Fatigue Summary
Joanne Lopez
9-11-2014
English 21A
HW: “Fatigue” Summary In Jane Brody’s essay “Fatigue” in Text and Context, she reveals that more and more people today commonly complain to doctors, friends, and relatives about their fatigue. But Brody points out that fatigue is diverse and only “rarely” relates to excessive physical exertion. With that said, what other ailments can lead to ones fatigue other than activity? Brody continues her essay with the answer, “there are three main categories of fatigue”, these are physical fatigue, pathological fatigue, and psychological fatigue. Her essay then continues to breaks down each type so that you can understand them and their effects. Brody’s essay defines physical fatigue is when a person over exerts their body with physical activities resulting in overworking your muscles. Brody characterizes physical fatigue “a pleasant tiredness, such as which you might experience after playing a hard set of tennis, chopping wood, or climbing a mountain”. And after a long day of these activities she confirms that a good long rest is the cure for any physical fatigue condition. Pathological fatigue, Brody articulated, is “warning signs or consequence of some underlying physical disorder.” Brody’s examples of disorders are: the common cold or flu, also serious illness such as cancer and diabetes. You should take fatigue as a sign that you are, in turn, exerting yourself to much and should take it easy so your body can rest and recover. By pursuing activities too soon, you will most likely relapse and prolong your fatigue. If you are feeling tired for longer periods of time, Brody concludes, “anyone who feels drained of energy for weeks on end should have a through physical checkup.” Psychological fatigue, Brody deemed as “emotional problems and conflicts.” Things like, for example, depression and anxiety. Brody goes into detail that fatigue may represent a defense mechanism that prevents you from having to face the truth, it is
9-11-2014
English 21A
HW: “Fatigue” Summary In Jane Brody’s essay “Fatigue” in Text and Context, she reveals that more and more people today commonly complain to doctors, friends, and relatives about their fatigue. But Brody points out that fatigue is diverse and only “rarely” relates to excessive physical exertion. With that said, what other ailments can lead to ones fatigue other than activity? Brody continues her essay with the answer, “there are three main categories of fatigue”, these are physical fatigue, pathological fatigue, and psychological fatigue. Her essay then continues to breaks down each type so that you can understand them and their effects. Brody’s essay defines physical fatigue is when a person over exerts their body with physical activities resulting in overworking your muscles. Brody characterizes physical fatigue “a pleasant tiredness, such as which you might experience after playing a hard set of tennis, chopping wood, or climbing a mountain”. And after a long day of these activities she confirms that a good long rest is the cure for any physical fatigue condition. Pathological fatigue, Brody articulated, is “warning signs or consequence of some underlying physical disorder.” Brody’s examples of disorders are: the common cold or flu, also serious illness such as cancer and diabetes. You should take fatigue as a sign that you are, in turn, exerting yourself to much and should take it easy so your body can rest and recover. By pursuing activities too soon, you will most likely relapse and prolong your fatigue. If you are feeling tired for longer periods of time, Brody concludes, “anyone who feels drained of energy for weeks on end should have a through physical checkup.” Psychological fatigue, Brody deemed as “emotional problems and conflicts.” Things like, for example, depression and anxiety. Brody goes into detail that fatigue may represent a defense mechanism that prevents you from having to face the truth, it is