Autumn Years Spring 2023

the-counter medications such as antihis tamines and cough medicines. Consum mate travelers may suffer fatigue from constant jet lag disorder. Emotional issues, like depression, mood disorders or even grief and loneli ness from the loss of a dear one or even a pet can provoke fatigue. Seeking counseling and creating and sustain ing friendships and a supportive social network can be of invaluable help to manage stress in dark times.

depresses mood, all of which lead to fatigue. I often remind my Spinning students that when we exercise hard, we do not burn energy. Instead, we actually build energy and burn calories. People who exercise regularly and vigorously are generally energetic because exercise keeps their bodies optimally functional. A routine exercise program at a good fitness center would be best but even regular, light exercise such as walk ing has been shown to reduce fatigue and can help some people to sleep and recover better. Plan some activity or light exercise into your day. If exercise is impossible, at least, try to stay active and keep moving in your daily routine. Attitude is everything. Everybody gets tired from time to time, and a good rest should bring us back quickly if all else is in order. Chronic fatigue, however, needs to be taken seriously and prompt medical attention should be sought. Fatigue should not be part of our Autumn Years. If/when signs and symptoms of fatigue begin to affect (or ravage) your quality of life, it is impor tant to take measures to ensure that you are leading a healthy lifestyle. See your healthcare provider to rule out medical issues, manage stress, practice good sleeping habits, eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. All of these things coupled with routine and adequate exercise will help to assuage fatigue and ensure continued energy, strength and stamina and keep you Fit for Life! “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” - Mark Twain

Early diagnosis pursuant to medical exams including blood work, urinalysis and other tests can reveal the problem(s) and ensure appropriate treatment. Ironically, in some cases, fatigue may be an effect of the drugs or therapies being used to treat various conditions. It should also be noted that chronic fatigue can be part of the sequelae of Covid. When COVID-19 symptoms linger long after a person’s initial illness, fatigue is a very common complaint. ”Some sources suggest that more than 50 percent of all Covid survivors are affected by persistent fa

“I finally got eight hours of sleep. It took me four days but I did it...”

tigue,” says John Baratta, M.D., founder and co-director of the UNC COVID Recovery Clinic at UNC Health in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “In our Long COVID clinic, over 90 percent are troubled by this symptom.”

Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep. Sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, pain, frequent urina tion, uncomfortable sleeping conditions or even a partner

that snores can result in sleep depriva tion, which will ultimately cause chronic fatigue. It is important to establish routine sleeping schedules. Remember also that when the going gets tough, the tough take naps! For many, naps can be a great help for afternoon slumps, but it is best to limit them to not more than 30 minutes. The big “Catch-22” Just as fatigue can result from too much physical activity, surprisingly, a more common cause of chronic fatigue is not enough physical activity. Inactivity from a sedentary lifestyle is a breed ing ground for fatigue. Not getting enough exercise and physical activ ity causes deconditioning of the

Lifestyle factors Poor nutrition is another major factor in fatigue. People over 50 are more likely to experience nutrient deficiencies, espe cially vitamins B12 and D, iron and folic acid, that can cause fatigue. A healthy, well-balanced diet and appropriate supplementation are essential for energy and stamina. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and morbid obesity all invariably result in chronic fatigue. Insu lin resistance can lead to obesity, which increases your risk of sleep apnea that, if left untreated, will prompt fatigue. De hydration is also often a common cause. Simply monitoring the color of your urine to ensure that it is straw colored or lighter will reveal if you need to drink more water. It is important to recognize that fa tigue may also be related to factors such as alcohol or drug use, including over

body’s musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems and

SPRING 2023 I AUTUMN YEARS 13