August, 2015 – Around the World Exhibition Call to Artists
Bootz Culture Camp, Royal Palm Beach, FL
August, 2015 – Cameras for Kids, Reusing Cameras
Living Green
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: 3 words that are Synonymous with Living Green
By Bryan Hayes
Recently I have been exposed (pardon the pun) to a local nonprofit organization that focuses oh photography. Instead of throwing away, or keeping a good digital camera in storage, the Cameras for Kids Foundation is able to provide an opportunity to utilize it in a meaningful way. They recycle donated digital cameras and reuse them to teach teens in foster care the art of photography. This not only reduces the amount of waste that may otherwise end up in landfills but provides a truly positive, even life altering experience, for the students who learn from professional photographers.
A single camera can have a significant carbon footprint. Plastic alone is a significant contributor to waste. Approximately 8 million tons of plastic in 2010 (according to the February 13th issue of journal Science) ended up in the ocean, for example. The materials that make up a digital camera include not only plastic, but also glass, metal, rubber, steel, magnesium, and sometimes other materials, depending on the make and model. Because of these materials, a camera should never be thrown in the trash, but even more so – because of the batteries.
With the accelerated advancement of camera technology incorporated into today’s cell phones, there are many digital cameras that do not get thrown out, but are sitting in storage somewhere. Professional photographers upgrade their equipment to keep up with the technology while the amateur photographer may find that their cell phone camera is sufficient enough to meet their demands.
Founded in 2009, Cameras for Kids Foundation has reused a total of 150 donated digital cameras teaching at least 300 foster kids photography and has brought its program to 28 separate locations across the US, Canada and Haiti. The number of students has accelerated dramatically with over 600 students involved in 12 states in 2015.
Foster children often are not afforded a creative outlet, or for that matter the opportunity to learn a skill set such as photography. Not only that, but having a positive role model such as a professional photographer, provides a significant benefit far beyond learning how to take a picture. That photograph can have a life of its own that builds confidence, self-esteem and hope for their future.
The process starts with the pairing of a student with a professional photographer who volunteers their time to teach. The student learns the basic skills and is tasked with assignments. The program lasts for a total of 8 weeks, meeting once a week for an hour class.
In 2013 and 2014, Cameras for Kids Foundation was a top-rated non-profit organization. Their goal is to expand the program, allowing for more students to be exposed to photography.
If you have a working digital camera (with all its working parts) and would like to donate it to Cameras for Kids Foundation, you can do so by mailing it to:
Cameras For Kids Foundation
368 S. Military Trail
Deerfield Beach, FL33442
All defective cameras that are received are donated to: https://planetgreenrecycle.com/fundraising/. “Planet Green provides fundraising recycling programs for organizations, individuals, and businesses by collecting and sending in inkjet cartridges, cell phones, and other small electronics.”
For more information, contact: betsey@CamerasForKidsFoundation.org or visit their website Cameras for Kids Foundation. You can also like “Cameras for Kids” on Facebook.
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Bryan Hayes is an actor, amateur photographer, business consultant, inspirational speaker and full-time lover of all things living. To check out more from Bryan Hayes, please visit his blog at:http://outofthehaze.wordpress.com/
August, 2015 – New Leadership at Unicorn Children’s Foundation
New Leadership Takes the Reigns at Unicorn Children’s Foundation
Boca Raton, FL — July 31, 2015 – A new Executive Committee has been elected to lead the Unicorn Children’s Foundation, the leading incubator of special needs projects. This group of individuals bring a wealth of business savviness and commitment to community that will help the organization expand its impact and ensure the success and inclusion of individuals who think, communicate differently.
Gregory Fried, of Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, has been elected as President of the Board of Directors. Mr. Fried has served as a Director for the organization since 2012 and was Vice-President from 2014-2015. The Executive Committee supporting Gregory Fried include: Vice-President John Sternal, of Merit Mile; Treasurer Tabitha LeTourneau Meyerer, CFP, of United Capital; and Secretary Rafael Cabrera, M.D., of Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton.
Unicorn’s Executive Director, Sharon Alexander expresses, “Gregory Fried’s history of giving back to the community inspires others to dream more, learn more, and do more. We believe that his vision will help us to build communities of acceptance, support, and opportunity for individuals and families challenged by neurodiversity.” Currently 1 of 6 children are labeled as damaged because 1 of 6 children are diagnosed with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other neurodiversities.
Mr. Fried shared, “It’s truly an honor to serve this wonderful foundation. I will serve to the best of my ability as well as in the best interest of the foundation. As we begin our 21st year, we hope to bring those in our community together and support great programs that will allow these wonderful and amazing children an opportunity to have a voice in this world.”
The late Dr. Stanley Greenspan, a beneficiary of Unicorn Children’s Foundation said it best, “All children have within them the potential to be great. It is our job to create a great world where their potential can flourish.” Stay tuned for Unicorn Children’s Foundation’s upcoming events and learn how you can help us create a better world for our special children! Visit www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org or call 561.620.9377 for more information.
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Save the Dates
Bartender’s Battle
Friday, September 18, 2015
6pm – 8pm
Farmer’s Table Boca Raton
Chair: Gregory Fried
Click here for more information
Building Social Capital: A New Approach to Community-Based
Services for Individuals with Special Needs or Disabilities
Friday, October 9, 2015
Mizner Park
Click here for more information
Around the World with Unicorn Luncheon
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
11:30 am – 2 pm
Indian Creek Country Club
Chair: Gwen Taylor
Click here for more information
Holiday Party
Thursday, December 3, 2015
6 pm – 10 pm
Chanson at Royal Blues Hotel
Chairs: Max Tucci, Felette Branch, and Joanne Gabay
More Information Coming Soon
2016 Gala
Saturday, February 27, 2016
6 pm – 12 am
Boca West Country Club
Chair: Gregory Fried
More Information Coming Soon
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August, 2015 – Getting Ready for the 18th Season of That’s Dancing
Getting Ready for their 18th Season at That’s Dancing
An Interview with Andrea LaMaina, co-owner of That’s Dancing
By Krista Martinelli
That’s Dancing dance studio is going into their 18th season as fall approaches. I spent some time with Andrea La Maina, who co-owns the dance studio with her sister Michele Walsh. I asked her about what’s new at That’s Dancing, one of the biggest and most successful dance studios in South Florida. With over 850 students, the team of instructors has learned to be extremely well-organized and good at what they do. The owners Andrea and Michele treat everyone on their team like family. At the same time, they run their Lake Worth dance studio like it is perfectly orchestrated, from the first day of classes in the fall to the amazing three-day, 5 performance gala in the spring.
AW (AroundWellington.com): What classes are being offered this fall?
TD (That’s Dancing): Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary lyrical, acrobatics, hip hop/ funk, Latin. Latin is the most recent addition and it is offered to children and adults. We also have a Young Dancers program for children ages 3 to 6. The younger dancers are exposed to ballet, tap, creative movement and then at age 6, we also include jazz in their combination class. After completing the young dancer program, these dancers are ready to progress to level 1 classes.
AW: When do classes begin this fall? How do people register?
TD: Classes begin August 31st. You may register in person at That’s Dancing, or anytime online at our ThatsDancing.com website. New students are always welcome to come in and have a tour. For the fall, we have registration days, Aug. 17th – 20th (Mon. – Thurs), from 3pm to 7pm and Saturday, August 22nd from 10am to 2pm. During these times, the faculty and staff are available to do young dancer shoe fittings. All dance attire and shoes for the young dancer program are available for purchase. We offer starter packages ranging in price from $116-$136 which includes dance shoes, leotard, tights, dance skirt, That’s Dancing t-shirt and a dance bag.
AW: How many dance teachers work for That’s Dancing? Tell us about them.
In addition to the owners who are active teachers, there are 9 faculty members, our office manager, Ms. Linda and our office assistant, Ms.Barbara.
It’s exciting to us that both Jessica Pearl and Nicole Gonzalez were students of That’s Dancing and members of our Fusion Force Dance Company before completing their college degrees and returning to work for us. Ms. Jessica is the director of our Young Dancers Program. Both “Ms. Jess” and “Ms. Nicole” teach all styles of dance from the young dancers to the most advanced students. Nicole most recently danced with VEE Corporation and Sesame Street Live to playing the lead role of Elmo in the production: Elmo Makes Music.
Loren Foster has been teaching with us since 2002. She also teaches in the Palm Beach County school district as a dance teacher.
Katherine Lameyer Beukers has been teaching with us since 2008. She teaches all disciplines and she is one of our acro specialists.
Lawrence Albright, aka Mr. Larry, is our Hip Hop teacher. He joined us in 2008. He has been featured as an opening act for such artists as Nelly, Common, LilMo, and Fabolous.
Viky Smith joined That’s Dancing in 2011. She is originally from South Africa. She specializes in ballet and also teaches jazz.
Erin Sinsley has been teaching with us since 2008; she also is the dance teacher at Seminal Ridge High School in Loxahatchee.
Our newest additions are Herbert Dingle and Kameron Bink. They both joined us in 2014. Kameron was a Top 10 Finalist on the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance”. Since then, Kameron has had the opportunity to teach all over the world in countries such as Australia, South Africa, Germany, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Singapore and Switzerland. In the coming season, he will be teaching acro, hip hop, contemporary and modern. Herbert Dingle is a Dreyfoos High School graduate and has performed professionally in several ballet companies. He was also halftime performer for the NBA’s Miami Heat/WNBA Miami Sol. In the upcoming season, he will be teaching many levels and disciplines.
About Andrea and Michele, the owners of That’s Dancing
Andrea LaMaina specializes in tap. I am trying to bring more awareness to the art form. It started last year when we held the first SoFlo Tap Fest, which was a great success. Coming up on Aug. 21st & 22nd, we are hosting the 2nd SoFlo Tap Fest. We have master tap teachers flying in from New York City and Los Angeles, among other locations. This is a great, unique event, which culminates with a fun tap jam / rhythm rumble, with all faculty and students coming together through improvisation. There are four different levels of training in the festival enabling us to accommodate beginners through pre-professional dancers. See our That’s Dancing website, and you can register through the portal. “It’s really exciting because there’s really nothing else like this in South Florida.” We have dancers coming from Melbourne, Tampa and Miami. We even have some students who come in from Georgia for this event. So Danca, a major dance wear company, sponsors the event. “It’s something that I’m really proud of.”
Andrea is the past President of Dance Masters of America, Florida Chapter 2 and holds a BFA from Towson University. She is also the President of “The Young Dancer Foundation of South Florida, Inc.” a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that accepts charitable, tax deductible donations to benefit talented young dancers.
Michele Walsh holds a BA from the University of Miami and a M.ed. from Temple University in dance education. Previously, Michele was performing arts department chair at the Purnell School in Pottersville, New Jersey and has danced professionally with the Red Bank Ballet Company and the American Repertory Theatre. She has performed as a lead dancer for the band The Beat Club, known for the song “Security”, in live concerts throughout South Florida.
Special Back to School Event on August 8th in Wellington
A special WPTV Back to School event will be held on Saturday, August 8th at the Mall at Wellington Green, and That’s Dancing is the only dance studio who was invited to perform. That’s Dancing will also have an information table there at the event. Our dance performance is scheduled for noon, near the Food Court area. The event runs from 10am to 4pm. For more information, read about this WPTV event.
AW: Are you starting to see more boys signing up for dance? If so, why?
TD: The environment here fosters it, making it acceptable and not intimidating for boys to participate. Having male faculty members as role models is also a key factor. These shows like Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and America’s Got Talent help generate interest as well. They are bringing dance back to the mainstream, making it more comfortable and acceptable for boys to dance. We have boys’ hip hop classes which are strictly for boys and offer boys other all the other options as well. Our young male dancers bring a different kind of energy to our studio. I feel good that there’s a place for boys to come here and express themselves artistically – I think it’s awesome!
AW: What’s great about That’s Dancing, in your opinion? What makes it unique?
TD: We have faculty that are dedicated. All of our faculty members are involved in this huge collaborative effort. Everyone takes ownership of their role. They genuinely care about our school – they genuinely care about our students. The people I surround myself with reflect positivity, a great work ethic and a willingness to be part of a team. That is the reason why we’re 
successful. No one is trying to overshadow anyone else. We are all trying to work toward the same goal. We all support each other. Everyone is on board with the philosophy of the school. Our mission is to give individual attention and teach the proper technique in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The development of the dancers is guided by the teachers – you carry these things you learn through your life. That’s why many of our dancers graduate and come back. We want people to be happy when they come here. The kids make lifelong friends at That’s Dancing. The faculty and staff do too.
AW: What’s the most rewarding thing for a dance teacher to see? To hear?
It’s rewarding when students achieve a goal that they have set for themselves or do something they didn’t think they could do. Any sort of growth – technical or mental – is extremely rewarding to us.
Sometimes you don’t need to “hear” it. Sometimes a seven-year-old will come to you and hand you a homemade card, and it can make your whole week. Or a teenager giving you a personal message on your answering machine about why you have made a difference – that’s a wonderful thing too.
AW: Tell us about the Fusion Force Dance Team. How many dancers are on the team? When are the try outs?
Last year we had 65 on the team. Auditions happen in July. Dancers need to be proficient in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern and possess a strong desire to perform. Ask for more information at the desk at That’s Dancing.
AW: Tell us about the course of the year. It begins with practicing in the fall, followed by choreographing for the show, beginning in January, right?
TD: We are always working on technique throughout the year. We start choreography for our show at the end of January. But we still always remember that we are working on technique. It’s not all about the memorization of steps. It’s about working to become a better artist, a better technician. That’s the fun thing about performing – the artistry of it.
Being able to have students tap into that inner artist and push themselves creatively. Our dance gala is usually at the end of May or beginning of June.
AW: How do you pick the songs for the gala? Do the teachers do their own choreography for each dance?
TD: Each faculty member is given a lot of creative freedom. We don’t stifle their creativity. At the end of the day, they are all artists. We are continuing to grow and evolve as artists and as choreographers. Michele and I think it’s important that they have that creative freedom. This also might be why we’re successful – we allow our teachers to have creative freedom. We are all growing, all learning, all evolving. We are constantly learning from each other. Yes, the teachers do the choreography for their own dance classes. They also select the costumes.
“We don’t want to step in and decide what is going on in our teachers’ creative process. We want it to grow organically,” says Andrea LaMaina.
“Come see us and take a tour,” says “Miss Linda,” the Office Manager. “It’s a family-friendly atmosphere here.”
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That’s Dancing
6169 Jog Road, A-15
Lake Worth, FL33467
Stop by and Say Hello!
(561) 642-9677
Check out our video!
Here’s what’s going on at That’s Dancing, where you can strive to be your very best under the direction of top-notch instructors. Watch the video!
July, 2015 – Palm Beach Zoo announces new tiger Hati
July, 2015 – Palm Beach Zoo announces new tiger Hati
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is announcing the debut of a new tiger, Hati (pronounced “hottie”), one day ahead of International Tiger Day. The public is invited to meet Hati on International Tiger Day, July 29th.
Hati is a 12-year-old male Malayan tiger who came to the Zoo from the Fort Worth Zoo. He has been in required quarantine for a month, and just made his first venture out in the Zoo’s Kimelman Tiger River habitat on July 24th.
Hati’s arrival at the Zoo came through a breeding recommendation as part of a Species Survival Plan® (SSP) through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Zookeepers are hopeful that Hati will mate with Berapi, the Zoo’s female Malayan tiger.
“Tigers are admired animals, but they are vulnerable to extinction,” Nancy Nill, associate curator for the Zoo.
“With as few as 250 Malayan tigers left in the wild, conservation initiatives are especially important. That’s why we are proud to participate in a Tiger Species Survival Plan.”
“We are optimistic Hati will leave a legacy of cubs for us,” Nill continued. “Berapi gave birth to three tiger brothers at our zoo in 2011, so we are hopeful that we will once again have more tiger cubs soon.”
Global Tiger Day is celebrated annually on July 29th to give worldwide attention to the conservation of tigers. The Zoo funds conservation initiatives in Malaysia, and the public can financially support the Zoo’s efforts by making a donation or by participating in the Zoo’s “Big Cat 5K Race” series, such as the upcoming Save the Jaguar 5K.
About the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches (d.b.a. the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society) exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. The Zoo is home to more than 500 animals on twenty-three shaded tropical acres, including endangered Malayan tigers, Mexican spider monkeys, jaguars and more. The Zoo is committed to sustainability on-site and in the community as a conservation leader for Palm Beach County.
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.
August, 2015 – Roar and Pour at the Palm Beach Zoo
August, 2015 – Final Roar & Pour of the Summer at the Palm Beach Zoo
The final Roar & Pour of Summer 2015 is Saturday, August 8th, at the Palm Beach Zoo!
Come for an evening in the Zoo with live music, food and drink. Explore the whole Zoo, experience up-close animal encounters, and enjoy live music from Keep The Faith Bon Jovi Tribute Experience!
Gates open at 4:30pm and the whole Zoo is open to explore (please note, some animals may not be visible during evening hours). The music starts at 7:30pm and the party goes until 9:00pm! The tiki bar will feature a Due South Brewery tap-takeover, and the Summer Grill has a special New Jersey inspired menu.
This is a great way to experience the Zoo, with a built-in party, at reduced admission rates. Adult non-members pay only $10 admission, (members $9), child non-members ages 3-12 are $7 (members $6), and under 3 is always free. Food and beverage purchases are not included in admission, cash or credit card. Must be 21 or older to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages at Zoo events.
Some seating provided and you’re welcome to bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, etc. for enjoying the band in the Fountain Plaza.
More info at www.palmbeachzoo.org/roar-and-pour.
August, 2015 – Shades of Benny Hill!
Cantankerously Yours
Shades of Benny Hill!
By Wendell Abern
Dear Readers,
To those of you unfamiliar with Benny Hill, he was a very popular and very funny Vaudevillian-type comedian/actor/writer on British and American TV several years ago. Some of his shows still appear on cable occasionally.
Benny Hill was brilliant. Unlike most comedians, he wrote all his own material: every skit, every parody song, every word of dialog, every show, every week.
And his most recurring characters were well-meaning bumblers: travel agents who send couples to vacation on ice floes; policemen who beleaguer little old ladies; illiterates delivering newscasts.
I mention this here because twelve years ago I discovered that Benny Hill’s disciples are running the Ft. Lauderdale Veteran’s Administration.
In 2003, learning that fellow veterans were receiving each of their medications for $6 per month; I decided to obtain all my prescriptions through the VA. I called the Ft.Lauderdale branch. No one answered. I called back, this time waiting through 30 rings. Again, no one answered.
So I called the Miami branch. Someone answered and said, “Veteran’s Administration, Miami Branch, please hold.” Three minutes later, she returned and I said, “Did you close your Ft.Lauderdale branch?”
She said, “No, they just don’t answer the phones there, please hold.” She returned three minutes later and I asked, “How can they not answer the phones? They’re a government agency!”
“Ft.Lauderdale has only two phones and the people who answer them have too much to do, please hold.”
I hung up. I called back the next day and announced myself as Governor Jeb Bush (this was 2003, remember). She didn’t believe me. But she gave me the number of the national office. Three menus and 33 minutes later, I reached someone who knew what she was doing; she sent me forms to fill out and send to the national military archives. Ten days later, I received papers verifying my two years of military service, six years in the Reserves and honorable discharge.
And I have been receiving my medications from the VA Pharmacy ever since. The prices have gone up to $9 per prescription; still a terrific bargain.
A few years ago, the VA built a new Ft.Lauderdale facility, in Tamarac. As the French proverb states, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
In all fairness, though, twice in the last seven years someone answered a phone. However, three times I left medical reports (from my personal physician) for my nurse practitioner, and she either never read them or never received them.
But the fact that Benny Hill’s protégés were still in charge was confirmed last week when the young woman manning the desk at Bravo Section told me I was no longer eligible for veterans’ benefits.
“What?” I shouted. “Why?”
“I don’t know why,” she said, consulting her computer. “This just says you’re ineligible.”
“I want to see Dr. Greenberg!”
“Sir, I can’t let you see Dr. Greenberg because you’re not eligible.”
“Is this a dream? This has to be a dream.”
Looking at her computer again, she said, “Sir, according to this, you have not been eligible since February.”
“And who decided that? And why?”
“I have no idea. But I would suggest you go to the Eligibility Office.”
“Wait. If this is a dream, why aren’t you jumping my bones?”
“Sir, I have other people waiting. Please go to the Eligibility Office.”
I went to Eligibility, where I met Michael, who quickly consulted his computer and said, “Yep. According to Atlanta, Georgia, you are not eligible for benefits.”
“Can Atlanta tell you why I’ve been receiving benefits for twelve years and who determined I should no longer get them?”
“All it says is that you did not serve on active duty.”
“WHAT? I was on a heavy cruiser, the USS Albany, for two years! How do you think I received benefits in the first place?”
Michael handed me a four-page form and said, “Look, to settle this, send away to the Naval Archives and they’ll send a copy of your discharge papers.”
“Yeah? I’ll do better than that.”
I grabbed the documents he gave me, drove home, retrieved my Honorable Discharge certificate, plus the discharge papers the archives had sent me sixteen years ago, returned to the VA and shoved them in Michael’s face. He studied them for a minute and said, “Yes, but this says you were discharged from the reserves.”
“Of course it does! In those days, after two years of active duty, everyone had to serve six years in the reserves!” I waved my DD-214 form at him. “But this also shows I served on active duty!”
“Sir, I’m sorry, you’ll have to send to the archives again.”
“Michael,” I said, gathering up my papers, “I’m going to leave you now and go find someone who knows how to read.”
Fuming, I headed back to Bravo Section. Once again, his receptionist asked for the last four numbers of my Social Security card and looked me up on her computer.
“I’m sorry,” she said, “but I can’t let you see Dr. Greenberg; you’re not eligible.”
I turned around slowly, looking to my right and my left.
“Sir?”
“Where is the camera?” I asked. “And the director?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Well, it’s very obvious someone is filming a re-make of a Marx Brothers movie. Either that or we’re on ‘Candid Camera.’”
“Sir, I have other people waiting.”
I never saw Dr. Greenberg. But I did send away to the archives. At this writing, I am still waiting for the forms they will send, which will be precisely the ones I already have.
I am hoping Michael will be able to read them.
Cantankerously Yours,
Wendell Abern
Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@gmail.com.
August, 2015 – Wellington Fitness and Wellness Education Day
Wellington & Community Partners Promote Health and Education
The Village of Wellington is partnering with Ultima Fitness & Wellness, Wellington the Magazine, and Walgreens to host the “Wellington Fitness and Wellness Education Day.” On Saturday, August 22, 2015 Ultima Fitness & Wellness will be offering education sessions, demonstrations, and classes from 8:00am to 12:00pm as well as access to their club for the day to attendees that donate classroom supplies. Healthy foods, juices, supplements, and chair massages will also be available to participants. Walgreens will also offer flu shots and health screenings.
Wellington teachers in attendance are eligible to receive a donation of school supplies for their classroom.
As a way of staying informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
July/August, 2015 – Why do my Joints Hurt More when it Rains?
Ask the Docs
Why Do My Joints Hurt More When It Rains?
By Dr. Jonathon Chung
One of the most common problems I hear about with patients with chronic pain is that rainy weather seems to make things worse. Is there a real biological reason for this or is this just an old wives tale that has been passed on through time?
Don’t Stop Believing: The Uncontrollable Factor
People have been talking about how they can sense weather patterns in their joints for thousands of years. You’ve probably heard of this phenomenon from your grandmother or another relative whose arthritis pain flared up when it rains. They might say that they feel the rain in their bones.
Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, was the first to note changes in a person’s illness status due to weather way back in 400 BC. Yet, as long as this idea has been around, studies about this phenomenon have been inconclusive. Some studies show that pain patients can feel a difference, while others say that the weather makes no difference.
It’s hard to study this effect because of the impact that belief systems have on pain. When human beings have a strong enough belief in something, it can drastically affect their perception of the world. This is seen in pain science all the time, and it makes studying pain very challenging and difficult.
Short of locking people in a box and hiding them from weather reports, it’s hard to know how this affects humans with any degree of certainty.
Animal Studies Leaving Clues
While belief systems can impact humans, some of our furry friends have helped leave some clues.
Scientists believe that the pressure in the air (barometric pressure) is what allows people to feel pain when the weather changes. When storms come, the pressure in the atmosphere begins to drop. The theory is that as air pressure drops, it decreases the amount of pressure on your joints leading to the joints and soft tissues to expand and irritate nerve endings causing pain.
In West Palm Beach, we get a ton of thunderstorms so pain patients have the unfortunate opportunity to experience this regularly.
Scientists tested this idea on guinea pigs and rats. They placed animals bred with a pain predisposition into two environments. One group had normal air pressure while the other group had the air pressure lowered artificially.
They found that the low pressure animals showed increased pain behavior compared to the controls.
This is important because you can’t sway or convince an animal that lower pressure is going to make them hurt more. It’s a much closer relationship to cause and effect than can be currently studied in human beings.
So What? Is This Treatable?
So we know that feeling weather changes when you have pain syndromes is at least plausible based on animal models, but why does it happen and is it treatable? The truth is – we still don’t really know what mechanisms cause this type of pain so we have no idea if it’s treatable or preventable.
Based on my experience, I believe that when pain tends to be triggered or aggravated by weather, there’s likely a pain processing problem in the body.
Tissue Damage vs. Pain Perception
The most common conditions associated with weather-related pain are osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis, not joints on fire arthritis), headaches, and fibromyalgia. The important thing to note about these 3 conditions is that the pain related to these conditions is NOT dependent on tissue damage. What does that mean?
It means that the level of pain associated with these conditions is not tied to the amount of damage that’s in the body. When you have a sprained ankle, broken bone, torn muscle, or a cut, there is damage done to the tissues that sets off a series of chemical signals meant to trigger a pain response. It’s a very linear relationship.
With joint degeneration, you might feel pain, you might not. With headaches and fibromyalgia, there’s not necessarily any physical damage that’s related to the pain being felt.
It’s not to say that the pain isn’t real, it just means that there’s no obvious source of damage that’s causing the pain. The problem is related to the way your brain processes pain. Your brain has a built in volume control for pain perception. It can turn these signals up in certain situations, and it can turn it down in others. Chronic pain patients have their volume dial on high all the time.
It’s not just a matter of belief. Although that’s an important piece of the puzzle, there are other factors like:
- Brain oxygenation
- Hormones in the blood
- Global inflammation
- Joint movement, especially in the spine
That’s why pain isn’t just a physical phenomenon. I’m sure you’ve been in a situation where you suffered an injury, but you didn’t feel it until much later. This happens frequently after the shock of car accident, the thrill of playing in a championship game, or the necessity of escaping a dangerous situation.
You get stunned, your heart races, adrenaline is surging through the veins, and you don’t notice any pain until hours later when those hormones leave the blood stream.
Pain Perception is Malleable
“I used have headaches every time it rained. Summers in South Florida used to mean daily headaches because of how many storms passed through. After seeing Dr. Chung, I don’t have those terrible headaches anymore — Rona K”
This brings some good news and bad news.
Bad News: It means that for lots of cases, there might not be a treatable lesion that is generating some of the chronic pain problems you’re feeling.
Good News: This also means that your pain levels are malleable and there are different things you can do to turn down the volume of the pain you experience. Things like meditation, exercise, and cognitive therapy can all allow us to change our experience with pain, and get a little bit more control over how we feel. It gives us control over the volume dial.
This is actually one of the primary mechanisms that Atlas Corrections can help people with headaches, fibromyalgia, and arthritis related pain syndromes. We are not fixing or repairing damaged tissue, we are creating an environment for healthy neurological function.
When the structure of the head and neck are disrupted, it decreases 2 things:
- Blood supply in and out of the brain
- Mechanical input into the brain
Both of these factors cause the brain to be more sensitive to pain signals. When the spine moves better and normal blood supply is restored, you can see not only an improvement to someone’s weather related pain, but also an improved resiliency and control over chronic pain syndromes.
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Dr. Chung is a practicing Structural Chiropractor in the West Palm Beach area. He has been published in peer reviewed scientific journals and is a sought after speaker in health and wellness. Follow his blog at http://chiropractorwellington.com/category/keystone-chiropractic-blog/ or find him on twitter at @drjonathanchung.
July, 2015 – 21st Annual Kids Fitness Festival
July, 2015 – 21st Annual Kids Fitness Festival
See the video! https://youtu.be/U_DchlsaiV4
The 21st Annual Kids Fitness Festival at the Palm Beach County Convention Center offered “something for everyone” in terms of traditional and non-traditional sports, July 22nd and July 23rd. With presenting sponsor the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida, this Palm Beach County Sports Commission event brought in a record turnout of over 5,000 elementary and middle-school aged children. Our AroundWellington.com Sports Reporter Vic Martinelli interviews Olympic track & field gold medalist Moushaumi Robinson, professional basketball player Richard Rellford and Executive Director of the PB County Sports Commission George Linley. Sponsors of the video are the Palm Beach Zoo and Wycliffe Golf and Country Club. Video by Monica Kallas of SharpShooter Marketing Group. For more information about the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and their events, visit PalmBeachSports.com.