23 & Me is a DNA Testing and has a Family Tree maker too. This is an interesting study.

 

August 17, 2022

This week, we released a new report (powered by 23andMe Research) on Fibromyalgia for 23andMe+ members.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body. That pain can be intermittent and move to different parts of the body. Fibromyalgia symptoms can also include fatigue, problems sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.

Because of the pain, discomfort, and chronic nature of the condition, people with fibromyalgia often experience depression and anxiety as they cope with their symptoms.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

The causes of fibromyalgia are not well understood, but genetics and other factors influence how likely an individual is to develop the condition.

 Researchers believe people with fibromyalgia have higher pain sensitivity. That may reflect differences in the nervous system for these individuals, especially in the brain and spinal cord.

While the exact causes are not understood, certain non-genetic factors are associated with a higher likelihood of developing the condition. A family history of the condition also increases the odds of developing it. It’s also associated with other health conditions, like depression, viral infection, arthritis, and lupus. Stress or trauma also is associated with higher chances of developing fibromyalgia.

 While the condition can affect people of any age, it tends to develop in middle age. It’s estimated that as many as five million people in the U.S. live with fibromyalgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but it’s also believed that the condition is under-diagnosed, especially in men.

A New Report

Our new report is powered by data from people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research and uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing fibromyalgia.

 This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes 13,040 genetic markers and information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex. In this white paper, you can learn more about the science and methodology behind our new report. 

Managing and Treating Fibromyalgia

Although it’s not life-threatening, fibromyalgia can make day-to-day life difficult.

Beyond the symptoms already described like chronic pain and fatigue, people with the condition also may deal with headaches, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, or even a painful bladder.

Often those with the condition benefit from counseling or participate in support groups as part of a broader effort to manage their fibromyalgia.

In addition, many experts agree that lifestyle habits may help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with fibromyalgia. Regular exercise, good sleep and sleep habits, and stress-reduction or mindfulness techniques have been shown to help manage symptoms.

Learn More

23andMe’s new Fibromyalgia report (powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all 23andMe+ members. To view your report, go here.

Not a 23andMe+ member? To become a 23andMe+ member, or to find out more go here.

The post 23andMe+ Report on Fibromyalgia appeared first on 23&Me Blog.

Melinda

It’s natural to feel lonely when you move to a new city, especially if you move alone and have to start all over again, it’s hard to make friends. With so much going on in these first few weeks, you almost forget that you should have a social life, and by the time you remember, […]

8 Ways To Help You Make Friends In a New City — Olivia Lucie Blake

In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes or questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!

My first pet:

My first failure at school:

My first cooking:

My first smoke:

Enjoy!

Melinda

It takes a village

There is a saying that goes: It takes a village to raise a child. Similarly, it takes a village to support a person in a humanitarian crisis. With record-high humanitarian needs around the world, this year’s World Humanitarian Day (WHD) builds on this metaphor of collective endeavour to grow global appreciation of humanitarian work

Whenever and wherever people are in need, there are others who help them. They are the affected people themselves – always first to respond when disaster strikes – and a global community that supports them as they recover. Far from the spotlight and out of the headlines, they come together to ease suffering and bring hope.

Background

On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day (WHD).

Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.

For this year’s WHD, we show the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work.

WHD is a campaign by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, You Really Reddit.

YouReallyReddit

Amanda Redd holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She is a fourth-grade teacher in Florida. Amongst teaching, she is a wife est. 2013, and a mother of two boys.

Amanda enjoys writing specifically about life experiences that she believes that others can relate to and benefit from.

This blog is a no-judgment zone where you can get an honest take on all things that life throws your way. 

 Be sure to check out her blog.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

Do you want to try and make sure that you are as financially stable as possible? If so, you have come to the right place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the changes you should be making, while also helping you to be much more aware of how your finances are affecting you.

Get an Emergency Fund

You have to do whatever you can to keep your family as secure as possible. The first step here would be for you to build an emergency fund. If you can do this, then you know that if anything happens, you have the money. If you have dependents, then you should think about taking out life insurance and even getting a will. If you need to make some changes here because you are going through a divorce, then it could be worth trying to hire a divorce financial analyst.

Avoid Debt

You have to do what you can to avoid debt where possible. If you have a credit card, a personal loan, or other kinds of debt, then now would be the time for you to try and get a debt elimination plan. You need to arrange your debts from the smallest to the biggest too. You can then focus on paying off the most important ones. When you have cleared one debt, you then need to put that money towards paying off the next one. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to become more financially stable, so be mindful of this if you can.

Use the Envelope System

This is a brilliant way for you to try and keep track of how much money you have when it comes to spending. If you can make three envelopes when it comes to your payday, then you will have one for your groceries, one for your gas, and one for luxuries. If you can withdraw this amount on payday, then you will be able to make sure that you do not go over. If you run out of money, then you will find out immediately and this will help you to no end.

Pay your Bills

You have to pay your bills right away. One very good habit for you to get into would be for you to pay your bills ASAP. You also need to try and have as many of your bills paid automatically, as this will stop you from forgetting about them. Use your bank’s online checking system so you can make a lot of regular payments. If you can do this, then you know that you have everything taken care of and this will work in your favor overall.

Grow your Worth

Another thing that you need to do is try and grow your net worth. One way that you can do this would be for you to reduce your debt while also increasing your savings. Look out for various ways to make money or to get paid more for the work that you do. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to get the result you are looking for.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Recently we have all been hit with rising bill prices, along with petrol and general the cost of living, which is why it’s important now more than ever that we really learn how to get into money saving. 762 more words

My Top 4 Money Saving Tips In 2022 — Olivia Lucie Blake

I want to give a special thanks to Andrea Marchiano at Cherish Editions for sending the book Amie’s Party by Iain Lauchian for review. 

About the Author 

Iain has been an actor and TV presenter. After graduating from art college has been a producer for more than 40 years. 

About the Illustrator

Nik Afia has appeared in many TV dramas, before being the artist on Teletubbies. He went on to character designs and has also presented a number of production well-loved children’s programs. Iain also created Playschool, Fingermouse, and Playdays. 

Blurb

It’s another peaceful day in the village for the Mood Bears – until Happy Bear spots a yellow cloud on the horizon and knows someone needs her help. The cloud takes Happy Bear to Amie, who feels lonely and sad after moving to a new flat far away from her friends. She has no one to celebrate her birthday with her, either. So, Happy Bear throws a party for Amie’s big day and invites some very special guests to remind her that she is never alone.

Amie’s Party is a sensitively written and beautifully illustrated children’s book, designed to help children deal with change and feelings of loneliness.

My Thoughts

This is an excellent Children’s book. I love how they dig deep into the emotions and provide a dialog to help children work thru their emotions. 

I am so happy to see children’s books that are focused on children’s mental health. Children can learn at a very young age about emotions. This knowledge will help them thru every stage in life.

The Mood Bears are ingenious and in Amie’s case, Happy Bear comes to her rescue in a big way as she’s feeling lonely and friendless after moving. 

The book discusses emotions like loneliness and how to deal with change. Amie’s Party is the perfect book for parents, grandparents, and teachers alike. I believe if we start teaching our children about emotions at a young age it will build a foundation for them to build on as they age. 

The book is beautifully illustrated and kids will instantly relate to the story. 

Cherish Editions

Cherish Editions is the self-publishing division of the TriggerHub group, the world’s leading platform for books that encourage mental health recovery and wellbeing.

We are experienced in creating and selling positive, responsible, important and inspirational books, which work to de-stigmatise the issues around mental health, as well as helping people who read them to maintain and improve their mental health and wellbeing. By choosing to publish through Cherish Editions, you will get the expertise of the dedicated TriggerHub Team at every step of the process.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight