Fatigue - a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment - can seriously compromise a patient's quality of life.
That's why for the sixth year The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center presents Fatigue Awareness Week, March 31-April 4, to help patients, caregivers and health care providers better understand the impact fatigue has on lifestyle.
Sponsored by the Patient Education Office, this year's activities begin Monday with a MiniFair at M. D. Anderson on the Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International crosswalk, Rose Zone, third floor, which will feature fatigue-related information on causes, symptoms and coping techniques, as well as samples of energy bars and juices.
Tuesday through Thursday, April 1-3, massage therapists will provide 10-minute massages in designated clinic areas, while Place ... of wellness will offer classes in various exercise techniques: yoga (Monday), Pilates (Tuesday), tai chi and Qigong (Thursday).
At noon Tuesday, April 1, a clinical dietitian will present a program for patients and caregivers on "Fighting Fatigue with Food." At the same time in Hickey Auditorium, Rose Zone, 11th floor, a program for staff and health care providers will feature Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N., speaking on "Anemia in the Oncology Patient." Nail holds the position of Dr. May E. Rawlinson Endowed Professor of Nursing and Senior Scientist, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Nursing, Portland. She is also the principal investigator on a study on symptom management sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
These activities are free and open to all cancer patients, regardless of where they are treated, family members and visitors. For more information, call M. D. Anderson's Patient Education Office at (713) 792-7128.
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