Here at The Environmental Illness Resource we strongly believe that only through a huge increase in the amount of research being conducted into environmental illnesses will the recognition they deserve be forthcoming. Over the years there have been a not insignificant amount of studies into conditions such as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) with the majority suggesting there is something physically wrong with patients that is worthy of further study. The problem is that these studies have all been small, involving only a handful of patients. This has meant results are often not taken seriously by the medical establishment and other researchers, and this coupled with a severe lack of funding has meant further research has been limited.

This week a couple of emails landed in the EIR inbox asking for participants for two seperate research studies, one looking at MCS and the other looking at Candida related illness. If at all possible it would be great if our readers could get involved with one of these studies. Besides helping to advance the science behind these conditions directly through participation, the more people suffering with these conditions that apply, the easier it will be for researchers to obtain backing for larger studies in the future.

Participting in studies such as these often involves no more than a single phonecall or writing a single email answering a few questions. Let's get involved and help ourselves and those unfortunate people who may develop these devastating conditions in the future.

Further details of MCS and Candida studies:

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Research

The following was forwarded from the Allergy and Environmental Health Association of Quebec (AEHAQ). You can visit their website at www.aeha-quebec.ca

We would be grateful for your participation. If you have attempted to access a CIL and are willing to participate, but unable to complete a study online please contact us for a paper survey or a phone interview.

EIR: Dr. Gibson is a prominent researcher into MCS and how it affects a sufferer's life. She is also an advisor to The Environmental Illness Resource and has been an invaluable help. We recommend every MCS sufferer read her book - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Survival Guide.

Candida Research

The following appeared in the latest issue of the National Candida Society's (UK) newsletter. You can visit the Society's website at www.candida-society.org.

Would you be willing to be interviewed about Candida?

I am a member of the National Candida Society, and a PhD student at the University of Alberta, in Canada. I'm doing a qualitative study on people's experiences of Candida - how they understand the disease, some of the difficulties associated with getting a diagnosis, and how they've learned to live with the condition. I am looking for adult participants willing to share their experiences.

You would be sked to participate in an interview consisting of 9 open-ended questions about your illness experience. You would have the option of responding to these questions by email or by phone (we pay for the call) whichever you think will be the most comfortable and most convenient for you. The interview is expected to take 30-90 minutes, depending on how much detail you wish to give. Interviews will be recorded with your permission, and your identity will be kept confidential.

This research has been approved by the University of Alberta Health and Sociology Ethics Review Boards, and is NOT associated with any funding agencies. It is independent research I am conducting as part of my PhD dissertation. The goal of this study is not just to contribute to the academic literature on undefined disorders like Candida, but also to create an opportunity for people with Candida to talk about their illness experiences.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to have further information about the study, or, if you are interested in participating. I look forward to hearing from you.

Alissa Overend

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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