| Can you answer yes to any of these questions? | | | | How common is chronic fatigue syndrome? |
| - Have I had severe chronic fatigue for six | | | | About 4 in 1,000 (estimated half a million) adults in |
| months or longer? | | | | America are diagnosed with chronic fatigue |
| - Is my memory or concentration not as good as | | | | syndrome. These people were once very active |
| it can be or used to be? | | | | and healthy who are now very lethargic and |
| - Do I have a sore throat, tender lymph nodes, | | | | mentally and physically exhausted. |
| muscle pain, headaches, or loss of sleep? | | | | What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue |
| You might be at risk for being diagnosed with | | | | syndrome? |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). | | | | 1. Headaches |
| What is chronic fatigue syndrome? | | | | 2. Muscle and joint pain |
| Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating disorder | | | | 3. Post-exertional malaise (physical or mental |
| characterized by serious fatigue can't be improved | | | | exertion) |
| by bed rest or by one's own willpower. There are | | | | 4. Sore throat |
| three different names for chronic fatigue | | | | 5. Substantial impairment in memory/concentration |
| syndrome such as myalgic encephalomyelitis, | | | | 6. Tender neck or lymph nodes in the armpit |
| post-viral fatigue syndrome, and chronic fatigue | | | | 7. Restless sleep |
| immune dysfunction syndrome. | | | | What does chronic fatigue syndrome commonly |
| Because chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms are | | | | affect? |
| so vague and nonspecific, it's difficult for sufferers | | | | - Depression |
| to explain their pain. They are often | | | | - Lifestyle changes and restrictions |
| misunderstood or judged by peers as being lazy. | | | | - Missing out on work and fun activities |
| Sufferers are then forced to live in pain and with | | | | - Side effects related to medication treatments |
| the stigma of being thought of as hypochondriacs. | | | | - Side effects associated with lack of activity |
| Chronic fatigue syndrome is becoming more and | | | | - Social isolation caused by fatigue |
| more common. | | | | What can I do to prevent chronic fatigue |
| What are the causes of chronic fatigue | | | | syndrome? |
| syndrome? | | | | 1. Exercise regularly. Start slow and build up. |
| - After nearly 20 years of research, the cause of | | | | Exercises such as walking, swimming, biking, and |
| chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown. It's not | | | | water aerobics, and relaxation exercises are |
| just one trigger or causation; it's a combination of | | | | helpful. |
| different infectious agents, physiologic and | | | | 2. Get enough sleep. Go to bed and get up at the |
| psychological, and many other possibilities. | | | | same time each day and limit daytime napping. |
| - Nutritional deficiencies | | | | 3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, |
| - Low blood sugar | | | | drink plenty of fluids, limit your caffeine intake, |
| - Iron deficiency anemia | | | | stop smoking, get adequate rest, and exercise |
| - Immune system dysfunction | | | | regularly. Participate in a hobby or career that's |
| - The roles of the immune, endocrine, and | | | | enjoyable and relaxing for you. |
| nervous systems | | | | 4. Pace yourself. Keep your activity on an even |
| - Genetic and environmental factors | | | | level. Don't overwork yourself. |
| Who does chronic fatigue syndrome affect? | | | | 5. Reduce stress. Avoid or limit overexertion and |
| - Children and teenagers | | | | emotional stress. Find time to relax. |
| - People of any age, gender, and ethnicity | | | | |