The statistics are shocking. Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from persistent pain. Nearly 36 million are affected by Migraine disease. At least 80% of the world's population will be affected by tension-type headaches at some time in their lives. These “invisible” illnesses can be disabling and can make those afflicted by them feel isolated, alone, and powerless.

Dr. John Claude Krusz, Helen Dearman, and Teri Robert have joined forces to form Pain Tamers™ At Sea to provide opportunities for chronic pain, headache, and Migraine patients to learn about their conditions and management techniques. In the setting of an ocean cruise, the goal of Pain Tamers™ At Sea is to provide a peaceful, relaxing setting for educational seminars combined with a short vacation.

“By offering people a chance to learn in a relaxing atmosphere, away from the stresses of everyday life, we will be providing them with tools to go home and do more to take control of their pain issues, whatever they are. For the few days they’re with us, they won’t have to worry about answering their phone, taking care of their house, going to work, preparing meals, or even making the bed. They can enjoy some quality relaxation time, learn, and have special time to meet and talk with other people who fully understand their situation,” Robert said.

Dearman commented, “You don’t have to let pain stand in your way. I’ve learned how to ‘tame’ it and want to tell others they can too.”

The first Pain Tamers™ At Sea cruise is scheduled for October 12 through 16, 2006, departing from Galveston, Texas, aboard the Carnival “Fun Ship” Ecstasy. Each of the three days will include three hours of seminars on the treatment of chronic pain, headaches, and Migraine disease; coping skills; building support systems, and more.

Krusz, Dearman, and Robert will each conduct a one-hour seminar each day. Printed materials will accompany the lectures. Topics include:

• Krusz:
  • Introduction to Headache and Chronic Pain. What are the Numbers?
  • Co-morbidities for Headaches, Migraines and Chronic Pain
  • Pain Treatments for Different Pain Syndromes
• Dearman:
  • Pain 101
  • Medications and Definitions
  • Goal Setting & Monitoring
• Robert:
  • Headaches and Migraine Disease 101
  • Management and Treatment of Headaches and Migraines
  • Empowerment, Disease Awareness

This Pain Tamers™ At Sea event is limited to the first 100 people to register to ensure the best experience for all participants. Early registration is suggested. Detailed information is available at the Pain Tamers™ At Sea Web site, www.PainTamersAtSea.com. Reservations may be made through Dianne at Academy Travel by calling 805-781-2630.

About Dr. John Claude Krusz
JOHN CLAUDE KRUSZ, MD, PhD is a prominently recognized expert in the fields of headache and Migraine treatment and pain treatment. In addition to being an outstanding clinician, he is also a researcher and author. Dr. Krusz practices at the Anodyne Headache and PainCare center in Dallas. He also offers his expertise and talents to assist with the “Ask the Clinician” column on About.com’s Headaches and Migraine site.

About Helen Dearman
HELEN DEAERMAN knows what chronic pain feels like...she has been battling chronic pain for 27 years. Her fight against pain began in 1975 when she fell four stories from a ski lift. She broke her lumbar spine in three places; however, her spinal injury was NOT discovered or treated for 17 years. However, she did not let her pain keep her from doing the activities that she loved to do...and you don't have to let pain stand in your way either! Helen is the founder of the National Chronic Pain Society, an advocacy group that helps people to deal with chronic pain. She also hosts a weekly international internet radio show PainTamers™ on www.VoiceAmerica.com.

About Teri Robert
TERI ROBERT is a health writer and patient advocate. In 2004, she received the National Headache Foundation’s “Patient Partner Award.” The About.com “Guide” for Headaches and Migraine, she also serves as the support advisor for MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association, and serves on the education committee for O.U.C.H., the Organization for Understanding Cluster Headaches. She is also the author of “Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You… That You Need To Know,” published by HarperCollins.
 

Published May 28, 2006
© Teri Robert