Leroy Students and Mass Psychogenic Illness

A Personal Letter From Dr. Laszlo Mechtler and Dr. Jennifer McVige

Buffalo 08 Feb 2012

At the Dent Neurologic Institute, Drs Jennifer McVige and Laszlo Mechtler have had the privilege to examine and treat 14 of the 19 patients from LeRoy, NY. The diagnosis of Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI) was not made without considerable input from regional and national experts. We understand the difficulty some of our patients and family members may have with our diagnosis, but it is reassuring to see that most of our patients are improving significantly over the last several

months.

Although we have not evaluated all the patients affected, we have considered many other diagnoses, such as PANDAS and neuro-toxicity due to environmental factors. With the cooperation of the New York State Department of Health and nationally recognized PANDAS specialists, we have ruled out these diagnoses.

We also feel that the media exposure has raised the national awareness of a rare form of conversion disorder, such as MPI, which has not been fully accepted or understood by the public as well as the many in the medical community. At the same time our primary responsibility is to our patients, who unfortunately have not done well with the intense community and media scrutiny. 

We do respectfully request that the media remember that we are dealing with impressionable teenagers that have understandable fears and concerns. Although it is not uncommon to have a difference of opinion by treating physicians, I would respectfully request that the patients be treated not through the mainstream media but by credible experts specializing in the field of movement disorder. In this regard, multiple international experts have made themselves available for further consultation. We have strongly encouraged that our patients take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Laszlo L. Mechtler, MD  Medical Director, DENT Neurologic Institute

Jennifer McVige, MD, DENT Neurologic Institute Pediatric Neurologist

Please Mister Postman

Today I went to the post office

I handed the postwoman my credit card and license to pay

she looked at my license and said

"is that YOU?" incredulously.

I said, "Yes" naively.

she said. . .

"you look MUCH better in person" rudely. honestly.

Thank goodness this is the year to update my license. seriously.

New Chiropractic Technique Eliminates Muscle and Joint Pain

Western New York Muscle and Joint Performance Chiropractic just announced its unique approach to chiropractic treatment called Active Release Technique. Many chiropractors do not use this method so many people are unaware of its benefits. 

Long hours of sitting or repetitive motions with a keyboard and mouse can lead to scar tissue build up within your muscles. This scar tissue alters normal muscle function that causes pain symptoms such as carpal tunnel, tendinitis, shoulder, neck, back and general joint pain.

Dr. James Phipps, a board certified chiropractor and owner of Western New York Muscle and Joint Performance Chiropractic uses Active Release Technique (ART^®) to break down scar tissue that causes discomfort in people of all ages. From aging baby boomers to teens playing sports with developing muscles, Dr. Phipps has a specific, credentialed ART treatment protocol to relieve these pains.

“I can feel different texture changes in muscles where the scar tissue formed,” said Dr. Phipps.  “Using ART’s varying motions I break down this tissue,” said Dr. Phipps. “The technique restores normal muscle and soft tissue function, texture and motion.” 

Dr. Phipps develops a personally tailored plan that includes ART, additional muscle therapies and chiropractic adjustments. Many diverse joint and muscle conditions can be successfully treated with this approach. Western New York Muscle and Joint Performance Chiropractic is located at 390 South Youngs Rd. in Williamsville and is open Monday and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information visit www.wnymjpc.com or call 716.629.3100.

Floortime - An Emerging Intervention for Children With Autism

By Annette Pinder

Growing up in Brooklyn, there was a child on ourstreet who was different. She didn’t talk, and seemed to be off in her ownworld, as our moms whispered, “She’s autistic.”  I found a book at the local library on the topic and secretlyyearned to reach this child, but unfortunately never had the opportunity.

So years later, it seemed fitting when my daughter,now 25, made the decision to work with children diagnosed with autism and othercommunication disorders. It is also a topic no longer discussed in hushedtones, because today one in 110 children in America have an autism spectrumdisorder, males are four times more likely to have it, and early intervention isessential.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is the most commontherapy today that has been proven to effectively help children learn skillsranging from making eye contact and following simple instructions, todeveloping advanced language and social-skills. But  new developmental interventions are emerging, as ABA has comeunder some criticism for producing ‘robot-like’ behavior in children, and forits use of punishment to reduce or eliminate problem behavior.

One program that is gaininf attention as analternative to ABA is Floortime, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan. A renownedleader in autism education, Greenspan worked with many young children diagnosedwith the disorder. Now older, these children are said to be fullycommunicative, creative, warm, loving, and joyful. Anecdotal evidence alsosuggests that parents whose children experienced Floortime found it to beeffective.

Floortime meets a child at his or her developmentallevel, and builds upon their strengths. Child-focused, with the parent ortherapist following the child's lead, Floortime incorporates playful positiveattention while tuning in to the child's interests. Its premise is thatchildren learn skills from relationships they have with their caregivers andother significant people in their lives. Through interactive child-directedplay and experiences children ‘want’ to relate to the outside world.

Recently, when I observed Floortime at BuffaloHearing & Speech Center (BHSC), a young boy jumped up from the circle ofseated children during a lesson enthusiastically pointing to a chart of facialfeatures. Instead of reprimanding the child for speaking out of turn, theinstructor immediately seized upon the opportunity to engage the child, therebyincreasing his desire to verbalize and interact socially. And it worked!

BHSC offers Floortime to children ages 3 to 7years, who are eligible, and CEO Joseph Cozzo, is enthusiastic about theresults. He explains, “Education is tailored to meet the specific needs of eachchild and family, and program funding is provided by the NYS EducationDepartment and the County. Classes operate five full days a week combiningindividual, small, and large group activities. The classroom team consists ofstaff trained and educated in Floortime. A multidisciplinary team provides services, including speech languagepathology, special education, occupational therapy, social work, and musictherapy. Physical therapy is included if required on a child's IndividualizedEducational Plan (IEP).

Cozzo also wants parents to know about BHSC’soutpatient social communication program for children ages 5-18 with AutismSpectrum Disorder, and encourages them to make an appointment to observe theGreenspan/Floortime and the outpatient programs by calling 885-8318. To learnmore visit www.stanleygreenspan.com.

WNY Resource:

Buffalo Hearing & SpeechCenter is headquartered at 50 E. North Street in Buffalo with additionallocations in Amherst, West Seneca, Fredonia, and Wheatfield. Visit www.askbhsc.org to learnmore.

Recipe Box #23

All pictures are property of the blogs that originally featured the recipes.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

Gimme Some Oven

Chicken Chili

Finding Joy in My Kitchen

Avocado Chicken Parmigiana

Cuisine Paradise

Mexican Stuffed Shells

The Way to His Heart

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites

The Craving Chronicles

Enjoy!


Check out 






For other recipes!

Buy Lovegra for exciting romantic relationship

A pink pill of Lovegra is sufficient to change your dull mood into excitement. A happening romantic love relation is what everyone looked for. But due to some problem especially in terms of intimacy the whole relation can be spoiled. Lovegra also known as female viagra help to sort out the sexual dysfunction in women. There are several reasons that can make a woman feel disinterested in sexual act. Because of these reasons when their partner demands for intimacy they have cooperate with a heavy heart. But with Lovegra this problem can be sorted out easily.

Lovegra is sildenafil citrate composition which has the capability to increase the blood circulation towards female reproductive parts so that it can become sensitive to stimulation. Basically no feeling of sensation or difficulty in acquiring orgasm is the major reasons for the sexual dysfunction in women. The vaginal part becomes dry to lack of lubrication causing painful intercourse. Lovegra or female viagra increases the blood supply thus causing intense lubrication of the vagina and thus women can enjoy intimacy. 

Lovegra is the replica of the branded female viagra and thus available at low cost. Thus any sufferer can get pink viagra online for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Cheap Lovegra is the solution for the lack of desire for intimacy in women. This works effectively and increases the desire of lovemaking in women. It also helps women to get multiple orgasms which were not possible before. That is why many women buy Lovegra to get complete satisfaction through sexual activity.

Women who are allergic to sildenafil citrate should not buy Lovegra. This Female Viagra tablet comes in 100mg strength. This should be consumed almost an hour before intimacy. Lovegra requires almost 40 minutes fixing up the problem. This pink Viagra online is accessible to all sufferers because of its economic price and great result oriented effect.


You may also like to read following:

• Lovegra enhances sexual desire in women
• Lovegra to get back the romantic moments 
• Lovegra for women dealing with sexual dysfunction
   

Eat Well Live Well Challenge

Employers and Community Organizations are invited to Participate in A Community Wellness Program

The “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge is focused on increasingregular physical activity and nutrition choices that enable individuals toimprove their health while lowering their risk for chronic illnesses. TheChallenge is an affordable wellnessprogram that offers employers andcommunity organizations a valuable opportunity to be proactive in improving health and health care cost management.

Please consider these facts:More than 65 percent of our adult population is overweight, resulting in aone-third increase in the number of diabetes cases. Adult onset diabetesincreases health care costs by 25 percent. Obesity and physical inactivityaccount for 25 to 30 percent of several major cancers. Overweight and inactiveindividuals are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease, including high bloodpressure and stroke.

The World Health Organizationand U.S. Centers for Disease Control concur that 70 percent of chronicillnesses can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes such as eatinghealthier and becoming more physically active. That’s where “Eat Well Live Well”comes in! The “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge is a proven, healthpromotion program that requires a minimal amount of time and investment for a powerfulreturn. The “Eat Well Live Well” participants need only walking shoes,pedometers and the desire to be healthy! The website, www.eatwelllivewell.org, (free foremployers, employees and community organizations) offers user friendlysupport and resources to help participants achieve their wellness goals.

With over 200,000participations to date, the “Eat Well LiveWell” Challenge has received national recognition, (Business Week magazine,11/09) and a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Prevention Efforts fromthe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Challenge has beensuccessfully implemented for the past 3 years in the Buffalo/Niagara region,with multiple employers including Rich Products, New Era Cap, the American RedCross, Walsh Insurance Group, M&T Bank and the Buffalo Public School System.  A major local employer had this successstory to share:

"The “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge providedus with an excellent opportunity to promote our commitment to a culture ofwellness for our employees (at UB). Employees thought it was challenging yetfun and they felt a lot of camaraderie as a result of the"competition" between teams. We are seeing a lot more walkers oncampus and more produce as snacks as a result. We can't wait to do itagain!" – Kathie Frier, University at Buffalo.

For more information, or to register (required) forthe Information Session or Training Session, please contact the WellnessInstitute at (716) 851-4052 or email beactive@city-buffalo.org.

INFORMATION SESSION Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, 9:00 A.M. OR 10:30A.M.,

Wegmans, 651 Dick Rd., Depew, NY

TRAINING SESSION Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, 12:00 P.M. to 3:30P.M.,

Wegmans 5275 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville, NY

* Returning employers may start between Jan. 15, 2012and May 6, 2012

* New employers may start between Mar. 4, 2012 and May6, 2012, following training

At the Information Sessions,interested employers and community organizations will be invited to attend thefree local train-the-trainer session for employer or organizationrepresentatives. The free trainingwill focus on “how to” successfully implement the “Eat Well Live Well”Challenge. An “Eat Well Live Well”Challenge program/community resources toolkit (cost: $25) will also be providedto those who attend the local ½ day training. A healthful lunch will beprovided.

Please share this invitationwith others you believe might be interested. We look forward to your successfulparticipation in the Spring 2012 WNY “EatWell Live Well” Challenge!

For information contact: Philip Haberstro, BeActive NYS, www.BeActiveNys.org,a statewide health promotion initiative of the non-profit Wellness Institute ofGreater Buffalo. Watch for information on the May 2012 WesternNew York Healthiest Employers Awards. See www.CreatingHealthyCommunities.org for more information.

Healthy Living - Shakeology

About a year ago I received my first sample of Shakeology and decided to start taking it on a regular basis.  I immediately noticed improved energy, better digestion and it helped me lose the last 5 lbs I had been trying to work off.  Shakeology can help you: Lose Weight, Feel Energized, Improve Digestion and Regularity and Lower Cholesterol

This patent-pending daily nutritional shake helps your body gently eliminate toxins more efficiently while allowing for better absorption of the essential nutrients you need.

Here is a list of all of the ingredients.  It's super nutritional and vitamin dense! 

INGREDIENTS

I've found that it is an easy way for me to ensure that my body is getting the nutrients it needs.  I drink the chocolate flavor, but they are coming out with a strawberry flavor this month that I am excited to try!  For more information you can check out my Shakeology Site.