In this Issue
January 2006
CFIDSLink Electronic Newsletter  

CFIDSLink is e-mailed monthly free of charge to all those interested. To sign up for the electronic newsletter visit http://www.cfids.org/subscribe.asp.

In this Issue

• The Science & Research of CFS:
  A Special Double-Issue of the Chronicle
• CFS Redefined. Again
• Dealing with Guilt
• Living with CFIDS: A Personal Story
• Research Provides More Evidence of CFS
  as a Legitimate Medical Condition
• Two National Web Sites with Valuable
  Health Care Information
• Bulletin Board Notices

The Science & Research of CFS:
A Special Double-Issue of the Chronicle

The special science and research issue of the CFIDS Chronicle is about to hit the streets. The result of many months of investigation and interviews, this expanded issue covers CFS research findings, profiles key investigators and includes input from international researchers. In fact, it's so chock full of information that it's more than twice the size of a regular Chronicle.

We'll be broadly distributing the special issue in an effort to get the word out about what we know, what's new and where CFS research is headed. Watch CFIDSLink for more.

CFS Redefined. Again

CDC researchers have proposed a new, more objective way to classify patients as having CFS. Time will tell whether this approach will replace the current symptom-based criteria. Read more about it at http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/cdc-study.asp.

Dealing with Guilt

People with chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia are often overwhelmed with feelings of guilt. It's important to challenge the cultural and personal belief systems that contribute to guilt — inappropriate self-blame won't make your illness better and it may actually make it worse. Read the complete article at http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/guilt.pdf.

Living with CFIDS: A Personal Story

This month's personal story, "Three Reasons for Hope," is from longtime Association supporter and friend, Rebecca Becker-Bean. Rebecca talks about her suicide attempt and how she overcame her depression. Her narrative underscores the severe toll CFS can take, but also points to practical and spiritual approaches that have helped her clear some of the darkness from her life. Links to suicide prevention resources are included.

Visit http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/bean.asp to read Rebecca's story, then please consider sharing your own. Send your personal stories to Pam Young at editor@cfids.org.

Research Provides More Evidence of CFS as a Legitimate Medical Condition

Georgetown University Medical Center researchers have found that CFS may be rooted in distinct neurological abnormalities which can be medically tested. To read more about the study, which was originally published in the November edition of the BMC Neurology Journal, visit ScienceDaily at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/01/060110013424.htm.

Two National Web Sites with Valuable Health Care Information

Recent additions to two major web sites provide detailed information that can help medical consumers get important information. The National Association of Health Underwriters site now contains a database of health insurance options for low-income individuals and those with pre-existing conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now provides more safety information about individual drug products. Learn more at http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/websites.asp.