Arthritis. Back pain. COPD. Diabetes—the ABCs of chronic conditions. The list includes dozens of other diagnoses such as Alzheimer's, depression, and heart disease, as well as complications from cancer, surgery, or a stroke. Even health problems without a formal name—such as reduced mobility—can have the same long-term impact on daily life as the symptoms of a specific disease.
Living with a chronic health problem is like having an unwelcome guest—indefinitely. Often, there's no quick fix for a chronic condition and many patients find that the diagnosis is just the beginning of the challenges that come their way.
Chronic conditions require changes to your lifestyle, diet, and daily living. But you can take control of how you make these changes. And with time and practice, it can be possible to maintain or improve your quality of life with your condition.
1. Invest in yourself: Learn about living with your condition
Once you've gotten used to the idea that you have a chronic condition, learn as much as you can about your diagnosis and make the most out of your provider visits.
- Collect information about your condition from a variety of sources.
- Prepare questions in advance to discuss with your health care provider or specialist.
- Keep a diary between visits and review it with your doctor.
- Review any insurance or coverage options available to you. Many health plans have special services available for chronic condition patients.
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2. As required: Take your medicine
- Fill your prescriptions as soon as possible after you get them and refill them as needed.
- Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about side effects and any foods, activities, or other drugs to avoid when taking your medicine.
- Use medication as directed—never skip doses or double up.
- Always talk to your doctor about any problems or concerns.
- And if you want to stop taking the medication, talk to your doctor first to see if there are alternatives you can take.
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3. Change: Diet and exercise
You should discuss all changes and plans with your provider first, especially if your condition requires you to follow a special diet or take specific precautions with your physical activity. But consider these tips on balancing your diet and adding more exercise to your life
- Discuss the number of calories you should eat every day with your doctor and learn more about portion control.
- Include multiple servings of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
- Reduce unhealthy fats and consider leaner, lighter options of your meat and dairy favorites.
- Look for foods that are good sources of fiber and protein, but low in sodium.
- Add exercise simply and naturally to your life—take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car at the back of the parking lot, walk the dog more.
- Consider adding notes about your diet and feelings about exercise to your condition diary and discuss with your doctor regularly.
4. Talk: Reach out
The sooner you are able to seek out the support you need, the sooner you will be able to
share the challenges of your condition and help participate in making informed decisions about what is best for you and your health.
- Talk about changes you need to make or accommodations you will require with family, friends, and employers. Explain that these discussions are important to helping you manage your condition and that their support is important to your success. At work, involve human resources as needed, especially if you require any accommodation in your workspace.
- Consider attending support groups and asking a loved one to go with you at first.
- Consider having face to face conversations with people you interact with regularly to better manage how people learn about your condition.
- Accept help if offered and ask for it when needed!
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Patients with chronic conditions who proactively work with their health care providers, family, friends, and caregivers to make the best use of the resources available to them are called “self-managing.” available to them Often, self-managing patients report that they are better able to continue with routine tasks and pursue activities they enjoy.
The key to successful self-management is understanding that it's not just you against your diagnosis. It's you, your health care provider, your family, your friends, and your caregivers, supported by information, and resources, against your diagnosis.
