July 25, 2008

Health Tip: Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

(HealthDay News) -- Chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness of unknown cause that can make a person feel excessively tired for prolonged periods.

While there is no cure, medication and lifestyle changes can help keep symptoms under control. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions:

• Keep a log of activities that trigger extreme fatigue, and try to avoid those things.
• Try to get some light exercise. But always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever for the aches, muscle and joint pain, and headaches that can accompany the syndrome.
• Try a non-drowsy antihistamine to help with allergy-like symptoms.
• Talk to your doctor about whether an antidepressant can help you feel and sleep better.
• Join a support group.

-- Diana Kohnle

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