Sharon says, "after 3 weeks of doing Pilates with Karen my shoulders feel great."

Kevin says "after 6 weeks of Pilates I am able to walk with no cane. I have MS and have found Pilates of great benefit."

"I like Pilates. I think you do an awesome job! I like that you're able to help us adapt to challenges we have.You're very encouraging with us beginners. I plan to rejoin when 12 wks. are up. Thanks!" Grace Two seniors upon visiting their doctors for their annual visit were told they have increased 1" in height from doing Pilates.

Can you imagine experience of moving your body to relaxing music in a subtle way. Image feeling taller, more relaxed, younger, rejuvenated, sharp mind and walk with grace of a dancer.

All you have to do is decide to feel this way. Make choice to have your body feel great! Soft soothing music, soft voice inspiring you to move in subtle ways to release a days worth of stress. Decide to feel way you felt as a youngster or better. Decide to commit about 18-20 minutes of your time when you come home from work or play to listen and be guided through movement.

Manganese should not be confused with Magnesium, a mineral that is essential for human nutrition.

Who is at risk for welding rod manganism, welder's-disease?

Recent manganism, welder's-disease, research has focused on welding rod industry. Welders are apparently at a greater risk of manganese poisoning than most. Thus, manganism is also known as welder's-disease or welding rod disease. However, welding rod use is not only potential source of manganese exposure. Other workers may also be at risk of manganism. In addition to welding, on-the-job exposure to manganese occurs mainly in mining, alloy production, processing, ferro-manganese operations, and work with agrochemicals (Levy & Nassetta, 2003).

Manganese also enters air from iron, steel and power plants, coke ovens and from dust in mining operations. Those who are at greatest risk of this airborne exposure again include welders, along with railroad workers, miners, steel workers, and those who handle pesticides containing maneb and mancozeb. This list is not conclusive, and there are other groups that may be affected. Contact a qualified medical professional for an evaluation if you feel that you have been poisoned by manganese exposure.

Additional research suggests that men may be at greater risk of manganism than women, although effects were also observed in women (Mergler, et al 1999). Men’s risk may be greater because they are more likely to have a job that exposes them to higher levels of manganese. Most welders, construction workers and other people in jobs that place them at risk for manganism are men. Obvious symptoms may not develop until after age 50; however, subtle, less noticeable symptoms of manganism may also appear in individuals who are younger and who have experienced prolonged, low-level exposure to manganese.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a paper connecting manganese poisoning to Parkinson's-like manganism; asthenia, insomnia, mental confusion; metal fume fever, dry throat, coughing, tight chest; dyspnea, rales, flu-like fever; lower-back pain, vomiting, malaise and fatigue.