Opening Statement:
International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./C.F.S.) Day is observed every year on May 12. It is a day to support and recognize people with M.E./C.F.S. and other chronic immunological and neurological diseases by raising awareness and providing useful information. The holiday was created by Thomas Hennessy, who also lived with M.E./C.F.S. The date of May 12 was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who experienced symptoms of what many believe to be M.E./C.F.S. or fibromyalgia.
History Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day
· International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./C.F.S.) Day was observed for the first time in 1993. May 12 was decided as the date by Thomas Hennessy to observe International M.E./C.F.S. Awareness Day because it commemorates the birthday of Florence Nightingale. She also displayed symptoms of an illness with resemblance to M.E./C.F.S. or fibromyalgia. In an interview in 2008, Hennessy explained, “After reading Byron Hyde’s great book on the history of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, I decided to look up his hero’s birthday, and lo and behold, May 12 was Florence Nightingale’s birthday. I decided that her birthday, May 12, would be the day.”
· The annual awareness campaign not only raises awareness about M.E./C.F.S. but other chronic immunological and neurological diseases (C.I.N.D) as well, such as fibromyalgia, Gulf War syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, Addison’s, Alzheimer’s, and Lyme disease, among others. The purpose of the campaign is to increase public awareness, educate people about the symptoms of the diseases and advocate for more research funding.
· M.E./C.F.S. is a chronic, long-term disability that causes unusually severe fatigue after a person exerts themselves. This fatigue is not relieved by rest and occurs even after minor physical, mental, or emotional exertion which the person could easily carry out before the onset of the illness. Other symptoms include joint pain, unrefreshing sleep, headaches, dizziness, nausea, depression, stress, anxiety, thinking problems, difficulty concentrating, pain, and worsened memory. This disease affects a person’s quality of life and limits productivity. In some cases, chronic fatigue can last a lifetime. However, the exact cause of M.E./C.F.S. is unknown.
How To Observe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day
· Spread Awareness
The purpose of this holiday is to spread awareness about M.E./C.F.S. and similar conditions. Many people are still not aware of the existence of these diseases so spread the word by posting information online and talking to people you know.
· Wear Blue
The main color of International M.E./C.F.S. Awareness Day is blue. Wear a blue shirt or a blue ribbon to show your support for the cause.
· Donate
Fundraising and donations go a long way in helping patients with M.E./C.F.S., as well as providing funds for research. Donate to a charity today.
5 Things You Should Know About M.E./C.F.S.
1. Women Are More Susceptible
Women are four times more likely to be affected by M.E./C.F.S. than men.
2. There Are Risk Factors
Inactive and overweight people face a higher risk of being impacted by M.E./C.F.S.
3. Public Awareness Is Low
About 84% to 91% of people with M.E./C.F.S. are not even aware that they have it.
4. Average Onset Age Is 33
The average onset age of M.E./C.F.S. is 33 years, though it can influence those who are much older or younger.
5. M.E./C.F.S. Patients Are Vulnerable
Many people living with M.E./C.F.S. experience social isolation and depression.
Why Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day Is Important
· Awareness Is Created
Awareness of M.E./C.F.S. is so low that most of the people affected by it are not even aware that the illness exists. This day helps to spread awareness about the illness so that those suffering from it can get a proper diagnosis and embark on the journey towards recovery.
· Myths Are Exposed
One of the problems faced by people living with M.E./C.F.S. is that they are often misunderstood by people who believe they are “faking it.” This holiday helps people to understand that M.E./C.F.S. is a real illness and not a figment of the imagination.
· Support Is Raised
This awareness campaign encourages people to provide support to patients of M.E./C.F.S. by donating. The funds raised can be put to good use for research and treatment for those who can’t afford it.
Closing Statement and Recap:
Some important facts I learned by researching this disease are that reports of an illness that bears similarity to M.E./C.F.S. were first published by Sir Richard Manningham in 1750. It was in 2006, that the C.D.C stepped in with an educational campaign to raise awareness about M.E./C.F.S. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for M.E./C.F.S., but treatments are available to alleviate symptoms. There are 40% of M.E./C.F.S. patients recover after several years.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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