How do you define chronic illness?
A chronic illness is one that is persistent, doesn’t go away and most often continues for the rest of a person’s life. Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are common chronic diseases found in older adults. Often people have more than one chronic illness. While these disorders aren’t curable, they can be managed.
What can a person with a chronic disease do to maintain their best possible health?
I really believe that patients need to learn how to manage their chronic illnesses and advocate for themselves. They are a critical part of the care team. I recommend that patients be proactive by taking these simple steps:
- First understand your illness—and its treatment. Read the literature your doctor recommends, ask questions and give your input.
- Build a care team. The team could consist of a primary care doctor, medical specialists, a physical therapist and nutritionist depending on your special needs.
- Visit your physician regularly, take your medications as prescribed and communicate test results with everyone on your care team.
- Make important lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and smoking cessation. Healthy habits can help control many chronic illnesses.
- Don’t go it alone. Educate your friends and family and enlist their support as diet and exercise buddies.
How can a chronic illness affect a person's emotional health?
It’s not uncommon for people with a chronic disease to experience depression. Depression is a real illness—not a weakness. Be aware of the symptoms such as social isolation, feeling worthless and overwhelmed. Always seek help. Talk to your doctor about what you are feeling. There are effective treatments for depression, including medication. Support groups—in person or online—can be a great way to share experiences, challenges and solutions. Lifestyle changes can also help you tackle depression. An exercise routine can be a very effective tool—and a healthy diet benefits your body andyour mind. Holy Cross Health offers a free, six-week, in-person workshop to help people who have long-term health issues develop strategies for better health. Learn more about and register for the Living Well workshop for chronic disease self-management.
Holy Cross Health presents the information in this blog as a resource for our community. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice or to endorse any particular entity or service. Personal health problems should be brought to the attention of the appropriate health professionals.