Life Goes On: 7 Adjustments You Can Make to Cope With Chronic Illness : Chronic illnesses can take over a person’s life and force many changes they may not be prepared for. When they are diagnosed, their doctors will provide information about treatment and limitations. Patients must follow these requirements to stay healthy.
The 7 adjustments they can make to cope with chronic illness could help them make these transitions easier.
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Get Help When You Need It
Many patients with chronic illnesses will need help in their homes to cope with their illness and complete normal everyday tasks. For example, cancer patients could become debilitated after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. They will need someone to help them get up and get dressed when they are weak. The patients may also find it difficult to get to the bathroom and prepare meals for themselves.
Home Hospital Care provides them with a nurse that helps them complete these tasks and improve their quality of life. The patients do not have to worry about embarrassing situations where others will see them and make them uncomfortable. The nurses complete all services in the privacy of the patient’s home.
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Make Lifestyle Changes
Chronic illnesses will require the patient to make several lifestyle changes. For example, patients will need to quit smoking and using tobacco products especially if they have been diagnosed with lung cancer. They may also be required to stop drinking alcohol if the consumption of alcohol exacerbates their symptoms or causes a decline in the patient’s health.
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Start a New Diet
Doctors set up a new diet for patients to improve their health, and they must follow it exactly. For example, a patient that is diagnosed with diabetes must avoid sugary snacks and carbohydrates as they increase blood glucose levels.
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Follow Your Doctor’s Exercise Plan
Exercise plans can improve mobility and allow the patients to get around better on their own. They can also address the pain and soreness the patient experiences as a part of their illness.
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Create a Support System
All patients with chronic illnesses will need a support system to help them cope with the changes they are experiencing. By getting family and friends involved, the patient has a support system when they need it, and they can lean on those closest to them when necessary.
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Join Support Groups
A support group gives the patient access to people who are going through the same things and experiences. It is easy to cope with an illness when you are surrounded by others who understand what you are going through. This can be helpful for everyone involved and let them know they are not alone in this battle. The patient can visit the support group often to get the most benefits from sharing their story.
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Learn New Coping Mechanisms for Stress
Patients with a chronic illness must learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage their stress. Too often chronic pain sufferers especially turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate instead of visiting a doctor and getting the help they need. If they become stressed, they increase the amount they take. This is not healthy, and the patient must find better ways to keep their stress levels down.
People with chronic illnesses experience a multitude of symptoms that are often debilitating. The patients must follow new plans and strategies to improve their condition. Some may need in-home nursing care to help them. A review of better ways to cope with a chronic illness helps patients improve their quality of life.
Related Videos about Adjustments You Can Make to Cope With Chronic Illness :
Coping with the Emotional Impact of Chronic Disease
The Hell of Chronic Illness
Confronting Chronic Disease and Refusing To Give Up
How to cope with chronic illness: ‘Your disease does not define you’
Life Goes On: 7 Adjustments You Can Make to Cope With Chronic Illness
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