Saturday, April 16, 2011

[Peckers_Pics] Model Wars-PICS-Health-News-Apr 17, 2011- Boycott TARGET-Trump-NBC



Model Wars-PICS-Health-News-Apr 17, 2011-
Safe PICS For All Ages/Boycott TARGET-Trump-NBC
Support Keith Olbermann-coming to CURRENT TV

Updates on Keith Olbermann  @ ObamaBiden2008 (Update: Keith joined "CURRENT TV").  Check with your cable provider to see if you have "Current TV".  Current TV's website has option for you to request service from your cable provider.   Current TV's founder is Al Gore.  Charter Cable does not carry "Current TV".  Please Contact Charter now!  Keith is a man who stuck his neck out for progressives, as well as the LGBT community. Update:  Keith began his FOK NEWS blog. 

Alert: Target + Minnesota Forward + Tom Emmer = Support for a rather dangerous and radical political philosophy that diminishes LGBT people to pests that should be murdered. And "Target" is cool with this?   ...Now Target is suing the LGBT community for their peaceful demonstrations in front of their stores.    ....Our answer:  BOYCOTT "TARGET"

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Diet & Fitness:

  • Reminder: Did you complete your Diet Journal today?
  • Did you do any physical activity?  If not, make a point of it by tomorrow! 
  • Perhaps our male fitness photos shall inspire you to get Fit!
Health - Wellness - Exercise - Reflections:
5 Fibromyalgia Myths and Facts

By Mary Gustafson, April 16, 2011

Fibromyalgia has dozens of symptoms and almost as many myths surrounding it. Is it a real disease? Do all sufferers have the same symptoms? Is it treatable? Read on as fibromyalgia experts explain the facts and fiction behind this mysterious chronic pain disorder....
 
Misconceptions about fibromyalgia abound – even among doctors – starting with the belief that it may not even exist. For sufferers, that means delayed diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating, painful condition.

Jenna Abts, 27, a Seattle-based artist, knows that situation well. She has suffered from fibromyalgia since she was a teen, when she was initially misdiagnosed with anxiety.

"Most doctors dismissed my complaints of joint pain as some kind of hypochondriac fantasy," she says.

"I saw four doctors before I was lucky enough to find an internal medicine doctor who recognized the symptoms. I'm sure that given that I was a teenager, nobody thought to look at a chronic pain disorder."

Her situation isn't uncommon. It takes an average of five years to get diagnosed, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA).

One reason is that fibromyalgia can't be identified through diagnostic tests such as blood work, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays, says Patrick Wood, M.D., a fibromyalgia specialist who practices in Seattle.

Also complicating diagnosis: The condition can strike with a host of co-existing conditions – such as chronic fatigue syndrome, depression and lupus - and involve pain in many parts of the body.

As a result, many people with fibromyalgia struggle to find both answers and relief.

Here, experts explain the science behind 5 common beliefs about this chronic pain disorder.

1. Fibromyalgia isn't a real disease.
Well, that's actually true. It's not a disease, but a disorder.The distinction is important: Diseases have specific causes. Disorders (or syndromes) are a collection of symptoms and other medical problems that occur together.

"I don't think a lot of primary-care physicians and specialists are aware it's a disorder, not a disease," says Ann Vincent, M.D., a fibromyalgia researcher at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

However, in 1990, the American College of Rheumatology published a list of criteria that made it easier for doctors to identify and treat fibromyalgia.

Because there are no diagnostic tests, doctors rely on self-reported symptoms, patient histories and a physical examination to see if patients fit this criteria.

To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, patients must have chronic, widespread pain that has been present for at least three months. Pain has to occur on both sides of the body, above and below the waist.

The exam also includes checking for soreness in 11 of 18 "tender point sites," which include the back of the head, upper chest and tops and sides of knees. These are tested by applying moderate pressure on each area.

2. Fibromyalgia is all in the patient's head
This is false, but many patients are left feeling that way when doctors don't detect their fibromyalgia or misdiagnose it as solely the depression, anxiety or trauma that often accompany it.

When they do find a doctor who suspects fibromyalgia, the physician must convince patients they aren't imagining their symptoms.

"I sometimes show them evidence from a 2002 study [done at Georgetown University Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health] proving that patients with fibromyalgia feel pain more acutely than other people," says John Stracks, M.D., an integrative medicine physician who practices at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.Getting an official diagnosis can ease the emotional impact of the chronic pain. Increased awareness of the disorder also helps, according Abts, the Seattle fibromyalgia patient.

"Now there are online support groups for sufferers," she says. "Every time I hear an ad for [fibromyalgia medication], it startles me. I can't believe that there's a drug geared to fibro patients."

3. Everyone with fibromyalgia has the same symptoms.
No two fibromyalgia patients are alike. The disorder has a number of symptoms, with varying degrees of severity that can affect different parts of the body.

"In general, many paths lead to the symptoms of fibromyalgia," Stracks says. "So each patient I see gets a different combination of recommendations based on what I think the primary causes are."

According to the NFA, symptoms can include the following:

•Joint and muscle pain

•Chronic tension headaches and migraines

•Numbness

•Fatigue

•Depression

•Anxiety, insomnia

•Hypersomnia (sleeping too much)

•Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

•Tingling, burning and skin sensitivity
 
•Chronic low-grade fever and flulike symptoms

•Restless legs

•Dizziness

•Vision problems

•Impaired memory and cognitive function

"[The range of symptoms] makes the disease so hard to treat in a conventional setting. I don't think there's any single treatment that will work for all patients, unlike, say, strep throat, which always responds to penicillin."

4. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome should be treated the same.
One of the biggest debates among fibromyalgia specialists is the relationship between the disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome. Some insist the two are separate conditions with their own symptoms; others argue they're the same.

One difference, according to Stracks: Fibromyalgia patients are more likely to have thyroid complications, while chronic fatigue sufferers have more problems with adrenal function.

Both can leave patients with low energy levels, but because they stem from different causes, using the same treatment for both could be harmful, he adds.

5. Fibromyalgia isn't treatable
Not true. There are several ways to manage it.

Medication:
The Food and Drug Administration has approved medications such as pregabalin (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella) and duloxetine (Lyrica) to treat fibromyalgia.

These drugs – which were designed to treat other conditions, including depression, neuropathic pain and seizure disorders – are usually prescribed to treat fibromyalgia-related muscle and joint pain, says Wood.

They do, however, come with potential side effects, including weight gain, drowsiness and loss of sex drive.

Psychological treatment:
"Depression and/or depressive symptoms are prevalent among patients with fibromyalgia," Wood says. So treating that problem can improve quality of life.

If stress is a factor, as it is for many fibromyalgia sufferers, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can provide better ways to manage it.

Several reputable studies, including one in 2006 by the University of Louisville, Ky., have found people with high levels of childhood trauma are more likely to develop fibromyalgia. For these patients, Stracks calls on the help of clinicians with experience in trauma healing.

Diet:
Fibromyalgia patients should consume foods with anti-inflammatory properties, to prevent pain caused by inflammation.

"That means limiting foods with simple sugars and carbohydrates, fatty meats, and processed and fast foods," Stracks says.

"Instead, people with fibromyalgia should eat mostly lean meats, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds."

Woods recommends patients avoid food additives like monosodium glutamate and the artificial sweetener aspartame, which can increase pain. Taking fish oil supplements and avoiding common allergens, such as eggs, wheat and dairy, may also help.

Exercise:
Gentle exercise such as yoga, water aerobics and daily walking can be helpful, Stracks says.

But if you have a flare-up of symptoms, don't feel bad about taking it easy, he points out.

Education:
Learning more about how fibromyalgia affects your body and daily life can make it easier to ward off pain triggers.Abts participated in a three-week pain management class and credits it with helping her gain control of symptoms.

"I learned that the ideal split of time is one-third work, one-third fun and one-third leisure," she says. "I keep that model in mind when scheduling things."

She also discovered the importance of having realistic expectations. "I had to learn to cope with some pain, and then modify exercise, diet and environment (as much as possible) to reduce flare-ups."
Take Action:
  • Boycott advertisers of Glenn Beck - Fox News.  Glenn Beck is anti-gay rights.
  • Update: DADT has been repealed. President Obama has kept his promise!
  • Boycott Bill O'Reilly and FOX News and their advertisers.  Bill discussed a French commercial by McDonalds that was meant to show that McDonalds is Gay Friendly. Bill said what is next? Is McDonalds going to be Al-Qaida friendly as well?  Imagine - Bill O'Reilly compares Gays to Al-Qaida!
  • Boycott Arizona the home of  "hater" - U.S. Senator John McCain. Arizona's Hateful anti-Immigration Law - encourages racial profiling and increases hatred towards minorities.  A remedy: Demand Republicans to  support Immigration Reform (The Dream Act). Further, Senator McCain voted against ending DADT and Blocked Immigration reform! 
  • Boycott Target, Best Buy, Gold's Gym - for donating money towards anti-gay political candidates/organizations. Update: (12/26/2010): Target is continuing to donate to anti-gay groups/causes/politicians. Update 03/08/11 - Lady Gaga Ends Target Partnership, Reportedly Over Target's Poor LGBT Stance. Update 3/25/2010 - Target displays their hypocrisy and Sues California Gay Rights Group for Lobbying Outside Stores.  Target is attempting to block the LGBT right of free speech!  STOP SHOPPING AT TARGET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Update 4/8/2011: Target lost it's case to stop the LGBT from canvassing in front of their stores.  A huge PR Disaster for TARGET!  Perhaps Target should go out of business as they betrayed their investers and customers. Target contributed massive funds to a politician who would like to exterminate gays.  Now, Target can not stop us from Boycotting them, nor picketing, nor talking to customers near their stores; although, Target allows a anti-gay company such as the Salvation Army to stand outside their door and speak with customers and raise money. Isn't this a double standard? Perhaps TARGET would better understand the issue if they cared about David Kato - Uganda, who was slain because he is gay! That is because Uganda wants to kill gay people.  Again, TARGET invested in a political candidate that would Kill the Gays! 
  • End DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act).  Prevents Federal employees and Gays in the Military from gaining equal benefits. Prevents Gay Partners from gaining equal benefits.    
  • Pass ENDA (Employee Non-Discrimination Act).  ENDA would prevent employment discrimination of  LGBT workforce.
  • Boycott Salvation Army as they will not hire Gays! "DO NOT DONATE TO THEM."
  • BOYCOTT "Chick-fil-a" for donating to anti-gay marriage groups.
  • BOYCOTT KOCH INDUSTRIES PRODUCTS- to include their products: Angel Soft toilet paper / Brawny paper towels / Dixie plates, bowls, napkins & cups / Mardi Gras napkins and towels / Quilted Northern toilet paper / Soft 'n Gentle toilet paper / Sparkle napkins / Vanity fair napkins / Zee napkins / Georgia-Pacific paper products & envelopes / All Georgia-Pacific lumber & building products (INVISTA Products) / Lycra / Stainmaster Carpet.   The billionaire - Koch brothers are ultra republican - tea bag founders/supporters that do not support causes of the LGBT community.
  • Boycott WALMART - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, force criticized Wal-Mart for denying employee benefits to same-s-x partners and for failing to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. By comparison, the group said two other chain stores with a strong presence in New York, Costco and Walgreens, did much better.
  • NEW: Boycott Donald Trump, The Apprentice and NBC Network! At CPAC, Trump said he is considering a run for president as a Republican. In a interview with the Des Moines Register, Trump added that he opposes all forms of legal recognition for gay couples, not just marriage. "They should not be able to marry," he said. So why does NBC keep the Apprentice when Donald Trump has stated he may run for president? Boycott NBC, CNBC! Boycott advertisers of The Apprentice and his other business's. Don't shop at any bullding with Donald Trump's name to include Trump Hotels, Casinos, Condo's, Offices, Shops!  The Donald has expressed extreme Hatred. He is a birther as well and bring out all the Bigets!  Remember how poorly Trump treated Rosie O'Donnel?  Now we know why he did that!  It was hate against a lesbian as we now know he is hater.  Unforgiveable!  Ready to dump NBC because they air Donald Trump's "The Apprentice"?  Start Watching CBS Evening News with Katie Couric (Real News that is Fair).
  • NEW: Boycott "APPLE." For the current owners and the aspiring owners of the I-phone,  Apple allows an application, "The Gay App", which is supposed to help gay individuals turn straight.  This is a step in the wrong direction.  Apple needs to know that the decision to allow this App on their products is a fallacious idea! Update: March 23, 2011:  Apple removed this app from USA stores; but, rumored to have them remain in some foreign stores.  This is offensive not just towards the LGBT community in the USA; but, offensive to  the entire LGBT community around the world.  How does anyone approve such a hateful, despicable app towards the LGBT community? Especially when Gay Teens are killing themselves after being harrassed by their church, parents, as well as  by bully's and teachers at school. The idea that this app was used, solicited is disgusting.  Still "no comment" from APPLE!

And Now, Model Wars!

This group is called "Peckers Pics."  The English -  slang definition of "pecker" is to pluck at the truth. Therefore, we peck at items such as Gay Men's Health, Male Fitness, Gay (LGBT) Politics & Issues.  In this section you may peck at each photo in order to decide the winner of the "war of the fittest!"   Whereas, who is the model that may inspire you to exercise and "get fit?"  Warning: This may stoke you!
 
Your participation in discussion of health / news articles - appearing in this message is greatly appreciated.
 
Sami Eskelin
 
VS
Todd Morgan 
 
You Decide!
Los Angeles, CA - Boys Gone Wild at MJs - April 10, 2011
Stoked?
Los Angeles, CA - Boys Gone Wild at MJs - April 10, 2011
Longtime same-sex couples parade along Ocean Drive for Miami Beach Gay Pride festival
Tens of thousands of gay people and straight allies crowded Ocean Drive on Saturday for the third annual Miami Beach Gay Pride parade and festival.
BY STEVE ROTHAUS - Miami Herald - Apr 16, 2011

Despite floats filled with gorgeous young men and women in skimpy costumes and swimsuits, the big highlight Saturday at the third-annual Miami Beach Gay Pride festival: a parade of vintage cars carrying four-dozen mature, fully dressed, same-sex couples together for decades.

"It's excellent for all of us to get together, so the whole community can see we're just like them," said Greg Griffin, 46, a marketer who walked in the parade with publicist Richard Murry, 51, his partner of 23 years. "It's great to see our straight friends here today. The whole world can see we have friends and families, along with everyone else."

In two years, the four-day Beach festival has become the Big Mama of South Florida gay pride parties. The 2011 parade with 60 entries and floats lasted 90 minutes as it stretched from 5th to 12th streets along Ocean Drive. Floats represented dozens of local businesses and gay groups from throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

"I love it," said Facundo Yebne, 32, a member of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce who represents hotels and apartments in Miami, Buenos Aires and New York City. "Everybody's having fun, people from all over the world."

More than any other gay celebration in South Florida, the Miami Beach pride festival -- which doesn't charge admission to the big Ocean Drive party -- represents the area's vast diversity: men, women, transgender people; lesbian, gay, bisexual and straight; people of different colors, religions and ethnicities; young, middle age and old.

Murry said he and Griffin decided not to ride in the parade and instead march with the LGBT teens from Pridelines Youth Services in Miami Shores.

"It's a way to show the kids that long-term committed relationships are real and are possible," said Murry, a Pridelines board member. "They love it. They are all into it. We get a lot of questions, like 'How to make a relationship work? I just broke up with my boyfriend of three weeks.'"

The long-term "Legacy Couples", as they are called by festival organizers, have been featured in the parade since its 2009 inception.

Alex Febres, an 18-year-old Miami Dade College student and member of Pridelines, said that watching the pairs in the parade "was really cute."

"It was beautiful to see all those couples who have lasted so long," Febres said.

Sherry Roberts, 64, and Alice Randolph, 62, are partners for 28 years. Together they raised three sons.

"We had three children," Roberts said. "Alice has two boys, 41 and 36. They are married with two children each. My son is 40 and he's been with his partner for a little over three years."

Roberts jokes that she and Randolph "stayed together in spite of the kids, not because of the kids."

"It's tough combining any two families, let alone a gay family," she said. "We lived in a very small village in Ohio and it made it even more difficult. But the kids always referred to us as 'the moms.' They'd always say, 'We have to ask the moms.' It's just a great family we have. The three boys think of themselves as brothers and that's how they introduce themselves."

Roberts said she and Randolph have never before been in a gay pride parade.

"When we were asked to participate in this parade a few years ago I was a little leery. They assured us it would be a family affair and that's what it's been," she said. "I get a little teary when I say it: Being in this parade, it's been our pleasure and our honor. We see the young people and what it means to them."

Chuck Hunziker, 78, and Bob Collier, 76, of Fort Lauderdale, have been partners for 48 years.

"We met at a gay beach in Brooklyn on July 4, 1963," he said. "Fireworks. That's how we remember our anniversary date."

Both military veterans, Hunziker said he and Collier "want to be role models for kids starting out today."

"They might not seem hopeful of having a lasting relationship. It is possible," Hunziker said.

Said Collier: "A lot of [the kids] joke that we've been together longer than they've been alive," adding that his straight brother has been married four times. "I'm the more stable one in my marriage."
 
Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges."
....Jake
 
 
 
Important Notice: Our ObamaBiden2008 Group works hand - in - hand with Peckers PICS (Both groups were co-created to work with each-other).  To prevent duplication of articles and questions, all members of this group are expected  to join ObamaBiden2008. It is unfair for members that belong to both groups to hear members of just Peckers PICS (only) to make statements when the ObamaBiden2008 has covered such topics in detail.  Therefore, members need to join ObamaBiden2008  immediately.  This shall clear up communications and confusion.  The LGBT cause is too important and beyond 1 person's need to just look at pictures.   Therefore, please join ObamaBiden2008 now.  No you don't have to read every article! But, it covers the LGBT community and includes updates on Health insurance; LGBT boycott list; Westboro Church; and the end of DADT, etc...Also, updates with the multi - state gov't's war against unions and people with disabilities. The group is created for you!  There are gay teen suicides going on. There are Hate crimes against gay people. There are gays who are fired over their sexual identity.  There are gay people who died for our cause! You always reserve the right to remove yourself from all my groups if you do not appreciate this request.  I have done everything I can and now it is time for you to step up!  My Groups are for Yahoo members who sincerely care about LGBT rights and Gay Mens Health!   Please Join Now!



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All members of "Peckers PICS" are requested to join our "Obama Biden 2008" group as it runs in conjunction to this group.  Both groups shall not repeat articles from one group to another.  However, to gain full knowledge of Gay rights, members must belong to the Obama group as well as this group.  Therefore, please accept your invitation to join. 

To join the Obama group please click (or copy and paste the link into your browser) @  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ObamaBiden2008/join

Thank you!
 

"Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges."

...Jake (Moderator)



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