In 2018 the CDC recorded about 129 Million civilians (non-institutionalized adults) in America had been diagnosed with at least one of ten major Chronic Illnesses.
A chronic illness is a long-term health condition that is managed through medication and lifestyle changes. Simply put, these are conditions that are manageable and difficult to cure. They generally last for over a year or so and some for a lifetime. These are medically diagnosed illnesses that may hamper everyday activities for the patient.
As devastating as it sounds there are ways to live a full, healthy, and rewarding life. Healthcare facilities such as Ambiance Primary Care LLC are designed to assist patients suffering from chronic conditions.
You no longer have to compromise on your favorite activity, the food you want to enjoy, or the career you want to pursue. Health care professionals at Ambiance chart out a complete treatment plan that balances contemporary medication and wellness programs for you.
What Causes Chronic Conditions?
There are several factors that impact the quality of life a human is capable of living. While some may believe that chronic conditions are a result of gene structure and hereditary patterns, others have a different opinion.
There are risk behaviors involved in the process. Certain lifestyle choices, eating habits, or exposure to harmful contaminants can be the leading causes of chronic disease. Following is a compilation of the most common reasons for the $4.1 trillion annual cost of healthcare in the U.S.
- Smoking or inhalation of second-hand smoke
- Poor eating habits that hamper nutrient absorption
- Lack of Physical activity
- Consumption of addictive substances
There may be several corresponding factors that interact with those listed to develop a chronic illness in the patient. However, the right form of care and guidance from a qualified practitioner can help the patient reverse symptoms and even recover over time.
That said, some major chronic illnesses such as Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer can only be managed and not reversed. Even though modern medicine has made long strides in cancer treatment there is still much to be done.
The Effects of Living With a Chronic Disease
Despite the availability of various resources to help manage a chronic condition, the patient is bound to experience the stress that comes with it. Anyone who suffers from such a condition understands how it limits their experiences in life.
These experiences also affect those around the patient. For instance, arthritis can limit accessibility for most patients depending on the type and stage of the illness. However, there are those who quietly suffer the effects of the illness and deal with the sharp stabbing pain that happens without a warning.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are a few other effects of dealing with an illness that is going to last at least a few years. The effects of these illnesses are just as real as the conditions themselves.
Knowing how to deal with the corresponding effects of chronic disease is just as essential as getting help for the medical condition. If you are someone who is suffering from such an illness, understand that thoughts of despair, limitations, and fatigue come with the territory.
This is why it is advised to look for treatment at a healthcare facility that goes above and beyond to cater to the various needs of a chronically ill individual.
Tips For Living a Better Life With a Chronic Illness
Living with a Chronic illness is very frustrating and challenging. The constant suffering, bursts of inflammation, and the belief that something could go wrong at any time are enough to send one spiraling.
The good news is that there are ways a patient can cope with the stress of living with medications and precautions. This article summarizes how one can live a happier life despite their circumstances.
- Mindset
For anyone who suffers from a long-term condition, it isn’t just about the medications they rely on day-in and day-out. The constant suffering weighs heavy on your mind. A negative attitude may be more of a problem than the illness itself.
However, this does not discount the feelings of the sufferer. Of course, you feel numb, tired, and disappointed. The right mindset will get you through all the phases of accepting your diagnosis and moving on with your life.
- Make your Health a Priority
Prioritizing your health especially when you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness does not make you selfish. It means you have the strength to endure the challenges that are associated with your disease.
Therefore, do what’s right for you. This may be going on a wellness journey, adding those avocado toasts to your breakfast, or choosing a healthcare provider like Ambiance Primary Care LLC.
Round-the-clock care, sharing with people who understand what you are going through, and building a support network count as putting yourself first. Moreover, chronic conditions may go south due to a single misstep.
Having a qualified resource to help you is one way of avoiding extensive visits to the hospital or bouts of inflammation that hamper your quality of life.
- Your Diet Matters
Depending on the condition you are suffering from, you will be advised on a specific diet. There are a few things you have to eliminate from your diet and some you should add. Compromising your diet will only make matters worse.
Focus on a nutrient-rich diet that helps curb deficiencies and does not cause inflammation. That said, there are a few things that you must incorporate as principles to live a healthier life. This means reducing processed food, red meat, and alcohol intake while adding those delicious vegetables to all your meals.
- Movement
Exercise is something doctors recommend in general no matter how healthy you are. This applies to patients who have been diagnosed with a chronic condition. However, before benching in the gym it is better to consult a healthcare professional.
Not all patients are advised to perform strenuous exercises therefore, focus on what your wellness plan allows you to do.
- Indulgence
Give yourself a break. It is necessary. This can be in the form of helping others who suffer from similar conditions or giving yourself a break. Going for a massage, a spa day or enjoying time on the golf field with your buddies is an excellent way to destress.
Chronic Illness Does Not Mean Giving up
It is difficult to live with a health condition that affects your life deeply. But with the right guidance and care, you can live a long, healthy, and fruitful life.
Choose healthcare assistance from experts at Ambiance and get in touch with a community that cares
