Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Fall 2019

4 | Fall 2019 CHRONIC ILLNESS Y ou can’t fix it or make it go away — that’s usually what it means to live with a chronic illness. But you can choose how you’ll manage a health condi- tion such as diabetes, arthritis or heart disease. “Your choices make a big difference in your physical health and mental well-being,” says Eugenia Banina, M.D., an internal medicine physician at Lake Regional Clinic – Eldon. “Every chronic health condition brings challenges, so it’s important to have a plan.” Set goals. Work with your doctor or other health care providers to develop a self-management plan. “Self-management means you take an active role, with the help of your doctor, in controlling your illness,” Dr. Banina says. “Your plan should include your goals, the specific steps you’ll take to reach them, and what kinds of support and resources you’ll need.” If, for instance, exercise would improve your condi- tion, talk to your doctor about what kinds of exercise are right for you. Choose an activity you can enjoy and a goal that you are confident you can reach in a set amount of time. Educate yourself. When looking online, stick to information from government websites, such as medlineplus.gov , or medical association websites, such as cancer.org (American Cancer Society) or heart.org (American Heart Association). TAKE YOUR Consult with experts. For example, if a dietary change will make a difference in managing your illness, consider meeting with a dietitian. Ask your doctor if there are therapists or other medical specialists who may help you. Be realistic. If you set a goal that’s too hard to reach, rethink your plan. Proceed at a pace you can handle. Don’t ignore potential obstacles. Think of things that could go wrong, and plan ways to deal with them. For ex- ample, where will you walk in bad weather? How can you avoid overeating during special occasions? Ask for help. Talk to family and friends about your goals, and suggest ways they can help. Joining a support group that includes people with the same chronic illness might also provide a needed boost. A personal plan can help you live well with a chronic illness Eugenia Banina, M.D. LIFE BACK