Recently, much of my journaling has taken the form of spiritual journaling. I have found this to be a valuable practice to help me cope with the neuromuscular disease, remember my many blessings, and strengthen my walk with G-d. Journaling has also been found to have important health benefits.

This time I have determined to handle my health difficulties differently than I before. Because I opened up to others, I found the strength that I need to handle my diagnosis of Charcot Marie Tooth in an emotionally health way. In turn, I have been able to help others.

Social networking has made connecting with others easier than ever. Interacting through social networks may be especially beneficial for those who have significant disability limiting their opportunities to interact with others in person, including many people with neuromuscular disease.

If you have a neuromuscular disease, getting a good night of sleep may be difficult. Some research has suggested that as many as 40% of those with neuromuscular disease suffer from a sleeping disorder. Learn about sleeping disorders in those with neuromuscular disease.

Test your knowledge about sleep. You can now take another new quiz, the Sleep and Neuromuscular Disease Quiz. You will find all the answers you need to answer this quiz in the articles Sleep and Neuromuscular Disease and What Happens When You Sleep? on the Neuromuscular Diseases site.

Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, is a common problem for individuals with neuromuscular disease. Depending on severity, scoliosis can prevent the chest from expanding fully and with the ability to breath. Scoliosis can also cause pain and functional difficulties.

Roussy-Levy Syndrome affects the peripheral nervous system. Distinctive characteristics of this variant of CMT include tremors (rhythmic shaking) in the hands and arms and unsteadiness of gait (gait ataxia).

When I fail to respect my physical limitations and rely on my own strength, I can easily over to it, and even hurt myself. When I respect the limitations that neuromuscular disease causes me, I avoid hurting myself, and, ultimately, can accomplish more.

Research has shown that people can learn to be resilient, to face adversity well, as my father did after having a stroke. As I face of my own diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, I claim these qualities for myself.

Enrolling in a registry specific to neuromuscular disease will help individuals to be informed about clinical research regarding a specific disease or condition. In turn, disease registries will also aid researchers looking for qualified individuals to participate in research protocols.