tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31303874524835054142024-03-14T04:40:44.920+00:00My Life With CFI Got 99 Problems & CF Ain't OneEvanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-83052834188548617692016-06-20T23:19:00.001+01:002016-06-20T23:33:22.007+01:00Tasteless Taste of Dublin<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d7t9yqgw7eQ" width="480"></iframe><br />
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For the past few years Yas and I have wanted to go to Taste of Dublin. This year I was home during the time it was on and we happened to get free tickets. Jammy!</div>
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To buy the food you need to have tokens, they call it Florents or something along those lines. We asked how much they would recommend us buying. €40 between us they said. So we bough €50. Id say within 20 minutes that €50 was gone. Was it spent on good food? No. Our lobster roll, which was more like a glorified dinner roll with a tasteless amount of lobster. That cost €9!!!! The oysters were nice in fairness. Everything else was mediocre and the price didn't reflect the quality or the quantity. I don't mind paying money for something that will blow my taste buds away. If the lobster roll was €20 and tasted unreal then I see that as money well spent. The only memory I have of this was the fact it cost €9. </div>
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€50 spent and we didn't even have a drink. We had to spend another €20 just to get a beer and a cocktail. </div>
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So €70 down and we were still hungry and thirsty. We decided to leave and get a proper lunch. Yas wanted to try Balfes (<a href="http://www.balfes.ie/">www.balfes.ie</a>). I never heard of it and because it was attached to the Westbury, i just had this idea that it will be overpriced mediocre food. We had tuna tartare and oysters for mains, which was lovely. The bread was a bit meh. I had a pink pepper grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream and Yas got a parmesan cheese cake. I was surprised that it was nice, although I think it would be better as a starter. Yas loved it (sure thats all that matters!!!!). </div>
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We were still hungry when we got home. Savages! So I rustled up something quick and started season 4 of Orange is the New Black. You can't sit through the opening credits of O.I.T.N.B without doing a stupid dance. It doesn't feel right! </div>
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I woke up today and had a definite answer to whether I should go away to the Olympics and be away for the rest of the summer. I missed having Sundays with Yas and continue on our #IrishFoodQuest! I have been trying to decide what to do. I have had enough of living out of a suitcase and staying in some very questionable accommodation <br />
(and thats not me being a diva) over the last number of years. The picture on the left isn't the worst picture. Dirty water coming up through a hole in the ground and live wires hanging from the shower are examples.<br />
I am going to stay home and spend time with my family and Yas. There is no hidden meaning behind this. I would just rather watch the Olympics on the couch with a nice pot of tea and maybe a raspberry swill roll. How can you beat that??!!</div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-12076442912960867142016-06-10T13:28:00.001+01:002016-06-10T21:18:23.871+01:00No Orkambi, So I Run Up Mountains<br />
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Orkambi was denied in Ireland. So I decided to run up the Dublin Mountains. Not sure what the two have in common but sure it made sense at the time. </div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-14118846289465965152016-06-08T00:52:00.000+01:002016-06-08T12:28:52.749+01:00Take Time To DigestNo specific animal is better then another. Like no human race is better then another.<br>
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Its coming up to the ever popular Yulin Dog Eating Festival. While the vast majority of you might find eating dog hard to swallow. But ask yourself <i>what is the difference between eating a dog or eating a lamb?</i><br>
I have asked this question to many people and the response is "you don't bring lamb into your living room and pet it". Maybe not a lamb, but in India they prize cows as being Holy. This a valid enough answer. However, if it wasn't for the Egyptians we wouldn't have domesticated dogs. If you think of it, domesticating a dog is purely only for the selfish needs of humans. Should dogs be allowed roam free instead of giving them treats to roll over or smack them on the nose for going for a pee in your kitchen?<br>
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Taking away the fact that humans made dogs domesticated and people love them because they are small enough to live with humans in a house. Again, ask yourself <i>what is the difference between one animal meat to another animal meat?</i> Im going out on a limb here and the answer is absolutely nothing.<br>
When you see the millions of cows slaughtered each year for human consumption. The millions of lambs slaughtered for human consumption. The millions or even billions of chickens kept in awful conditions and slaughtered for human consumption. How is that any different to the killing of any other animal? It's not. Just because you see them as domesticated pets, on the other side of the world they are seen as animal protein. If there was a steak festival nothing would be said about it. A hamburger festival. Again nothing would be said.<br>
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Before you say "You must be a vegan". No I am not. I tried it and it felt horrible. What I am is a weekday vegetarian. Not because I think animal killing is cruel (which is kind of is seen as we don't actually need animal flesh protein to live), but because I feel healthier doing so. Plus, if you look at the amount of carbon waste derived from the feeding, killing, transportation of animals for human consumption is astronomical. If everyone ate like a weekday vegetarian it would have a bigger impact on global warming then if everyone changed to a hybrid car.<br>
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Anyway, each country has their own delicacy. For example, Iceland eat puffin. An extremely cute little penguin type of a bird that looks like the creators of Happy Feet took its idea from. They eat puffin as a way of culling the vast population of puffin in Iceland. You never hear about that do you?<br>
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Balut is a developing duck embryo that is boiled while its still alive, cooked to death and then eaten from its shell. You never hear anything about this. </div>
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You might have heard of Foie Gras. Maybe not. Fear not, I will explain! Foie Gras translates to Fatty Liver from French. Why? Because either the duck or geese is force fed grains with extra fat by a long metal pipe that is stuffed down its neck until the liver reaches nearly 6 times the normal size. Basically giving the bird <span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Cirrhosis </span>of the liver. This picture isn't photoshopped. This is actually how the process is carried out. </div>
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Wait, you only have to read two more paragraphs on why every animal is equal and all of a sudden you have a heart about how animals are killed. </div>
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This next one involves chickens. Instead of just killing a chicken by either breaking its neck or sending an electrical current through its body, the "chef" opens a live chicken, cuts out the intestines and stuffs it with herbs and spices. Sews the chicken back up and then wind blasts the chickens while they hang upside down until they are dead.</div>
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Lastly, but not as important as the other above. Fresh Donkey. This involves cutting the donkey open and taking parts of its flesh off WHILE ITS STILL ALIVE. If thats not enough, boiling water is poured over the donkey to cook part of the meat WHILE THE DONKEY IS STILL ALIVE. This is repeated until there is no donkey left and the donkey presumably dies of the amount of pain it has been put through. I won't post a picture of this because it doesn't really look right and i presume you get the gist of it so instead, i have decided to show you a lovely cute picture of Eeyore. </div>
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My post isn't to intend to shock you into being a vegetarian. I just want to illustrate that what is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly. Meaning, just because you see it as a pet, others see it as a source of protein that they might not be able to source. Of course times have changed and you can source different animals across the globe. But traditions won't die just like the tradition of drinking in Ireland won't change but it still causes so much problems psychologically and physiologically. </div>
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Personally I don't see a difference in any animal being killed for human consumption. It's not exactly peaceful no matter how you view it. </div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-76064860078290923582016-05-29T22:27:00.002+01:002016-05-29T22:27:27.055+01:00Seeing A New Decade<br />
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Turning 30 seems like it should be a big deal. Turning 30 and having CF should be an even bigger deal. I would be lying if I said it didn't hit me at all. A few months leading up to my 30th i realised that I was going to be 20 years older then what my parent were told. Even that amount of years between when I should have died until now. 20 years is a long time to live with CF. </div>
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I have always had big goals. In fact, I am never really satisfied with what I have set out to do. This is something I need to change. Appreciating the big and the small achievements in my life. I do think that a lot of highly motivated individuals don't really appreciate what they have done. I don't know when enough is enough. I don't even know fully what my goals are. I don't really set goals per say. I just have ambitions that I want to achieve. I think an ambition and a goal is different. A goal is something you want. An ambition is something you have a burning desire for. As if you were born with this fire inside your belly that needs to be followed. I have ambitions rather then goals. Of course, I have goals. One of which was to run a sub 40 for 10km. I set this time a month before the race. A month before the race I was coughing up a lot of blood. A month before that I had my first seizure in 3 years. I lost a lot of weight. I dropped from 60kg to 53kg in about 3 weeks. I was in Kenya at the time and its very hard to keep weight on over there. Not because the food is bad. Its because the food is very healthy and you are living at 2500m above sea level. You burn more calories doing nothing. So I didn't really have ideal preparations for the race. As you can see in the video, I ran under 40minutes and felt quite good doing so. I was more happy I bet Spiderman!!!</div>
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Anyway, 36 is the average life expectancy in Ireland for CF. Although, 27 is the average age of death. Not sure what the difference is. I've passed one of them, the next is 36. I know Ireland has the lowest life expectancy in the world for CF. I think the highest is Sweden, which is 50(ish). I suppose thats a goal. Its not an ambition as I only realised a few years ago that I really cared about age and CF. </div>
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Everyone says turning 30 is ok. It's like they are trying to reassure me that its ok getting old. I actually look forward to turning a new age. Especially turning a new decade. It means I'm a year older then what I should have been. Im also another year without going into hospital and another year never being on IVs. I am not sure how I will be when/if that day comes. I try not to think about it but it does scare me a little knowing that it could happen and the idea of going into hospital with that needle going into my arm gives me a shiver. If you have CF and are reading this then don't take offence to this. I have just never experienced it and its something I have worked obsessively hard to not experience. </div>
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I will leave you with that. I had a great birthday and heres to many more!!! </div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-60771553733801011812016-03-13T15:44:00.000+00:002016-03-13T15:44:27.970+00:00Bon Appetite Review<div class="" data-block="true" data-offset-key="4agou-0-0" style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="4agou-0-0">We went for the 6 Course "Surprise Tasting Menu". There was no surprise it. I'm not surprised it has lost its Michelin Star. The menu is dated and lacked the taste that the reputation of the restaurant accredited. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="eth4d-0-0">The amuse bouche was the nicest thing about the menu and it went south after that. However, the amuse bouche was counted as 1 of the 6 courses. That was a bit cheeky.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7hf8-0-0">Second course was a goats cheese, beetroot, and yellow pepper puree. This was nice, but I'm not sure why it was served on a slate.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="erauc-0-0">Third course was by far the worst of the night and one of the worst dishes I've had in a restaurant in a while. I didn't finish it. It would have been expected on a menu for brunch about 2-3 years ago. A huge bit of black pudding which wasn't anything special, on a bed of mushy peas, and a hard poached egg. How can a good restaurant serve a hard poached egg? The peas lacked creation. Not even a bit of chopped up mint thrown in. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="b9nd-0-0">Fourth course was mediocre. The beef was cooked well but serving prawns with a red wine jus, mash potatoes, and some sort of black pepper sauce just didn't make sense and didn't complement one another at all. Again, the yellow pepper puree appeared on the dish. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="97ibi-0-0">Fifth course was a deconstructed cheese cake. I don't understand deconstructed dishes. Just serve it the way it was meant to be. The cream cheese tasted similar to the goats cheese from the second course but with a bit of sugar to make it more of a dessert. Digestive biscuits crumbled up was a bit hard to keep on the slate. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1p390-0-0">Sixth corse was a chocolate and peanut butter brownie with coconut ice cream, and again a few crumbled up digestive biscuits. Nothing either amazing or bad about this. It was just ok. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="dsr2p-0-0">While the photos look good, they don't deserve to be in a restaurant with this reputation. I would have expected it to be served in your local family restaurant. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bn2c3-0-0"><span data-text="true">Anyway, the company of my girlfriend made the night. The food was just a happy go lucky night out. But maybe I just had too high of an expectation. </span></span></div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-67285980867929238102016-01-26T09:43:00.000+00:002016-01-26T09:43:16.723+00:00Week 1 and 2 Living Like A Kenyan<div style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
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I wasn’t sure if it was the long travel or the culture shock. I am going to say the long travel as being here is getting gradually better. </div>
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I flew from Dublin to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Addis to Nairobi (Kenya) and a 6 hour layover in a tent of a terminal. No lie. It was actually a tent. After 6 hours I had a 50 minute flight to Eldoret (Kenya) and a 45 minute drive to Iten. Iten is this small town full of Olympic Champions with a lot of Mzungo athletes. Mzungos are white men. Kids shout at me “Mzungo” as if I am the first white person they have ever seen. The little kids come over to me saying Mzungo and want to touch me. Touch my hands and hairs on my legs. I find it funny. But I can imagine back at home if i was to shout “black man” out the window of my car it would be a lot different. </div>
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It is my first full day here in Kenya and it has been a weird one. With all my travels over the world I didn’t think it would have been such a culture shock. Even when I was in Ethiopia I didn’t find it that bad. It’s not bad, its just different. Electricity shortages, no wifi, and there is only 1 proper road thru Iten. The rest are dirt roads. Perfect for running. Anything less then a 4x4 would struggle. Basically everything I mentioned are first world problems, especially no WIFI. </div>
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I went to a fruit market and got small bananas. They cost 30c for a bunch. They are the nicest bananas I’ve ever tasted. So sweet. </div>
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I am living in a compound. A very basic one at that. However, it is full of Olympians and the fastest people in the world. I can see why they are so good at running. All you have to fill your day with is training and recovery. They have no distractions like wifi. The food is perfect. Full of fruit and vegetables that haven’t been coated with a wax to make them sit on the shelves longer and no GMO foods. Everything is just as it should be. </div>
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President Mugabi of Zimbabwe once said he learned corruption from Kenya. I didn’t believe him nor did I believe the Kenyans who told me that the country is corrupt. I still don’t blame the whole country for this but it has opened my eyes. I booked a hotel thru <a href="http://bookings.com/"><span style="color: #e4af09;">Bookings.com</span></a>, a reputable website for booking hotels etc. I got confirmation, and it would have cost $2200 for 23 days. This works out to be around 90 a day, even tho it would usually cost 40 day for this hotel. The hotel itself told me that they are booked up but i thought that <a href="http://bookings.com/"><span style="color: #e4af09;">Bookings.com</span></a> had booked up a certain amount of rooms that you can buy straight from them. I went up to reception at this hotel which told me they have never heard of this site and that “this site is full on con men”. If I had the option to cancel the room without payment of 2000 then i would have laughed it off. But the hotel said that there is nothing they can do and that the site is just going to take my money. I got onto the site right away which they told me they wouldn’t charge my account and that they will look for somewhere local and no messing about. With my suspicion hat on I would say that the hotel says it has more rooms available on sites such as Bookings, but then because you can’t cancel they take you money and still have someone stay in the room you were made believe you had. Also, i get a price when i buy something but then i say “no, give me the Kenyan price” and the price drops instantly. Anyway, problem solved. Oh and I had to take a shower from a tap. Keeping it 1920s!!</div>
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I moved into a new place that is actually liveable. I had my first hot shower in over 10 days. Other then that i was cleaning myself from a tap in the shower. Felt really clean after it!!!</div>
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Running up here is good. The ground is perfect. I would compare it to a summers day in Ireland (when its hot) but it rained the night before so that the grass has a bounce to it. Hills on hills in Kenya. You have no choice but to run them. You don’t notice the altitude until you have to run up a hill. Im currently at 2400m above sea level. Its the second highest I’ve been at. Ethiopia was 2600m to 3200m. </div>
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What really annoys me about Kenya is that “this is Africa” when things take too long. I waited 90 minutes for some chicken with potatoes and a salad. It came out as a completely different order. The restaurant isn’t even busy. However, living in Kenya makes you settle yourself down and realise why are you rushing around. Everything is basic so you either have a choice to get annoyed about it or roll with it. I choose the roll with it option because I will get so frustrated if i choose the first option. </div>
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My CF hasn’t been a problem. At the moment I am on Tobi. I was on Cayston before that. I think I’ve lost a good bit of body fat. But this is a natural response from living in a hotter country. Plus the food isn’t high fat, or high animal protein which suits me better. </div>
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Until next week, take a look at my youtube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Evano" target="_blank">My Youtube</a><span style="color: #454545; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Evano" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">) which has some videos up there. It takes about 4 days to upload an 8 minute video so I can’t really </a>upload regularly.</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Evano" target="_blank"></a></div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-70807267973172271422015-12-17T23:05:00.001+00:002015-12-17T23:05:09.976+00:00Just Another Statistic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before I go on in detail, I will explain about this little boy called Finn. This is Finns year so far.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbfylKlA-sY/VnM77yOGL-I/AAAAAAAAAX4/SLxmlzSYRRc/s1600/12346335_1075245749155259_9160713640824222819_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbfylKlA-sY/VnM77yOGL-I/AAAAAAAAAX4/SLxmlzSYRRc/s320/12346335_1075245749155259_9160713640824222819_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">- 27 courses of oral anti biotics</span><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">- 11 chest x rays</span><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">- 4 courses of IV anti bionics (3 times a day)</span><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">- 4 weeks of being on oxygen</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />- 3 weeks of being on a feed directly into his stomach (to get the required amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in per day)<br />- 38 times of attendance to hospital<br />- 3 pneumonia<br />- 2 lung collapses</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Below is a link to the Joe Duffy Liveline about the new drug for CF.</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.rte.ie/radio/radioplayer/rteradiowebpage.html#!rii=9%3A20899364%3A53%3A16%2D12%2D2015%3A&type=radio" target="_blank">Joe Duffy - Orkambi</a></span><br />
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Now for the stats..<br />
Enda Kenny had a lot of positive words to say about the services for CF.<br />
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Here is what he thinks are great services.</div>
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In Dublin alone;<br />•20 CF designated beds in Vincent's with an extra 14 beds that are given to other people if needs be. <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />•6 CF designated beds in Beaumont with no extra beds if needs be.<br />•There is just over 1200 people with CF in Ireland. The most densely populated in the world yet we don't even have enough CF beds for 10% of the population nationwide. </span></div>
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Furthermore, here is a list of how Orkambi will; </div>
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•reduces hospitalisation by 40%. That alone saves money on the tax payers and the government. </div>
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•It increases weight which reduces the amount of night feeding treatment, and other weight gain supplements that people with CF will have to take. </div>
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• It increases lung function which can help people with CF participate in the real world, getting jobs and contributing to the work of the country. </div>
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Never mind the cost of the drug, it's about saving lives of Ireland's biggest genetic disease. We should be leading the world in treatment and services for CF not waiting on what other countries do.</div>
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The life expectancy in Ireland for CF is 36. In Sweden its 50. Only reason for this is due to the healthcare. To further my point, Northern Irelands life expectancy is 40. If it was to do with climate etc then Northern Ireland and Rep of Ireland would have the same age. But we don't. We have 4 years less.</div>
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The Government has said we don't have the money to fund Orkambi. The same government is to spend 60 million Euro on changing the speed limits on the m50 - a 45km motorway that acts like a carpark.</div>
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Furthermore, <span style="background-color: white;">Also, it has been announced that the government will increase the grant for Horse Racing Ireland from €54.4 million in 2015 to €59.2 million in 2016.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">But we are told that there isn't enough money to fund a life changing drug to people with CF.</span><div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">If there is not enough money to fund Orkambi, lets look at how much is spent on treating another condition that is entirely treatable with diet and lifestyle, and a condition that is on a drastic rise which effects the government and the tax payer.</span><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Type 2 Diabetes.</span><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">- 10% of the Irish Health Care budget spent on diabetes – €1.35 billion annually. </span><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">- 95% of Diabetes in Ireland have Type 2 Diabetes. </span><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">- But here is the funny thing. Cystic Fibrosis is a condition that can result in CF Related Diabetes (or CFRD).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The government spent some 27 million on postcodes in Ireland. POSTCODES!!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">If the Minister of Health Leo Varadkar had CF, he would statistical be dead. He is 36.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We know how fast and high he, or Enda Kenny would be jumping if one of their family members had CF. But they don't, and that exactly why us people with CF are just another statistic. </span></span></span></div>
Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-20591188944034234842015-10-06T12:30:00.001+01:002015-10-06T12:30:17.335+01:00PEP, Timing & Exercise<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b>Vibrating Vest Vs PEP</b></u> (<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23407019" target="_blank">Vest Vs PEP Study</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This study wanted to find out which was better in terms of Lung Exacerbation and comparing both the Vest and the PEP. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Patients using HFCWO (The Vest) experienced their next pulmonary exacerbation after starting the treatment earlier than those using PEP (220 days for PEP vs 115 days for HFCWO which was statistically meaningful)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There was no </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">significant results to show that either PEP or the Vest increased lung function.</span></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">WINNER - PEP</span></u><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><u><b>Does Timing Matter?</b></u> (<a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007923.pub3/abstract" target="_blank">Timing of DNAs Study</a>)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">No, not really. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">There is no strong evidence to indicate one timing regimen is better than another, and individuals should discuss their optimal regime with the specialist CF physiotherapist.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Does Exercise Matter?</u></b> (<a href="http://cfunite.org/research/effects-of-a-supervised-outpatient-exercise-and-physiotherapy-programme-in-children-with-cystic-fibrosis/" target="_blank">Study On Exercise With PwCF</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In short, yes!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The study consisted of 12 subjects (6 male, 6 female) with an average age of 13.3 years. During the study they spent an average of 3 hours per week exercising compared to 50 minutes in 2009. The need for IV antibiotics reduced from an average of 60 days in 2009 to 50 days during the study, along with improvements in exercise performance. Significant improvements in quality of life were also seen. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">On average, lung function was shown to decline in 2009, but a suggestion of improvement was seen in 2010.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A significant reduction in number of days that IV antibiotics were needed from 60 (56-64) in 2009 to 50(44-56) in 2010, along with an improved modified shuttle test distance 735 verses 943.</span></span>Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-18414333771438319902015-10-04T00:49:00.002+01:002015-10-04T00:49:55.947+01:00I Have A Disability - I am Disabled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Look at the video of Michael McIntyre and skip to 2.46. This video is for everyone who gives "that look" at a person who parks in a disabled spot.</div>
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There has been a lot of talk recently about Disabled Parking, and how not every disability is visual to the onlooker. However, I know for a fact that when people who have CF cough in public and they get a weird look, they get very annoyed and disgruntled. On the other hand, this is our visual "disability" and people will look weirdly. Seen as the word is highly sensitive to being sterile and the risk of contamination of an airborne disease from out coughing. This isn't necessarily true. We just cough because this is our disability and we need to clear mucus. </div>
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So, we can't have it both ways. We can't give out about people looking at us when we show our disease/disability, yet give out when someone gives us a dirty look when we park in a disabled space. The disability of CF isn't as obvious as someone who moves from their car into a wheelchair. </div>
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Yes, I have a disability. Meaning I am disabled. In other words, I have CF. I am a person with CF (PwCF). I am a CF person. I am a CF'er. I am a sick person. I am a person who is sick. I am differently abled. I have special needs.<br />
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I am using anything that comes to my mind in different ways on how I can convey that I have a condition. Or is "a condition" still a not politically correct? As you can see, it doesn't really matter to me what you call it. I still have it. Trying to powder over the fact that I have CF doesn't get away that it is a fact. The last "label" - I have special needs - might seem a wrong label to use because you think a person with special needs is disabled. You see what I did there? A person who has a mental or has a physical impairment in which it effects them on a daily basis. Yes, this is me. It effects me, but it doesn't stop me. I have special needs in that I have to take special medication, or have a special diet. But you still wouldn't call me "special needs" because I don't have Down Syndrome. I don't even know if Down Syndrome is politically correct anymore??<br />
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In the CF world, or maybe I should say "in the world of CF", people have a problem with CF'er, or Cystic, or CF person. People aren't going out of their way to insult you by calling you a Cystic or CF'er. I even get given out to for using CF'er. The politically correct term for us is PwCF.<br />
There is another side to this. Why do we need to be labelled? We don't really, but everyone has a label. CF takes up a huge part of our life, and I think we tell people that we have CF. It kinda comes up in conversation. I think it adds to the awareness of it, and so that people don't get it confused with Multiple Sclerosis. It sounds very similar to Cystic Fibrosis.<br />
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I use the title CF'er to show you that a word/label is only a word/label, but it is your interpretation of it that creates the problem. Maybe it is an insecurity about the "label" you are being called. I do not give one care if a person says i have a disability, or i have special needs, or that I'm a Cystic. The fact is I have CF and whichever way is easiest to explain or say to someone that I have CF the better.<br />
I can't speak for everyone with CF seen as I get in trouble for using CF'er etc etc. These are my thoughts, and I want to show people that not everyone with something wrong with them has a hang up over labels or words.<br />
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I don't have a disabled parking permit. Simply because I don't feel I need to park closer to the shops. There are others who actually need to be closer to the shops, or need extra space to get out of the car. I do have a problem with the logo. It shows a person in a wheelchair. I suppose it is misleading, and showing that this is the only disability out there. I don't know what else I would use. Maybe a D.P (Disabled Parking) sign?<br />
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Out of interest, If you do not like "disabled" or "disability", what would you use instead?<br />
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#BeatCFEvanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-84855898850289546412015-09-27T23:41:00.001+01:002015-09-27T23:41:51.197+01:00Heavy Growth Of StaphSeptember hasn't been nice to me. I am sick again. Maybe I had this infection already and needed antibiotics instead of steroids. Or maybe I needed both. <div>
I dropped in a sputum nearly 2 weeks ago. It showed a heavy growth of Staph. I thought to myself, if this what a heavy growth feels like then I'm doing OK. I went on a 40min run and covered 6 miles. I went home, went to work and felt perfect. The next day I woke up in so much pain in my ribs. I had been sweating at night for about a week prior to this but now it was sweating during the day. It is almost as if my body told my mind "ok, we've had enough. We will be sick together". I came home from work and rang Prof. I told him my symptoms and told me to come in and see him.</div>
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I got an x-ray which showed a huge white shadow about the size of my palm exactly where the pain is. I really should have taken a picture. </div>
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So I'm on 750mg of Ciprox (twice a day) and 500mg of Flucox (4 times a day). It has wiped me out altogether. I am still running but doing about 10min per mile. Just to keep the mucus moving. I am up to saline 3 times a day and Cayston 3 a day as well. </div>
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I will keep you updated when I get news etc. </div>
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#BeatCF</div>
Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-3899201696738880902015-09-08T19:09:00.000+01:002015-09-08T19:09:42.864+01:00New Website - www.ScullyTherapyClinic.comDon't worry. I am keeping this blog going as it is a separate entity!<br />
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<a href="http://www.scullytherapyclinic.com/" target="_blank">Scully Therapy Clinic</a><br />
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This is purely for my clinic page. I will have educational videos, recipes, news and scientific studies. Let me know what you think and if you could, share the site on your social media pages.<br />
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#BeatCF<br />
<br />Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-73758752938375499042015-09-03T00:14:00.002+01:002015-09-03T13:58:53.421+01:00It Is Not Inevitable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't like saying that it is inevitable that I got sick. I suppose everyone gets sick, but i refuse to say it is inevitable as I feel it is giving in to CF.<br />
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What's wrong with me? Leading up to the final of the World Championships in Beijing, I started to feel as I ran a really hard run and my chest was burning. I listened to my body and I didn't train. I went back on Symbicort to try reduce any inflammation that was there. The day after the final, I got gradually worse. I wasn't feeling sick. I just felt like my lungs were on fire. I ended coughing up blood about an hour before my flight from Beijing to Algeria. I was determined to get the hell home. I got on the plane, took a Melatonin and I slept for 14 hours. When I got to Algeria, I was looking for my inhaler, with no avail. So I acupunctured myself, ordered green tea with mint, and went to a steam room in the hotel. I meditated using diaphragmatic breathing. All this helped. I was looking at the Fluclox and Cyprox that i brought with me. I logically thought about it. I didnt have a sign of an infection. I just had an inflamed chest. Like an asthmatic attack. I won't blame the pollution in Beijing as there wasn't much of it. It was like any other city. However, the Air Con in the hotel was always on when i was having my breakfast, lunch and dinner. Actually, when I had a plate of hot food, within 5 minutes, it was cold. Thats how cold they had the AC. I never have the AC on in my room as its the devil. Unless I am uncontrollably hot, i turn it on for 5 minutes. Feeling hot inside is a symptom that you aren't functioning properly. You aren't hydrated or you are eating to many inflammatory foods. For example, sugar or alcohol.<br />
I also think that I was running on adrenalin for about 2-3 weeks prior to my symptom. Once the final was over, my body had a chance to settle and boom!!! The chest went kaput.<br />
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Anyway, I didn't take an antibiotic and asked my Mam to bring steroids to the airport for when she collected me. A strange request but I felt I needed them. I can't remember the last time I was on an anti biotic and the last time i was on steroids was 5 years ago when i got a huge allergic reaction to aspergillus in a forest.<br />
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I don't know if I'm alone, but i LOVE steroids. The first day is the best. 6 tablets and within 10 minutes you are so relaxed. If I could i would take more! Its good the pharmacist gives you the correct dose, and not a few more for good luck! Im on my second day of them and I can feel I am bouncing back. I feel like I need to train now. I am looking forward to heading back out on a run and doing some yoga. Right now, i can't run up the stairs.<br />
I try do everything naturally as well. So making teas and eating pineapple which has an enzyme called Bromulin. It helps reduce inflammation.<br />
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The tea I make is as follows;<br />
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<li>1 teaspoon of dried thyme</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of dried oregano</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of green tea leaves</li>
<li>4 peppercorns</li>
<li>1 cardamon pod</li>
<li>Organic honey. I use honey that is unfused with thyme and mint.</li>
<li>Fill up with about 400ml of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes</li>
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Here's a few pictures of The Birds Nest Stadium and The Great Wall Of China<br />
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#BeatCF</div>
Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-79085484385340672632015-08-30T04:42:00.000+01:002015-08-30T06:15:24.153+01:00Being in Beijing<div style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jxuph0ZYDTg/VeKRVSbT_AI/AAAAAAAAAWU/kOf8CO71Ao4/s640/blogger-image--1421301206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jxuph0ZYDTg/VeKRVSbT_AI/AAAAAAAAAWU/kOf8CO71Ao4/s640/blogger-image--1421301206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3zCFaJvKwVs/VeKRaqTKW1I/AAAAAAAAAWk/SZ0OILj8kJI/s640/blogger-image-723266859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3zCFaJvKwVs/VeKRaqTKW1I/AAAAAAAAAWk/SZ0OILj8kJI/s640/blogger-image-723266859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxiBIOK6mR0/VeKRY_58ZAI/AAAAAAAAAWc/uDEmMfhrwGM/s640/blogger-image-1960530063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxiBIOK6mR0/VeKRY_58ZAI/AAAAAAAAAWc/uDEmMfhrwGM/s640/blogger-image-1960530063.jpg"></a></div><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3zCFaJvKwVs/VeKRaqTKW1I/AAAAAAAAAWk/SZ0OILj8kJI/s640/blogger-image-723266859.jpg"></div><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jxuph0ZYDTg/VeKRVSbT_AI/AAAAAAAAAWU/kOf8CO71Ao4/s640/blogger-image--1421301206.jpg"></div>I highly doubt that there are 9 million bicycles in Beijing. Although, given that the population is 26 million then I would probably say 30% do have bicycles. Nobody really cycles them. Scooters (electric and push), and cars are the main modes of transport. I haven't seen an underground or subway equivalent. However, a 30 min taxi costs between ¥37 (€5.30ish) and ¥56 (€8) depending on traffic. So why would you bother taking public transport. I'm in a taxi writing this as well. With no seatbelt. Well, they do have seat belts but nothing to connect the seat belts. It's like playing Russian Roulette, or in this case, Beijing Roulette.</div>
<div><br><div class="separator" style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsuCOzOAn10/VeKRUgzBtJI/AAAAAAAAAWM/DMgD-m7pAkM/s640/blogger-image-727563413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsuCOzOAn10/VeKRUgzBtJI/AAAAAAAAAWM/DMgD-m7pAkM/s640/blogger-image-727563413.jpg"></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yas and I visited the Bleedin Deadly Wall of China. If you don't like steps then don't go. If you like skipping leg day, then don't go. It's like lunging for an hour straight! Then having to walk, or jump down the steps, which resemble more like a small cliff. Other then that, it has lovely views, and it's </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">a goal (recent goal) to visit the 7 Wonder Of The World. 1 down, 6 to go! </span></div>
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Dotted along the wall are shops selling nic nac shite that I love (Yas hates). Teacups, fridge magnets, beads, coins, and a Che Givara tshirt! No idea he had such an influence on the Great Wall! </div>
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I think the pollution and weather was a great surprise. There is very little pollution, given that it's a huge city. I was told that the factories have stopped production to let the pollution calm down. The weather has been mid 20s. It's nice. </div>
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As a whole, Beijing has impressed me. The people are so nice, and most can speak English. They go out of their way to help you. Yes the spit a lot, but this is good for people with CF. Sometimes you have a big mucus filled gollier (spit in Ireland) in your mouth and you need to get it out. It's ok in Beijing. Just spit!</div>
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There is a huge culture for food. Instead of visiting art galleries or history museums, the Chinese love to eat and talk about where the best food is for dinner etc. This is something that Yas and I love. Yes we love art and history, music and sightseeing, but our day is made up of food. We search places to eat before we go to a country. Not just typical restaurants. Places that are off the beaten track. Little gems that don't cost an arm and a leg to eat at (we still eat at those as well). For instance, we had 12 cooked oysters in garlic, chilli and coriander, with soy sauce. About 4 handfuls of prawns, these amazing noodles and it all cost about €30. Less actually. We were stuffed after. The oysters are one of the best mouthfuls of food I've ever had. Raw oysters is something I cannot eat. I tried and just couldn't. I love raw food but these I just couldn't. Blue mouldy cheese is another and pickles are the last thing. Those 3 I even feel sick thinking about them. But cooked oysters is a whole different ball game. </div>
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I think that Ireland and the UK are the only countries that don't use their horn in their car. Every country, especially in Beijing and Algeria, they love blowing their horn. They might as well tape it down so it's constantly on. It would be so much easier.</div>
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So back to business. Taoufik is thru to the semi final of the World Champs (1.05pm Irish time - 28th of Aug). The final is on Sunday around the same time. Should find it on the BBC. He looked ok in the heats but he hates mornings so this is probably the reason. The main thing is not to analyse it and take each races as it comes. Focus on the task at hand. I tell people this - it's not how fast your legs can go, it's about how mentally strong you are. </div>
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All is good here from Beijing. I will update with a video as soon as I can find my lead for my GoPro! </div>
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#BeatCF</div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-79233014968542405782015-08-24T08:46:00.001+01:002015-08-24T08:46:49.443+01:00Road TO Beijing 2015<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FhsaxD5DSP0" width="480"></iframe><br />
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The time has come. The training is done.<br />
I am in Beijing for the World Athletics Championships. Above is a small trailer that I made from the beginning of the year until a few days ago. I made it on my way over to Beijing because the flight was stupidly long. 13 hours of flying. But what made it worse is that we were stuck on the runway for 7 hours. Just as we were about to take off from the ground, the whole plane came to a sudden stop. One engine was only working at 30%. You wouldn't want to have a fear of flying!<br />
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Beijing isn't what I was expecting. In fact, it reminds me of Brussels. The pollution isn't what everyone was telling me. The heat isn't that bad and the humidity is ok. Well, it goes between 45-60% with the temp at high 20s and low 30s. But its always overcast which is probably why the humidity is so high. Picture Irelands summer...without rain...and a little hotter.<br />
I was expecting to see lanterns everywhere and what you would expect from a typical Chinese postcard to look like. I haven't seen one lantern yet.<br />
I found this little food garden. It's actually called a beer garden but there is more food then beer. I ordered oysters cooked over an open flame with chilli, garlic and soy sauce. It was one of the nicest mouthfuls of food I have tasted. What was even better is that 6 oysters were the equivalent of €6. Good food isn't always the most expensive food!<br />
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As i write this, Yas is just about landing in Beijing after 23 hours of flying! She always researches places before she goes so I know she already has the best places to visit. The both of us are "foodies" and when in China, you do as the Chinese do. Eat everything! Well, thats my stereotype of them. I don't think its as true as what everyone says. I haven't seen dog or scorpion on any menu. However, I asked a local where to get dog and the like. So thats on my to do list. People may wonder why the hell i would want to eat dog, or snake or whatever it may be. Because it is there! If it wasn't for the Egyptians, dogs wouldn't be seen as pets. Asians HATE blue cheese, and think that eating it is sickening. I do too. It makes me nauseous if I even think about eating it. In Asia, they don't really look at dairy products at all. Eating a camel is ok in Arab countries. In Ireland, we wouldnt even think of eating a camel. So delicacies are only strange because we haven't grown up with that idea.<br />
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Taoufiks first race is on the 27th. Semi final on the 28th and the final on the 30th. I am not that nervous as I know he can win. I have seen the training he has put in. He is ready. Nothing can be changed by worrying about something.<br />
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#BeatCFEvanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-78870533127007345412015-08-16T13:36:00.001+01:002015-08-16T13:36:32.659+01:00Controlling CF With Nutrition - Ginseng (part4)Before you read this, take a look at the other 3 parts.<br />
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<a href="http://ihavecf.blogspot.fr/2014/08/controlling-cf-with-nutrition-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a><br />
<a href="http://ihavecf.blogspot.fr/2014/09/nutrition-and-cf-pt2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a><br />
<a href="http://ihavecf.blogspot.fr/2014/10/nutrition-for-cf-pt3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a><br />
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So, the world of Cystic Fibrosis is slowly coming around to the links between nutrition and our illness/disease.<br />
Fibrosis means the thickening and scarring of tissues. Or you can look at it as an inflammatory response to our body. Im not sure where I am going with this, but I thought it might be interesting.<br />
Anyway, like I said last year, and years before that. Eating crap food no matter who you are will result in your body functioning crap. We are no different. If you fill yourself with Haribo and Lucozade, you will be getting no nutritional value from it and it will actually be an anti-nutritional food. Meaning, it does more harm then good.<br />
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I will start of with a CF conference in Australia (which was posted by Grant on DearCF Facebook)<br />
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I will try get the full slides and narrow the information down.</div>
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<u><b>GINSENG</b></u></div>
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There are a few different versions of Ginseng. Depending on your body composition from a Chinese Medicine point of view, (Yin or Yang), then you should determine which Ginseng to take. I won't get too into Chinese Medicine here, but i will give you the information.</div>
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<u>1. American Ginseng</u></div>
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This version is the least effective on the QI (energy) out of the 3 Ginsengs. However, this type of ginseng is good for coughing up blood, or if you have a fever, as it is cooling. It would also be good for someone with menopause.</div>
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<u>2. Panax Ginseng</u></div>
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This ginseng is the in between ginseng. It generates fluid in the body, and has a calming effect on the body. I think this is the most available Ginseng. But just make sure it is this you are getting as each ginseng has different effects. However, i think this one or the American one can be good in the treatment in CF, and the studies don't say which ginseng they used apart from the one listed below. </div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Korean Ginseng</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This type of ginseng has the strongest effect. This doesn't mean it is the best for you. If you have too much heat in your body then this type can make you worse. However, because CF is a damp condition (produces more phlegm) then this could be the one to consider. But if you have an infection or have a temprature, then maybe use the American Ginseng. </span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ON GINSENG</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A study with CF and Ginseng from 1997 shows that it can be used to significantly improve in the treatment of Pseudomonas A in only 2 weeks. (<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC163833/" target="_blank">1997 Study on Ginseng and Pseudo</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The second study was from 2011. This study shows that Ginseng can be used to eradicate the biofilm <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">associated chronic infections caused by P. aeruginosa. </span>(<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21303421" target="_blank">2011 Study On The Eradication of the Biofilm in Pseudo A</a>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This this study shows the same reaction to Pseudo with the treatment of Ginseng but it states which type of Ginseng that was used. Which was the American Ginseng (<a href="http://www.atsjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2014.189.1_MeetingAbstracts.A6261" target="_blank">2014 Study on American Ginseng for Pseudo</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>TIPS</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are taking a lot of caffeine in the day then i would reduce the amount you take, if you are going to start with Ginseng. I would also take ginseng in the morning, as it can have an effect on energy levels and insomnia. </span></div>
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If you are on Insulin then be careful as it can speed up the metabolism. </div>
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<b><u>FURTHER READING</u></b></div>
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Because Panax ginseng is probably the most popular, and the study above shows that it was the Panax variety that helped with Pseudo. Read the link for further info (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1000-ginseng%20panax%20(ginseng,%20panax.aspx?activeingredientid=1000&activeingredientname=ginseng%20panax%20(ginseng,%20panax" target="_blank">Uses, Interactions, Dosage on WebMD</a>)</div>
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<u><b>PERSONAL EXPERIENCE </b></u></div>
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I haven't been on ginseng a long time, and i haven't had a sputum done in over a year. But once I am home, i will get a sputum done to see if there was any change in my Pseudomonas A. I am only speaking from experience, and with scientific studies on Ginseng, i think it gives a convincing case. </div>
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<br />Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-29614417752365139092015-08-12T21:38:00.002+01:002015-08-12T21:38:49.086+01:00Ran From The Bottom Now Im Here!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22560%22%20height=%22315%22%20src=%22https://www.youtube.com/embed/0eiSOXF1hwo%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0eiSOXF1hwo" width="560"></iframe></a><br />
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From the video above, you can see I am keeping well. The apartment is 1800m above sea level. I ran to what i thought was the top. Until I went behind a bunch of trees and found another massive incline. These inclines are supposed to be skiing downhill, and getting the lift up to the top, not running up the thing.<br />
Some people when they see a football, they feel they need to give it a kick. When I see a hill, i have the urge to run up it.<br />
It is now 13 days out from World Championships. The icing is being put on the cake! Everyone reading this, please cross everything possible in your body.<br />
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#BeatCF<br />
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<br />Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-58735928938584089262015-08-03T20:34:00.000+01:002015-08-03T20:34:09.788+01:00Cough Up A Lung<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">It seems to be a yearly episode of coughing up blood. The last time it happened was last August when i was in Portugal. I had the Air Con on. Over the weekend, I was in Paris which it was 38 degrees. I had no choice but to put the AC on. I am convinced thats why I am coughing up blood a few days later. The weather has changed dramatically. It was raining yesterday and the day before. So going from really high temperatures to cold and damp conditions, i think, plays a part in it. </span><br />
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There can’t be any other reason as I am still able to run. </div>
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<li>Monday - 40 minutes cycle, + 25 minutes run, </li>
<li>Tuesday - 55 minutes run + yoga </li>
<li>Wednesday - 30 min run</li>
<li>Thursday - held a plank/bridge for 1 hour and 21mins.</li>
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I think the thing to do in this situation is relax, put the kettle on and time to calm down. Stress is another reason why it can happen. I have learnt this from past experiences. I know I don’t have an infection as I wouldn’t be able to do the amount I am doing. </div>
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At the moment, i am in a place called Font Romeu. Its situated in the French Pyrenees. I am living at 2000m above sea level, and its by far the easiest altitude I have been at. Ethiopia is the highest I've been to at 3200m. Flagstaff in America was the hardest and it was about 1800m i think. Not sure why it was so hard to adapt up there. </div>
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So I travel to Beijing in about 10 days for the World Athletics Championships. I will hook up with Yas as well which will be cool as Asia is one of the places on our to do list. </div>
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Speaking of which. Earlier in the year we both wrote down 3 name places that we wanted to go in October. October is our anniversary, hence the little trip. We both had Berlin as one of the destinations. Berlin it was! Im looking forward to that. Munich is still the best place I've been to. Berlin is supposed to be better. But, I feel that it isn't necessarily the place that makes it great, i think its the company that you are with. </div>
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The athlete I'm working with has improved by nearly 2 seconds over 1500m. His now the 4th fastest person ever in the 1000m. So he is coming into perfect shape to win World Championships. Here is a few pics below of the last bit. </div>
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Edu seeing me taking my neb for the first time. He wouldnt let go of me. So cute!</div>
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Article in the Meath Chronicle </div>
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Doing a session on the track. </div>
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This was taken from a French newspaper that Taoufik was in. </div>
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This is a picture from Font Romeu. Not a bad view. </div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-78392805761283108612015-07-03T22:50:00.001+01:002015-07-03T22:50:19.980+01:00On The Road Vegan<br />
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So one thing led to another and I became a vegan. How? Well I don’t do things in halves. I started out doing a 5/2 diet. I just came up with the idea of doing 5 days vegetarian, and 2 days normal. I called it the Weekday Vegetarian. The only reason I was eating meat on a weekend was because every saturday, our family has a steak night, and on a Sunday was the usual Sunday Roast. I also happen to love meat. </div>
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As I have been away, I stuck to the Weekday Vegetarian. I began to look into things in the animal industry and realised how exploited they are, and how much of the worlds energy goes into bulking up animals for humans to feast on. It made no sense to me, and all the sense in the world for me to go vegan. Full-time! </div>
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I have been a full-time vegan for a month, but supplementing with B-12. The pharmacist said that I was to take 1 vile once a month. It was 1000mcg of B12. Is he having a laugh? That would last a few days, and especially with CF and the absorbtion problems. Furthermore, it is not how much B12 you are supplementing with, its how the body is able to absorb it. </div>
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After about 2 week, I began to wake up feeling even worse then I usually do. I usually wake up feeling like i haven’t even slept. Now, I wake up with what I imagine a hangover would feel like. Headaches, body aches, taking me longer to do stuff, and having no appetite at all in the morning. I usually don’t have a big appetite in the morning, but now it is zero. </div>
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Just the weekend gone, I craved raw animal and cheese. I usually listen to signs of what my body is telling me. I felt like I was giving up on something I committed to. Although, I usually am too hard on myself on silly little things. I felt it was a sign of weakness if I decided to start eating meat at the weekends. Instead of listening to that part of my conscious, I decided to go get some sushi. Worst part of it was, it wasn’t even nice sushi. So I met up with a friend for lunch number 2. I ordered carpaccio with basil infused olive oil. Texture was amazing, but the oil empowered the beef. Disappointing lunch on both accounts. Dinner time, and i found another Japanese. I ordered about 25 rolls. Tuna, salmon, shrimp and avocado. It was lovely. Guess what happened this morning? I woke at 6 am, feeling like i slept about 10 hours, which in fact, i only slept about 4. I didn’t have any headache, I felt brand new. So maybe a Vegan diet isn’t for me. Maybe instead of a weekday vegetarian, i will be a weekday vegan. A compromise. </div>
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It wasn’t a coincidence on how I was feeling since turning fully vegan. It was a clear sign that I do need animal protein. Not to the extent of having it at every meal.</div>
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It is also very very hard to be a vegan with the lifestyle I have. It not an excuse, it's reality. In France, a lot of things have or are cooked with animal products. I have been out of my apartment for a week now and even tho I'm still eating vegetarian, I can't find anywhere that does vegan food. Not only is it extremely hard to be a vegan when on the road, it is also extremely hard to eat healthy. The temptation when I eat at all you can eat banquets that have a huge array of desserts. I have been a good boy! </div>
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I think listening to the signs your body is telling you and adapting to situations is the key. </div>
Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-12143614117868896012015-06-05T16:40:00.000+01:002015-06-05T16:40:26.390+01:00I Think Im Turning Into A Hippy<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I have been absent from this blog for quite some time now. Not that I haven’t had time, I just don’t really know what to write about. I have 3 blog posts in the drafts that I haven’t posted. Actually 4. But maybe I will be able to delve into that sometime in the future.</span><br />
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Currently, I am in Angers. A nice little town in the North-West corner of France. Stuck between Nantes and Le Mans. I’m sure you have heard of those two places. Its level with Paris but best for about 2 hours on a train. Failing that description, just Google it. </div>
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I have been here for the last month. The temptation of Macaroons and Eclairs are on every street. If that isn’t enough, you can get a macaroon scented candle, and soap. Although that it hard, being a weekday vegetarian is easier. I don’t like the milk here, so i am now becoming a weekday Vegan. The only reason I say I am a ‘weekday’ is because I eat animal protein on the weekends. I love the cheese here so its is like a treat for me. In the past, I tend to do things at 500 miles an hour and give it either 100% or 0%. I can’t do things at 50%. So weekday vegan/vegetarian is something that has been challenging in terms of not going out and changing my whole wardrobe to 100% Fair-trade Cotton and Vegan footwear. I haven’t started petitions or went on animal cruelty marches outside government buildings. I don’t push it on anyone else as well. It was my choice to do this. Both for a health and environmental reason. </div>
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Health reasons being that we do not need to eat animal protein. Eggs, fish, chicken, meat, game. I believe that it is fair healthier to eat everything from a plant basis. </div>
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Environmental reasons being that if we eat more meat, then more animals have to be raised which causes more methane (a biproduct of animals farts and burps). This gas causes more of a problem to global warming then cars do. If everyone decided to choose to cut down on animal protein, it would have a greater result then if everyone started driving hybrid cars. Furthermore, the cattle then have to be fed. More cattle = more food. Food that could be used for humans. The transportation costs of both feed, then the animal to the slaughterhouse, and then to the shops is astronomical. Animals that aren’t organic, are pumped with anti biotic, which results in humans becoming more resistant to antibiotics, which leads to the creation of super bugs. Its all a vicious cycle. </div>
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I think i just went 100% there. Anyway, you get the gist. Do I feel better for being on this diet? Yes. I don’t feel like I’m bloated or slumpy (i just made that word up). I feel more regular. I can make better decisions, rather then just throwing everything into my mouth and not caring what or where it came from. </div>
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Another big addition that I have started was meditation. I do it everyday, and for a minimum of 20mins. Usually, if I only do 20mins, then I will do another 20 later on in the day. I just finished meditating for 40mins there. My longest was 90mins. It felt really good. Yes, at the start of meditating, i could only last 3 minutes, and even that was a push. But its like exercise. The more you do it, the easier it gets. My sleep patterns are more regular, I am not as angry as I was, I am more sympathetic to myself, and to others. I realise when enough is enough. I even have more energy throughout the day. Whats not to like about the benefits. There are so many things on youtube and the internet on how to begin meditating. If i was to explain to someone how to do it, it would be like this. </div>
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<li>Go to a quiet room, and turn off all the lights and electricity that you have on in that room. Phones, laptops, tablets. TVs. </li>
<li>Look somewhere between your nose and the ground. That space in between. If you can’t, then just close your eyes, but remember to relax the muscles around your eyes.</li>
<li>Count on every out breath until you get to 16. Repeat 3 times. This should take around 3 minutes. For me, it takes 3 minutes to do 16 breaths. But at the start it was 16 breaths to 1 minute. </li>
<li>Breath from your stomach, not from your chest. </li>
<li>Focus on relaxing every muscle in your body. Scan through each body part. You’ll be amazed at how much tension you are holding. </li>
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So enough about that. I am going to go on a run now, and then start massaging. </div>
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Do your best. </div>
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Adios</div>
Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-58646312662153926532015-05-12T23:21:00.002+01:002015-05-12T23:21:51.100+01:00Angers, Orkambi, and Running<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I have left the vast lands of the USA. A brief stop in Ireland to check in with Prof McElvaney and to</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> get a lung function. My PFT (Pulmonary Lung Function) went up by 4% since 6 months ago. Not bad I suppose! Other then that, nothing has changed. Thats always a good thing! I want to talk further on lung function increase and the new drugs for DF508, which is titled Orkambi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">First of all, i am now in Angers, France. A lovely little town with even the easiest meal beating anything I tasted in America. Super markets in America have really messed things up for everyone in the country. </span><br />
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I love little towns that haven't been taken over by modern day "niceties". Wifi is bad here which makes it good. There isn't 20 different options of Wifi on my phone. Admittedly, it does make it harder to talk with Yas and my family but at least I can still talk with them everyday. It makes me look forward to have something at the end of the day. </div>
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I love running around the streets exploring what the place has to offer. I don't go with a certain plan. I just run. Buddhist might call it Mindfulness Running. You get a feeling to turn right or left, so you take that turn. You are in the moment and enchanted with what lies ahead. By doing this, you get surprised as to what you see. I took this photo of a lovely fountain in the middle of this square. </div>
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So let me get back to the Orkambi drug. <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-fda-panel-recommends-vertex-194450528.html?.tsrc=applewf" target="_blank">Orkambi FDA Approval</a>. For nearly 2 years I have questioned myself on whether I should go on it. I turned down to go on the trial, and I don't regret the decision. So should I go on it? Here is my reasoning. </div>
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1) At the moment, my lung function is increasing every time I go to have a check up. </div>
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2) I have reduced the amount of medication I take. All I take now is Creon, Tobi/Cayston. Thats it.</div>
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3) Will it create damage to other organs in my body?</div>
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4) My weight hasn't changed (apart from when I dropped to 51kg but thats for a different reason)</div>
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With those 4 point. I can't really see any pros for going on more medication. Yes, if my health deteriorates, i would of course go on it. No question. The temptation is to go on Orkambi as it's like giving a car a turbo engine. It will make it faster. I don't know if that simplifies it too much. </div>
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I shall try to update the blog more often. Sorry on the slow updates. </div>
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Bon Nuit! </div>
Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-54593638110573654282015-04-28T16:01:00.002+01:002015-04-28T16:01:29.250+01:00To Vote Yes or No? That Is The Question<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">In the lead up to the referendum on Gay Rights, I had to ask myself these questions as thou i was homophobic. I try to understand other peoples frame of mind. Usually it helps me to explain my point better on why the situations should be allowed. </span><br />
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So, when you talk to a person about people who are gay you get told <i>“God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve”</i></div>
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Firstly, God made gay people as well, so that answers that. However, If i was a believer in God thats what I would say. The argument went on in my head as I asked myself further what they might say. “God didn’t make gay people, the Devil did”. Let me explain something about genetic diseases and how I believe they started. </div>
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If you believe in the story of Adam and Eve. The couple made 2 kids called Kane and Abel. It is inevitable that incest would have had to occur to recreate life. Thats the fact in the situation, and that how I believe genetic diseases originated. Ask yourself this question if you are homophobic. How is incest ok but being gay isn’t? </div>
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When I asked myself further questions about people who are gay and that they can’t reproduce life. This is also fact, and if I was to get asked this question by someone who is religious, I’m not sure how to answer this apart from love isn’t always just about the end result of reproducing life. It is one part of it. If it was the only part, the world would be over populated. And this might be a lead from that. Maybe God made gay people in a way that love can still happen between two people, and it will mean that the world won’t be over populated. Which leads me to my last point. Love is so powerful, and I believe that if two people are truly happy then who are we to say otherwise? </div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-8893238299186757932015-03-10T08:02:00.000+00:002015-03-10T08:02:02.609+00:00The Killer Humidity<br />
While studying Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, we learnt a lot about the elements which can effect the body. The elements invading the body to worsen symptoms. Our lecturer Dr Fanyi Wang told us that Bells Palsy rates in China went up during spring as their was more wind. If he wasn't Chinese, I would have taken this next statement as racist. "Chinese peoples faces are flatter and attracts the wind easier". Wind invading the body creates a paralysis, or stiffness. You've often heard of leaving the window open at night and creating a draft.<br />
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Anyway, the Californian weather is mostly desert climate. While I've been here it has constantly been in the 20s, and humidity between 10-13%. Perfect for a person with CF. Living in Ireland, with the humidity constantly high, hovering around 80%, or worse during the summer months. This isn't very conducive to CF. Humidity can create our bodily fluids to be thicker, and giving the mucus in our lungs, its going to make this worse.<br />
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Today has been different. I woke up feeling crappy and i was more productive. Productive meaning more mucus. I put it down to just needing to go on a run, forgetting that I ran two days ago! Off I went on a 10 mile run, and feeling like I needed to get the lower lungs I did some sprints afterwards to try clear more mucus. It helped, but I still felt very productive.<br />
I decided to check the weather again. Humidity 71%!! This explains a lot. It was as if I was back in Ireland. It's like when you have a nice bed but after a while you forget how nice it is until you sleep in a lumpy crappy mattress. Well that's what it's like for me right now. Two different extremes.<br />
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<br />Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-47886721335270365912015-03-04T19:31:00.000+00:002015-03-04T19:35:20.978+00:00Zinc + Vit D In Helping Diabetes<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.48em;">Low serum vitamin D levels are more closely associated with diabetes than obesity is, claim Spanish researchers, who go on to suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.</span></div>
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They found that serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels are reduced in prediabetic and diabetic individuals compared with those who have normal blood glucose levels, independently of body mass index (BMI).</div>
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The study was <a href="http://press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/jc.2014-3016" style="color: #5757a6;" target="_blank">published online</a> February 23 in the <em>Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism</em>.</div>
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"Our findings indicate that vitamin D is associated more closely with glucose metabolism than obesity," commented senior author Manuel Macías-González, PhD, of the University of Málaga, Spain. "The study suggests that vitamin D deficiency and obesity interact synergistically to heighten the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.</div>
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"The average person may be able to reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough outdoor activity," he suggested.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.48em;">This is interesting with Ireland and also with CF. Vitamin D is a fat solubale vitamin and we all know that PWCF cannot absorb them. However, you can get Vit D from the sun, and thats what the study also suggested. Although, CFRD isn't down to not just getting enough sun, getting outdoors, or maybe taking a Vit D supplement can help with CFRD. Also, Vit D deficiency can also be related to depression and low moods. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.48em;">Consult your Dr before jumping into buying Vit D supplement!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.48em;">Zinc is also another supplement that can help with Diabetes. It is </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">an essential mineral that plays very important roles in the body. We cannot make zinc, so we need to find it from food sources. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">seafood, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and dairy products</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">. Zinc is better absorbed from animal foods than from plant foods, since compounds called </span><i style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">phytates</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> that are found in plants can hinder its absorption</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">It is stored in the muscles, blood cells, the retina of the eye, skin, bones, kidney, liver, pancreas and in men, the prostate.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Zinc helps with our immunity system to function correctly, in the form of an antioxidant. It protects our cells from free radicals. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">However, I'm not talking about zinc to help our immune system but I feel its good to point it out. Zinc is essential for the formation of insulin in the pancreas. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Interestingly, a study over 7 years showed that people with Diabetes and who died from a heart attack were zinc deficient. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">One reason for this is that diabetics tend to have increased excretion of zinc. </span><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Additionally, high blood sugar levels creates significant oxidative stress. Thanks to research from UCD we know about oxidative stress and mucus formation in CF ( <a href="http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0225/682865-cystic-fibrosis/" target="_blank">UCD Research on CF</a> ). The</span><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"> </span><a href="http://www.peakhealthadvocate.com/833/mediterranean-diet-coq10-reduce-oxidative-stress-disease/" style="border: 0px; color: #f1592a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">use of antioxidants has been shown to help improve oxidation</a><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">, while also enhancing your body’s response to insulin.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">On another note, zinc can also improve your mood. People who suffer with depression have shown to have lower zinc levels.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">But before you go popping any of the above, talk with your Dr as there are some side effects to both supplement. </span></div>
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Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-50543417665900082572015-02-25T20:23:00.003+00:002015-02-25T20:23:47.354+00:00Nutrition<a href="http://ihavecf.blogspot.com/2014/08/controlling-cf-with-nutrition-part-1.html" target="_blank">CF Nutrition Part 1</a><div>
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<a href="http://ihavecf.blogspot.com/2014/09/nutrition-and-cf-pt2.html" target="_blank">CF Nutrition Part 2</a></div>
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<a href="http://ihavecf.blogspot.com/2014/10/nutrition-for-cf-pt3.html" target="_blank">CF Nutrition Part 3</a></div>
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I think it is about time i added to this list and do a CF Nutrition Part 4, but I will have to do it over a number of weeks as i am trying out new ways to improve my way of like, mentally and physically. I am also studying Nutritional Therapy to broaden my scope on food!</div>
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So in the meantime read back over these 3 articles I did last year, and take a look at this new article </div>
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<a href="http://cysticfibrosisnewstoday.com/2015/02/23/ongoing-trial-evaluating-benefits-of-immunonutrition-on-cystic-fibrosis/?utm_content=buffer4acf3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">Benefits Of Immunonutrition For CF</a></div>
Evanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130387452483505414.post-69806277105596346842015-02-18T22:37:00.001+00:002015-02-18T22:45:01.787+00:00"Change The Way You Look At Things, And The Things You Look At Changes"I made a deal with myself when I was younger. A deal, or a dream, i'm not sure which one it was. The idea of competing in The Olympics was always a goal. Sadly, I never reached that goal. The goal switched from competing at the Olympics to working with an Olympic Champion. Within the short space of time graduating from college as a Sports Therapist and then Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, I have reached that goal. I have posted it on my Facebook, but for those of you who aren"t friends with me on there, I am now the full time therapist to Taoufik Makhloufi. He won gold at the London Olympics in the 1500m. (click here to watch - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry8GWJMpIVQ" target="_blank">London Olympic 1500m Final</a> )<br />
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Currently, I am in California with Taoufik. It might seem all jolly but trust me, it's hard. I miss my girlfriend Yasmina, and my family. I read a good quote "you flourish best where you are planted". I think it was in the Bible. While I don't have a belief in a religion, I can still have an open mind to take things from scriptures like the Bible or the Quran. I believe that these books might just be really good philosophy books. Anyway, that quote resonates with me, but I don't entirely think it is true. If you refer to my last blog post about The Heroes Journey, you will understand my thinking. I'm not trying to say i'm a hero by any means but i think everyone takes these types of journeys.<br />
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I believe that everyone hides behind a keyboard or phone in social media. They are keyboard warriors. They won't actually put up what mood they are actually in. So peoples Instagram accounts is a false identity of what they are. They "go" to the gym but don't actually workout.<br />
I'm guilty of this as well. By looking at my social media you might think I don't have a care in the world, and everything is brilliant. But it is never easy being over the other side of the world, alone from the people I love, and what is familiar to me. Part of me loves experiencing new cultures and anything new. But i want best of both worlds. To be with my family and Yas, and experiencing all this brilliance the world has to offer. Sadly that can't happen, and I realise that i will be back at home relatively shortly! I need to step back and be in the now and see how lucky I am that Taoufik has put a lot of faith in me that he believes I can be apart of the team, and also how grateful I am that I can live what my dream was.<br />
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I will leave you with a link from the Anton Savage Show on Today FM that I did just before I left, and an article that was done in the Mirror.<br />
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<a href="http://www.todayfm.com/Evan-Scully" target="_blank">ANTON SAVAGE - TODAY FM INTERVIEW</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/health-news/doctors-said-wouldnt-live-past-5042074" target="_blank">The Irish Mirror Article</a><br />
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AdiosEvanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762986868964736532noreply@blogger.com0