Stay Aware, Combat Fatigue!

World Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Awareness Day is celebrated on 12 May since 1992 to honor the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This day is organized all over the world to spread awareness of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), CFS is a complex disorder defined by immense fatigue which is not improved by bed rest and can worsen with regular physical or mental activities.

Fast Facts:

• CFS can be very severe and affected patients might not be able to carry out the daily tasks of eating, showering or sitting up in the bed.
• CFS is not laziness or a mental disorder which can be cured with psychiatric or psychological treatment.

Spot the signs of weakness and fatigue

• Muscle or joint pain
• Impaired memory or mental concentration
• Insomnia or non-refreshing sleep
• Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
• Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit
• Frequent or recurring sore throat
• Post-exertion malaise lasting more than 24 hours

What causes chronic fatigue?

Although a single cause of CFS has not been identified, many possible triggers are listed below:

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Immune dysfunction
• Abnormally low blood pressure that can cause fainting
• Nutritional deficiency
• Physical or emotional stress which alters the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis.

How can I manage extreme tiredness?

There is no cure and no specific prescription drugs for CFS but patients can monitor their health and manage their condition using these tips:

1. Get support from a counselor and help from close ones.
2. Find a job and lifestyle that works for you.
3. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar and sweeteners.
4. Include more breaks with your current levels of activities.
5. Use tips to help with the cognitive problems.
6. Use massage, exercises, acupuncture, relaxation techniques under the supervision of a qualified practitioner to control joint pains and muscle pains.
7. Get the most out of sleep by sleeping and waking up at the same time.
8. Avoid stressful situations and spend time relaxing.

Although living with CFS is challenging and unpredictable, we can easily find ways to understand and deal with it. [av_promobox button='yes' label='Schedule a consultation' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello']If you happen to see any symptoms, book a consultation on MediBuddy today![/av_promobox] Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 9, 2016.
2. National Health Portal. Accessed May 10, 2016.
3. National Health Service. Accessed May 11, 2016.