Do you need a refresher on the management of a chronic disease?

Individuals faced with a new diagnosis, or those in the midst of a flare-up, may find these points from our support groups useful.

Chronic Disease Management Checklist

Medically Speaking

□  consult appropriate medical professionals
□  learn about your condition
□  understand how the medications you’re prescribed work
□  take all your medication according to the physicians’ instructions
□  find out if there are any differences between the generic and name brand versions of the medicines you’re taking
□  speak to your pharmacist about medication interactions and contraindications

Diet and Lifestyle

□  exercise when you are feeling well, but make sure your physician approves of your plans
□  gain nutritional fitness by eating healthily
□  consult a registered dietitian if you have dietary limitations
□  understand the benefits of vitamins and supplements
□  learn the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of foods that may affect your condition
□  get enough sleep
□  maintain your general wellness – heart health, bone health, eye health, etc.

The World Around You

□  think about how your condition affects your education, training, and ability to earn an income
□  consider the impact of your condition on current and future employment
□  prepare fully for physician appointments, use good communication skills
□  approach the Internet with caution in your research, not everything you read there is good advice
□  plan ahead for managing social invitations and special occasions, so you can make the best of these outings
□  educate those around you about your condition

Emotional Wellness

□  take steps to ensure that your situation doesn’t leave you isolated
□  monitor the psychological impact of your condition on yourself and watch for depression
□  use, and actively expand, the support network of your family, friends, and spiritual leaders
□  attend a support group, bring a friend, receive and give support
□  minimize your stress levels
□  relax through music, meditation, yoga, walking, praying, sitting on a park bench, or anything else you find pleasurable
□  take that vacation
□  have fun always, live in the moment
□  remember to seize the day when feeling well!

Staff Writers
First published in The Inside Tract® Newsletter Issue 169 Fall 2008