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May 4, 1993 The beginning Fibromyalgia included in forming of the National ME/FM Action Network Classification of ME/CFS in World Health Organization Helpful Tip for 800 number search Financial Need Explained Establishment of Task Force Financial Obligations Introduction of The Goose Story

August 15, 1993

• Dental Alert
• New Symptom Alert
• First initial request to medical professionals

October 1, 1993

• President’s thank you and support
• Ampligen Investigation and Report
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention update on CFS and Definition
• Insurance questions and answers
• Beginning of establishment of National Lawyers’ Roster
• Appointment of National Director of Insurance Matters
• Appointment of National Director of Media Relations
• Establishment of Electronic Resources
• Correction to background on The Goose Story
• Introduction of resource information

December 1, 1993

• :Summing up 1993
• Tip for assisting memory
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention revises ME/CFS information booklet
• Request to parents of children with ME/CFS and FM
• Update from Health Canada on Ampligen trials
• Founding of Repeal Existing Stereotypes about Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (RESCIND INC.)
• Walk on Parliament Hill for May 12 ME/FM Awareness Day
• Inter-group news
• Tip for British Columbia residents on Human Rights and Legal Aid
• Nurse in Barrie, Ontario support group finds crimson crescents in throats of ME/CFS people
• President of Manasota CFS/CFIDS Group receives Florida Rehabilitation Association’s State Citation
• Books and newsletters updates
• Federal Government explains their mediator powers for insurance matters
• Announcement of additions to Board of Directors for the National ME/FM Action Network
• Information on Efamol Evening Primrose Oil sold in the U.S.A.
• Information on Survey Questionnaire development by the Naitonal ME/FM Action Network

1994

February 1, 1994

• The National ME/FM Action Network newsletter gets a name
• Report on claiming a Disability Tax Credit
• Update on Ampligen
• Pain and serotonin explanation
• Books and newsletters update
• Inter-group and contacts communications
• Request to track estrogen impact
• May 12 activity updates
• National ME/FM Action Network Treasurer’s Report

April 1, 1994

• National ME/FM Action Network granted charitable status
• National ME/FM Action Network requests information from individuals having had stereotactic temporobe biopsies
• National ME/FM Action Network receives reply from U.S. Centers of Disease Control & Prevention on request of draft ME/CFS booklet
• Involvement of support groups to U.S. Centers of Disease Control & Prevention on ME/CFS information booklet planned
• College of Optometry in New England begins eye survey the participation of the National ME/FM Action Network
• Lawyer supplies the National ME/FM Action Network with first legal precedents of court cases on ME/CFS, FM, Chronic and Myofascial Pain
• National ME/FM Action Network sends out insurance questionnaire/survey to support group leaders and contacts
• Report on treatment with Kutapressin
• Minister of National Health & Welfare expresses support for National ME/CFS Awareness Day
• National ME/FM Action Network supplies addresses of Health Ministers of the Canadian Provinces and asks participation to bring awareness to governments on ME/CFS and FM.
• Information on walk on Parliament Hill for May 12
• Books and newsletters information
• More additions to Board of Directors of the National ME/FM Action Network

June 1, 1994

• New additions to Board of directors of the National ME/FM Action Network
• Kutapressin Update from Schwarz Pharma
• Tips on insurance matters
• National ME/FM Action Network contacts British Columbia Teachers’ Federation for clarification on its stand with ill teachers
• Addition to National Lawyers’ Roster
• Conference announcement and news releases
• Charter to be issued to the Journal of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (U.S.)
• Inter-group/contact communications
• Personals

August 1, 1994

• President cautions on treatment and drugs
• Final revisions of U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevent ME/CFS brochure
• World Health Organization classifies illness as Fatigue Syndrome in ICD-10
• Personals
• Australia announces possible physiological marker for CFS
• Director at London’s University Hospital establishes Fibromyalgia Program
• Books and newsletters updates
• First peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary Journal for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome published by Haworth Medical Press (U.S.)
• National Doctors’ and Lawyers’ Roster Additions
• Support group information

October 1, 1994

• Long-waited U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention CFS booklet becomes available
• Ontario Solicitor General & Minister of Correctional Services explains Private Investigators for insurance company and misconduct actions
• Tip to keep records of important calls and contacts
• Newsletters, books, videos updates
• Information on government grants
• Doctor starts health question section in the newsletter of the National ME/FM Action Network
• Inter-group communications
• National Lawyers’ Roster addition
• Electronic mail information and reminders

December 1, 1994

• National ME/FM Action Network first financial statements prepared by auditors
• Judge rules that “Fibromyalgia doesn’t exist……….”
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes the long-awaited CFS case definition in Annals of Internal Medicine
• Newsletters, books, videos etc. information
• Inter-group communications
• Governor of Parsons Kansas announces month of May Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month and May 12 ME/CFS Awareness Day
• Preliminary report by Wilfrid Laurier University on experiences of individuals with ME/CFS
• Additions to board of directions of the National ME/FM Action Network
• Tips on taking medication and reading difficulties

1995

February/March 1995

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention CFS booklet information
• Doctor help section
• Addition to board of directors of the National ME/FM Action Network
• Inter-group communications
• Newsletters, books, videos etc.
• Judge sets Fibromyalgia back in time
• National Lawyers’ Roster addition
• Report on Disability Tax Credit eligibility
• Ocular Survey update
• Request for doctor information for dissemination of ME/CFS and FM literature
• Update on MAY 12 acceptance by governments

April/May 1995

• The National ME/FM Action Network and the individual support groups collaborate on a National Petition to be presented in the House of Commons for recognition of May 12
• National ME/FM Action Network intervening in Alberta court case
• Ontario Health Minister announces financial help for drug costs
• Inter-group communications
• Newsletter/books, videos etc.
• Available reports from National ME/FM Action Network for individuals
• Personals
• U.S. Federal Drug Administration delays IND status of “CFS drops” therapy
• Benefits of cold-water bathing
• Additions to board of directors, doctors and lawyers’ rosters

June/July 1995

• Petition to the House of Commons Update
• Report on National ME/FM Action Network intervention in court case and other legal issues
• Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits new entitlements
• Doctor column
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s statement on people ill with ME/CFS in the U.S.
• Inter-group communications
• Newsletters, books, videos etc.
• Ontario announces new drug plan for expensive drugs
• New Jersey CFS Center requests patients for research
• Addition to National Doctors’ Roster
• Personals
• Financial Statement report of the National ME/FM Action Network

August 1995

• Petition to the House of Commons Update
• National Health & Welfare Minister urges the National ME/FM Action Network to contact researchers on grant applications
• British Columbia Teachers Federation reaches unanimous decision to grant disability benefits to teacher
• Alberta Court of Appeal dismisses request for Intervenor Status by the National ME/FM Action Network
• Ontario medical doctor on carpet with College of Physicians & Surgeons
• Newsletters, books, videos etc.
• Nova Scotia Nurses Union claims victory on environmental illness and the Workmen’s Compensation Board
• Inter-group communications
• National Lawyers Roster addition

October/November 1995

• Health Canada announces approval for grants to National Voluntary Health Organizations for 1995-1996 and National ME/FM Action Network gets grant
• Petition to the House of Commons Update
• Communication with Ontario Government
• National ME/FM Action Network begins talks with Revenue Canada on difficulties with obtaining Disability Tax Credit
• National ME/FM Action Network begins communications with Canadian Laboratory Center for Disease Control on ME/CFS and FM
• Motor Vehicle Accident Survey commenced by member of the National ME/FM Action Network
• Inter-group communications
• UK research team finds evidence of interovirus in CFS patients
• Personals
• Financial Report on Alberta Intervenor Status

December 1995 (January 1996)

• Recap of 1995
• National ME/FM Action Network prepares a Social Policy Brief on insurance matters
• TIP on Canada Pension Plan Disability and reapplying for benefits
• National ME/FM Action Network requests legal opinion from lawyer on difficulty of Disability Tax Credit
• Canadian Laboratory Center for Disease Control advises the National ME/FM Action Network budget restrains research problem
• Tip on withdrawing from medication
• Johns Hopkins’ research on Mediated Hypotension
• Inter-group communications
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Doctor’s Column

1996

February/March 1996

• Petitions to the House of Commons Final totals
• Disability Tax Credit Update from members
• National Disability Insurance Survey Update
• Additions to Board of Directors of the National ME/FM Action Network
• U.S. physician reports on possible alternative Fibromyalgia test
• U.K. Newcastle group looking at involvement of central nervous system in ME/CFS
• Ontario doctor advises on alternative treatment for Shingles
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario reports doctors get poor marks for courtesy
• Inter-group communications
• Legal precedent set in British Columbia bank employee

April/May 1996

• Report on Petitions to be presented by MP to House of Commons
• National Insurance Survey update
• Canada Pension Plan Disability to provide rehabilitation services to selected clients
• Eye Survey Update
• Doctor from University of Otago, NZ visit to Ottawa
• Supreme Court of Canada rules mental disability not valid reason to cut someone’s work
• Inter-group communications
• Newsletters, books, videos, etc.
• Tips for dry mouth

June/July 1996

• Petitions to the House of Commons presented
• Director General of the Laboratories for Disease Control announces two separate national consensus meetings
• Update on support group numbers and members
• Province of Alberta announces amendment to allow non-tranditional medical practices
• National Insurance Survey date extended
• National ME/FM Action Network reports on further meetings with Revenue Canada on the Disability Tax Credit
• Ampligen announces strategic alliance with Hemispher BioPharma Inc.
• Researcher finds protein that shuts off immune system
• Insurance company admonished by Ottawa Judge
• Gulf War Illness Treatment of possible use to ME/CFS and FM people
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Inter-group communication

August/September 1996

• Results of annual meeting votes
• Government Response to House of Commons Petition
• Medical Examiner’s response to criticisms from ME/CFS and FM public
• Women’s College receives grant from Ontario Ministry of Health for environmental illness, ME/CFS and FM
• Addition to National Doctors and Lawyers Roster
• Disability Tax Credit reviewed
• National ME/FM Action Network responds to radio station’s CFS comment
• Results of Rehabilitation Survey
• Update on support group numbers
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Meletonin removed from shelves in BC and Alberta by Federal Health Inspectors
• Pacific Biotech International, Inc. studying newly recognized bacterium as possible underlying cause of CFS.

October/November 1996

• National ME/FM Action Network receives letter from A/Director of the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control supporting U.S. 1994 CFS definition
• Speak-Peak at 1996 new Disability Tax Credit
• Petition to the House of Commons Follow-Up
• Newsletters, books, videos etc.
• Inter-group communications
• Rerport on University of Otago blood cell analysis and Doctor tour
• Temple University announces novel enzyme found in ME/CFS and FM patients
• Personal
• National Lawyers Roster addition
• Financial Report for 1996

1997

December 1996/January 1997

• Petition to the House of Commons followed up by formal announcement by MP the recognition of ME/CFS and FM again requesting setting up a sub-committee under the Standing Committee of Health.
• Standing Committee informs MP that ME/CFS and FM may be added to the list of items to be studied by the Standing Committee of Health
• National ME/FM Action Network requests members’ participation in enlisting the help of the medical community
• Ontario College of Physicians & Surgeons taking doctor to court for practicing alternative medicine
• National ME/FM Action Network takes action to express freedom of choice on health products from Health Protection Branch
• Inter-group communications
• Naturopathic doctor suggests ME/CFS contagious
• Federal Tax Force on Disability Issues report completed
• National Doctors and Lawyers Roster Additions
• Vitamins and Nutrients denied as medical expense by Revenue Canada
• Addition to board of directors to the National ME/FM Action Network
• Why taking Evening Primrose Oil may be helpful for ME/CFS people
• Newsletters, books, videos etc.

 February/ March 1997

• Medical professionals confirm standard criteria needed for ME/CFS and FMS
• Inter-group communications
• Health Section reporter retracts contagious stand
• Calgary clinic claims to conquer the agony of Fibromyalgia
• Women’ College Environmental Health Clinic advises its assessment and consultations for ME/CFS and FM people
• National Doctors and Lawyers Roster additions
• National ME/FM Action Network receives grant to bring Board of Directors to Ottawa for planning and organization
• Genetically Engineered Food may threaten health
• Books, reports, videos etc.
• Inter-group communications
• Results from University of Otago on Ottawa blood samples

April/May 1997

• Medical Professionals Participation Update
• New Questionnaire Appears on Disabity Tax Credit
• National Lawyers Roster addition
• Newsletters, books, videos etc.
• Inter-group communications
• National ME/FM Action Network requests support group complete numbers survey
• Government appoints first insurance ombudsman for Ontario
• Ombudsman to help consumers with complaints
• Manitoba Superintendent of Insurance offers assistance with claims
• Harborview Medical Center studies twins with chronic fatigue syndrome

June/July 1997

• National ME/FM Action Network launches website
• National ME/FM Action Ntwork receives grant from Health Canada to hire assistant
• Financial Statements for 1996
• National ME/FM Action Network introduces Board of Directors
• National Doctors and Lawyers Roster additions
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Clinical Director of University of Alberta engaged in research on brain mapping of ME/CFS patients
• Nutritional Basis of ME/CFS and FM

August/September 1997

• Website of the National ME/FM Action Network gaining momentum
• Report on communication with the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control
• TIP on disability support services with March of Dimes
• W.H.O. defines disablement terms
• The Institute for Molecular Medine announces new testing program for mycoplasmal infections
• Nutritional Basis for ME/CFS and FM – Part II
• Gulf War Vet and Advocate reports on lack of medical help for Gulf War veterans
• Report on Dr. Leonard Horowitz conference on The Emerging Viruses
• Inter-group communications
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• The National ME/FM Action Network appoints Advocacy Director

October/November 1997

• Nutritional Basis for ME/CFS and FM
• Update on the National ME/FM Action Network website popularity
• University of Washington School of Medicine developing registry of physicians ill with ME/CFS and FM.
• Professor reports on extensive literature research on the Hepatitis B vaccine
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Inter-group communications
• Personals
• Report on the National ME/FM Action Network’s continuing negotiations with Revenue Canada on the Disability Tax Credit
• Chief Scientific Officer and Research Professor develops protocol for stealth viruses

1998

December 1997/January 1998

• National ME/FM Action Network address newsletter archive to website
• Ontario Human Rights Commission takes stand on ME/CFS and FM
• Disability Tax Credit reminder on filing
• Results of Health Status and Disease Severity in Fibromyalgia by Arthritis Research Center and University of Kansas School of Medicine
• The Neurological Basis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia
• Nutritional Basis for ME and FM – Part IV
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Inter-group communications

February/March 1998

• Research Breakthrough: ME/CFS An Infectious Cardiomyopathy?
• Nutritional Basis for ME and FM – Part V
• Court’s interpretation of “Total Disability”
• Fibromyalgia Association of Ontario Presents Brief to the Standing Committee on Health
• Request for Repeal of Notice of Compliance on Generic Drugs
• Addition to National Doctors’ Roster
• Updates on website
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

April/May 1998

• Teen wins national science award for identifying a relationship between low levels of a blood enzyme
• Circulation Disturbances Discovered in ME/CFS
• Alberta Court Accepts CFS as an Organic Disease
• Court Decides CPP Benefits are not deductible in Ontario Motor Vehicle Damage Case
• National ME/FM Action Network to Challenge Disability Tax Credit in Court
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers Roster
• Computer Comments
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

June/June 1998

• Precedent-setting decision that court find CFS organic
• Insurance Company Appeals ruling
• Quebec College of Physicians & Surgeons issues CFS Guidelines for Physicians
• Nutritional Basis for ME and FM – PART V – Final
• Inter-group communication
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster

August/September 1998

• ME/CFS and FM People to hold Rest-A-Thon
• Disability Tax Credit – More Humane Consideration?
• Choosing Competent Professionals in Complementary Medicine
• Court Ponders the Question what evidence must a claimant provide to insurer that their disability resulted from an identifiable illness or sickness
• National ME/FM Action Network develops an Independent Medical Examination Registry
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos
• Inter-group communications

October/November 1998

• Women’s College Environmental Clinic hosts conference for doctors on CFS, FM and Environmental Illness
• Reconciling trial judges’ different approaches to “total disability” question
• Independent Medical Examination survey update
• Making “Independent Medical Exams” Independent
• Thoughts on the AACFS Research Conference
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Inter-group communications
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

1999

December/January 1999

• Research continuing on teen’s enzyme discovery
• Brampton West MP does survey with General Practitioners on knowledge of ME/CFS and FM
• What you need to know about Canada Pension Plan Disability and Fibromyalgia
• How to prepare for an Independent Medical Examination
• Independent Medical Examination Survey Update
• Review of “Breakthrough in Cell-Defense” Book
• The beginning of the TEACH-ME Task Force
• Inter-group communications
• Website Update
• Addition to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

February 1999

• National ME/FM Action Network approved for operational costs grant from Health Canada
• The Ethical Issues of Independent Medical Examinations and CFS
• Sick-Air Law suit gets Okay from Court
• National ME/FM Action Network requests participation in establishing peer-reviewed clinical definitions for ME/CFS and FMS
• Overcoming the Barriers to obraining benefit entitlements under Long-Term Disability Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention CFS booklet becomes available
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos etc

April/May 1999

• Teen identifies potential marker for CFS
• Motion by Environmenal Illness Society sends ME/CFS, FM and MCS to the Standing Committee on Health for an in-depth study
• Insurance Companies May use research on exercise for own advantage
• Medical questions
• Registered facility specializing in IMEs etc. suis CBC
• Occupational Therapists authorized to complete Disability Tax Credit Certificates
• College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia replies on Independent Medical Examinations
• Selecting and instructing a legal advisor – Part I
• Inter-group communications
• New Brunswick Support Group initiates Walk to raise funds
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

June/July 1999

• National ME/FM Action Network presents draft of the Canadian Definitions and Treatment Protocols for ME/CFS and FMS to Laboratory for Disease Control and Minister of Health
• National ME/FM Action Network responds to Chatelaine article on Fibromyalgia
• “Reversing” Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
• Researchers and Clinicians publish a consensus definition for Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
• Selecting and Instructing a Legal Advisor – Part II
• National ME/FM Action Network gains support of IME Survey from Calgary newspaper
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Nurse reviews book on Overcoming Chronic Back Pain, Fibromyalgia & Environmental Illness
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Inter-group communications

August/September 1999

• National ME/FM Action Network follows up with government on status of clinical definitions
• Doctors reports on Results of treatment with Gancyclovir
• Stressors in the life of a Fibromyalgia patient
• Medical questions
• Doctor reports on the role of a Fibromyalgia Patient
• Doctor at Harborview Medical Center starts research on ME/CFS and FMS in twins
• The Validity an MMPI in assessing people with ME/CFS
• National ME/FM Action Network follows up on IME survey
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• National ME/FM Action Network publishes first collection of 5 years of Quest articles

October/November 1999

• National ME/FM Action Network to meet with Minister of Health on funding for clinical definitions
• Dr. David Bell reports on ME/CFS and FMS illnesses
• Review of Glutathione Deficiency in ME/CFS/CFIDS book
• Pain Management and Treatment
• Winning the Fibromyalgia Case
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Ask a lawyer

2000

December/January 2000

• Health Canada to sponsor First National Conference for ME/FM and Environmental Illness
• Ontario Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care commissions independent review of complaints & discipline process
• Individuals assessed through inaccurate evaluations
• Fibromyalgia: A common and frustrating syndrome
• Nutritionist reviews Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Environmental Illness Bill Passes first reading
• National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Inter-group communications

February/March 2000

• First National Symposium on MCS, CFS and FM announced
• National ME/FM Action Network requests assistance with search for panel for ME/CFS and FMS definitions for Symposium
• Psychologist relates the role of psychological testing in diagnosing ME/CFS and FM – Part I
• New Theory suggests elevated sustained peroxynitrite as the cause for CFS
• Fibromyalgia lawsuit settled out of court
• U.S. Ferry Worker with Fibromyalgia wins lawsuit
• New Brunswick ME Support Group presents President CEO with award
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Inter-group communications

April/May 2000

• National ME/FM Action Network requests written support for presentation to Minister of Health
• What is orthostatic Intolerance
• The Role of Psychological Testing in diagnosing ME/CFS and FM – Part II
• Party critic for NDP says overhaul needed to settle insurance disputes
• Ask a lawyer
• Inter-group communications

June/July 2000

• First National Symposium on ME/CFS, FM and MCS Postponed
• Education Coordinator reports on Environmental Health Clinic
• Are psychological factors important in ME/CFS and FM
• Is Occupational Health Unhealthy
• Ask a lawyer
• How to save thousands of dollars on your income tax when receiving a CPP lump-sum payment
• New Use for Old Drug
• National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

August/September 2000

• National ME/FM Action Network requests financial help for symposium doctors
• Alberta College of Physicians & Surgeons publishes new guidelines for IME doctors
• Chiropractic Management of Fibromyalgia – Part I
• Estate Helps Decide what Fibromyalgia is worth
• Insurance companies’ Medical Release form explanation
• Inter-group communications
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Additional To National Doctors and Lawyes’ Roster

October/November 2000

• Symposium cancelled by Health Canada but peer review of definitions scheduled
• National ME/FM Action Network send request for IME Guideliness Provincial Colleges of Physicians & surgeons
• Health Center in Province of Ontario’s credibility of IME reports in question
• Chiropractic Management of Fibromyalgia – Part II
• Polio expert announces International Survey on Post Polio
• Court decision stuns long-term disability industry
• Insurance Industry organizes aggressive response
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Inter-group communications
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

2001

Decenber/January 2001

• National ME/FM Action Network announces announces dates for peer review of definitions
• British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital announces results of a randomized, double-blind study on melatonin in children with disabilities
• Synaptic Technology Study on Pain Control & Associated Conditions & FM/CFS Study
• Accurate Reporting a must in CPP Disability Applications
• Successful appeal of Minister of Human Resources Development of Canada decision on CPP Claim
• Ensuring Insurers Play Fair
• National ME/FM Action Network continues pressure on Colleges for IME doctor guidelines
• Ontario Government Launches 24 hour Hotline for Health Care in Toronto Area

February/March 2001

• National ME/FM Action Network Consensus Meeting a Resounding Success
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome versus Depression
• Myosymmetries publishes articles on New Concepts in Muscle Activity as a Source of Pain in Fibromyalgia
• New Medical Direction announced at Ontario Environmental Health Clinic
• Addition to National Doctors’ Roster
• Authors make donation to National ME/FM Action Network
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Applying for the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits

April/May 2001

• Update on status of consensus documents
• Non-Paralytic Polio Survey
• Network’s Youth Consultant requesting public input
• Ontario Environmental Health Clinic reports on year-long study
• The CPP and the Definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Addition to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Inter-group communications
• New Brunswick ME Association held walk to raise funds
• BC College of Physicians & Surgeons report to request for guidelines for IME doctors
• BC College replied to BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
• Health Centre has potential to earn millions on ME/CFS and FM IMEs
• Final Report on review of complaints and discipline process of the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons

June/July 2001

• Update on the publishing of the Canadian Clinical Definitions
• Director of Education of the National ME/FM Action Netword honoured by Fibromyalgia Resource Group of Southern Alberta
• National ME/FM Action Network announces new sourcebook for teachers and parents of youth entitled TEACH-ME
• Annapolis Research Center announces effective treatment protocols for ME/CFS and FM
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Lawyer discusses the role of doctors in the disability process
• Inter-group communications
• Small business entrepreneurs difficulties with collecting long-term disability benefits

August/September 2001

• Update on the status of publishing the Canadian definitions in medical journal
• Blood-brain barrier & possible connection to ME/CFS
• Regulatory bodies expect medical reports to be fair
• Potential new treatment for severe pain associated with ME/CFS and FM
• Evaluating Disability – A Medical-Legal Dilemma
• Federal Court defines disability in Canada Pension Plan Legislation
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

October/November/December 2001

• Canadian ME/CFS clinical definition being peer-reviewed by medical journal for possible publication
• Researcher reports low blood volume in ME/CFS
• Harvard Medical School conducts Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Chronic Pain Program
• Fibromyalgia and Active Living
• The Role of Professional Associations & Unions in Assisting Disabled Members
• Reassessment of Disability Tax Credit Applications
• Summary Review of a CPP review Tribunal Decision
• National ME/FM Action Network writes Ontario College of Physicians & Surgeons on IMEs
• Addition to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Inter-group communications

2002

January/February 2002

• National ME/FM Action Network to host First International Symposium on Parallels between Post-Polio Sequelae and ME/CFS and FM
• British Government takes stand on ME/CFS
• Integrative Care with Botox for Fibromyalgia Headache and muscle pain relief
• How Insurance Firms Try to Scare Claimants
• Entitlement to a Defence to Psychiatric Medical Examinations
• How an Insurer got burned in a Home Fire
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

March/April 2002

• Report on Upcoming Conference on Parallels between Post-Polio Sequelae, ME/CFS and FM
• Council of Canadians with Disabilities requests House of Commons Sub-Committee on the Status of Persons with Disability to investigate the Disability Tax Credit
• Responses on MacLean’s article on Sick and So Very Tired
• Report on TEACH-ME Sourcebook
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Inter-group communications

May/June 2002

• Report on Post-Polio Symposium
• National ME/FM Action Network announces new medical advisors to team
• Fibromyalgia – A Syndrome of Disturbed Physiology
• Pension Appeals Board Denies Minister’s Request for Independent Psychiatric Examination for CPP Claimant with Fibromyalgia
• Update on Independent Medical Examination and Action Needed
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Inter-group communications
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

July/August 2002

• Report from the President CEO
• The Late Effects of ME
• More Woes for Top Insurance Doc
• Independent Medical Examination Update
• Inter-group communications
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

September/October 2002

• News Release – Canada Leads the World with a clinical definition for ME/CFS
• Assessing Functional Capacity of persons with ME/CFS
• Health-on-the-Line attempts to shed light on the Polio virus and ME/CFS and FM
• Unqualified Neuropsychologists writing IME reports
• Additions to Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

November/December 2002

• The Haworth Press announces special issue of the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for the Canadian ME/CFS Definition
• What Makes for a good Assessment Centre
• Insurance Companies Promoting Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• The Problem with multi-disciplinary health services clinics and ME/CFS and FM
• Ontario College of Physicians & Surgeons passes policy position on Third Party Reports
• Testing Protocol Announced by Calgary Doctor for ME/CFS, FM, MCS and Related Disorders
• Proposed Amendments to the Disability Tax Credit Form withdrawn by Federal Finance Department
• Inter-group communications

2003

January/February 2003

• National ME/FM Action Network proudly announces the publishing of the ME/CFS Definition in medical journal
• Request with help of dissemination of clinical definition
• Accolades and support received on Canadian Definitions
• Impact of Canadian Clinical Definition on assessing Occupational Disability
• Information for ME/CFS Physicians on Cognitive Function in ME/CFS
• Disability Benefits and You
• Inherent Bias Against Insurance Claimants
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

March/April 2003

• Fibromyalgia Consensus Document submitted to medical journal
• Cognitive problems now being tested in ME/CFS
• Investigations and Surveillance in Long Term Disability Claims
• Insurance Company Stalling Backfires
• Addition to National Lawyers’ Roster
• School Issues in ME/CFS and FM in Young People
• What does it really mean that a doctor is in ‘good standing’
• Books, reports, videos etc.
• Inter-group communications

May/June 2003

• National ME/FM Action Network celebrates 10^th anniversary
• Chronic Fatigue: looking beyond functional somatic syndrome
• Additions to doctors and lawyers’ roster

July/August 2003

• ME/CFS Post-exertional mailaise/ Fatigue and Exercise
• What is disability insurance
• NBC dramatizes polio survivors’ nightmare
• Medically retired registered nurse misdiagnosed fears she is victim of medical malpractice
• Parliamentary sub-committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities reviews disability component of the Canada Pension Plan
• National ME/FM Action Network announces addition of Pension Plan Advocate

September/October 2003

• National ME/FM Action Network announces resource guide for the Canada Pension Plan Disability Pension
• Pharmacological Stress Test
• Improving sleep quality despite Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue syndrome
• BC Court of Appeal confirms right of disabled woman to continue her lawsuit for disability claim
• Supreme Court of Canada Rules on Chronic Pain Syndrome

November/December 2003

• Ontario Guidelines Advisory Committee, Ontario Medical Association and Ministry of Health & Long-term care review ME/CFS Consensus Document
• Praises for the ME/CFS Definition from the U.K.
• Females more prone to Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS than males
• Making Independent Medical Examinations “Independent” – Repeat
• Troublesome new legislation for car accident victims
• National ME/FM Action Network’s Advocate writes letter to editor of Edmonton newspaper on insurance reform
• Additions to National doctors and lawyers’ Roster

2004

January/February 2004

• Medical Milestone – First Clinical Definition for Fibromyalgia
• U.K. Tymes Trust reviews ME/CFS clinical definition
• Letter from Dr. Byron Hyde on ME/CFS
• Health Assessment Centre’s lawsuit tossed out
• Junk Science and unreliable experts – “The Daubert Principle”
• Information on PIPEDA

March/April 2004

• Mourning the loss of Dr. Jeff Sherkey
• Brain Problems in ME/CFS – Is there a simple explanation
• Anatomical Investigation of the brain and its effect upon “Belief”
• The Student with ME/CFS in the Ontario School System
• National ME/FM Action Network granted Intervenor Status by Court of Appeal of Ontario
• Forensic and demonstrative evidence for insurance claims
• The Ikarian Reefer, the British Decision on expert guidelines
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• National ME/FM Action Network adds Legal Disability Manual to its resources

Fall 2004

• National ME/FM Action Network newsletter changes to quarterly issues
• What do doctors mean when they say psychosomatic
• Flu Vaccination and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Lawyer assists National ME/FM Action Network in fundraising for Intervenor Status
• Ontario Support Group takes on education of teachers in province about ME/CFS
• National ME/FM Action Network establishes National Liaison Committee
• Addition to National Lawyers’ Roster
• How to hire a lawyer
• National ME/FM Action Network and The Goose Story
• Inter-group communications

Winter 2004 No. 67

• Clinical and Biochemical characteristics differentiate ME/CFS from Major Depression and Health Controls
• Comparing the Canadian Clinical Definition and the Fukuda Criteria for CFS
• Physiological Mechanisms differentiates ME/CFS from Depression and Health Controls
• Gulf War Illness Update
• Intervenor Status Update
• Ontario establishes new system to replace Designated Assessment Centers
• Ontario Support Group announces Ontario gives ME/CFS Official Recognition
• Fan of National ME/FM Action Network speaks out on Network’s behalf
• Addition to National Lawyers’ Roster

2005

Spring/Summer 2005

• President CEO awarded Meritorious Service Medal by Governor General of Canada
• National ME/FM Action Network honours Gulf War Veteran Advocate and second website designer
• The importance of the Canadian Clinical Definitions
• The symptoms of Orthostatic Intolerance in ME/CFS
• Physiotherapy for Fibromyalgia Syndrome
• National ME/FM Action Network produces second edition of TEACH-ME sourcebook
• Update on Intervenor Status
• Litigating your Long Term Disability Action in Ontario

Fall 2005

• National ME/FM Action Network and FM-CFS Canada form coalition
• Groundbreaking genetic research studies
• Diagnosing Lyme Disease in People with ME/CFS and FMS
• Intervenor Status Update
• St. John’s Supreme Court Judge Allows Malpractice Suit
• A Criminal Record for taking vitamins?
• Insurance Bad Faith

Winter 2005

• Intervenor Status Update on Trial
• Importance of mobilizing the Lymphatic System
• Fibromyalgia – The Orphan Syndrome
• What’s up at FM-CFS Canada
• Calgary to to host ME/CFS Conference
• Ten Rules to winning a ME/CFS or FM Case
• Additions to Lawyers’ Roster

2006

Spring/Summer 2006

• New OHIP Billing Code for ME/CFS
• Redefinitions of ME/CFS
• Briefs on Calgary & Quebec Conferences
• Advances in ME/CFS
• Ottawa ME/CFS Support Group reports on May 12 Awareness Day
• DePaul University studying fatigue in children and adolescents
• Meeting Notes on Canadian Lyme Conference
• Environmental Health Clinic to remain at Women’s College Hospital
• What’s Up at FM-CFS Canada
• Overviews of the ME/CFS and FMS Consensus Documents
• Intervenor Status Update
• Conduct of Medical Assessors may be subject to Court scrutiny

Fall 2006

• National ME/FM Action Network to assist in FMS Research Study
• What does Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have in common?
• Post-Exertional Fatigue And Malaise – There is Hope
• Intervenor Status Update – Court Upholds Trial Judgment but reduces quantum of punitive damages
• Mediating Disability Claims
• Addition to National Lawyers’ Roster
• National ME/FM Action Network has new website
• ME/CFS and FMS Overviews Update

Winter 2006

• Restorative Exercise Therapy
• New Pediatric Case Definition
• Statistics Canada publishes ME/CFS, FM and MCS Statistics
• Medical Assessors Can Be Biased and Unfair
• Advocacy – You Can Do This
• Network Notes

2007

Spring/Summer 2007

• Great Ontario ME/CFS Advocate passes away
• Report on Dissemination of Overviews
• Trying to correlate immune and sleep deregulation in CFS
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recognizes ME/CFS as a biomedical condition
• Calgary Research Study Pending differentiating between ME/CFS and Health Controls
• Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Appeal in Keays vs Honda
• Disability Claim Denied for Chronic Pain
• Additions to National Doctors and Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

Fall 2007

• CFS Associated with Chronic Enterovirus Infection
• Fibromyalgia – How I see it and treat it
• Piecing Pain Together Understanding Pain in Fibromyalgia
• Coping with CFS
• Addition to National Lawyers’ Roster
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Network Notes

Winter 2007

• Supreme Court of Canada set to to hear Appeal in Keays v Honda
• ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia May be caused by brain abnormalities in the ‘Amygdala”
• Review of Cellular Hypoxia and Neuro-Immune Fatigue
• Advocating for a Canadian Lyme Disease Strategy
• Revisiting the Disability Tax Credit
• How to improve your CPP Application
• Addition to National Lawyers’ Roster
• Network Notes

2008

Spring 2008

• Supreme Court Hears Appeal in Keays v Honda
• The Supreme Court Hearing
• Lyme Disease Update
• The Science of CFS: Mythbusting quiz
• DePaul University ask for help for Pediatric ME/CFS
• Inter-group communications
• Assistance for Canadians in need of legal information
• Addition to National Doctors’ Roster
• Network Notes

Summer 2008

• Husband of President CEO dies
• Dr. Carruthers bestowed another award from the National ME/FM Action Network
• How the Clinical Definition works
• Ottawa moves on Allergy labeling
• CFS Myth-Busting Quiz - Part 2
• Additions to National Lawyers’ Roster

Fall/Winter 2008

• President CEO Thank You and announcement
• CFIDS Association of America announces unprecedented research program
• Vision Problems in CFS and Fibromyalgia
• Soy Kefir – Implications for CFS and FMS
• Book Review
• Symposium on Disabling Fatigue in chronic Illness
• University Education from Home
• Additional to National Lawyers’ Roster
• New Quest Collection out
• Network Notes

2009

Spring-Summer 2009 – Special Edition

• Profile & Impact of ME/CFS & FMS according to CCH 2005 Survey

Fall 2009

• Significant link discovered between Enterovirus and ME/CFS
• Study indicates unique fatigue in ME/CFS individuals
• Experts Launch Think Tank for ME/CFS
• Flu vaccination and ME/CFS
• Soy Kefit – Effects on Pain – Part II
• FDA approves Fibromyalgia drug
• Announcement on new chat/video site
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.

Winter 2009

• National ME/FM Action Network to host International IACFS/ME Research & Clinical Conference
• Leadership transition at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• Addition to Network’s medical advisors
• XMRV and the Canadian blood supply
• CIHR Identifies ME/CFS and FMS research projects
• CIHR underfunds ME/CFS and FMS research
• National CFIDS Foundation adds innovative Research Grant Funding
• National ME/FM Action Network requests assistance from Public Health Agency of Canada
• Books, newsletters, videos etc.
• Useful links

2010

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Spring 2010

• Canadian Blood Services first to ban ME/CFS blood donations
• May 12 Awareness Day
• How One Person Can Make A Difference
• XMRV Study Planned at Hunter-Hopkins Center
• Japanese Red Cross Investigates XMRV and blood service
• Whittemore Peterson Institute and UK Study
• XMRV Gets Attention from Health Officials
• Ontario Special Diet Allowance To Be Reviewed
• How understanding is your doctor?
• Neuroendocrine Immune Center Awaits Passage
• Adverse Reaction of CFIDS Patients to Anesthesia
• Multi-Institutional Study Under Way for Biochemical Marker in CFS Blood
• Submission on the Use of Audiotapes during IME – Part I

Summer 2010

• XMRV Updates
• Can Detection of XMRV be linked to CFS
• American College of Rheumatology Proposes Alternate FM Definition
• Addition to Network’s Medical Advisors
• Ottawa 2011 Conference Update
• Syndrome de fibromyalgia – Abrege du consensus canadien

French FMS Overview of Canadian Definition

• Reminder How Best To Disseminate Information to Doctors
• Addition to National Lawyers’ Roster
• Submission on the Use of Auditopes during IMEs – Part 2
• What’s new with Canada Pension Plan Disability Pensions
• Unheard Voices – My Story
• Resources

This page was last reviewed/modified on 08/2010.