By: Gail Carlson, MPH, Ph.D., former Health Education State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Do you have a chronic health condition? Do you have a family member or close personal friend with such an illness? A chronic illness is defined as any disease that develops slowly and lasts a long time. Some examples are diabetes, arthritis, emphysema, congestive heart failure and Alzheimer’s disease. It can be distinguished from an acute illness, which typically starts suddenly and is short lived, like a cold or the flu.
While chronic illnesses are more common among older adults, they can affect people of any age including children. Taking an active role in managing your illness can help you maintain a good quality of life despite your illness. Equally important, it can help you feel better about yourself…
- Practice secondary prevention
- Learn to pace yourself
- Stay involved with family and friends
- Identify and use existing resources
- Become a wise healthcare consumer
To learn more about each of these important tips for managing chronic health conditions, see the full version of this article at MissouriFamilies.org
Source: MissouriFamilies.org
