2.4 Billion People May Benefit From New Pain Relief Approach

Chronic pain affects 2.4 billion people worldwide.

Allyn Minton, a licensed physical therapist based in Nashville, Tennessee, has been free of chronic pain for one full year. She credits a specific approach for changing her experience of the condition. Minton’s story provides a potential model for others dealing with long-term discomfort.

National Library of Medicine research indicates that more than 30% of the world’s population suffers from chronic pain. This statistic highlights the scale of the issue. Minton’s recovery offers a specific example of how some individuals manage to move beyond the daily struggle of pain.

In Vermont, a nonprofit organization is working with patients who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS. The disease is fatal and has no cure. The state currently has approximately 27 residents living with the condition, representing the highest per capita rate in the United States. The nonprofit uses artificial intelligence to help these patients communicate with family members and doctors as the illness progresses.

In a separate financial matter, Henry Adams nearly lost his home due to a disability payment error. Adams had enrolled in an FHA loan modification program through U.S. Bank while caring for his wife during her cancer treatment. The program paused his mortgage for several months. It then required three consecutive on-time trial payments for final approval. A bounced payment triggered by the error threatened to remove him from the program. The issue was resolved, and Adams retained his home.

Local 11-year-old Riley Haughey creates colorful animal drawings that she calls Riley’s Critters. She uses a tackle box of tools and markers at her kitchen table to design the artwork. Each drawing is turned into a greeting card. Tony Klain, an 85-year-old printer, produces the final cards. Haughey describes the quality of the print as top notch.