This Healthy Wednesday (today) Hywel Dda University Health Board is supporting ME and CFS Awareness Week, in conjunction with the Welsh Association of ME & CFS Support (WAMES).
ME and CFS Awareness Week, which runs from 11-17 May 2014, focuses on making both healthcare professionals and the public aware of the debilitating symptoms of the condition.
ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a fluctuating neurological condition which affects the brain at a physical, mental and emotional level.
Research has found evidence of gene dysfunction affecting many of the body’s systems including the immune system, neuroendocrine system, autonomic nervous system and muscles.
It can have a long term and disabling affect on people of all ages, sexes and ethnic groups. There are an estimated 12,000 people in Wales with the condition, of which 10% are children under the age of 16.
There is currently no cure or treatment and what helps one person may not help another. It is helpful in the early ‘acute’ stage of the illness to take enough rest and not rush back to work or school too soon.
Most people learn to ‘manage’ their condition by a combination of approaches which may include pacing, medication, lifestyle changes, diet and complementary therapies.
This year the campaign uses the theme ‘Let’s Talk ME’ to highlight the importance of recognising that many of the symptoms of the condition are unseen and therefore talking with patients about how they feel is paramount to care.
Claire Hurlin, Head of Chronic Conditions Management for the University Health Board hopes this campaign will help to improve the services for people with ME and CFS and raise awareness of the symptoms patients suffer with.
Claire said: “It’s really important that we raise the awareness of ME and CFS as it has such a significant impact on people’s lives.
“The University Health Board has a ME and CFS stakeholder group that meets regularly to look at ways to support the care of people with this condition.
“Work is now progressing to have an information leaflet available for health professionals and people with a diagnosis of ME/CFS.”
WAMES are encouraging people to post selfies wearing a blue ribbon or something blue in support of the campaign via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MEAwarenesspics
To find out more about ME and CFS, please visit: http://wames.org.uk/cms-english
For tips on how to manage a long term condition visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/healthy-wednesday
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