Diet-illness link topic for support group

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Phyllis Havens of Hampden will discuss the possible link between diet and chronic illness at a meeting of a fibromyalgia support group at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, at Woodhaven Physical Therapy.

The support group was formed in the spring of 1992 after several women were diagnosed with the syndrome. The group meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Woodhaven Physical Therapy. The purpose of the group is to educate those affected and to offer support in learning to accept fibromyalgia and its effect on daily living. The group welcomes guests and new members.

Fibromyalgia syndrome is considered to be a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. The term “fibromyalgia” means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons or fibrous tissues in the body. Most patients with FMS say they ache all over. More women than men are afflicted with FMS, but it shows up in people of all ages, according to Judy Merck.

FMS is a chronic condition and the impact that it can have on daily living including the ability to work a full-time job differs among patients. Studies have shown that FMS can be as equally disabling as rheumatoid arthritis.

For more information regarding the support group or FMS, call Merck at 564-3563 or Nancy Danforth at 564-8315.