As a doctor, I’ve frequently used the phrase “chronic health condition” when talking to patients. You may know someone who has a chronic health condition, or maybe you’ve been diagnosed with one. People often assume the worst when they hear those words. But nearly half of Americans have at least one chronic health condition. The good news is that many of them are thriving, thanks to advances in medicine and small, healthy lifestyle changes.
What Is a Chronic Health Condition?
Health conditions fall into two categories, acute or chronic. Acute health conditions typically go away quickly if they’re treated. These types of conditions include injuries, infections, and rashes.
Chronic health conditions are long-lasting and require ongoing treatment. Medication can slow their progress and control symptoms, but most chronic health conditions cannot be cured. Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, asthma, coronary artery disease, Crohn’s disease, and arthritis are common chronic health conditions.
All in the Family
Many chronic health conditions run in families. If you have a grandparent, parent, or sibling with a chronic health condition, you may be at risk for developing it, too.
It’s important to share your family history with your primary care provider (PCP). This knowledge can help them suggest lifestyle changes that could lower your risk for developing the condition. They might also suggest earlier or more frequent preventive screenings, bloodwork, or other studies.
You Can Count on Your Care Team
Your PCP is usually the first stop in getting diagnosed with a chronic health condition. Once diagnosed, your PCP can monitor your health, answer questions, and develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
In most cases, your PCP will advise you to make some lifestyle changes. This may include eating healthier foods, being more active, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, or limiting the use of tobacco, alcohol, sugar, and salt.
Sometimes, patients can manage a chronic health condition with lifestyle changes alone. For example, some people with high blood pressure can lower it without medication if they lose weight, decrease salt intake, and exercise regularly.
If your symptoms don’t improve, your PCP will likely prescribe medication, along with lifestyle changes, to better support your health. Most chronic health conditions have a variety of treatment options, so you and your PCP can determine which is best for you based on your lifestyle as well as cost and convenience.
Depending on your condition, your PCP may also recommend that you see a specialist, like a cardiologist or endocrinologist. Specialists have extensive training in managing complex health conditions, and they have access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options. Your PCP and specialist can work together to manage your condition.
Live Your Best Life
If you have a chronic health condition, there are many ways to manage your well-being, such as:
- Scheduling regular checkups. The best way to monitor your health is to regularly see your PCP and your specialist, if you have one.
- Taking medications as prescribed. Medication works best when it’s taken as directed. Don’t skip it when you feel good or double-up on it when you feel unwell.
- Being honest about symptoms. Sometimes, people downplay their symptoms out of embarrassment or fear they may be seen as weak. When you are honest about how you feel, it opens the door for doctors to help you feel better.
- Focusing on mental well-being. If you are stressed or anxious, find healthy ways to stay mentally strong. Yoga, meditation, and journaling can help you relax. Support groups offer compassion and a sense of community. You can also get help from a counselor or therapist.
Support Is Important
If you know someone who has a chronic health condition, they can probably use your support. There are lots of ways you can help, such as:
- Going with them to the doctor. In addition to providing support, you can ask the doctor questions or take notes during the appointment.
- Being aware of their dietary restrictions. What people eat can impact their symptoms. For example, if a loved one has heart disease, stock their kitchen with healthy, low-fat snacks.
- Encouraging medication compliance. Many people, especially older adults, resist taking medication because of cost or side effects. Remind them that taking medication as directed is the best thing they can do to stay healthy.
- Finding ways to help them stay active. Most chronic health conditions respond positively to physical activity, and people are more likely to be active when they have a buddy. Walking, yoga, and gardening gently boost activity levels while reducing stress.
Time to Thrive
Everyone who is diagnosed with a chronic health condition processes it differently. People might be sad, anxious, or angry. After the initial shock wears off, it is important to keep your mindset positive because you can manage this!
Finding ways to reclaim your health can be empowering. Scheduling regular PCP appointments and taking medications as directed are important, but managing a chronic health condition is more than that. Eat nutritious foods. Get enough sleep. Reduce stress. Be active. Lean on friends and family members. Seek out support groups or mental health professionals to help you cope.
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) members can also take advantage of our Case and Condition Management programs, as well as our Registered Nurse Health Coaches, who are available 24/7 to offer support and help you manage your health. You can access these resources by calling the number on the back of your member ID card.
Living with a chronic health condition may not always be easy, but there are many things you can do to help you thrive.
