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Get ready to raise awareness and show support for those affected by M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) during M.E. Awareness Week, starting on May 11! This week was first established in 1992 by the National ME/FM Action Network to educate the public about this debilitating neurological disease and advocate for better treatment and research. Despite being a relatively unknown condition, it affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact their daily lives. So let's come together and spread positive vibes through education, understanding, and support for those living with M.E.!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Identifying M.E.</div><div class='timeline-text'>Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) was first diagnosed and categorized in the United Kingdom, marking a significant step in recognizing this chronic illness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Classification</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA identify Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a condition closely related to M.E. increasing awareness of these chronic fatigue illnesses.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of M.E. Awareness Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National ME/FM Action Network establishes M.E. Awareness Week to educate the public and advocate for those affected.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Online M.E. Platforms Launch</div><div class='timeline-text'>The rise of social media and online platforms facilitate global discussion and awareness about M.E., connecting patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Institute of Medicine Report</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Institute of Medicine (IOM) releases a report on M.E., pushing for increased medical recognition and research into the condition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ongoing M.E. Advocacy</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, organizations and individuals continue to advocate for M.E. awareness and research, supporting patients worldwide.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear M.E. awareness ribbons</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for those with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) by wearing a blue ribbon during M.E. Awareness Week. This simple gesture can help raise awareness and start conversations about this chronic illness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a charity walk or run</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends, family, and community members to participate in a charity walk or run to raise funds for M.E. research and support services. You can also create custom t-shirts or wristbands to wear during the event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Choose a documentary or film that sheds light on M.E. and its impact on individuals and families. Invite friends and family over for a movie night and use this as an opportunity to discuss and educate about the illness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share personal stories on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage those affected by M.E. to share their stories on social media using a designated hashtag for M.E. Awareness Week. This can help raise awareness and bring a sense of community and support to those living with the illness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create an educational display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Set up a display at your local library, community center, or school to educate others about M.E. Include information about symptoms, treatment options, and ways to support those with the illness. You can also include personal stories and statistics to make the display more impactful.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for a misunderstood illness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis) is a complex and debilitating chronic illness that often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood. M.E. Awareness Week helps to shed light on this illness and educate the public about its symptoms and impact on those who have it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides support for those affected by M.E.</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only does M.E. Awareness Week bring attention to the illness, but it also offers support and resources for those who are living with M.E. This can include access to treatment options, support groups, and educational materials.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It advocates for better research and funding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the main goals of M.E. Awareness Week is to advocate for more research and funding towards finding a cure for this illness. By raising awareness and speaking out, advocates hope to drive more attention and resources towards this important cause.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>M.E. is More Common Than You Think</h3><p class='facts-content'>It's estimated that M.E. affects 15 to 30 million people worldwide. That's about the combined population of New York and Los Angeles.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>M.E. Symptoms Extend Beyond Just Fatigue</h3><p class='facts-content'>While extreme fatigue is a fundamental symptom of M.E., other symptoms include cognitive problems, muscle and joint pain, unrefreshing sleep, and severe post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after minor physical or mental exertion).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diagnosis of M.E. Can Be Challenging</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to the lack of a single diagnostic test, M.E. diagnosis relies on patient history and ruling out other conditions. This often leads to a delay in diagnosis, making awareness essential for early recognition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>M.E. Can Affect Anyone, Regardless of Age or Gender</h3><p class='facts-content'>While it's more common in women and typically affects adults between ages 20-40, M.E. can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity, adding to the complexity of this illness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>M.E. has economic implications too</h3><p class='facts-content'>Owing to the debilitating nature of the disease, M.E. can lead to decreased workforce participation, increasing the economic burden on society and underlining the urgency for dedicated research and effective treatments.</p></div></div>
M.E. Awareness Week is celebrated on May 11 every year. In 2024, M.E. Awareness Week will occur on a Saturday.
2023
May 11
Thursday
2024
May 11
Saturday
2025
May 11
Sunday
2026
May 11
Monday
2027
May 11
Tuesday
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