I recently completed my Intrinsic Coach program.

SHARON OSTALECKI, PHD.,IC

Why is intrinsic so important? Once you know it, it creates healthier people, healthier organizations, and a healthier world and it lasts.  It is a wonderful way to discuss some of the challenges living with chronic pain.

Are you ready to get unstuck and to move forward in your life with a slimmed down, firmed up physique, outrageous energy and a sharp, focused mind?

Are you ready to live your life knowing that the rest of your life can be the best of your life?

One-on-one coaching is one of the quickest and most effective ways to transform virtually any aspect of your life. You can finally have the structure, accountability, expertise, and inspiration to get the results that may have been eluding you.  Location is not a limiting factor — sessions are done by telephone from the comfort and convenience of your home or office — no time wasted traveling.

My area of expertise is Fibromyalgia & my coaching will help you understand the many areas of your life & struggles you face.

To schedule a free 20 minute session, email me : hope@hffcf.org

Sharon Ostalecki, PhD & Nathan Worthing, PharmD & Ed Salamen, PharmD.

Our podcast series continues with a great group of professionals & a library of information for patients & professionals.

Visit out podcast library- http://www.hffcf.org/hope-membership/

Sharon

Sharon Ostalecki, PhD &  Dr. Ghabi Kaspo, DDS

Our podcast series continues with a great group of professionals & a library of information for patients & professionals.

Visit out podcast library- http://www.hffcf.org/hope-membership/

Sharon

Sharon Ostalecki, PhD &  Timothy Roehrs, PhD

Our podcast series continues with a great group of professionals & a library of information for patients & professionals.

Visit out podcast library- http://www.hffcf.org/hope-membership/

Sharon

  Sharon Ostalecki, PhD- Executive Director, H.O.P.E.
Panelists include:
Lynn Lipman,Robert Brill, Michelle Zonca,Sarah Lorenz and Doina Brisan

Please join our membership page to hear all of our recent podcasts.

http://www.hffcf.org/hope-membership

Sharon

Sharon Ostalecki, PhD & Dr. Sander Paul

Dr. Paul discusses: Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto disease, Subclinical Hypothyroidism & Adrenal Disease .

Sharon Ostalecki, PhD & Dr. Randy Houdek

Dr. Houdek discusses visual problems common to Fibromyalgia patients.

Elaine Kissel, PhD & Sharon Ostalecki, PhD

Elaine Kissel discusses the use of hypnosis  for pain & insomnia.  A wonderful podcast full of insight & strategies.

People who sleep only a few hours a night are more likely to be sleep-deprived, and there’s no doubt that sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on health. We know from studies that, as a rule, the less people sleep, the likelier they are to become obese, and as a result, be at increased risk of a long list of diseases.

Fibromyalgia people universally suffer from sleep deprivation.  I use this approach & it helps me wind down, at night.

“Power Down Hour”

-set your alarm clock for one hour before your set bedtime; so for you, this would be 10 PM.

-at that time, all media is shut off, (computer, TV, cell phone); by the way, none of these things should be in your bedroom anyway!

-dedicate the first 15-20 minutes of your Power Down hour to personal hygiene activities, (this is a great time to do a facial mask, self-massage, flossing your teeth!)

-then spend 5-10 minutes doing some relaxing stretches or restorative yoga poses, (e.g. forward bends)

-if you are inclined to do meditation, prayer or journaling, spend the remaining time of your Power Down hour on these activities. You can also do some “light” reading but it must be something that does not require too much thought or is too stimulating.

I find that I am typically ready to close my eyes by the time I get to the stretching.

By practicing a regular bed-time routine, you will find your body automatically shifts into sleep-time gear and it becomes easier to fall asleep. Of course, there may be nights when “something happens” but adding a soothing cup of herbal tea or warm oil self-massage is a great way to remind your body that whatever agitations have your mind will keep until the morning.

Do you have any tips that would be helpful to us in getting a good nights sleep?

I learned a tremendous amount on Acupuncture from Mitch Elkiss, DO. This podcast will help you understand the path that led to illness & that will lead us back to wellness.  It explains how Acupuncture works, step by step explanation of an Acupunctures session & the advantages of Acupuncture.   Make sure you have pen & paper handy to write down needed information, when listening to this podcast.

Sharon Ostalecki, PhD & Mitch Elkiss, DO

You can hear HOPE’s podcast series through our member page @ http://www.hffcf.org/hope-membership/ Upcoming podcast will include: hypnosis, biofeedback, Heart rate variability with biofeedback, sleep, and updates on the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Sharon

I have been asked to repost this for the newly diagnosed patients.

If you have Fibromyalgia you know about Tender Points. I thought many of us would enjoy reading a description of the tender points, in lay man’s terms.

There are nine pairs of tender points. Each pair has one point on each side of the body, for a total of 18 points.

1. Just behind the ear where the neck muscles attach to the base of the skull.
2. About half way between the base of the neck and the tip of the shoulder.
3. At the spot where the back muscles attach to the shoulder blade, just below the second tender point.
4. On the front of the neck above the collarbone.
5. Just to the right and left of the breastbone (sternum) about two inches (5.08 cm) below the collarbone.
6. On each forearm just below and to the outside of the crease of the elbow.
7. Just above and to the outer right and left of each buttock.
8. On the outer upper leg just behind the bony part of the hip (this point is easier to find when standing).
9. On the inside of each knee.

Sharon

This week was exhausting for me, but very worthwhile.  One of my many projects involving my committment to helping those with fibromyalgia, is our Fibromyalgia Buddy Program.  This week we held our first training program, attended by males, females & young people totally dedicated to helping those living with the condition.  Some have fibromyalgia & a few were daughters & spouses committed to helping others in their journey.

It was a wonderful evening filled with learning, modeling, questions & answers.  Upon completing the training this group of buddies will be matched with newly diagnosed patients to support & help them in their journey with fibromyalgia.  And in a few months we will begin to train another group of volunteers, for the program.  I am very proud of this new program we have created.  Physicians have contacted me eager to have the information for their patients.

Fibromyalgia Buddy volunteer program training.

One of the presenters, at our training,  spoke on education.  Education oneself about Fibromyalgia, or any other disease, is synonymous with empowering.  Fibromyalgia is not only an enigma to patients, families, but also the medical community. As patients we must be open to discussing questions and concerns with our health care providers.

Today I had the opportunity to interview Michael Angelo Caruso & Gary Bimberg, for our members section podcasts.

Michael spoke on stress in our lives- how to handle this stress of pain, everday living & distinguishing the, “good” stress from the “bad” stress.  The podcast is filled with many helpful tips.

Gary Bimberg is a disability attorney, in the Michigan area but his practice is nationwide.  He explains the disability process from the beginning to the end answering the most common questions, “why was I denied”, “how long is the process going to take”,  “how to I get my physicians to fill out the mound of paper work,” the podcast answers so many of the questions most patients ask at support groups, on disability.

Once again, Education oneself about Fibromyalgia, or any other disease, is synonymous with empowering. And these podcast are a great & easy way to educate yourself on many different aspects of fibromyalgia.

If you would like to hear these podcast & many more, in the upcoming future,  please join HOPE’s membership at: http://www.hffcf.org/hope-membership/

Sharon Ostalecki & Michael Angelo Caruso

Sharon Ostalecki & Gary Bimberg