The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Fibromyalgia Society of Alberta

Welcome

The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Fibromyalgia Society of Alberta's primary aim is too work with similar foundations to educate health care professionals and the general public about ME/FM. Specifically partnering for seminars, newsletters, brochures and other media events in order to maximize the dissemination of information and awareness of the disease.

What is ME/FM

"Myalgic Encephalomyelitis" also known as "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" Is classified as a neurological disease in the World Health Organization (ICD). This illness is referred to as “ME/CFS”. It is estimated that 340,000 Canadians suffer from ME/CFS. It affects all age groups including children, although it has a higher rate amongst females. ME/CFS can be debilitating.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is classified as non-articular rheumatism in the World Health Organization (ICD). There is consistent documentation that a physical trauma can trigger FM. FM affects approx 3% of the popualtion (approx 900,000). It affects all age groups but is prevalent amongst females.

"In comparison with other chronic illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, end-stage renal disease and heart disease, patients with ME/CFS show markedly higher levels of disability" - (Quality of Life and Symptom Severity for Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Findings from a randomized Clinical Trial. RR Taylor, American Journal of Occupational Therapy 2004:58:35-43)

Whittemore Peterson Institute Scientists Discover Significant link between XMRV and ME/CFS RENO, NV - A recently identified retrovirus called XMRV has been linked to a debilitating neuroimmune disease that affects more than one million people in the United States. Scientists from the Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI), located at the University of Nevada, Reno, and their [...]

Book Your Calendar Now for Saturday October 24th 1:00 – 4:00 pm at Christ Church 3602 8th St SW Pamela L. Alexander, BA, HHP, Holistic Practitioner, FUN shop & Naked Voice Facilitator will lead us for an afternoon of chants (accompanied by percussion) from various traditions. It can be a very powerful experience to be a part [...]

There is a new support and advocacy group in Alberta called the Environmental Health Association of Alberta. Their mission is to provide information and support to people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Electromagnetic Sensitivity. They have a web site which is currently under construction and are working on posters and info handouts. In the mean time [...]

The Calgary health Region continues to offer high quality programs for people with chronic disorders including: Row your own boat: a 6 week self management course A lecture series on Chronic Pain Smart moves – a revamped course run by Occupational Therapists teaching core strength and safe ways to move in every day life The supervised exercise classes have [...]