Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
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In this busy and polluted world, it’s getting harder and harder to take care of ourselves. It’s not just the flu or common ailments to worry about. Chronic, autoimmune diseases like Lupus, MS, RA, and Fibromyalgia are floating to the top of the list of health enemies to look out for. If you suffer from a chronic or long term illness like asthma or arthritis, it’s important to make sure you’re as healthy as possible. Do all that you can to bring balance to your body, mind, and spirit. Here are some of my top ways to be healthier with a chronic illness.
Be Healthier with a Chronic Illness #1: Learn About Your Illness and True Health
Do research on your condition and your symptoms on reputable sites. Ask other people to share their experiences with the same health problems that you have. Remember that not everyone is the same – what works for other people, may not work for you. There are many changes you can make to your lifestyle that may help you to be healthier. Many people with chronic illnesses (including me) find that gluten free diets, gentle exercise, stress relief, vitamin supplements, and chiropractic care help them to manage their conditions.
BeHealthier a with Chronic Illness #2: Know Your Body
Doctors, researchers, and specialists all have their place in our world. They have a job to keep patients informed about their care, breakthroughs in treatment, and advice about dangers. That said, no matter how informed they are about their field, no one knows you and your body better than you. It is for this reason that you should always consider what you know about yourself before jumping on a doctor’s bandwagon. This goes for opting into a new medication plan, getting surgery, changing your therapy or your diet.
Make sure that you have a good relationship with your physician so that you can talk frankly about what’s going on with your body and decide on treatment options together. I don’t care what the condition is, you are in charge of your body. Don’t let anybody convince you otherwise. Treatments for chronic migraine, MS, thyroid disease, vertigo treatment, and even diabetes come in all shapes, sizes, and effectiveness. Stand up for yourself if something doesn’t sit right with you or seem safe.
Be Healthier with a Chronic Illness #3: Take Care Of Your Mental Health
If you suffer from chronic illness or pain, it can really do a number on your mental health. Feeling like you can’t rely on your body is not an easy thing to live with. Chronic illness can often prevent you from getting out of the house to see friends and do activities that you’ve always enjoyed. If you find yourself feeling sad a lot of the time or losing interest, discuss it with your doctor. It isn’t anything to be ashamed of – just remember that it’s important for you to be happy.
Be Healthier with a Chronic Illness #4: Promote Self-Care
Make sure you don’t push yourself too hard on the job or in your personal life. Know your limitations and stick to them. This is one of the greatest lessons I have learned since living with chronic illness. Your instincts are usually right and are there to guide you. Again, no one knows your body better than you, so if your friends are badgering you to go out when you know you’re not up to it, say no. Additionally, don’t use your chronic illness as an excuse to be lazy or eat poor quality foods. Treat yourself kindly and positively, like you would a friend.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
