Ryan to ask for a meeting with Prime Minister

Ryan Mclaughlin of the Shine on Scotland campaign for vitamin D as a preventitive measure against MS will step up his campaigning this week for a meeting with the UK Prime Minister Mr Gordon Brown.

The bravehearted 14 year old tried to get sneaky meeting with him a few weeks back when he visited North Glasgow College to support Willie Bain but unfortunately there just wasn’t enough time but he was promised a meeting at a later date, although a little disappointed he knew that Mr Brown was a very busy man and was happy to get a promise of a meet at a later date.

Mrs Sarah Brown is a great supporter of MS and he hopes that Mr Brown will support him.

Ryan says ” this is so important to my cause if we can get the UK government support we may be able to move forward in the prevention of  MS through vitamin D supplementation,  there are loads of people from all over the UK wanting this now – I get emails almost every day from Mum’s wanting to protect their kids , it is so cheap to supply it so why delay it’s introduction – a clinical study would cost a 100 times more than just doing it now and would take years to show results  and we must protect kids from MS now.

He say’s the  Scottish Government have been amazing and so supportive and he hopes to open the eyes of the UK  Government in a similar fashion to the Scottish Government but said he has no plans to dress as William Wallace again on any visit and it will be kept very low key.

http://www.shineonscotland.org.uk/news/2009/11/ryan-mclaughlin-to-ask-for-a-meeting-with-the-prime-minister/

Ryan McLaughlin with Miss Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon and sponsor Mark Currie from Fraser Suites

After his mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis Ryan formed the Shine on Scotland campaign.  Working with scientists to develop Vitamin D as a preventative measure against MS, cancer and other serious conditions, Ryan continues campaigning to bring this to the attention of Scottish Government.

Petitioning the Scottish Parliament: Ryan McLaughlin wins Child of the Year Award

Petitioning the Scottish Parliament: Ryan McLaughlin wins Child of the Year Award

Multiple Sclerosis Scotland

Multiple Sclerosis Scotland

 

 

TWO of our plucky Bighearted Scotland winners are planning to climb one of the world's highest mountains - and want celebs to join them!

Go-getting gong heroes Ryan McLaughlin and Allan Thomas have asked Ultimo tycoon Michelle Mone and Celtic defender Gary Caldwell to take part in their Comic Relief-style trek up Kilimanjaro.
And the bra queen is said to be "definitely interested" after she and fellow guest Gary met the dynamic duo at our awards bash last week.
Mountaineer Allan, who won the Fundraiser of the Year award, plans to lead the trek next summer - and Ryan 14, is determined to join him.
Allan, 41, of Aberdeen said: "Meeting people like Ryan was really inspiring. We want to raise £100,000."
The salesman, who won our gong for climbing Everest to raise cash for cancer victims, is deciding whether to tackle 19,340ft- tall Kilimanjaro or 15,781ft Mont Blanc in the Alps. He said: "Mont Blanc is technically more difficult, but Kilimanjaro is higher so altitude sickness can be worse."
Allan has invited Michelle and Gary to train on Scotland's hills, along with other Bighearted nominees.
He and Ryan aim to raise cash for the six Bighearted charities as well as their own causes.
Ryan, of Drumchapel, Glasgow - who won Child of the Year for his campaign to help multiple sclerosis sufferers like mum Kirsten, 34 - said: "There will be blisters, sweat and tears but I can do it."

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_news/500317/Awards-winners-want-stars-to-climb-Kilimanjaro-to-raise-charity-cash.html

Miss Scotland ready to hit the heights

MISS Scotland Katharine Brown and DJ Suzie McGuire have signed up to join Celts ace Gary Caldwell in a Bighearted charity climb up Mount Kilimanjaro

The daring celebs have agreed to take part in the Comic Relief-style trek up the 19,340ft Tanzanian mountain next summer.

We told earlier this month how Hoops defender Gary volunteered for the adventure at our glitzy Bighearted Scotland Awards.

He was impressed with the plan to conquer Africa’s highest peak by award-winners Ryan McLaughlin, 14, and Allan Thomas, 41 – and now Kath and Suzie will join them too.

Kath, 22, from Dunblane, Perthshire, said: “I was thrilled to be asked and immediately said yes.
“I’ve always wanted to climb that mountain – I’m drawn to it.”

Clyde 1’s Suzie, 35, from Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, added: “I’m definitely up for it – but I am nervous.”
Gary, 27, said: “I’m really excited about Kilimanjaro. As long as the dates don’t clash with football commitments I’ll do it.

“There are a couple of others in the dressing room who want to climb it too.”

Aberdonian Allan, who won our Fundraiser of the Year, and Child of the Year Ryan, of Drumchapel, Glasgow, hope the trek will raise £100,000 for the six Bighearted Scotland charities, plus their own causes.

www.shineonscotland.org.uk

Vitamin D Deficiency Triggers Multiple Sclerosis

Supplements during pregnancy and early years could cut child’s susceptibility, study says
Posted February 5, 2009

THURSDAY, Feb. 5 (HealthDay News) — A direct interaction between vitamin D and a common genetic variant may affect a person’s risk of multiple sclerosis, according to British and Canadian researchers who also said that vitamin D deficiency while in the womb and early in life may increase the risk of MS later in life.

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in MS, a neurological condition that affects 2.5 million people worldwide. Vitamin D is a major environmental factor, and the largest genetic effect comes from the region on chromosome six containing a gene variant called DRB1*1501 and from adjacent DNA sequences.

In the general population, about one in 1,000 people will develop MS. But that increases to about one in 300 among people who have a single copy of the DRB1*1501 and about one in 100 among people with two copies of the variant.

The study found that proteins activated by vitamin D in the body bind to a particular DNA sequence lying next to the DRB1*1501 variant, which causes the gene to switch on.

The study was published in the Feb. 6 edition of PLoS Genetics.

“In people with the DRB1 variant associated with MS, it seems that vitamin D may play a critical role. If too little of the vitamin is available, the gene may not function properly,” study co-author Julian Knight said in a journal news release.

The researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency in mothers or even in a previous generation may lead to altered expression of DRB1*1501 in offspring.

“Our study implies that taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and the early years may reduce the risk of child developing MS in later life,” lead author Dr. Sreeram Ramagopalan said in the news release. “Vitamin D is a safe and relatively cheap supplement with substantial potential health benefits. There is accumulating evidence that it can reduce the risk of developing cancer and offer protection from other autoimmune diseases.”

More information

The Multiple Sclerosis Society has more about genetics and MS.

Bill Butler MSP for Glasgow Anniesland: All the Best to Shine on Scotland

Bill Butler MSP for Glasgow Anniesland: All the Best to Shine on Scotland

have you signed the epetition yet

Time is running out to sign the shine on scotland campaign petition it ends on Monday

Is Vitamin D Deficiency Linked To Alzheimer's Disease And Vascular Dementia?

cienceDaily (May 27, 2009) — There are several risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Based on an increasing number of studies linking these risk factors with Vitamin D deficiency, an article in the current issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (May 2009) by William B. Grant, PhD of the Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center (SUNARC) suggests that further investigation of possible direct or indirect linkages between Vitamin D and these dementias is needed.

Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, depression, dental caries, osteoporosis, and periodontal disease, all of which are either considered risk factors for dementia or have preceded incidence of dementia. In 2008, a number of studies reported that those with higher serum 25(OH)D levels had greatly reduced risk of incidence or death from cardiovascular diseases.

Several studies have correlated tooth loss with development of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. There are two primary ways that people lose teeth: dental caries and periodontal disease. Both conditions are linked to low vitamin D levels, with induction of human cathelicidin by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D being the mechanism.

There is also laboratory evidence for the role of vitamin D in neuroprotection and reducing inflammation, and ample biological evidence to suggest an important role for vitamin D in brain development and function.

Given these supportive lines of evidence, Dr. Grant suggests that studies of incidence of dementia with respect to prediagnostic serum 25(OH)D or vitamin D supplementation are warranted. In addition, since the elderly are generally vitamin D deficient and since vitamin D has so many health benefits, those over the age of 60 years should consider having their serum 25(OH)D tested, looking for a level of at least 30 ng/mL but preferably over 40 ng/mL, and supplementing with 1000-2000 IU/day of vitamin D3 or increased time in the sun spring, summer, and fall if below those values.

Writing in the article, Dr. Grant states, "There are established criteria for causality in a biological system. The important criteria include strength of association, consistency of findings, determination of the dose-response relation, an understanding of the mechanisms, and experimental verification. To date, the evidence includes observational studies supporting a beneficial role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of diseases linked to dementia such as vascular and metabolic diseases, as well as an understanding of the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of several mechanisms that lead to dementia."

** Stu's Views & M.S. News **: JK Rowling is honoured to support Ryan's Bid to get every child in Scotland on Vitamin "D"

** Stu's Views & M.S. News **: JK Rowling is honoured to support Ryan's Bid to get every child in Scotland on Vitamin "D"

shine on scotland petition

http://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/view_petition.asp?PetitionID=316

Created at a time when Scotland has the highest rates of ms in the world. Ryan McLaughlin age 14 talks openly about the disease that his mum is fighting and for the first time a chance that MS figures could be reduced in Scotland by introducing vitamin d for pregnant mums and all Scots children, now its Scotland's turn to change there own future, to stand up and fight for better health and say to the Scottish Government we've seen MS - NO Thank you.

It's time for the children of Scotland to shine!

Visit http://www.shineonscotland.org.uk/

The inspirational music is "Change" by Tracy Chapman from the album "Where You Live" 2005. Available on iTunes.

** Stu's Views & M.S. News **: MS Related: Public Petition for Guidelines on vitamin D supplemention

** Stu's Views & M.S. News **: MS Related: Public Petition for Guidelines on vitamin D supplemention

Will the swine flu floor those with MS

I like everyone effected by Multiple Sclerosis and other with autoimmune disorders, this swine flu scares us all, but what are the risks to the ones that we love ?

Should we keep our loved ones indoors? are they at severe risk?

Hundreds walk to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research - NEWS

Hundreds walk to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research - NEWS

Hundreds walk to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research - NEWS

Hundreds walk to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research - NEWS

What would you do reduce ms in scotland ?

This is the question which Ryan McLaughlin, aged 14, from Glasgow, has an answer to. Watch the video to find out more, and please share this video on your Bebo, Facebook, MySpace pages. Help us protect future generations of Scots from Multiple Sclerosis by signing our e-petition and joining our walk to the Scottish parliament on Wednesday 17th June 2009 to hand the petition to our MSPs.


Ryan is aware of the effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as it impacts on the lives of 10,500 people in Scotland and one of of those affected is his Mum. His experience of MS made him determined to find a way to help the thousands of people who are fighting this chronic progressive disease, an illness which has no cure, and to lessen the impact of MS on future generations. So what is his answer?
Campaign Goals

* Providing Vitamin D to all of Scotland’s children and pregnant mums
* Clarification on the recommended daily allowance
* To run a public awareness campaign inform the public about the benefits of Vitamin D in relation to MS

Scientists have now proven a link between MS and a lack of Vitamin D. People in Scotland are exposed to less sunshine, and it is the energy from the sun which triggers a chemical reaction in the body which leads to Vitamin D being produced. MS is rare in countries close to the equator which have a high amount of sunshine and becomes more common at distant latitudes. For example, in the US rates are lowest in Florida and rise towards Canada. At an MS conference in November 2008 scientists told the Scottish Government of the link and now it needs to act on this evidence.

That is why Ryan has started the Shine on Scotland campaign, as he believes that the government providing Vitamin D to children and pregnant mums is our chance to stop future generations from suffering the way his Mum does everyday. He’s doing it for your children and your grandchildren. Will you join him in his fight?

Ryan needs your support. Please sign his e-petition now. He is also looking for 500 kids and their parents to join him in walking the Royal Mile to the Parliament to hand over the petition.

This is our chance. Together we can change Scotland’s future through providing Vitamin D for all.