Ten million people in the United States shake due to essential tremor. It is a syndrome with no cure yet. Medications and procedures can calm some tremors, but not all. Those of us with ET have to learn to live with it and find unique ways to deal with it.
 
My essential tremor reared its ugly head during my freshman year at college. No insecure, very shy, introverted girl wants to hear a voice behind her say, “Hey, girl, what’s wrong with you? Are you scared?” No, I wasn’t scared, just having a tremor beginning from an unknown source and terribly embarrassed.
As with most cases, my ET progressed. My head shivered back and forth as if I were constantly telling everyone, “No, no.” Nevertheless, I incorporated it into my life and prayed each day that IT wouldn’t be noticeable or IT would go away. I got married, had a daughter, taught school for twenty-seven years, and at the age of 48 retired early and enrolled in seminary. Not because I wanted to become a student again, but because God was calling me. After graduation I was ordained and pastored in six different churches in twenty-four years. Yes, I stood in front of classrooms and congregations to teach and preach. I explained ET, but didn’t dwell on it. Sixty years of tremors in my head and now it is starting in my hands. Many of you can relate to that.
 
One of my most embarrassing ET moments was at age 75 sitting next to my 104-year-old mother-in-law at her assisted living home. We were listening to an older man entertaining the small crowd with music. After a short time he told everyone to lift their hands and sway them side to side. My mother-in-law and I chose not to follow the instructions. He looked at me, saw my essential tremor head indicating no, no, and he stopped singing. He said, “No, we can’t do that! She says no.” I tried to hold my head steadier with little success. Several more times he stopped and pointed at me, so everyone turned to stare and see who was “disobeying.” Embarrassment and a little bit of anger. After the performance I did talk to him quietly. It may have embarrassed him, but I hoped he would not do that with anyone else in his audiences. Ten years ago I would have kept quiet and told myself to “suck it up, cupcake.” Not anymore.
 
Do you wonder why we don’t see many others with essential tremor in stores or on the sidewalk? Where are the other 9,999,999 of us? The best place to find others is in a support group.
 
After my second retirement, I began in earnest to write fiction books. I have two fictional series, several stand-alone books, devotionals and Bible studies, and one children’s picture book.

  Why Give to DSF?
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• DSF Global ET Awareness Program Team DSF Global ET Awareness Program will bring the term Essential Tremor along with education and awareness to the world.
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: The Family Assistance Program is a short-term program that will assist families in finding new jobs, learn new skills, feed their families, pay their mortgage/rent and medical bills, The Program is designed to help people who lose their jobs or have a hardship because they have uncontrollable tremors. The DSF Family Assistance Program, which is the first of its kind for families suffering from hardships related to Essential Tremor, is designed as a short-term assistance program while families reestablish their income and health needs.
• DSF MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM: Team DSF Medical Research Program is set-up to reveal the latest treatments for Essential Tremor whether it is the cutting-edge medications or surgeries and to find a cure for ET. DSF is determined to advance treatments that can slow, stop, or reverse the progression of Essential Tremor.
• DSF EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE PROGRAM: DSF Educational Initiative includes educating our school systems about Essential Tremor. Team DSF is working with Legislators and Educators on a pilot program to inform Principals, Teachers, and school Nurses about Essential Tremor. Helping them to identify and become aware of symptoms of ET in Children in their classrooms. Recent research indicates that 5 out of every 100 children under the age of 20 has Essential Tremor. That number is staggering, and represents a significant increase in the incidence of ET in children from even ten years ago.
• STOP ET BULLYING PROGRAM: Team DSF is adamant to stop the bullying of people afflicted with ET, not only children but people of all ages. ET is disability and the world needs to be educated. Most people don’t understand ET so it brings on bulling because of ignorance.
• SUICIDE AWARENESS ET PROGRAM: Find Hope & Recovery You aren’t alone. DSF is committed to help people who live each day with tremors find hope and recovery in their lives
• DSF cares: We will make a difference since Diann Shaddox/Founder has ET.
• DSF’s Board is made up of Financial experts, doctors, and people living with ET, who care about finding a cause and cure for Essential Tremors and making a difference in millions of people’s lives.

DSF’s Mission: Our mission is clear to find a cure for Essential Tremors
 

• DSF is working with people of all ages, all genders, and all ethnic groups.

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• We at DSF believe we can make a difference in millions of people’s lives and directly change the future for everyone who will inherit or develop Essential Tremors. We want to show that Essential Tremors isn’t just for the elderly, but children of all ages have ET. We can bring people out of hiding and educate teachers so children and teens aren’t bullied about their tremors. The stories are endless from people struggling with depression and living with ET.

 

Because of you, DSF will lead the way on how the world understands ET and find a cure through new research. Together we can make a difference in millions of people’s lives. We can help prevent bullying, feed a family, bring awareness to ET suicide, and find a cure. Help us speed new treatments to end Essential Tremors. Donate

DSF does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or disability? 

DSF does not offer medical advice or recommendations and individuals should not rely on the information posted on this Website as a substitute for consultations with qualified health care professionals who are familiar with individual medical conditions and needs. The Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremors strongly recommends that care and treatment decisions related to Essential Tremors and any other neurological condition be made in consultation with a patient's physician or other qualified health care professionals who are familiar with the individual's specific health situation.

​The Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor operates on it’s on. All our donations go to DSF programs.
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It took me 3 years and 7 doctors to figure out what was wrong with me.

My name is Theresa McFadden and this is my ET Story

I started with internal tremors, so I didn't know how to explain what was wrong with me (because I never heard of such a thing, no one in my family had it). I was diagnosed with anxiety (well who wouldn't have anxiety not knowing what was going on with your own body), depression (I wasn't depressed just worried) Went to see my 6th doctor who was trying really hard to find out what was wrong. My next visit I went because my voice started with a "quiver". So he was thinking MS (but that was questionable). He sent me to the RIGHT Neurologist. I lived on the couch for 3 years and thanks to my Neurologist I have some what of a life back.


Our Stories Living with ET

​“No one knows Essential Tremors better than those who are living with it.” 

Stress & Anxiety living with Essential Tremor (ET)
Living with ET can be a social nightmare. Being out in public can be embarrassing and cause more stress and anxiety. Simple things like holding a glass, eating, and even walking with balance issues can make you feel uncomfortable.

The answer for most people is to try to hide their tremoring hands or just stay home.

So how do you manage your life after ET invades and takes over your body?

• One of the first things is to relax. Easier said than done, well it doesn’t have to be that difficult. Stop trying to hide your tremors and tell people what ET is. Take time for yourself and find a spot where you feel calm.

 

• Try not to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Try to prepare. Think about if you are going to lunch with friends have one of them assist you. If you have a doctor appointment have someone fill out the paperwork ahead of time or ask a nurse to help. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

 

• Join a local support group if you can. That will help you socialize and take away some of the anxiety and stress going out. If you don’t have a local ET group join an online group. Team DSF does have a private Facebook support group.
• Essential Tremor Worldwide Support Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/228566427550821/

 

•  Last but not least. Laughter can be the best medicine. Relax and don’t think everyone is laughing at you but you can let them  laugh with you. The old joke that living with ET you have to have your green peas with mash potatoes does ring true. It is also alright to use a form of a sippy cup when you are out in public.

 
What works for some may not work for everyone when you are dealing with stress & Anxiety.

Take time to find what works best for you. Don’t let ET define you or limit you activities.
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​By Team DSF

Essential Tremor vs Parkinson’s
 
To distinguish between the two diseases, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders will perform neurological testing and evaluate features of the tremor including frequency, amplitude, pattern, and distribution. 
 
Parkinson's disease is much less common than essential tremor, and it presents itself in markedly different ways, however there are similarities. While treatments overlap in some areas, getting the best care requires the right diagnosis. The two conditions have key differences to look for:
     
Below are some of the differences & resemblances between the two diseases: 
 
Essential Tremor

• Affects hands, head and voice,
• Onset can occur at any age,
• Family history in >50% of patients.
• Action tremor. However, rest tremor has been reported with more severe disease and longer disease duration in various studies.
• Usually affects both sides of the body, but commonly starts in one hand
• Jaw Tremor may occur; jaw tremor in ET is more typically a postural or kinetic tremor rather than a rest tremor.
• Alcohol often improves tremor

 
Parkinson’s

• Affects hands and legs, but rarely head and voice.
• Onset generally around 60.
• Rarely family history.
• Resting tremor. However, postural tremor has been reported in patients with PD, especially young patients.
• Tremors usually start on one side of the body, commonly in the hands, and progress to the other side.
• Jaw tremor may occur

• No effect on consumption of alcohol

(1) Resting tremor occurs when the muscle is relaxed, such as when the hands are resting on the lap. With this disorder, a person’s hands, arms, or legs may shake even when they are at rest. Often, the tremor only affects the hand or fingers. This type of tremor is often seen in people with Parkinson’s disease and is called a “pillrolling” tremor because the circular finger and hand movements resemble rolling of small objects or pills in the hand.  
Action tremor occurs with the voluntary movement of a muscle. Most types of tremor are considered action tremor. There are several sub-classifications of action tremor, many of which overlap.

• Postural tremor occurs when a person maintains a position against gravity, such as holding the arms outstretched.
• Kinetic tremor is associated with any voluntary movement, such as moving the wrists up and down or closing and opening the eyes.
• Intention tremor is produced with purposeful movement toward a target, such as lifting a finger to touch the nose.  Typically the tremor will become worse as an individual gets closer to their target.
• Task-specific tremor only appears when performing highly-skilled, goal-oriented tasks such as handwriting or speaking.
• Isometric tremor occurs during a voluntary muscle contraction that is not accompanied by any movement such as holding a heavy book or a dumbbell in the same position.

(1) NINDS https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet 

Step 1 – Establish Your Goals
Goal setting is just as important in learning how to improve memory and concentration as it is in other areas of life. In other words, you need to know where you are going before you set out on your journey. Think about what your memory improvement goals are, and most importantly, write them down. This helps to lock them into place. Make them specific and measurable. For example “I want to be able to remember my 2-page presentation by next Saturday”, or “I want to memorise birthdays of people in closest to me by next Monday.”

Step 2 – Break Each Goal Down Into a Simple Plan
Once you have set a goal to improve memory and concentration, break it up into some tasks. Spread them over the time you have available. Using the previous example of the relatives birthdays, if you have 20 to remember and four days to do it in, set yourself the task of learning 5 per day. This is achievable and realistic, especially when starting out. With more practice you can increase the amount you learn in each day. The process of learning how to improve memory and concentration will become more relaxed and more comfortable.

Step 3 – Use Association and Emotion
In the example given above, try and associate each birthday with sharp images and use a range of techniques to help you remember each day’s facts. For example, repeat them out loud, write them down, and draw pictures. Anything that allows you to anchor your new memories.

Picture the person whose birthday you are trying to remember, perhaps on some happy occasion, and then visualise their birth date floating above them in large, brightly coloured numbers. Focus on the image. This will enhance your powers of concentration. Use something shocking if you like. These photos are for you alone. Bizarre and unusual images are highly useful tools in learning how to improve memory and concentration.

Step 4 – Rehearse What You Have Learnt
Rehearse what you have learned several times during the day, and again at the end of the day. As the days go by, rehearse your accumulated memories to strengthen your powers of recall. This is a handy article about Success Principles based on our survey with very interesting results.

Step 5 – Good Food Will Improve Your Memory
It is widely recognised that the modern diet often contains insufficient vitamins, minerals and other components needed to sustain a healthy body and mind. Understandably, many people turn to memory supplements as a way to improve the memory and concentration.

But did you know that before you start using memory supplements, there is one thing that you must do to provide the best foundation for a healthy brain? What’s more, if you don’t do this ‘one thing,’ the chances are that you will be wasting the money you spend on memory supplements.

It is straightforward. You must eat a Basic Healthy Diet. A healthy diet is one that is low in saturated fats and sugar, and high in unprocessed foods. This including fruit and vegetables. One component of food which is thought to have a significant beneficial effect on memory is folate. Folate is present in strawberries, whole grains, and dark leafy greens, as well as many other foods.

Any memory supplements you use are best taken in conjunction with a primarily healthy diet. They will be the ‘icing on the cake,’ if you like. But if you eat a poor diet, don’t expect any supplement to be a miracle cure for your memory or any other health issue. Get the ‘foundation’ in place first and then consider what part memory supplements can play in your health program. Also, please do some research on studies before taking any supplements.

Step 6 – Use ‘Brain Entrainment’ to Improve Your Memory
Good Memory, the centre of attention, mind Power and Concentration. These are the most common and mutually supporting features of a highly efficient brain.

If you are looking for ways to improve your memory, it will pay enormous dividends if you use an approach that tackles all four of these elements at the same time.
A ground-breaking approach which achieves just that is the process of ‘brain entrainment.’

Brain entrainment uses audio tracks to guide your brainwaves into operating at the frequencies which enable you to tap into higher levels of energy, creativity and problem-solving. These are the frequencies that arise during meditation. The significant advantage of this relatively new technology is that it allows you to access these rates quickly and easily. You will experience the brain states that high achievers and geniuses have used to make their mark in the world. And in doing so, your ‘brain power’ and memory will naturally improve in many different ways.

How To Improve Your Memory Naturally
​Here are some easy ways to sharpen your memory, improve your concentration and think more clearly.

Brain Exercises to Improve Memory

Using mental exercises on a regular basis will strengthen your concentration and improve your memory while at the very same time making for some pretty cool fun.

Brain exercises that improve memory can be practised during the day while you’re working. Many have made the comparison of the brain to a muscle that can be exercised for increased mental strength when using the right kind of activities. If you are looking for concentration help then applying the mind is a must.

Some mind and memory exercises can be as simple as an intelligent conversation or reading something new. Reading an article in a newspaper and then summarising it to a friend of yours or a family member, can be an excellent exercise. It’s good to do these types of mental activities and as much as possible since it will give you excellent concentration help, plus it is straightforward to come up with games that improve memory.

But be careful not to just breeze over the words and miss half of the meaning. You’ll amaze yourself with what you’re able to remember. Look online for more brain exercises that improve memory. They are easy to find.

Eat Smart And Improve Your Memory

A sharp memory mainly depends on your health. To maintain top brain function, you must eat healthily. Ian Marber, clinical nutritionist and author of The Food Doctor, said: “Most people are familiar with feeling dizzy and being unable to concentrate if they haven’t eaten, but they don’t realise what an effect nutrition has on brain function. Look how many people follow low-fat diets for weight loss, ignoring the possible repercussions for the brain.”

Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), found in oily fish such as herring, mackerel, and sardines, are involved in the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that regulate brain and heart functioning. When you’re stressed, your body uses up more nutrients, which can affect the brain.

Most people are familiar with feeling dizzy and being unable to concentrate if they haven’t eaten, but they don’t realise what an effect nutrition has on brain function.

Ian Marber said: “The hormone adrenaline, produced in response to stress, uses extra glucose, which could lower blood levels, impeding mental performance. The brain is the single largest user of glucose, or energy taking around 70 percent of the total produced from food intake.”

Getting an adequate amount of vegetables is equally important. So go for plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, and complex carbohydrates, like potatoes. This ensures a consistent supply of glucose and antioxidants to counteract the formation of harmful free radicals and to help protect your brain and body from premature ageing. Another vitamin-like substance, coenzyme Q10, is thought to increase memory and concentration by upping oxygen levels in the brain.

Practice Feng Shui

Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of balancing energies to create harmony, increase efficiency and encourage prosperity. Whether you believe it or not, it does give you a sense of peace, and that alone is worth it. By changing your working environment, you can enhance your performance and improve your memory. Gina Lazenby, an author of The Healthy Home, advises the following: avoid clutter – it creates stagnation. A clear desk helps you find things more efficiently and focus on the task at hand. Place inspirational images within view, such as a picture of a beautiful landscape, to help stimulate creative thinking. Make sure your chair is supportive and comfortable, allowing energy to flow.

Avoid Fluorescent Lighting

Use a desk lamp and avoid fluorescent lighting, which can create glare, an energy-zapping source of distraction. The better the light, the stronger the creative energy around you. Use colours – yellow is said to stimulate the mind, turquoise helps clarity, while beige and light blue encourage tidiness. Don’t sit with your back to the door. Position your chair with your back to a wall, so you can see anyone walking through the door. Then you won’t be taken by surprise and will appear accessible and approachable.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is the time when our body is repairing itself. Make sure you are getting ample sleep since this offers your body the time to heal itself for the next day. Getting a ”power nap” in the day is a behaviour well really worth mastering. You’ll wake from the power nap refreshed and raring to go again.

Games for Improving Memory and Concentration

​When you play a memory game at every opportunity, you will find great success, and it will improve memory. You may take a look at nearly everything as being a possibility to practice these memory games. Look at word association or putting a visual reminder with words with items to remember. Many of the games nowadays possess games that are targeted at increasing your brain power. These are labelled Mind Training, so if you have a game console, they are a great way to improve your mind and memory power. There are also computer-based equivalents if you don’t have a gaming console. A couple of mini “brain exercises” a day should assist your memory improvement goal. Quizzes are great test your ingenuity. It can help assess the status of your memory and intelligence. Sudoku or a crossword puzzle is also a great way to stretch your mind!

Mind puzzles provide you with the tools to improve your skills in specific areas.
Problem-solving is the number one skill that many people do not use to its fullest potential. When you have honed your skills at a particular memory game, many mental problems you had in the past will be simple to work out with your new found mind and memory.

The bottom line is that the more you play, the better you become. When you attempt quizzes or mind puzzles, you are increasing your ability to think fast. When you complete a mind puzzle a day, you will notice you have gained a sense of security, and you will also see the difference in your problem-solving skills in a relatively short amount of time.

Supplements for Your Mind and Memory

Usual dietary supplements like Ginko Biloba have been shown to have beneficial results in the brain improvement and blood flow. It is easy to get them online from sites like Amazon or your native wellness super food store. With the natural mind workouts above, you’re stimulating each side of your mind. Regardless of whether you’re rich or poor, a university scholar or a dropout, as long as you are in management of both sides of your brain, the possibilities are endless.

As Albert Einstein often would say “genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration“. The road to attaining genius mind and memory power is genuinely available to any individual prepared to work to reach one’s goals. Once you use the remaining parts of your brain, you are using your logical, analytical thoughts to focus your actions. The other part is utilised in exploring creative suggestions, inspiration, hunches and the like. When you can use both naturally, logic and creativity, all you need to do are consider the action to take to get to your objective. That’s the 99% Einstein was talking about in attaining genius brain power. You can find numerous brain supplements on the market. But make sure to consult a physician before using any brain supplement.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

Surround yourself with like-minded people. Having people around with a mindset similar to yours will give you the support and help you need to grow the mind and memory to new heights.

Takeaway

So there you have it, nine natural approaches for improving memory. That also provide a healthy foundation for any other memory improvement methods you may want to use!

In this article, you’ve learned various steps and techniques to achieve any memory task you put your mind to. You now have a proven step by step system for powering up your memory and concentration and enhancing many areas of your life.


[Authors Bio: Sohail is a content marketer and a blogger. Currently, he is associated with Smiletutor.sg, a private tuition agency in Singapore. His hobbies include writing, reading books, travelling and gardening.]

Thank you Matthew Snider & Rebecca Temsen Self Development Secrets Blog

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INSIGHTEC FOR NEUROSURGERYINSIGHTEC provides a non-invasive, image-guided alternative for deep brain procedures such as thalamotomy and pallidotomy for essential tremor, tremor dominant Parkinson’s disease and neuropathic pain. This personalized treatment is done through an intact skull with no ionizing radiation, providing a real impact on patients’ quality of life.

MINIMAL HOSPITALIZATION and short recovery timeSHARP, ACCURATE
Lesions as small as 2mm, no penetrating trajectories, no implanted hardware, no ionizing radiation, less risk of infection
REAL TIME
​MRI guidance for targeting and thermal feedback, with immediate results
 
INSIGHTEC’s neurosurgery solution, Exablate Neuro, is the first focused ultrasound device approved by the FDA to treat patients with essential tremor. Exablate Neuro is a non-invasive, image-guided personalized thalamotomy, treated through an intact skull that doesn't require any ionizing radiation, incisions or implants.
 
What is Exablate Neuro?
High intensity focused ultrasound waves precisely target a focal point in the Vim nucleus of the thalamus, the tiny part of the brain that is thought to be responsible for causing tremors. The Exablate Neuro ultrasound transducer consists of 1024 beams that generate enough heat to ablate the targeted tissue during treatment. The result is an immediate and significant reduction of tremor for patients.
 
During planning and treatment for essential tremor, the patient is fully conscious and lying on the treatment bed in an MRI scanner. MRI provides high resolution visualization, patient-specific treatment planning and continuous monitoring of the procedure. Real-time thermal feedback allows the physician to control and adjust the treatment, ensuring that the targeted tissue is completely ablated without impacting adjacent healthy tissue.
This revolutionary, non-invasive treatment offers a life changing treatment to patients with essential tremor.
 

Learn more Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor
Billy Williams: First Patient Treated with Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor
​www.diannshaddoxfoundation.org/dsf-blog/billy-williams-first-patient-treated-with-focused-ultrasound-for-essential-tremorEssential Tremor 

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Because of the undeserved stigma attached to disabled workers, individuals with disabilities often face incredible odds when searching for employment. This is a sad truth, but one that can be overcome if you know your rights.
This guide was created to introduce disabled workers and job-seekers to the rights afforded to them by federal and state governments. In addition, we offer useful tips for finding a job, advice on staying gainfully employed, and guidance that can help you talk with an existing employer about making a reasonable accommodation for you.
Having any kind of disability does not preclude you from earning a living and supporting your family, nor should it. However, you may need to try harder than others to find employment that will adequately use your skill set without testing your disability or causing you undue harm.
Keep reading to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a disabled worker, and best practices for moving forward.
What the ADA and Other Laws Mean to WorkersWhen anyone mentions the “ADA” in the context of disabled worker’s rights, they are speaking of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits the discrimination of persons with disabilities seeking employment while ensuring they have equal opportunity.
The ADA was created based on the basic principle that “physical or mental disabilities in no way diminish a person’s right to fully participate in all aspects of society,” with the goal of providing a “clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.”
Although the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is long and cumbersome to read in its entirety, its main components can be summarized as follows:

Americans with Disabilities Act at a Glance

Americans with Disabilities Act at a Glance

• The ADA prohibits discrimination of workers with disabilities.
• The ADA ensures equal opportunities for persons and workers with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.
• The ADA mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services.
• The ADA covers employers with 15 or more employees, including State and local governments, employment agencies, and labor organizations.
• An employer who must follow ADA rules is generally required to make a reasonable accommodation for a qualified applicant as long as it does not pose an “undue hardship” on their business or its ability to operate.
• An employer may not be required to make a reasonable accommodation if it would require significant difficulty or expense, or it if requires them to lower quality or production standards.
• The ADA makes it unlawful to retaliate against an individual who opposes discrimination against workers with a disability.
• Based on details found in Title I of the ADA, employers cannot inquire about the existence, nature, or severity of an employee’s disability, but they can ask about their ability to perform the job in question. Employers cannot ask for a medical examination unless the same examination is required for all employees, disabled or not.
• Employers are required to keep medical records confidential. This rue stands where a medical record notes information on the employee’s disability or health conditions or not.
  
  
  What is Reasonable Accommodation?Reasonable accommodation is an upgrade or exception an employer makes in order to help a worker with a disability feel more comfortable or perform better on the job. This can include making existing facilities accessible and usable by persons with disabilities, modifying work schedules to accommodate special requests, or acquiring and modifying equipment, materials, and policies to aid the employment of a worker with a disability.
  Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was created to serve as an upgrade to the outdated Workforce Investment Act, which has been due for reauthorization since 2003.
  According to information on the implementation of the WIOA from the United States Senate, the United States will fall 11 million short of the number of workers with postsecondary education needed in the workplace within the decade. Further, 52 percent of adults aged 16-65 lack the literacy skills needed to perform basic job requirements.
  As the U.S. Senate also notes, individuals with disabilities have the highest rate of unemployment of any group, with more than two-thirds not participating in the workforce at all. The WIOA hopes to change that by:
  Eliminating 15 existing programs for workers and combining their offerings into a single, streamlined program
  Supporting access to workforce development through customized training, pay for performance, and sector and pathway strategies
  Boosting and improving existing workforce development programs and aligning them with education initiatives
  Ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the training necessary to thrive in the workplace
  Empowering local boards and governments to tailor services and set standards based on their regional employment training needs
  By the time the WIOA is fully implemented in July of 2016, government sources hope to see a speedier and more efficient system that will improve education and outreach to individuals with disabilities while connecting them with applicable on-the-job and work training.
  By implementing this strategy, drafters of the WIOA hope to see a new system that prepares workers for the realities of the 21st century economy, while helping businesses find the skilled employees they need to remain fully operational.
  How to Discuss Reasonable Accommodation With Your EmployerAccording to the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, an individual with a disability is a person who:
  Has a physical or mental impairment that may limit their activities
  Has a record or history of such impairment
  Is regarded as having such an impairment
  While these descriptions remain rather broad, they are intended to be since disabilities come in many forms and shouldn’t be minimized. The level of a person’s disability may impact their ability to perform basic job functions, although it shouldn’t hamper an individual’s ability to escape discrimination based on their disabled status.
  Tips for Requesting Reasonable AccommodationThe fact that the ADA prohibits employers from questioning you about your disability means you may need to initiate any conversations about reasonable accommodation. In other words, if you feel adjustments to your workplace are needed or required, you will need to ask.
  While you may not want to put your employer on the spot, it is within your rights to request reasonable accommodation that will help you perform your job. Since the accommodation you ultimately receive could improve your output and performance at work, asking for – and receiving – help or modifications could be a win-win for everyone. As you broach the subject with your employer, consider these five tips:
• Your Employer Can’t Read MindsYour employer or HR representative may not be aware of your needs. While your individual needs and concerns are very obvious to you, they may not be obvious enough to draw attention from your employer or HR representative. When you describe your situation to them, be clear on what your needs really are – and how they can help.
• Ask for Exactly What You WantAsk for exactly what you want, and consider putting it in writing. Once you have explained your situation, ask for exactly what you need in terms of accommodation. “Beating around the bush” or being vague about your needs may result in an outcome or reasonable accommodation that is not truly helpful. On the other hand, telling your employer exactly what you need is the best way to get what you want.
• Be Patient With Your ExplanationExplain how reasonable accommodation will help you do your job. If your employer doesn’t understand the accommodation you’re requesting at first, take the extra step to explain how the modification or adjustment will help you do your job.
• Be Open to AlternativesBe willing to consider alternatives. If your employer or HR representative suggests an alternative accommodation, give it a chance before you suggest more alternatives or reissue your original request. You may find that their suggestions are more than adequate to help you do your job.
• Be Patient But InsistentWhen you make the initial request with your employer, it can pay off to give them some time to implement reasonable accommodation. At the same time, you should never let them “put you off” or downplay your needs. Be patient, but also be insistent about what it will take for you to perform your job the best you can. The law is on your side.
  
  
  

The Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor is an approved charity for PayPal/eBay. Please add us.Start selling for Diann Shaddox FoundationMake a donationThe Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor is fighting the battle for ET a neurological condition that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs, or trunk. Over 10 million Americans have ET. ET can begin at any age and doesn't discriminate with age, race, sex, or national origin. Awareness will stop the bullying, people losing their jobs, college students having their dreams disappear and end depression for people worldwide. DONATE #EndET www.diannshaddoxfoundation.org

In some people, too much stress simply results in irritability. In other people, too much stress can cause or worsen health problems, including Essential Tremor. Learning to relax is the key to reducing stress.
Below are a few relaxation exercises. Be sure that you have a quiet location that is free of distractions. Make sure that you are in a comfortable body position and a good state of mind. Try to block out worries and distracting thoughts.

• Rhythmic breathing: If your breathing is short and hurried, slow it down by taking long, slow breaths. Inhale slowly and exhale slowly. Count slowly to five as you inhale, and then count slowly to five as you exhale. As you exhale slowly, pay attention to how your body naturally relaxes. Recognizing this change will help you to relax even more.
• Deep breathing: Imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let the air out like you are deflating a balloon. With every long, slow exhale, you should feel more relaxed.
• Visualized breathing: Find a comfortable place where you can close your eyes and combine slowed breathing with your imagination. Picture relaxation entering your body and tension leaving your body. Breathe deeply, but in a natural rhythm. Visualize your breath coming into your nostrils, going into your lungs and expanding your chest and abdomen. Then, visualize your breath going out the same way. Continue breathing, but each time you inhale, imagine that you are breathing in more relaxation. Each time you exhale, imagine that you are getting rid of a little more tension.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: Switch your thoughts to yourself and your breathing. Take a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly. Mentally scan your body. Notice areas that feel tense or cramped. Loosen up these areas. Let go of as much tension as you can. Rotate your head in a circular motion once or twice, but be sure to stop any movements that cause pain. Roll your shoulders forward and backward several times. Let all of your muscles completely relax. Recall a pleasant thought for a few seconds. Take another deep breath and exhale slowly.
• Relaxation and music: Combine relaxation exercises with your favorite music in the background. Select the type of music that lifts your mood or that you find soothing or calming. Some people find it easier to relax while listening to specially designed relaxation audio tapes, which provide music and relaxation instructions.
• Mental imagery relaxation: Mental imagery relaxation, or guided imagery, is a proven form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between the mind and body. Guided imagery coaches you in creating calm, peaceful images in your mind -- a "mental escape." Practice making positive statements about yourself. One example of a positive statement would be: "I am healthy, vital, and strong."

WebMD Medical Reference
http://www.webmd.com/brain/essential-tremor-relaxation
SOURCES:
Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Essential Tremor."
Pal, P. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, July 2011.
Medscape: "Essential Tremor: A Clinical Review: Approaches to Treatment."

Reviewed by Neil Lava, MD on September 20, 2014


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The Truth About Essential Tremor: It’s Not Just a Case of Nerves

​The Truth About Essential Tremor: It’s Not Just a Case of NervesThis prevalent cause of shakiness is often mistaken for Parkinson's.Tremors associated with essential tremor typically occur while the person is eating, drinking, writing, typing, brushing teeth or performing another movement-oriented activity.

By Stacey ColinoNov. 11, 2015, at 9:50 a.m.+ More

If your hand routinely shakes when you hold a drink, sign your name or tap a number into your cellphone, you may fear that you're experiencing signs of Parkinson's disease. But what you're more likely to have is essential tremor, a common neurological condition that causes an involuntary, rhythmic trembling of the hands during movement but can also affect the head, voice or legs. While it's often confused with Parkinson's, essential tremor is eight times more common and affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S., according to the International Essential Tremor Foundation.

Unlike Parkinson's, which is a degenerative disease that causes someone to lose brain cells, essential tremor is not a degenerative disorder, explains Dr. Michael Rezak, director of the Movement Disorders Center at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. "Essential tremor results from a malfunction of certain neurons, but you don't lose brain cells, and you don't lose gait or balance."

Despite its prevalence, it wasn't until 2013 that essential tremor was given its own specific diagnostic code, one that's distinct from other tremors, in the 10th edition of the World Health Organization's International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems (ICD) code book. In medicine, the word "essential" means there's no known underlying cause for a symptom, which is the case for essential tremor. "When people hear it's essential tremor and not Parkinson's, that usually puts them at ease," Rezak says. "Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder out there, but we don't usually see people until it gets really bad. Most patients just learn to live with it."

Usually, the tremor that's characteristic of essential tremor occurs while the person is performing a movement-oriented activity – such as eating, drinking, writing, typing or brushing teeth – or when the hand is in a still but outstretched position (called a postural tremor). The severity can range from a barely noticeable trembling that's exacerbated by stress, anxiety, fatigue, excess caffeine or certain stimulant asthma medications to a severe, disabling tremor that has a significant impact on your ability to perform daily activities.
The late "actress Katharine Hepburn is an extreme example of advanced essential tremor – it affected her voice, head and arms, as well as her hands," Rezak notes. Playwright Eugene O'Neill also suffered from essential tremor. So does rocker J. Roddy Walston, of J. Roddy Walston & The Business, who became increasingly vocal about his condition in the band's 2013 LP "Essential Tremors."

The disorder affects men and women equally, and it's hereditary in more than 50 percent of people who have it. Though the average decade of onset is in the 40s, essential tremor can occur at any time, even in children. Debbie Lamb developed "the shakes" when she was in her late 20s but she didn't have a name for them until her second child was diagnosed as a baby in 2004 with "benign familial essential tremors." "It turned out that not only did I, her mother, have them, but my mother, sister, grandmother and niece all had them, too," says Lamb, now 50, a marketing executive in Vallejo, California.

There aren't blood or other medical tests that can definitively diagnose essential tremor. Instead, a neurologist makes the diagnosis on the basis of a detailed medical history and a neurological evaluation that's designed partly to rule out other possible causes of the tremor. In tough cases, a relatively new diagnostic imaging technique called DaTscan allows doctors to distinguish between patients who have a loss of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that's predominantly responsible for Parkinson's symptoms, and those who don't have a dopamine deficiency.

If your essential tremor is mild and doesn't bother you, it doesn't need to be treated. But you can take steps to mitigate the effects by avoiding caffeine and doing yoga or other relaxation techniques. Lamb relies on focused breathing exercises and meditation to reduce the severity of her tremors. A 2015 study from Australia found that doing resistance training also can reduce essential tremor and improve manual dexterity in those who have the condition.

It's often referred to as benign essential tremor because it isn't life-threatening, "but it's not that benign when it starts interfering with one's life and you can't work or eat soup," Rezak says. If it impairs your ability to function, the condition is usually treated with medications such as beta-blockers, anti-seizure drugs, anti-anxiety meds or Botox injections. There's a lot of trial and error to find a medication that works well for any given patient; sometimes drug treatment helps sufficiently, and sometimes it doesn't.
With or without medication, essential tremor is often a progressive condition. "As the tremor progresses, it can worsen or people can have breakthrough tremors on medication," explains Dr. Joseph Neimat, an associate professor of neurosurgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

Elsie Hamilton, of Englewood, Colorado, discovered this firsthand when her tremors got so bad over a 20-year period that she had to give up her career as a landscape, still life and portrait painter. Besides struggling to hold a paintbrush steady for detail work, on some days she had trouble keeping the brush between her fingers at all. In her personal life, when she was the slightest bit nervous in social situations, she would shake when moving a fork to her mouth or lifting a glass to her lips. For the last six years, Hamilton has been taking a beta-blocker for a heart condition, which helps with her essential tremor but doesn't eliminate it. "It can still be very embarrassing but I tell people up front and try to laugh it off," says Hamilton, now 54, president of the Lilly Brush Co., which manufactures and sells special brushes that remove pet hair from clothing and furniture. "My siblings, in-laws and two sons cover for me and help whenever they can."
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For people with severe tremor that doesn't respond to drugs, surgical therapies and other treatments are gaining traction. With deep brain stimulation, a probe is implanted in the thalamus, the part of the brain that causes tremors, and a wire runs from the probe to a pacemaker-like device implanted in the chest. "We use the pacemaker to jam the tremor signal inside the brain," Neimat explains. "If the tremor gets worse, we can dial up the stimulation."

By contrast, a noninvasive procedure called Gamma Knife thalamotomy uses cobalt beams to deliver a precise dose of radiation to the thalamus to control these involuntary movements. In a recent study published in Neurology , researchers from France found that the Gamma Knife procedure improved upper limb tremor by 54 percent and the ability to perform activities of daily living by 72 percent in 50 patients with tremor.

Meanwhile, a new noninvasive MRI-guided high-intensity ultrasound technique, which uses concentrated ultrasound waves to selectively damage the part of the brain that contributes to tremors, is showing preliminary promise. "It's unique in that you don't need to cut the skin or insert something into the brain – and it's a one-time treatment," says Dr. Ali Rezai, director of the Neurological Institute at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where a clinical trial is being conducted on the technique's safety and effectiveness. "So far the results seem to be robust." The study will conclude next year, and doctors are hoping the technique gains approval by the Food and Drug Administration in short order.
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The take-home message: While "this is a condition that can have a significant effect on a person's quality of life, it's very treatable," Neimat says. So there's no reason to suffer and shake silently or to hesitate to seek help for it.

​http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/11/11/the-truth-about-essential-tremor-its-not-just-a-case-of-nerves

Former residents team up for book to benefit tremor disorder research

Essential tremor: Aiken resident lives with, raises awareness of disease
Stephanie Turner  Email  stephaniedturnerAS
Oct 11 2015 3:47 pm

​Getting ET
“Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder. It is a progressive, often inherited disorder that usually begins in later adulthood,” according to John Hopkins. “Essential tremor is thought to be caused by electrical fluctuations in the brain that send abnormal signals out to the muscles.”

The gene that causes ET has not been identified, and how it’s inherited, if the person does inherit it, differs among patients, according the National Library of Medicine’s Genetics Home Reference.

In some causes, “they almost know it’s coming, because generation after generation have a pretty pronounced tremor,” said Dr. Michelle Lyon, Carolina Musculoskeletal Institute’s neurologist.


 Staff Photo by Stephanie Turner Dr. Michelle Lyon is the neurologist at Carolina Musculoskeletal Institute

Since Shaddox’s father passed away before she was born and her mother died when Shaddox was a toddler, she isn’t completely sure how she got her ET, though she suspects it’s from a great aunt whose hands would shake.

“In most affected families, essential tremor appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of an altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder, although no genes that cause essential tremor have been identified,” according to the National Library. “Essential tremor may also appear in people with no history of the disorder in their family.”

There is no genetic test to detect whether or not you will get ET, Lyon said.

“Your health care provider will ask you questions about your health history and family history. He or she will also look at your trembling symptoms. Your provider will probably need to rule out other conditions that could cause the shaking or trembling,” according to John Hopkins.

ET is often confused with Parkinson’s disease, which affects less people and is more detailed in its symptoms than ET, according to Lyon.

Parkinson’s, for example, “generally involves slow movements (bradykinesia), rigidity (stiffness) and problems with walking or balance,” whereas those symptoms are abnormal in people with ET, according to the International Essential Tremor Foundation.

Diann Shaddox's Story
Diann was born on December 18th in a small southern town of Nashville, Arkansas, the youngest and only daughter of William and Mary Ann Shaddox. But, fate stepped in and William, a crop-duster, at the age of 25, died in a plane crash on November 20th, a month before she was born, therefore, Diann was never able to meet her father. Mary Ann, who grew up in Miami, Oklahoma, moved back to Miami after William’s death, where Diann lived until her mother died when she was only 3 years old. Diann then moved to Nashville, Arkansas to live with her grandparents. At the age of 10, Diann’s Granddad Holt died of a stroke, leaving her grandmother alone to see to her.

Diann learned from an early age about death and how life should not be squandered. Her Mamow Holt, who had lost her right hand in an accident at a factory in Nashville, Arkansas, taught her that you never give up. Her grandmother never let anything stand in her way. She taught herself to write, cook, and even how to sew and make quilts with her left hand, without any prosthetics. Being handicapped was a word she never used.

Growing up in a small town was wonderful, learning to fish, growing a garden and the most important thing, patience of a grandmother. Stories from the past evolved of family bringing many stories to life. Sitting out late at night on cool summer evenings, swinging on an old swing staring up at the stars helped Diann’s vivid imagination grow.

She has an enthusiasm for travel and living life to its fullest. You have only one life and shouldn’t waste it. The zest for meeting and getting to know people is a very important component in her life. She is a believer of herbs, natural and organic foods, and a big supporter of Bio-identical Hormones and keeping our planet green. 

Diann has lived in eight great states, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, and Florida. South Carolina is now her home with her husband, Randy, her greatest supporter. 


Living with Essential Tremor 
I was in my early twenties when life changed for me. My hands began to shake when I’d do tedious work. No one, not even doctors, could figure out what was happening and they, the doctors, believed I was nervous and I just needed to calm down. 
   
One day, when I was standing at the post office window in Louisville, Kentucky changed my world. You see a simple form containing my name and address I wasn't able to fill out. I could hear the whispers and comments from people standing in line behind me  The confused look of the post office worker's face told the entire story. 
I had been taught not to show my feelings in public, but tears flowed down my face as I raced, clutching my package in my arms, out of the building. That one day I had to find my answer and I went out on my own to figure out what was happening to me. Without my GP or insurance permission, I found a Neurologist and made an appointment. That day in the doctor’s office, I finally made the discovery that I had Essential Tremors. 

I was relieved to know what I had, but didn't really understand what Essential Tremor was. I thought I was the only person with this problem and didn't bring it up with my friends and family, unless someone asked.

Not letting anything deter me, I continued life with the determination that I’d learned from my grandmother. I was unrelenting to do tedious work like counted cross-stitch on linen, and playing the piano even with trembling hands. It was as if my mind would relax letting my hands work without thinking. I learned to hide my hands out in public, to grip my drinking glass with both hands, and how to use my body for cover as much as possible.

Things seemed to be working for many years, but on my birthday, December 18th, 2010 my hands were shaking uncontrollably, 2010 had been a year when many people began to question and stared at me wondering why I was nervous or thinking maybe that I was just weird. Being out in public was difficult, the stares were tough, and once more, the simple feat of filling out forms was devastating. Even being in a doctor's office was difficult, as they, nurses, questioned why I was so nervous and shaking so much, giving me stares.

That night of December 18th, I sat in my office and anger grew watching my hands quiver as they hovered over the keyboard, and for once in my life I felt sorry for myself. The question of why, a question without an answer played in my mind. Being a writer the words began to flow and Quaid Witherspoon, a famous artist, was born. A man who had everything or so he thought, but now his hands had deserted him and his life of painting had ceased, becoming a bitter man. The story of Quaid Witherspoon, the novel 'A Faded Cottage', became an incredible love story, one about strength of mind to fight fate and never accept what life throws at you. 

I found out that I wasn't alone and millions of people worldwide had Essential Tremor. I began to do book signing and would ask if anyone knew what Essential Tremor was. Again, I was shocked that no one knew what ET was even though it is the largest and most common movement disorder, 10 times larger than Parkinson’s. It seemed that 99% of the time the answer was no. Many police departments even answered the same. 


Through this process of bringing A Faded Cottage to life, I have learned so very much. Finding the ET Facebook groups, talking and listening to everyone’s stories at book signings, stories that are so similar to mine, has brought calmness to my life. We have to tell others about ET, so people who live with ET aren't sitting alone wondering why this is happening to them. 

Even though the stares will forever be, I won’t give up. Now, I’m even more determined the word will spread about Essential Tremor and I’m going to help make it happen. For each book sold of “A Faded Cottage,” 100% of the sales will go to Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor to make a difference.     

What is Essential Tremor? 
Essential Tremor is the largest and most common movement disorder in the world and is 10 times larger than Parkinson’s. Essential Tremor (ET) is a progressive neurological condition that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs, or trunk. Over 10 million Americans, including children, have Essential Tremor. That’s about 5% of all people in the United States. For comparison sake 7.8% of the population have some type of diabetes. Most people though haven’t heard about Essential Tremor and the Diann Shaddox Foundation for ET is adamant to bring attention to the world. 

 First and foremost, ET can begin at any age, from ages 1 to 100. ET doesn't discriminate with age, race, sex, or national origin. The Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor can make a difference in millions of people’s lives and directly change the future for everyone who will inherit or develop ET but we need your help. We want to show that Essential Tremor isn’t just for the elderly, but children of all ages have ET. Many people with ET have lost their jobs and college students are having their dreams of special careers disappear before they have a chance to begin. We have to bring people out of hiding and educate teachers in school so children and teens aren’t bullied about their tremors. The stories are endless from people with Essential Tremor struggling with depression. We will make a difference and bring awareness to businesses, schools, and first responders.

Diann
Diann Shaddox is Founder of Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor, author, mother, grandmother. Diann has been an activist for ET and been working to bring awareness to the world through ‘A Faded Cottage’ a SC love story about an artist who develops ET.Diann is adamant to bring a change in movement disorders because she has ET. 100% of the sales of  Diann's book, A Faded Cottage  go to Diann Shaddox Foundation to help find a cure for Essential Tremor. 

Diann is also the author of "Whispering Fog" a time travel & Miranda, a love story.

Diann learned from an early age things may look impossible, maybe risky or pointless, but you have to give it a try or you'll never know if you don't give yourself a chance.

A FADED COTTAGE

When a love letter written by a teenage boy becomes lost after a summer filled with passion, it brings about an incredible love story of two people being reunited, after thirty years.

When Essential Tremors take over a famous artist’s body, a simple feat of holding a paintbrush turns Quaid Witherspoon’s life upside down, becoming a bitter man. This is his journal of how he battles fate, not of his entire life, but of two weeks. Quaid had everything money could buy, except the two things he loved the most, his love of painting great masterpieces, and the only woman he had ever loved. The calming waters off the coast of South Carolina calls Quaid back to Hathaway Cove, to a small, faded cottage, one with a leaning front porch, worn paint so similar to him, flawed. The same beach where he began painting as a young boy, the place he met his one true love, and the place he let her go.

Sandy, Quaid’s love from his past, learns he is wondering about her, just as she is wondering about him. Their love is alive, meeting for the first time in thirty years, letting the years fade away, but fate has another twist. Sandy keeps a secret, letting them have their two weeks.

What if you were able to relive your life and rediscover you teenage love… Would you?

To learn more about Diann go to: www.diannshaddox.com

This weekend was packed full of drama. We, the authors/artist at the Folly Beach Wine & Sign, a fundraiser for the Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor, knew the forecast was for rain, but being diehards we decided to give Saturday a chance. Little did we know that we would be in the Perfect Storm. 

The slow rain began and all was well… for about fifteen minutes, then the storm hit. Strong winds & heavy rain began and started lifting tents, which were strapped down pulling them loose, making them dance twirling like ballerinas. Everyone rushed outside to save the tents. We looked like a crew on a ship battening down the hatches with gust of wind and rain beating down on us. The wind did win taking a few large boards off the arbor of the SC Parks & Recreation & Locklear’s Beach City Grill, but we were able to save the tents. 

Since we had won the battle with the storm we decided to extend the Folly Beach Wine & Sign for a second day. The next day, Sunday, was a beautiful day with blue skies and temperatures in the low 70’s. The winds were still gusty but the day was a perfect day.

I had the best time and want to say thank you to the SC Parks & Recreation, Locklear’s Beach City Grill, all our authors/artists, (who had a wonderful sense of humor), and everyone that came out to support our event and help raise money for the Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor. 

I met so many great people, Linda, Jeff, Elaine, Matthew, Peggy, Bill, Trudy, Mandy, Kirtland, Frank, Kathy, Lourie, and so many more.

We had so much fun that we have decided the next Folly Beach Wine & Sign will be held on Saturday & Sunday.

Does anyone know who this beautiful lady is? She has something in common with over 10 million Americans and million more worldwide.....Hint: She shared the same tremor disorder.










Yes, it is Katherine Hepburn