The major problem associated with this syndrome, which causes uncontrollable twitching and jerking in the lower legs, is that the symptoms often occur at night, interfering with sleep. Lack of sleep leads to all sorts of undesirable consequences, including depression and an increased risk of accidents.
Here are some ways to seek relief:

• Get fit. Aerobic exercise will help your circulation and overall well-being.
  
• Strengthen and stretch. Do some of your walking with weights on your ankles. Work out with elastic bands. Do stretching exercises for your calves before you go to bed.
  
• Seek support. Support hose help improve circulation in your calves.
  
• Start walking. When symptoms begin, get up and walk.
  
• Choose a good spot. In a theater, plane or bus, choose an aisle seat so you will have room to stretch and can get up and walk around.
  
• Massage your legs.
  
• Check your diet. Make sure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals.
  
• Avoid caffeine.
  
• Soak in a warm tub, especially before bed.
  

Therapy with a rabbit?! That's what Pam Bernadini , 5th Grade teacher at  Northfield Elementary School offers. Once a week, Pam, Jillian and a 5th grade student bring animal-assisted activities to elderly residents at the Mayo Healthcare facility in Northfield, VT.

Pet Partners, established in 1990 by Delta Society, a non-profit organization in Portland, Oregon, is a program that established guidelines for human/animal  teams to qualify them to volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities. Teams must complete health and temperament screening and volunteer training. Pet Partner teams include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and pot-bellied pigs.

Jillian is not Pam's first rabbit-partner. Before Jillian, Pam worked with a Flemish Giant

named Emma, who died last year. A month later, Pam adopted Jillian, an English Lop rabbit from Saco, Maine. She immediately began training Jillian and on September 13, 2003, Jillian took her certification test, scoring 35 out of a possible 36 points! She was rated on temperament, appearance, grooming, obedience and the performance of specific tasks.

A therapy pet can open up conversations about pets that the residents once had and facilitate communication with people who are shy or reserved.

We are very fortunate that Jillian, Pam (and perhaps some 5th Graders as well) will be visiting the Center on Monday, Dec. 22nd and giving a presentation at 12:30. Be sure to come!