by BJ Armstrong

Feelings of fatigue, weakness, or listlessness are among the most common health complaints. All of us feel tired at times. Maybe you're tired of winter and want spring to come upon the scene.

The stormy March has come at last,
With wind, and cloud, and changing skies;
I hear the rushing of the blast
That through the snowy valley flies.
    -- William Cullen Bryant

It's true that Spring does seem to make us feel better. But sometimes, fatigue becomes unusually severe. It could be a symptom of other health problems, such as depression, diabetes, anemia, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis which can start out with fatigue.

Feeling "blue" from time to time is a normal part of life. However the blues become depression when lethargy and listlessness affect a person's ability to

function normally.

Depression is so prevalent its called the "common cold of mental health." An estimated 30 million Americans feel so depressed that they are unable to experience pleasure in their lives.

Anemia causes fatigue, headaches, and weakness. Anemia is not a disease but a sign of possible other health problems. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. If this be the case, eat more beans, fish, dried fruit, lean meats, and leafy green vegetables.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes loss of energy, lethargy, and joint pains. Studies show that arthritis sufferers who learn about the condition and adapt their lifestyle to it lead a more normal, fulfilling life and require less

medication than those who remain uninformed or give in to despair. Once you have a basic understanding of arthritis, take a look at your life and try to make your daily tasks easier. Use your imagination and pamper yourself.

Lupus affects about one in 2,000 people, mostly women. It can just flare up, then subside. Lupus occurs when the immune system turns renegade and attacks the body's own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Drugs, not supplements, are standard treatment for Lupus.

Diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Something goes wrong with the immune system, and mechanisms that protect us from illness suddenly destroy the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. It also has a genetic component, associated with obesity, and appears to have environmental reactions. Generally, people become listless and weak after a viral infection and will often develop the disease.

Surveys show that fatigue is one of the most common reasons that we consult our family doctor. Then, we find out that fatigue is a symptom for the above mentioned conditions. Plus, stress, thyroid problems and food allergies can all cause persistent tiredness.

But let's say that we don't have any of these minor or major diseases, we're just fatigued and tired. All of us feel tired at times, right! People who juggle job, home, and children responsibilities often feel tired much of the time. Fatigue is the body's way of letting us know that we need rest. Maybe lots of it. Go over your daily schedule. Do you need more sleep? Go to bed earlier at least once or twice a week. A good ten hours once in a while when I'm tired helps me tremendously. Just by reviewing your weekly schedule, you can clearly see if you are going without enough rest. So take a break and cut out something. And.....  Remember, Spring is just around the corner.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had make; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.  Genesis 2:2,3    K. J. V.