 2009.

Australian Accessible Parking Scheme
Thursday 25 June 2009: The Feministe blog has a post written by Cara Kulwicki that is critical of a proposed Australian Accessibility Parking Scheme.

MCS has major impact on everyday life
Thursday 25 June 2009: The Environmmental Illness Resource reports on a new study that "reveals the impact that multiple chemical sensitivity can have on all areas of sufferers' everyday lives".

CFS: blood volume and evidence of diminished cardiac function
Wednesday 24 June 2009: The following abstract was published in the May 26, 2009 issue of Clinical Science and reprinted online at PubMed.

Quality HealthCare Conversation
Wednesday 24 June 2009: The Health Consumers Alliance of South Australia will be hosting a "Quality HealthCare Conversation" on Thursday 9 July 2009.

Managing your pain medication use
Tuesday 23 June 2009: About.com's Elizabeth Hartney has a written an article about successfully managing pain medication and avoiding addiction.

Spinal fluid abnormalities in patients with CFS
Tuesday 23 June 2009: By Natelson BH, Weaver SA, Tseng CL, Ottenweller JE.

Additive Alert seminar
Monday 22 June 2009: If you're sensitive to food additives, you may be interested in a seminar on additives that will be held in Adelaide on 8 July.

Belfast-born doctor pushes ME research
Sunday 21 June 2009: The Irish Medical Times has a profile of Irish-born, New York-based ME specialist, Dr Derek Enlander.

Brain imaging study sheds light on Fibromyalgia
Sunday 21 June 2009: HealthDay News reports on a "link found between gray matter and dopamine levels in patients."

Post-polio case misdiagnosed as ME
Saturday 20 June 2009: A woman with post-polio syndrome (PPS) who was misdiagnosed years ago as having ME has taken up the fight to raise awareness of PPS.

MCS proclamation
Saturday 20 June 2009: The American Chronicle reports on how "Thirty-six governors and mayors across America have already issued proclamations" for MCS, and that "more are still pouring in."

Think Tank mentioned on Sky News
Friday 19 June 2009: The UK's Sky News has another video news item about ME/CFS, this time focusing on the ESME's Think Tank.

Fibromyalgia: recent study shows elevated levels of eotaxin
Friday 19 June 2009: The HEIRS Environmental Illness Research Blog reports on elevated levels on eotaxin in Fibromyalgia patients.

IACFS/ME Conference report by Dr Charles Lapp
Thursday 18 June 2009: Dr Charles Lapp has provided a summary (with comments) of the 9th International IACFS/ME Conference.

IiME Conference speech by Hillary Johnson
Thursday 18 June 2009: Author of Osler's Web, Hillary Johnson, addressed The IiME Conference in London on 29 May and has posted the text of her speech on her blog.

Slow and Steady yoga classes
Wednesday 17 June 2009: Yoga teacher Josie Grigg will be running a six-week yoga course starting 27 July 2009.

Whittemore-Peterson Institute at the IACFS/ME Conference
Wednesday 17 June 2009: Cort Johnson reports that a presentation on the Whittemore-Peterson Institute proved to be very popular at the IACFS/ME Conference.

MCS America list
Tuesday 16 June 2009: Advocacy group MCS America publishes an occasional list of web-based articles on MCS, ME/CFS and related conditions and issues.

Chemical sensitivity syndrome to make list of gov't-insured medical conditions in Japan
Tuesday 16 June 2009: Advocacy group MCS America publishes an occasional list of web-based articles on MCS, ME/CFS and related conditions and issues.

Society meeting photos
Monday 15 June 2009: Photos are now available of the Society's meeting on Saturday (13 June).

Sky News video
Monday 15 June 2009: The UK's Sky News recently broadcast an interview with ME/CFS authority Dr Charles Shepherd.

DIRC
Sunday 14 June 2009: The Disability Information and Resource Centre (DIRC) provides a professional and friendly information and referral service to the people of South Australia.

ESME launches Think Tank
Sunday 14 June 2009: The European Society for ME - Research & Knowledge is launching a Think Tank for ME.

Disability insurance
Saturday 13 June 2009: Geoffrey Hallmann has written an article on disability insurance.

Genetic study finds seven types of CFS
Saturday 13 June 2009: The Environmental Illness Resource reports that "geneticists have discovered the biological basis for seven different subtypes of chronic fatigue syndrome which correspond with different symptom patterns in patients."

Next Society meeting
Friday 12 June 2009: A reminder that the Society's next meeting will be held tomorrow (13 June) at the Ellen Gowan Hall, 80 Payneham Rd, Stepney.

Pfizer gives away drugs to the unemployed
Friday 12 June 2009: Kaisernetwork.org reports that Pfizer is giving away a range of its prescription medications – including the Fibromyalgia drug Lyrica – to anyone who have been unemployed 1 January 2009.

Immunostimulants in CFS/ME Treatment
Thursday 11 June 2009: Maija Haavisto has written an article about drugs and supplements specifically targeting the immune system that may help people with ME/CFS/FM.

Improvement in Fibromyalgia Symptoms Sustained for 1 Year With Milnacipran
Thursday 11 June 2009: Kristina Rebelo reports on a one-year study that found the antidepressant milnacipran (brand name Savella) helped reduce symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

New Fibromyalgia video
Wednesday 10 June 2009: National Fibromyalgia Association and Pfizer have produced a video that features the Association's president, Lynne Matallana, and Kim Dupree Jones, PhD, RN, FNP.

Juvenile Fibromyalgia research
Wednesday 10 June 2009: Dr Ritchie Shoemaker was a speaker at the 9th International IACFS/ME Research and Clinical Conference.

Deficits in Cognitive Functioning
Tuesday 9 June 2009: Dr Ritchie Shoemaker was a speaker at the 9th International IACFS/ME Research and Clinical Conference.

CFSAC Meeting videos
Tuesday 9 June 2009: Video and audio files of the latest CFSAC Meeting are now available.

Leigh Hatcher talk
Monday 8 June 2009: Author Leigh Hatcher will be speaking in Adelaide on Saturday 27 June 2009.

Creative healing
Sunday 7 June 2009: The Times Herald has an inspiring article about how Cecil Williams copes with his Fibromyalgia.

Environmental Working Group
Sunday 7 June 2009: If you suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, you may be interested in the Environmental Working Group.

Another Fibromyalgia news item video
Saturday 6 June 2009: In addition to our other news item about Fibromyalgia being reported on a TV news program, WLUC TV6 also has a news item on video about the disease.

Fibromyalgia news item video
Saturday 6 June 2009: FOX 7 News in the US had a recent news item about Fibromyalgia.

National Disability Insurance Scheme
Friday 5 June 2009: The Weekend Australian recently published an editorial about the National Disability Services organisation and a proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme.

CFS Public Health Research Program Draft 5-year Strategic Plan
Friday 5 June 2009: From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US.

Study finds link between CFS and high lactate levels in brain
Thursday 4 June 2009: The NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital reports on recent research there involving ME/CFS and the brain.

IiME International ME/CFS Conference report
Thursday 4 June 2009: A contributor to ProHealth who goes by the name of "consuegra" has posted a report of the 4th International ME/CFS Conference held on 29 May 2009 in London.

Scientists develop home-testing kit for ME
Wednesday 3 June 2009: Following on from our previous news item about Prof Kenny De Meirleir's announcement, the UK's Daily Mail reports on an ME/CFS testing kit created by Prof De Meirleir.

Kenny De Meirleir announcement
Wednesday 3 June 2009: ProHealth has a report on an announcement made by Prof Kenny De Meirleir at a press conference on 28 May.

Cognitive deficits associated with CFS
Tuesday 2 June 2009: The Open Neurology Journal has published an article entitled "An Investigation into the Cognitive Deficits Associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" by Marie Thomas and Andrew Smith.

Just Four Quid
Tuesday 2 June 2009: Just Four Quid is a UK campaign that "aims to raise £1 million for biomedical research into ME/CFS!".

The Scottish Good Practice Statement for GPs
Monday 1 June 2009: NHS Lothian has announced The Scottish Good Practice Statement for GPs.

Men with Fibromyalgia
Monday 1 June 2009: Here is a list of links that focuses on Fibromyalgia as it affects men.

May

Do Sports Creams Rub the Pain Away?
Sunday 31 May 2009: The New York Times has an article about the use of sports creams for muscular pain.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms Common in Fibromyalgia
Sunday 31 May 2009: Modern Medicine reports that "Nearly all fibromyalgia patients had functional gastrointestinal disorder, compared to 39 percent of study controls".

Arizona Trail for Fibromyalgia
Saturday 30 May 2009: A US woman by the name of Sirena has completed a marathon walk to raise awareness of Fibromyalgia.

Pharmacotherapy for CFS
Saturday 30 May 2009: The CFIDS Association of America has published a document entitled "Pharmacotherapy for CFS".

Phoenix Rising
Friday 29 May 2009: Phoenix Rising is an informative newsletter put out monthly by American CFS sufferer Cort Johnson on his website CFS Phoenix.

UK student with ME nominated for award
Friday 29 May 2009: The UK's Dunfermline Press has a news item about Clare Birney, a student who's been nominated for a Fife Adult Learners Award despite her ongoing battle with ME.

Somersault UmbrellaFest launch
Thursday 28 May 2009: Somersault is an ongoing project about disability led community building, embracing installation, journey and celebration.

Pain is Not Invisible Project
Thursday 28 May 2009: Chronic Pain Australia has launched an initiative called the Pain is Not Invisible Project which provides a visual representation of chronic pain sufferers around Australia.

Bringing the heat: An ME/CFS Blog
Wednesday 27 May 2009: Bringing the Heat: An ME/CFS Blog is a great new blog by Cort Johnson who's also responsible for the CFS Phoenix website.

Two charities launch £1m appeal for ME research
Wednesday 27 May 2009: The ME Association in the UK has announced that two charities are "launching a recession-busting campaign to raise £1,000,000 for biomedical research into the much-misunderstood illness ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome".

Free Volunteers Day Concert
Tuesday 26 May 2009: The South Australian Government's Office for Volunteers is holding a free Volunteers Day Concert and is inviting people to join in.

Prof Kenny De Meirleir in Australia
Tuesday 26 May 2009: Co-Cure tells us that Belgian ME/CFS specialist Prof Kenny De Meirleir (pictured) will be in Perth in July.

Petition against CDC's definition of CFS
Monday 25 May 2009: Tom Kindlon, our only member from the Republic of Eire and also a member of our Facebook group, has set up an online petition against the CDC's definition of CFS.

SBS program: Dead Tired
Monday 25 May 2009: SBS will be showing a new two-part documentary series on the effects of sleep deprivation called Dead Tired.

Story contest
Sunday 24 May 2009: ME-CFSCommunity.com is holding a competition for stories about ME/CFS, either in written or video form.

Evidence that ME/CFS is not a somatisation disorder
Sunday 24 May 2009: MEActionUK has an article by Margaret Williams entitled "Evidence that ME/CFS is not a somatisation disorder".

New building codes and environmental sensitivities
Saturday 23 May 2009: A new set of national standards for the design of buildings is on the verge of release.

Fibromyalgia discussed on "The Doctors"
Saturday 23 May 2009: US TV program The Doctors discussed Fibromyalgia on a recent episode.

The national review of MCS: our advocates respond
Friday 22 May 2009: The draft report by the NICNAS and the OCSEH on MCS issues came out several months ago.

Eric the Postie – latest update
Friday 22 May 2009: Eric Smart is a former postie who is currently on a marathon bicycle ride for The ME Association.

Kimberly McLeary radio interview
Thursday 21 May 2009: Kimberly McLeary, CEO of the CFIDS Association of America, was recently interviewed on Women's Radio program "Speak Up!".

Paul Cheney talk
Thursday 21 May 2009: US ME/CFS specialist Dr Paul Cheney spoke recently at a lecture. Dr Cheney spoke for three hours on a wide range of treatment options for ME/CFS.

MCS in local newspaper
Wednesday 20 May 2009: Melbourne newspaper The Waverley Leader has a recent news item about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

MCS America list
Wednesday 20 May 2009: Advocacy group MCS America publishes an occasional list of web-based articles on MCS, ME/CFS and related conditions and issues.

Marion Fibromyalgia/ME/CFS/MCS Networking Café Club meetings
Tuesday 19 May 2009: The Marion Fibromyalgia/ME/CFS/MCS Networking Café Club has changed the address of its meetings.

Southern Chronic Illness Links Network meetings
Tuesday 19 May 2009: The Bridges and Pathways Institute Inc / Southern Chronic Illness Links Network is an organisation that provides support for people with CFS and Fibromyalgia.

Disability pensioners miss out
Monday 18 May 2009: We thought the Federal Budget included the news that pensioners could earn more income before having their pensions cut.

Awareness Week: Display at Wollongong Library
Sunday 17 May 2009: The Wollongong ME/CFS/FM Support Group has a display at the Wollongong City Library for Awareness Week.

Marg Purcell radio interview
Saturday 16 May 2009: 774 ABC Melbourne radio host Richard Stubbs interviewed Marg Purcell, a former Masters Athlete who has ME/CFS and has written a book, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Journey I'm Still On.

Neil Blyth radio interview
Friday 15 May 2009: AESSRA's International Chemical Sensitivity Seminar is being held in Melbourne today.

Awareness Week: Victorian Seminar
Thursday 14 May 2009: ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) will be holding an Awareness Week Seminar this Sunday, 17 May in the Yarra Room of Melbourne Town Hall.

Awareness Week Event: "Creative for a Second" Art Tour
Wednesday 13 May 2009: Our friends across the border, The NSW ME/CFS Society Inc, have a report on an event to celebrate ME/CFS Awareness Week.

International Awareness Day
Tuesday 12 May 2009: Today is International ME/CFS Awareness Day and National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

ME Conference in Norway
Monday 11 May 2009: The Norwegian Myalgic Encephalopathy Association will be hosting a Conference on Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) for Health Personnel on 12 June, 2009 in Norway.

Blue ribbon campaign for ME/CFS
Sunday 10 May 2009: The Blue Ribbon Campaign is designed to raise awareness for ME/CFS on the Internet.

Melbourne’s first fragrance-free seminar
Saturday 9 May 2009: The Allergy and Environmental Sensitivity Support and Research Association Inc (AESSRA) will be holding an international chemical sensitivity seminar in Melbourne on Friday 15 May.

Survey results
Friday 8 May 2009: We mentioned last year a survey undertaken by Tanya Secker from Griffith University.

Another bike ride for charity
Thursday 7 May 2009: Matthew Beall is a man in the UK who is planning to ride his bike 140 miles (225km) this month to raise money for the Association of Young People with ME.

Walk of FAME
Wednesday 6 May 2009: The Walk of FAME is an annual event held by the National Fibromyalgia Association in the US.

Ride for CFS update
Tuesday 5 May 2009: Here’s the latest update from Ride for CFS.

Riverland meeting reminder
Monday 4 May 2009: A reminder that the Riverland ME/CFS Support Group’s next meeting will be held this Friday (8 May) at the Riverland Resource Centre in Berri.

The Music Works
Sunday 3 May 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

Controversial health article
Saturday 2 May 2009: An article by Jeremy Laurance in UK newspaper The Independent has generated plenty of angry responses.

Gilderdale court case begins
Friday 1 May 2009: The trial of UK woman Kay Gilderdale has begun.

April

New type of MRI helping Fibromyalgia patients
Thursday 30 April 2009: US TV news station KING5 has a story and accompanying video about “a new type of MRI screening [for Fibromyalgia] that’s providing some surprising answers, as well as a new way to treat patients who’ve never been able to find relief.”

Next Society meeting
Wednesday 29 April 2009: A reminder that the Society's next meeting will be held this Saturday (2 May) at the Ellen Gowan Hall, 80 Payneham Rd, Stepney.

IiME International ME/CFS Conference
Tuesday 28 April 2009: Invest in ME will be hosting the 4th International ME/CFS Conference on 29 May 2009 in London.

IACFS/ME Conference videos
Monday 27 April 2009: The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group blog at DailyStrength has provided a list of all available videos from the 9th IACFS/ME Conference.

Survey: Fibromyalgia and food
Sunday 26 April 2009: Jacquie Mayes, a nutritional therapist from the UK, has published the results of a survey she undertook asking the question: “Fibromyalgia: is there a link between symptoms and foods consumed?”

MCS America’s latest newsletter
Saturday 25 April 2009: In addition to its regular list of links, advocacy group MCS America publishes a monthly newsletter chock full of informative articles.

Sleepydust video
Friday 24 April 2009: Sleepydust has produced a video of an overview of ME/CFS.

Low-dose naltrexone
Thursday 23 April 2009: WebMD reports on successful trials involving naltrexone, a drug used for easing the effects of heroin and alcohol withdrawal.

Whittemore Peterson Institute claims they can reverse CFIDS/ME
Wednesday 22 April 2009: “TeaBisqit”, a poster on the ProHealth Message Boards, has alerted people to two videos of some promising claims made by the Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Dsiease.

IACFS/ME Conference coverage
Tuesday 21 April 2009: The CFIDS Association of America, has comprehensive coverage of the 9th International IACFS/ME Research and Clinical Conference held in the US on 12-15 March 2009.

Flinders University fatigue study
Monday 20 2009: Flinders University is conducting a study which “investigates the validity of a new measure of daytime fatigue – the Flinders Fatigue Scale (FFS).”

Fibromyalgia, CFS & The Elimination Diet
Sunday 19 April 2009: About.com’s Adrienne Dellwo asks: “Have you tried an elimination diet?”

Energy Conservation
Saturday 18 April 2009: The Department for Families and Communities has a helpful document available for download called Energy Conservation.

New ME/CFS blog from Ireland
Friday 17 April 2009: Living with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a new blog from Ireland.

David Waters – massage therapist
Thursday 16 April 2009: David Waters is a massage therapist in South Australia who specialises in treating people with ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia.

Hallmann research – phase III
Wednesday 15 April 2009: A doctoral research project by Geoffrey Hallmann is about to enter its third phase.

Ride for CFS on the radio
Tuesday 14 April 2009: The Society’s president, Peter Cahalan, was interviewed on 639 ABC North and West, an AM radio station in the Flinders Ranges, yesterday morning (at 7:15!).

Coping with Fibromyalgia – massage chairs help
Monday 13 April 2009: Massage therapist Steve Esquire has written an article about the potential benefits of having a massage chair.

'Green' Building certification no guarantee against indoor air pollution
Sunday 12 April 2009: MedPage Today reports from the latest annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology that “Buildings with low-pollution certifications are still susceptible to spikes in fine particulates.”

Study suggests Fibromyalgia associated with malabsorption
Saturday 11 April 2009: About.com’s Adrienne Dellwo reports on her Fibromyalgia & CFS Blog that people with Fibromyalgia may have problems absorbing various amino acids.

NHS Choices videos
Friday 10 April 2009: The UK’s NHS Choices website has two videos on its website – one from a patient’s perspective in its section on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and one from a doctor’s perspective.

Documentary interview on YouTube
Thursday 9 April 2009: An interview involving two young women with ME/CFS was filmed for an upcoming CFS documentary by Dr Franky Dolan and is available on YouTube.

IACFS/ME Conference summay
Wednesday 8 April 2009: Dr Rosamund Vallings MNZM MB BS (London), a New Zealand doctor who specialises in ME/CFS, has written a summary of the 9th International IACFS/ME Research and Clinical Conference held in the US on 12-15 March 2009.

Looking for a CFS, FM or ME Pen Pal?
Tuesday 7 April 2009: The CF Alliance is a free, international discussion group for people with ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia as well as their families and/or caregivers.

The State Liberal Party releases its disability policy
Monday 6 April 2009: The core of the South Australian Liberal Party’s just-released platform is individualised funding.

MCS America’s latest useful bulletin
Sunday 5 April 2009: Advocacy group MCS America publishes an occasional list of web-based articles on MCS, ME/CFS and related conditions and issues.

The Music Works
Saturday 4 April 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

Ride for CFS article in local newspaper
Friday 3 April 2009: Nick and the boys from Ride for CFS have appeared in this week’s Southern Times (April 1 edition), one of the Messenger Newspapers.

Online questionnaire
Thursday 2 April 2009: Aoife Tobin, a research student at the University of Sussex at Brighton in the UK, is conducting a survey on language problems in people with ME/CFS for her final year dissertation.

Internet radio show to feature Fibromyalgia in upcoming episode
Wednesday 1 April 2009: Internet radio talk show website Winning Life Through Pain will be featuring Fibrombyalgia in an upcoming episode.

March

Internet radio show to feature Fibromyalgia in upcoming episode
Wednesday 1 April 2009: Internet radio talk show website Winning Life Through Pain will be featuring Fibrombyalgia in an upcoming episode.

A biomedical test for ME/CFS
Tuesday 31 March 2009: Dr Sarah Myhill has published a press release on a test for ME/CFS.

New book: Butterflies in Winter
Monday 30 March 2009: One of our members, Jane Gill, has written a book chronicling her experiences with ME/CFS.

Lack of vitamin D linked to chronic pain
Sunday 29 March 2009: Science Centric reports on a study that links vitamin D deficiencies and chronic pain.

Talking Point – our last issue
Saturday 28 March 2009: By now, members will have received their copy of the last ever issue of Talking Point.

Current economy hurting more than personal finances
Friday 27 March 2009: The Source reports on the ever-increasing situation of economic circumstances affecting health, especially for those with ME/CFS.

Injections of lidocaine 'show good results in fibromyalgia patients'
Thursday 26 March 2009: The UK’s Arthritis Research Campaign reports on research results published in the medical journal Clinical Rheumatology that show a marked improvement in Fibromyalgia patients when given injections of lidocaine, a drug used primarily in dentistry and minor surgery.

Ride for CFS – latest update
Wednesday 25 March 2009: The boys of Ride for CFS, Nick Lawless and his mates, are on their bikes – and raising money for us.

Fibromyalgia featured on US TV news
Tuesday 24 March 2009: Fibromyalgia was recently featured on US TV news program WXYZ-TV/Detroit.

Riverland meeting reminder
Monday 23 March 2009: A reminder that the Riverland ME/CFS Support Group’s next meeting will be held this Friday (27 March) at the Riverland Resource Centre in Berri.

Underactive adrenal glands
Sunday 22 March 2009: Dr Sarah Myhill has written an article about the problems associated with underactive adrenal glands as well as suitable treatments.

The NICE debate extends to Parliament
Saturday 21 March 2009: The furore over the legal judgement in favour of the NICE Guidelines shows no sign of abating – and now peers in the UK Parliament have joined in.

IACFS/ME Conference summary
Friday 20 March 2009: Kim McCleary, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CFIDS Association of America, has provided a summary of the 9th International IACFS/ME Research and Clinical Conference held in the US on 12-15 March 2009.

The Marshall Protocol – the case against
Thursday 19 March 2009: Dr Joseph Mercola has written an article on why he thinks that The Marshall Protocol is not worthwhile.

Talking Point – back issues now online
Wednesday 18 March 2009: Talking Point, the Society’s quarterly journal, has ceased production due to costs.

Combination therapy eases fibromyalgia symptoms
Tuesday 17 March 2009: Reuters reports that “a review of previous clinical trial results shows that a multifaceted approach can be effective for treating fibromyalgia.”

Responses to the NICE Guidelines legal ruling
Monday 16 March 2009: The ruling last Friday (13 March) in favour of the NICE Guidelines has prompted an outpouring of scorn on the High Court’s decision.

Court rules in favour of NICE on CFS/ME guideline
Sunday 15 March 2009: Flinders University is conducting a study which “investigates the validity of a new measure of daytime fatigue – the Flinders Fatigue Scale (FFS).”

New Membership Application Form
Saturday 14 March 2009: Our Membership Application Form has been updated and is now available.

Research on the lifestyle of people with ME/CFS
Friday 13 March 2009: The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has published a research paper from The Netherlands comparing people with ME/CFS to the general population there.

Centrelink’s Mobility Allowance
Thursday 12 March 2009: If you have a disability and engage in work- or volunteer-related activities, then Centrelink can provide financial help to get you to the places you need to go.

Going to uni and have ME/CFS?
Wednesday 11 March 2009: A group of British university students with ME have got together on Facebook.

Study: Are Fibromyalgia patients as inactive as they say they are?
Tuesday 10 March 2009: A small study compared two sets of people – one with Fibromyalgia and the other with rheumatoid arthritis – and found that both groups of people were symptomatically very similar.

Pills not helping your pain? Creams, patches effective too
Monday 9 March 2009: Fox News reports on the potential advantages of using creams and patches for pain rather than pills if the body has difficulty in absorbing drugs via the stomach.

Study on hypersensitivity to odours and chemicals
Sunday 8 March 2009: Here’s a document on research conducted by Christel Larsson and Lena Mårtensson.

Probiotics may help some with chronic fatigue
Saturday 7 March 2009: Reuters reports on a small but potentially helpful study investigating for health benefits of probiotics for people ME/CFS.

Fight-or-flight response linked to chronic stress disorders – study
Friday 6 March 2009: The Gateway reports on a study currently underway investigating the possibility of successfully treating a dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in ways that haven’t been tried before.

Mental fatigue can affect physical endurance
Thursday 5 March 2009: EurekAlert! reports that “Mental fatigue can affect physical endurance” and that “Findings could become research model to help those with chronic fatigue.”

OHSU offers chronic pain guidelines for opioids
Wednesday 4 March 2009: kgw.com reports that “A new guideline for treating chronic pain with opioid medications normally reserved for cancer patients has been published with recommendations from Oregon Health & Science University researchers.”

Pfizer cancels development of two late-stage drugs
Tuesday 3 March 2009: Reuters reports that drug company Pfizer has put a halt to the development of two drugs that were specifically aimed at treating Fibromyalgia and anxiety.

£730,000 for research into CFS in children
Monday 2 March 2009: A press release from the UK’s University of Bristol has announced: “A new area of ground-breaking research to provide a better understanding of the cause, treatment and prevention of CFS/ME in children has secured a prestigious fellowship and funding of £730,000.”

The Music Works
Sunday 1 March 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

February

Scent marketing
Saturday 28 February 2009: Ever wondered how perfume companies deal with customers who have adverse reactions to their products?

Phoenix Rising – ‘Cracking the Foundations’ edition
Friday 27 February 2009: Phoenix Rising is an informative newsletter put out monthly by American CFS sufferer Cort Johnson on his website CFS Phoenix.

Sick Buildings and MCS
Thursday 26 February 2009: WRAL-TV reports that “A growing number of Americans are finding that everyday chemicals make them sick.”

Ill, disabled Aussie kids get first online network
Wednesday 25 February 2009: Reuters has an article about Livewire, a new social network for unwell children and teens.

Indoor plants can reduce formaldehyde levels
Tuesday 24 February 2009: Eureka! Science News reports on the benefits of indoor plants for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).

Ride for CFS – donate online
Monday 23 February 2009: We mentioned Ride for CFS a little while ago – it’s the brainchild of 15-year-old Nick Lawless who, along with three mates, is planning to ride 380km off-road along the Mawson Trail in South Australia for a week in April.

Love and Marriage – and MCS
Sunday 22 February 2009: Here’s a good news story for hopeless romantics everywhere.

Impaired Language in Fibromyalgia & CFS
Saturday 21 February 2009: About.com’s Adrienne Dellwo has written an article about dysphasia, a language disorder where people have difficulty with names, places, numbers etc.

BBC report on MCS
Friday 20 February 2009: The BBC has highlighted Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) on its website with an article featuring MCS sufferer Donna Robertson.

ME/CFS book available for download
Thursday 19 February 2009: Dr Sarah Myhill has graciously given us permission to make her book, Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, available for download.

Meetings for 2009
Wednesday 18 February 2009: Here’s the latest list of meetings for 2009.

Dr Ken Rowe
Tuesday 17 February 2009: The recent Victorian bushfires have touched virtually every Australian in one way or another.

Judicial Review – summary of High Court proceedings
Monday 16 February 2009: In addition to our earlier news item about the UK’s High Court challenge to the NICE Guidelines, Dr Charles Shepherd has now provided The ME Association with a report of the proceedings last Wednesday and Thursday (11 and 12 February).

The Down Side of Fibromyalgia & CFS Awareness
Sunday 15 February 2009: About.com’s Adrienne Dellwo makes an interesting point about the increasing awareness of ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia in the media.

NICE Guidelines – update on the legal challenge
Saturday 14 February 2009: The legal challenge to the NICE Guidelines in the UK has been relatively prominent in the press recently.

Courts Rule in Favor of MCS
Friday 13 February 2009: The American Chronicle reports that “Two courts recently ruled in favor of allowing multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) legal claims to move forward.

Ride for CFS
Thursday 12 February 2009: Member Sue Lawless’s son, Nick, has taken on the challenge of a big bike ride as a project for his studies.

Learning self-management skills on the Internet
Wednesday 11 February 2009: The well-known Stanford University self-management course for people with chronic illnesses is being trialled online.

Riverland meeting reminder
Tuesday 10 February 2009: A reminder that the Riverland ME/CFS Support Group’s next meeting will be held this Friday (13 February) at the Riverland Resource Centre in Berri.

How many people are chemically sensitive? Some SA research
Monday 9 February 2009: Several years ago the State Department of Health conducted two major phone surveys on the topic of chemical sensitivities.

The Music Works
Sunday 8 February 2009: The Music Works – aka The Dynamic Day Gig – is a monthly event held at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.

Fibromyalgia woman awarded payout in the US
Saturday 7 February 2009: SFGate reports that a US woman with fibromyalgia has been awarded a $US75,000 payout after the company she worked for, Georgia-Pacific, forced her to work unreasonable hours, disregarding her condition.

Eric the Postie: update
Friday 6 February 2009: Last August we told you about Eric Smart, a former postie and now yoga teacher from Scotland, who is cycling from that wee bonny country to Australia to raise money for The ME Association in the UK.

The MCS Research Review: and Peter Evans does it again!
Thursday 5 February 2009: Society member and SA’s main activist on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity issues, Peter Evans, has put together an incredibly thorough and probing critique of the draft MCS research paper.

Having trouble with the heat?
Wednesday 4 February 2009: Disability SA has been doing all it can to get in touch with people who might be especially vulnerable to our terrible heat wave.

What you may not know about Lyrica…
Tuesday 3 February 2009: Journalist Martha Rosenberg has written an eye-opening article in OpEdNews.com about Lyrica.

Ask a Patient
Monday 2 February 2009: Ask a Patient is an informative and helpful website that provides information on the effectiveness (or otherwise) of over 2,500 prescription drugs.

OTC Drugs for Managing Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
Sunday 1 February 2009: About.com’s Adrienne Dellwo asks: “What’s in your medicine cabinet? In addition to all of your prescription drugs and supplements, you might want to keep certain over-the-counter (OTC) meds on hand to help you manage symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.”

January

MCS artist exhibition
Saturday 31 January 2009: Holly Mae Pendergast is an artist in the US who developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) as a result of the materials she was using.

Germany is the first country to recognise MCS as a physical disease
Friday 30 January 2009: Christiane Tourtet B.A. reports in The American Chronicle that Germany has become the first country to formally recognise Multiple Chemical Sensitivity as a physical illness.

New drug approved for Fibromyalgia
Thursday 29 January 2009: About.com’s Guide to Drugs reports on the latest drug to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in Fibromyalgia.

Correcting the HPA axis dysfunction
Wednesday 28 January 2009: PLoS Computational Biology, the official journal of the International Society for Computational Biology, has published a research article on “Model-Based Therapeutic Correction of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Dysfunction”.

Fibromyalgia on House
Tuesday 27 January 2009: Fibromyalgia got a mention – albeit briefly – on a recent episode of the TV series House, broadcast on 19 January in the US.

Research Finds Healthy Use For Tanning Beds As Pain Treatment
Monday 26 January 2009: Despite the potential risks associated with tanning beds, Digtriad.com reports that “Ultraviolet light may help relieve pain in fibromyalgia syndrome patients, according to a preliminary study at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center conducted by dermatology, rheumatology, and public health sciences researchers.”

Tea & Theanine for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Sunday 25 January 2009: Adrienne Dellwo reports on the benefits of drinking tea – or, more specifically, an amino acid found in black and green tea that can help alleviate the symptoms of ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia.

The MCS research report campaign: another voice
Saturday 24 January 2009: In addition to yesterday’s comments by Prof Anne Steinemann and Anne Kennedy, we also have comments on the MCS research report campaign provided by Susanna Agardy.

The MCS research report campaign: two advocates named Anne
Friday 23 January 2009: Respected American academic Prof Anne Steinemann has generously given time to writing a submission on the draft MCS report prepared by the Office of Chemical Safety.

Dr Sarah Myhill paper: CFS and mitochondrial dysfunction
Thursday 22 January 2009: Dr Sarah Myhill has published a paper on mitochondrial dysfunction in ME/CFS in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine.

Some practical advice on pursuing a personal injury claim
Wednesday 21 January 2009: People with ME/CFS, MCS and Fibromyalgia often find it hard to get workers compensation and other injury claims dealt with sympathetically and efficiently by the legal system.

Gulf War Syndrome
Tuesday 20 January 2009: Something we’ve not mentioned on the website before is Gulf War Syndrome.

The CBT debate, Round 27 (or 53, or 179 – we’ve lost count…)
Monday 19 January 2009: The CBT debate rages on, with cases for and against coming from all four corners of the health globe.

New study: antidepressants help patients with Fibromyalgia
Sunday 18 January 2009: Scientific American reports that “Drugs traditionally used to treat depression are also effective in easing widespread pain, sleep disturbances and dismal moods associated with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)”.

Phoenix Rising – December 2008 edition
Saturday 17 January 2009: Phoenix Rising is an informative newsletter put out monthly by American CFS sufferer Cort Johnson on his website CFS Phoenix.

Help out an insider doing ME/CFS research
Friday 16 January 2009: We’d like to draw the attention of people with ME/CFS to a planned doctoral research project by Geoffrey Hallmann.

Our Facebook hits the ton!
Thursday 15 January 2009: Four new members have joined the Society’s Facebook group in the past week, and that’s cause for celebration for us as this takes us over the magic figure of 100 Facebook members.

The Alexander Technique
Wednesday 14 January 2009: Something that we haven’t mentioned before on this website is the Alexander Technique. It’s a gentle form of exercise that can help alleviate muscular pain.

The case for ribose
Tuesday 13 January 2009: Quite a few articles have popped up on the Web that discuss the benefits of ribose (also called deoxyribose or D-Ribose) for reducing many of the symptoms of ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia.

Low cortisol levels may be risk factor in developing CFS
Monday 12 January 2009: Marketplace from American Public Media has an audio broadcast about an increase in young people with chronic diseases.

More chronic illness in young people
Sunday 11 January 2009: Marketplace from American Public Media has an audio broadcast about an increase in young people with chronic diseases.

CFS physician course scores amazing results
Saturday 10 January 2009: Cort Johnson has a great story on a new medical education course that proactive doctors in the US are participating in.

Chronic pain and fatigue associated with Vitamin D deficiency
Friday 9 January 2009: Natural News.com reports that “People who are vitamin D deficient are more likely to suffer from chronic pain and fatigue […]”.

Fibromyalgia DVD
Thursday 8 January 2009: Fibromyalgia: Fitting the Pieces Together is a new documentary available on DVD which focuses on Sharon Ostalecki’s journey with the disease.

Childhood trauma linked to CFS later in life
Wednesday 7 January 2009: MedPage Today reports that “Patients who experienced emotional or physical trauma during childhood appear to be at increased risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome as adults, researchers here found”.

Life Goes On
Tuesday 6 January 2009: A member has told us of a new and extremely helpful organisation: Life Goes On.

M.E. on UK television
Monday 5 January 2009: M.E. was recently featured on the UK television program Meridian Tonight.

The Scientific Basis of CFS/CFIDS/ME
Sunday 4 January 2009: Here’s a video for anyone you still doubts that ME/CFS is a physical illness.

Fibrohugs
Saturday 3 January 2009: Fibrohugs is a website run by Ken Euteneier and it offers information and help for people with Fibromyalgia as well as a chat room and news feeds.

The benefits of massage
Friday 2 January 2009: Here are a couple of articles that discuss the benefits of massage for those with ME/CFS and/or Fibromyalgia.

Hoppy New Year
Thursday 1 January 2009: Millie the Only Kangaroo in the Whole ME/CFS Universe joins all of us at ME/CFS Australia (SA) in wishing you a happy – sorry, hoppy – new year.

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