We're a group of 16 and 17 year old students from King Edwards VI Aston School taking part in the Envision programme. For our project we are campaigning to raise awareness of ME and CFS, as well as raise as much money as possible for Salus which helps the sufferers of this illness.  

 

 

 

 

 

About ME/CFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is CFS/ME?

CFS stands for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome affects  everyday life, as it causes persistent exhaustion and doesn’t go away with any sleep or rest. 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Myalgia refers to muscle pain and Encephalomyelitis means inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

 

Who is affected?

Anyone can get CFS. It is more common in women than it is in men. Usually, it develops in the early 20s to the mid 40s. Children are normally affected between the ages of 13 and 15.

 

Symptoms

CFS can cause long term illness and disability. However many people improve over time, especially young people.

Cases of mild CFS mean that you can take care of yourself, but you may need days off work to rest. Severe cases of CFS mean that you are only able to carry out minimal daily tasks, such as brushing your teeth.  However you have a significant amount of reduced mobility. You may also struggle concentrating. 

 

Causes of CFS/ME

What exactly causes ME/CFS is currently unknown. 

There are theories which suggest that it could be because of:

 

• An imbalance of hormones in the body.

• Stress  and psychiatric problems (Depression, mental exhaustion, emotional trauma).

• Problems with the immune system.

• A viral infection.

• Events, such as serious accidents.

• Could be inherited in some way.

 

Can it be cured?

It can't be cured at the moment, however there are treatments which reduces the symptoms.

There is medication to help with any pain and sleeping problems.

Cognitive behavioral therapy: - therapy which can help people manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave.

Graded Exercise therapy  - a structured exercise programme.

 

 

Find out more on the NHS website: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx

 

 

 

 

Charities

 

Salus Fatigue Foundation

Salus Fatigue Foundation takes a self-management approach, providing individual support, advice and education for people living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and related conditions, and their families. 

We have a specialised centre and local community groups covering the Birmingham area. Salus was founded and is run by poeple who have had CFS/ME themselves, along with medical professional and committed volunteers. Together with all the empahty and shared experiences Salus provide , there is an element of humour that is also vital to improving health and well-being. 

 

Their aim is to promote and protect the good health of people who live with Chronic Fatigue and related condtions, their families, friends and carers in particular but not exclusively through advice, support, counselling and educational workshops.

 

Please visit Salus' website here: http://salus.org.uk/