Aiming for a better year in pain control – for everyone

Each New Year brings out the resolutions in people. Some people are anti-resolution, others do make resolutions but at different times through the year, while others are avowed New Year resolution makers.

Which one are you?

Two of the main reasons I chose to take on this blog are that pain is severely under-treated in our society, particularly in the most vulnerable groups, like the elderly, and because I have chronic pain myself. Although I’m not one to announce resolutions of any type (fear of failure?), I will make a few resolutions because of this blog. That way, I can follow up every so often and you can either call me on my difficulty in keeping the resolutions or you can celebrate me when I do. And maybe, you may get some ideas.

First – I will go through the news with a fine-tooth comb and try to find anything that talks about pain, pain in the elderly, and pain in palliative care. I will do this to raise awareness and, perhaps, help others put a bit of pressure on the powers-that-be who can help make the changes we need.

Second – I will be more proactive about managing my own chronic pain. I’ve been wanting to try acupuncture for my migraines and head pain; I will seek out an acupuncturist. My blogging buddy, Laura, over at CFS Squared: Tales of CFS finds that her twice monthly acupuncture sessions have been helping her, so she’s going to keep an eye on me to see if I keep that resolution.

I’ve been wanting to do regular massages for my lower back pain; I will seek out a reputable therapeutic masseur/euse. And, I’ve been wanting to get into better shape to help relieve my joint pain and overall aches and pains. I will try to do so.

And there you have it. Do you have any pain or health-related resolutions for 2008? Even if we are a week late?

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It’s theme day here at the b5Media Health and Science channel – visit the other blogs and what their bloggers have resoved for 2008: More resolutions.