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Houston Doctor Liza Leal, Author of "Live Well With Chronic Pain," Offers Life Changing Tips for National Pain Awareness Month

Posted on: Tuesday, 29 August 2006, 09:01 CDT

If National Pain Awareness Month prompts even one chronic pain sufferer to choose to improve their life, Dr. Liza Leal will consider it a big success. The author of the book, "Live Well with Chronic Pain," Leal emerged from her own painful nightmare and will share her personal story with audiences throughout the Houston area in a series of events in September.

Awareness of the devastating impact of chronic pain is on the rise. The disorder is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States, affecting an estimated 90 million Americans and costs the U.S. economy more than $120 billion annually in lost production, time off and medical expenses.

Dr. Leal, who is certified by the American Academy of Pain Management, lives with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, painful inflammation of the joints. Her experience and remarkable recovery inspired Leal to write "Live Well with Chronic Pain." It is designed to help readers who suffer from chronic pain create a life in which they can enjoy friends and family, work on their careers and accomplish what they want to accomplish.

Dr. Leal will sign her book from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., September 23, at the Barnes & Noble in Sugar Land, 2545 Town Center Blvd. She will also speak briefly about the tools patients need to become the primary manager of their chronic pain and to conquer the fears, doubts, negativity and inertia that hold them back.

Dr. Leal also will serve as keynote speaker for the National Hispanic Council on Aging -- Houston Chapter's 13th Annual "Bajo El Mismo Techo" Conference on September 28. The event at the Humble Civic Center runs from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free for those 65 and older. Dr. Leal also will speak to a gathering of physicians during the Hispanic Initiatives for the Back to Active Program on September 14, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

For those who are searching for a way out of their suffering, Leal has developed the "Four Foundations for Living Well with Chronic Pain," including the following life-changing tips:

 1.   Choose to live well -- Make a conscious choice, a commitment, to live a better life. Unfortunately, as simple and evident as the principle may seem, many people with chronic pain either don't realize there's a choice to be made or never get around to doing it. 2.   Learn to live well -- Learning to live well means learning how to become a more effective pain manager. And that, in turn, involves becoming a dedicated researcher in three main areas: general health principles, your particular condition and methods of pain management, and your individual self. 3.   Plan to live well -- Develop a comprehensive Master Life Action Plan that includes pain management as one of its main elements. Individuals who are happy with their overall direction and success in life tend to be more effective pain managers, so the plan should specify pain and health management objectives as well as other important life goals. 4.   Take action -- If a person wants to live a better life with chronic pain, then it's imperative to take action. An individual can read books about how to better manage pain, or develop a great Master Life Action Plan, but it's action that counts. And that means to take action today, not wait until tomorrow. 

Chronic pain is pain that continues for three months. It also includes pain that goes on for months or years due to a chronic condition that typically interferes with daily life.

"Live Well with Chronic Pain" is available at Barnes & Noble or it can be ordered online. It retails for $11.95.

Editors Note: A high-resolution photo of Dr. Leal is available for download at www.keeneypr.com/attachments/files/51/Liza_Leal.jpg.

About Meridian Medical Dental Executive Healthcare

Located in the Houston metropolitan area, Meridian Medical Dental Executive Healthcare provides patients from around the world with the convenience and peace of mind that comes from the highest standard of personalized and preventative care available. As a leader in concierge style medicine, Meridian Medical Dental was designed to meet the unique needs and time constraints of busy individuals. By limiting the number of patients they accept, this unique practice offers a higher level of total patient care and removes the layers that have gotten between traditional doctor/patient relationships. In essence, Meridian Medical Dental Executive Healthcare provides its international family of patients with a personal physician and dentist. For more information, call 281.265.6565.

 Contact: Dan Keeney, APR DPK Public Relations 832-467-2904 (Houston) 214-432-7556 (Dallas) 713-417-1498 (Cell) Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=577DFEBCDD28174A  

SOURCE: Meridian Medical Dental Executive Healthcare

Source: MARKET WIRE

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