Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is widespread pain that doesn’t show up on any test, so sufferers are often told their pain is all in their heads. An expert physician and a longtime sufferer describe the syndrome and the steps that can lead to diagnosis and successful relief.

Dr. Beth Hodges, fibromyalgia specialist, Asheboro, NC

Penny Cowan, fibromyalgia sufferer and founder and CEO, American Chronic Pain Association

Emergency responder stress

Police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency dispatchers experience events that most people couldn’t stand, and they pay for it with high levels of stress-related outcomes and PTSD. Experts describe the relative lack of training received by first responders, the type of training the need, and the police/fire culture that makes it difficult to get help.

Dr. Joel Fay, former police officer and President, First Responder Support Network and West Coast Post Trauma Retreat

Rodger Ruge, former police officer and founder, HeroTalk

Dr. Michelle Lilly, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Northern Illinois University

Heather Pierce, former 911 dispatcher and Research Associate, Northern Illinois University

Dr. John Mason, founder, Stress Education Center, Oak Harbor, WA and author, The Guide to Stress Reduction