Stay Positive


"In the midst of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."

- Alert Camus








Monday, September 15, 2025

New pill being tested to help the brain heal




This could be a game changer:


New pill being tested to help the brain heal


Ai Pro
A new pill is currently being tested in clinical trials to help the brain heal after injury or trauma. This pill works by promoting the growth of new brain cells and reducing inflammation in the brain, which can aid in the recovery process.

Early results from the trials are promising, with patients experiencing improvements in cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health. Researchers are hopeful that this pill could be a game-changer in the treatment of brain injuries and other neurological conditions.

If successful, this new pill could offer hope to the millions of people around the world who suffer from brain injuries and neurological disorders. Further research is ongoing, but the outlook is positive for this innovative new treatment.


 

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Self Care

 



"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." — Jim Rohn


Monday, September 8, 2025

Quotes and Encouraging Words

 


SINCE LIVING WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS LIKE MS IS LIKE LIVING IN A PRISON, THESE QUOTES CAN COMFORT THOSE PEOPLE AS WELL.


  Quotes and Encouraging Words for Someone in Prison


Being in jail or prison can be an incredibly isolating and challenging experience, often marked by feelings of despair, regret, or loneliness.

During these times, words of encouragement can serve as a powerful source of comfort and hope.

They remind individuals that change, growth, and a brighter future is always possible.

Supportive and uplifting words can provide the motivation needed to face  struggles and work toward personal transformation.

Quotes offer a way to express understanding, compassion, and hope. These words remind inmates that their identity is not confined to their mistakes, and that growth, redemption, and second chances are always possible.

 

“Hate the sin, love the sinner.” – Mahatma Gandhi 

“Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.” – Voltaire 

“The hardest prison to escape is your own mind.” – Bob Marley

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot 

“Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” – Oscar Wilde 

“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can, and no one may.” – Buddha 

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche 

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt 

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis 

“Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them.” – Bruce Lee 

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King Jr. 

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke 

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” – Nido Qubein 

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Inspirational quotes for prisoners emphasize resilience, self-discovery, and the power of perseverance. They remind individuals that adversity can shape strength, that mistakes are stepping stones to growth, and that a brighter future is always within reach.

These words encourage prisoners to find purpose in their journey, and to believe in their ability to rise above current challenges with courage and determination.

“You are not defined by your worst moment.” – Bryan Stevenson 

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls.” – Khalil Gibran 

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West 

“It is in the darkest hour that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle 

“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” – Epictetus 

“There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future.” – Augustine of Hippo 

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling 

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis 

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius 

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu

“Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.” – Tori Amos 

“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” – Napoleon Hill 




Sunday, September 7, 2025

An Alzheimer's researcher shares 1 daily supplement and 1 mantra he recommends to everyone for brain health

 Dr. Rudolph Tanzi takes multiple supplements to reduce brain aging.  

As the brain ages, protein buildup and inflammation are linked to conditions like Alzheimer's.

Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, a brain aging researcher, takes supplements like omega-3 and cat's claw extract.

He participated in creating or advising on most of the supplements he takes.

If Dr. Rudolph Tanzi has learned anything from his many years of research, it is that nothing helps the brain more than healthy habits.

"Even if you're taking supplements, nothing substitutes for lifestyle," Tanzi, the director of Genetics and Aging Research at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of child neurology at Harvard Medical School, told Business Insider.


Tanzi, who is entering clinical trials for his own supplement brand CogniSHIELD, said "SHIELD" is a reference to an acronym he came up with to encourage good brain health and potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and other cognitive issues down the road.


He shared why he recommends SHIELD to everyone and one daily supplement he takes to boost his brain health.


A mantra for great brain health

Tanzi broke down what SHIELD stands for:


Sleep for 7-8 hours a night to clear harmful protein buildup, such as amyloid plaques. "The faster you make amyloid, the sooner you get Alzheimer's," Tanzi said.

Handle stress. "Chronic stress causes chronic inflammation," he said. Being more mindful can reduce the chances of cognitive decline.

Interact with others. Loneliness negatively impacts the brain — and increases the risk of Alzheimer's "twofold," Tanzi said.

Exercise to encourage nerve cell growth and dissolve amyloid buildup.

Learn new things. "The more synapses you make in life, it's like money in the bank," Tanzi said. Keeping busy and having hobbies are also linked to greater longevity.

Diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. Tanzi recommended focusing on plants to balance the gut microbiome. While Tanzi said more research is needed to understand why a healthy gut is linked to the removal of amyloid, he said a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains definitely helps.

He takes omega-3 for slower brain aging

Omega-3 can naturally be found in foods like salmon, anchovies, walnuts, and chia seeds. 

 Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits, such as lowering inflammation and reducing the risk of blood clots.

Mounting evidence suggests those effects confer anti-aging benefits. For example, in a 2025 study of 777 participants, those who took a gram of omega-3 a day experienced slower brain aging. The effect was more pronounced for people who also exercised and took vitamin D supplements.

Approximately 3/4 of a million Canadians are living with dementia

Dealing with the symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia

While omega-3 can be found in foods like salmon and chia seeds, taking supplements like fish oil can help make up for any dietary deficits.

Tanzi, a vegetarian, takes daily vegan omega-3 supplements made from algae. For people looking into fish oil supplements, he advised doing research on the brand.

He said he likes brands like Centrum and Nordic Naturals (he has no affiliations with either) because of their distilling processes.

"Oceans, unfortunately, are filthy," he said. Some companies may not be adequately filtering their fish oil to get toxic heavy metals like mercury or cadmium out. "If you're buying fish oil capsules and they're not double- or triple-distilled, you may be doing more harm than good."


 

Story by jpugachevsky@businessinsider.com (Julia Pugachevsky) 



Friday, September 5, 2025

8th Gemini answer regarding success and a Plan

  


Gemini 

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure."

Can you expand more and improve your answer?

This quote, attributed to Colin Powell, is a powerful and timeless statement about the nature of success. Its simplicity is its strength, but you can certainly expand upon its core principles to make it even more comprehensive and actionable.


Here's an expanded version that builds on the original:


"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. To this, we must also add persistence, the courage to take calculated risks, and the humility to constantly seek knowledge and feedback. Success is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth, resilience, and adaptability."


Here's a breakdown of the new elements:


Persistence: This is a crucial addition. Hard work is a burst of effort, but persistence is the long-term, unyielding commitment to a goal, especially in the face of indifference or opposition. It's what keeps you going when progress is slow.


The courage to take calculated risks: True success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. This addition acknowledges that preparation and hard work must be paired with the boldness to act on your plans and seize opportunities, even when there's a chance of failure. It's about being smart, not reckless.


The humility to constantly seek knowledge and feedback: No matter how prepared you are or how hard you work, you don't know everything. This element emphasizes that a truly successful person is never satisfied with their current level of understanding. They actively seek out new information and are open to constructive criticism, which is essential for continuous improvement.


Success is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth, resilience, and adaptability: This concluding thought encapsulates the entire philosophy. It moves the concept of success from a single event to an ongoing process. It highlights that the ability to grow from every experience (growth), bounce back from setbacks (resilience), and adjust to new circumstances (adaptability) are the true markers of a successful life, not just a successful outcome.



Outline a plan to succeed as a blogger designing a lifestyle working around a chronic progressive ddisease mltiple sclerosis


A Sustainable Blogging Plan for Living with Multiple Sclerosis

This outline provides a strategic framework for building a successful blog while managing the unpredictable nature of Multiple Sclerosis. The core principle is to prioritize health and energy, not just productivity.


Part 1: Foundation & Mindset

1. The Mindset of Adaptability

Acceptance and Flexibility: Understand that your energy levels will fluctuate. Acknowledge that a "productive day" might mean one paragraph or one email, and a "low-energy day" is for rest, not guilt.


Prioritize Health: Your blog is your business, but your health is your foundation. Never sacrifice rest or medical appointments for a deadline. This is non-negotiable for long-term success.


Leverage Your Unique Voice: Your experience with MS is a powerful asset. Your authenticity and vulnerability can build a deep, loyal community. Don't hide the disease; let it inform your perspective.


2. Choosing Your Niche

The "Spoonie" Niche: You can directly address life with chronic illness. Topics can include:


Practical tips for managing symptoms (e.g., cooking with fatigue, adapting your home).


Sharing your journey and personal stories.


Reviews of products that improve quality of life.


Advocacy and awareness.


The "Passion" Niche: Choose a topic you genuinely love that is also manageable. This could be a low-stress hobby like reading, gardening (with adaptations), or a specific type of art. Your chronic illness can inform this niche without being the central topic (e.g., "Gardening for a Better Life, One Plant at a Time" with a focus on accessible techniques).


Part 2: Sustainable Workflow & Content Creation

1. The "Low-Effort" Content Calendar

Batching is Your Best Friend: Dedicate your high-energy days to specific, focused tasks. Instead of writing, editing, and promoting a single post in one day, try to:


Day 1 (High Energy): Brainstorm 10-20 blog post titles and outline 3-5 of them.


Day 2 (Medium Energy): Write the first draft of one or two posts. Don't worry about editing.


Day 3 (Low Energy): Edit a previously written post, or schedule social media posts for the week.


Create "Evergreen" Content: Focus on content that is always relevant and doesn't need constant updating. This reduces pressure during a flare-up.


Have Go-To Low-Effort Formats:


Curated Lists: "5 Great Books for a Rest Day" or "The Best YouTube Channels for Gentle Workouts."


Short-form Content: Short, personal reflections or a quick tip.


Affiliate Link Roundups: Share products you genuinely use and love. This can be done with minimal writing.


2. Tools for Minimizing Effort

Scheduling Tools: Use a platform like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later to schedule social media posts in advance. You can create a month's worth of content in one sitting on a good day.


Voice-to-Text Software: Use a tool like Google Docs' Voice Typing or Dragon NaturallySpeaking. This can be a game-changer if typing is a strain.


Project Management Apps: Utilize Trello, Asana, or a simple spreadsheet to track ideas, drafts, and deadlines. This reduces cognitive fog and the mental load of remembering tasks.


Part 3: Community & Monetization

1. Building a Supportive Community

Authenticity Over Everything: Your readers will connect with your honesty. Sharing your struggles and triumphs builds trust and empathy.


Manage Engagement with Boundaries: You don't have to respond to every single comment or email. Set aside a specific, limited amount of time each week for engagement to prevent burnout.


Collaborate with Fellow "Spoonie" Bloggers: Partnering with other bloggers in the chronic illness community can grow your audience without requiring excessive personal effort.


2. Monetizing with Minimal Real-Time Effort

Affiliate Marketing: This is the most sustainable option for a fluctuating energy level. You earn a commission by recommending products you already use and love. Once the blog post is live, it generates passive income. Amazon Associates is a popular and easy starting point.


Display Advertising: Once your blog reaches a certain traffic threshold, you can sign up for ad networks like Mediavine or AdThrive. This is a truly passive income stream that requires no real-time work.


Digital Products: Create and sell a downloadable product that only needs to be made once. Examples include:


An e-book on a specific topic (e.g., a cookbook for low-energy days).


Printable planners, journals, or checklists.


A short, pre-recorded video course.



Saturday, May 10, 2025

| A breath-based breakthrough in MS research | Valerie Verge


A breath-based breakthrough in MS research  
Valerie Verge 
TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan

Nervous system damage is a leading cause of pain and loss of function in those with nerve injury or autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

In the quest to reverse this damage and improve patient quality of life, we and other neuroscientists are exploring the benefits of adaptive stress—like that of exercise or electrical nerve stimulation—on enhancing nervous system repair. 

Most recently, our research team has achieved exciting and encouraging findings behind the potential of a non-invasive approach called Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH). Using the power of breathing alternating levels of oxygen and a healthy dose of neuroscience, we are at the forefront of exciting new and accessible treatments for significantly enhancing nervous system repair. 


Dr. Valerie Verge (PhD) is a professor in the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology and director of the Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre. 

She earned her PhD at McGill University in 1990 in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and conducted postdoctoral studies at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm prior to her appointment in 1992 at the University of Saskatchewan.

She has received many accolades, including being a Medical Research Council of Canada Scholar, Past President of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience and was named by MS Canada as being the 2019 Women against MS honouree.

 Dr. Verge is internationally recognized for her team’s research into the molecular basis of nervous system repair and strategies to enhance the intrinsic capacity for repair in peripheral nerve injury and Multiple Sclerosis. 

She has taken on many national and international leadership and advocacy roles and been named to Stanford University’s list of top 2% of most highly cited scientists worldwide. 
 

https://youtu.be/5OHK9FDyxYs?si=KiXkgj9MLGToSYYe




Wednesday, April 9, 2025

DeepSeek writes a listicle defining multiple sclerosis

 

 


write a listicle defining multiple sclerosis

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: 10 Key Facts About This Chronic Disease

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s a well-known disease, many misconceptions still exist. Here’s a breakdown of what MS is, its symptoms, causes, and treatments.

1. What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath—the protective covering around nerve fibers in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms.

2. Types of Multiple Sclerosis

There are four main types of MS:

  • Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) – The most common form (85% of cases), characterized by flare-ups (relapses) followed by periods of recovery (remission).

  • Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) – Follows RRMS, with symptoms gradually worsening over time.

  • Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) – A steady progression of symptoms from onset, without relapses or remissions (about 10-15% of cases).

  • Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS) – A rare form with steady worsening symptoms and occasional relapses.

3. Common Symptoms of MS

MS symptoms vary widely but may include:

  • Fatigue

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Muscle weakness or spasms

  • Balance and coordination problems

  • Blurred or double vision

  • Cognitive difficulties (memory, focus)

  • Bladder/bowel dysfunction

4. What Causes MS?

The exact cause is unknown, but research suggests a combination of factors:

  • Autoimmune dysfunction (immune system attacks myelin)

  • Genetics (family history increases risk)

  • Environmental triggers (low vitamin D, smoking, viral infections like Epstein-Barr)

5. Who Gets MS?

  • Most diagnosed between ages 20-50

  • Women are 2-3 times more likely to develop MS than men

  • More common in colder climates (farther from the equator)

6. How Is MS Diagnosed?

No single test confirms MS. Diagnosis involves:

  • MRI scans (to detect brain/spinal cord lesions)

  • Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) (checks for abnormal proteins)

  • Evoked potential tests (measures nerve signal speed)

7. Treatment Options

While there’s no cure, treatments help manage symptoms and slow progression:

  • Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) – Reduce relapses (e.g., Ocrevus, Tysabri)

  • Steroids – Short-term relief for flare-ups

  • Symptom management – Physical therapy, muscle relaxants, fatigue treatments

  • Lifestyle changes – Exercise, stress management, healthy diet

8. Can MS Be Prevented?

Since the cause is unclear, prevention isn’t guaranteed, but these may help:

  • Vitamin D supplementation

  • Avoiding smoking

  • Managing stress and infections

9. Living With MS

Many people with MS lead active lives with proper care. Advances in treatment have improved life expectancy and quality of life.

10. Research & Hope for the Future

Scientists are exploring stem cell therapymyelin repair strategies, and new immunotherapies to reverse damage and stop MS progression.

Final Thoughts

Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong condition, but with early diagnosis and treatment, many people manage symptoms effectively. Increased awareness and research continue to bring hope for better therapies and, one day, a cure.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect of MS? Let me know!


https://chat.deepseek.com/a/chat/s/7c7576e1-27ae-4d68-b92a-e0104fcc527b



Saturday, December 28, 2024

Ambition by AI

  

You said:

I am a 72 year ld man with multiple sclerosis and multiple joint replacements but I have an urge to do something meaningful with my life in spite of all the barries.  Can you make a suggestion?


ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

It's deeply inspiring that you want to pursue something meaningful despite the challenges you face. There are many ways to make a lasting impact, tailored to your interests, abilities, and experiences. Here are a few suggestions to consider:


1. Share Your Wisdom and Life Experience

Mentoring or Teaching: Offer guidance to young people, professionals, or others facing adversity. Share lessons from your life or career to inspire and support others.

Writing: Write a memoir, blog, or even short articles about your journey, lessons learned, or topics you're passionate about. Your story could resonate with and empower others.

2. Advocate for a Cause

Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy: Use your voice to raise awareness, fundraise, or advocate for better resources and support for people with MS. Organizations like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society often seek volunteers and ambassadors.

Disability Rights: Advocate for greater accessibility and inclusivity in your community. Your firsthand experience could make you a powerful advocate.

3. Create or Contribute to a Project

Start a Local Initiative: Organize something meaningful in your community, like a support group for people with chronic illnesses or seniors facing isolation.

Contribute Remotely: Join virtual volunteering opportunities, such as mentoring, tutoring, or contributing skills like writing, editing, or designing for non-profits.

4. Embrace Creativity

Art or Music: Explore painting, writing poetry, or playing music as a way to express yourself and inspire others. Sharing your creations could bring joy to many.

Gardening or Crafting: If mobility allows, these can be therapeutic and meaningful hobbies, especially if you donate or sell your creations for a cause.

5. Focus on Relationships and Legacy

Strengthen Personal Connections: Spend time fostering meaningful relationships with family and friends. Share your stories, values, and love.

Ethical Will or Legacy Project: Create a document or project to pass down your values, advice, and hopes for the next generation.

6. Volunteer from Home

Many organizations offer virtual volunteering opportunities. Examples include:

Crisis Text Line: Help people in emotional distress (training provided).

Be My Eyes: Assist visually impaired people with everyday tasks via an app.

Transcription Projects: Help museums, libraries, or historical societies transcribe documents for accessibility.

7. Inspire and Motivate

Public Speaking: Share your journey and insights with others, inspiring them to overcome their own obstacles.

Social Media Presence: Use platforms to advocate for causes, educate, or inspire through your experiences and insights.

8. Lifelong Learning

Enroll in Online Courses: Explore subjects that interest you, from philosophy to technology. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy offer accessible options.

Explore Spirituality or Philosophy: Deepen your understanding of life's purpose, helping you and others find meaning.

9. Support Charitable Work

Philanthropy: If financially feasible, fund scholarships, medical research, or local community projects.

Volunteer Time: Offer administrative or creative skills to charities, even remotely.

10. Take Care of Yourself While Making an Impact

Your health and energy levels might vary, so choose endeavors that align with your physical abilities and mental well-being. Even small, consistent actions can have a profound impact.




Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Life Is Short




  


 

 Dr. McGarey shares her six actionable secrets to enjoying lives that are long, happy, and purpose-driven:


-Spend your energy wildly: How to embrace your life fully and feel motivated every day.


-All life needs to move: How to move—spiritually, mentally, and physically—to help let go of trauma and other roadblocks.


-You are here for a reason: How to find the everyday “juice” that helps you stay oriented in your life’s purpose.


-You are never alone: How to build a community that’s meaningful to you.


-Everything is your teacher: Discover the deep learnings that come from pain and setbacks.


-Love is the most powerful medicine: Learn to love yourself—and others—into healing.


Life Is Short: 103-Year-Old Shares 5 Lessons For The Next 50 Years Of Your Life | Gladys McGarey




Thursday, November 7, 2024

Remind yourself that with hope there is always a way through the pain.

 


Keep feelings of hopelessness at bay. Remind yourself that with hope there is always a way through the pain.


“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope" 

M.L. King


“What gives me hope in these tenuous times is the knowledge that there is precedent for change and there’s precedent for hope. Hope has bred change again and again.” 

Ava DuVernay 


"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."

 Desmond Tutu 


“You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once, but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have. Because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own." 

Mrs. Michelle Obama 


“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." 

Helen Keller 


"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird, that cannot fly," 

Langston Hughes 


“The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope."

Barbara Kingsolver 


Charlie Munger liked to say, "Envy is a really stupid sin because it’s the only one you could never possibly have any fun at."