Managing a Chronic Health Condition

8 Simple Ways to Take Charge

If you or someone you love is diagnosed with a chronic condition, it might help to know that you're not alone. Today, more than 90 million Americans live with chronic medical conditions ranging from heart disease and high blood pressure, to diabetes and cancer. That's one in three people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It can also help to know that there are steps you can take to maintain your healthy outlook. Here are some secrets to taking charge of any medical condition.

1. Learn everything you can.Knowledge is power! And the best place to start learning about your condition is by consulting your physician. Write up a list of questions and concerns before your next appointment. You'll be less likely to forget something or feel rushed during your face-to-face time. Bring along paper and a pen to jot down notes as you discuss any detailed information.

There are also more ways than ever to study up on your own. The Internet, your local library, even family and friends are resources you can tap for additional insights. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions. Just be sure your research doesn't lead you down a path of needless concern. Double-check any worrisome findings with your physician to get the facts and help maintain your perspective and peace of mind.

These online resources offer excellent and reliable information about a wide variety of chronic health conditions:

www.cdc.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.medlineplus.gov U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health

2. Be diligent with your treatments.Many medications take time to become effective. Some may require weeks or even months before results are evident. The key is to integrate any treatment into your daily routine. Like brushing your teeth each morning, or preparing for bedtime every night, incorporate any meds and therapies into your everyday rituals. And maintain those rituals even when vacations or holidays threaten to interrupt your routine. When self-care is regular and structured, you'll reap optimum benefits.

3. Adopt lifestyle improvements.Poor lifestyle habits can make fighting a chronic health condition all the more challenging. Smoking, lack of exercise, poor nutrition choices, and improper sleep habits can all tax the body, making it harder to achieve good health.

Consider a few simple lifestyle changes and you just might see dramatic improvements in your health and in your attitude. Join a health club or take up yoga. Talk with a trainer, nutritionist, nurse, or counselor for advise on exercise and eating right. Rely on the buddy system—recruit a friend to help you pursue and maintain your healthier habits.

4. Keep a journal.Writing down your feelings is a great way to express and release your emotions. It's also a good way to track your condition and determine what's working, and what may not be.

Does your condition have ups and downs? Are there patterns in its response to medication? Pinpoint and record any foods or factors that affect your condition and share your journal entries with your doctor. Most chronic health conditions have several treatment options; it could be time to fine-tune or change your treatment protocol.

5. Join a support group.No matter what health issues you face, there are others who face them, too. They harbor the same hopes, fears, and feelings that you do. Find a support group and talk to people who share your experience. The common bond you have will be invaluable to your mental outlook, and their support can be just as important and effective as any prescribed treatment.

To locate a support group, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, or call the main number of your local hospital and ask for information about support groups. You can also use your favorite Internet search engine (Google, Yahoo, etc.) and type in "support group for _____" fill in your condition.

6. Target your energies toward something meaningful.Whether it's an organization that's always interested you or an activity you've always wanted to try, look for something outside yourself to spark newfound enthusiasm and get involved. Resurrect an old hobby, or try a new one. Become a volunteer for a cause you care deeply about. Rekindle an old friendship. There's something out there to inspire everyone. Find what moves you and focus on it.

7. Practice your spiritual beliefs.Many people are comforted through spiritual expression and benefit from strengthening their spiritual health. If you are one of them, now might be a good time to visit your pastor, priest, rabbi, or other spiritual advisor. Consider attending a retreat or joining a prayer or meditative group.

8. Be patient.Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Successful treatment takes time. There will surely be victories and setbacks along the way. But doing all the right things to manage both your physical and mental health provides you the best chance at minimizing your condition and maximizing your enjoyment of all that life has to offer.

Living with a chronic health condition doesn't define who you are and shouldn't dominate your life. Becoming an active participant in your own care is the best way to minimize the effects of a medical condition.