After getting a chronic condition diagnosis, most shift their focus to their treatment and what might go wrong, they even consider alternatives. While completely valid and important, learning how to properly manage it in order to enjoy a healthy and happy lifestyle is equally relevant.
At South Plains Rural Health Services, we strive to help you maintain your quality of life and happiness despite a health obstacle such as diabetes or hypertension.
The Most Common Chronic Conditions
Before delving into the lifestyle changes you can implement for living (and thriving) while dealing with a chronic condition, it’s important to understand what they are by taking a look at some examples. A medical condition is considered chronic when it:
- Lasts for a year or more
- Requires ongoing medical attention
- Has high changes of worsening over time
- Limits your daily activity in some way
They usually appear in older adults, and might not have definitive solutions. However, most of them can be managed with medication and improved routines.
At South Plains Rural Health Services we offer comprehensive care for the most common chronic conditions in Texas, which include but aren’t limited to:
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6 Tips for Living with Diabetes, Hypertension, and Other Chronic Conditions
We understand how scary it can feel to get a chronic condition diagnosis and to face the responsibility of learning how to navigate the new challenges that come with it. Nonetheless, we are here to tell you that, whether you or a loved one are the ones that have received the news, there are plenty of strategies to implement to manage the symptoms associated with the conditions.
Understand Your Diagnosis
Information is vital—always. The more you know about your condition, the better prepared you are to manage it. Make sure to ask everything you can to your doctor and keep yourself updated on new discoveries or treatments. Your medical team will help you understand the symptoms, possible complications, and next steps you can take, according to your particular condition and situation.
Whether you’re suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc., our team at South Plains Rural Health Services will be at your disposal to help you every step of the way.
Monitor Your Condition Regularly
The thing about chronic conditions is that they must be tracked in order to prevent complications. That’s why you must constantly monitor your levels and write them down.
There are several alternatives to do so. Many pharmacies and community health centers offer either free or low-cost screening or monitoring services. You could also consider investing in a home blood pressure monitor or other devices for your situation.
Our biggest tip is to keep some kind of reading or log, as they will be helpful during your check ups or in case there are any difficulties with your treatment. For example, if you have diabetes, keep a digital or physical track of your daily blood sugar levels. On the other hand, if you have hypertension, write down your blood pressure every time you monitor it.
Adhere to Your Medication Schedule
If you have a diagnosed chronic condition, there is a high chance you have been prescribed medications to take on the daily. Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations. There are several ways you can build the habit and prevent you from skipping doses:
- Set reminders on your phone, laptop, or physical planner
- Use a weekly pill organizer
- Color code your bottles for different days of the week
- Ask a relative that lives with you to double check
- Keep a daily log or checklist
Also, make sure to ask and check if there are any meds that can’t be mixed with previous treatments or taken together with certain foods or beverages.
We know how expensive long-term medications can get. If you have trouble affording your treatment, reach out to us about our assistance programs and other alternatives.
Improve Your Diet
While any doctor would advise to keep a healthy diet under any circumstance, the reality is that this becomes increasingly important when managing chronic conditions and preventing further complications. For example, a balanced meal plan can help:
- Stabilize blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
- Lower blood pressure for hypertension management
- Reduce inflammation for arthritis and/or heart disease patients
The general guidelines are to increase fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein consumption; while limiting salt, sugar, and processed foods. At South Plains Rural Health Services, we can help you design a customized diet that takes into consideration not only your condition, but also your preferences, budget, and product availability in your area.
Get Moving!
It’s no secret that exercise does wonders to your mood and physical health. In the case of chronic conditions, it can also help you manage your blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce stress.
You can slowly build a routine and aim for 150 minutes or moderate-intensity physical activity each week, while mixing alternatives and finding the one you enjoy the most. We know that when we mention “exercise” you start thinking about hiking or running, but you can also consider:
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Develop Stress Management Tools and Strategies
Taking care of your body is important—but your mind also needs its own type of medication when dealing with a chronic condition. Anxiety and stress could even worsen your symptoms, if not managed correctly.
We recommend exploring your options and finding your preferred strategy. However, some of the most effective are meditation, breathing exercises, strengthening your support system, journaling, going to therapy, and finding or reconnecting with your hobbies.
Living and Managing Chronic Conditions in Texas
Managing a chronic condition seems like a lot of work at first, and it can get overwhelming. The most important thing you must remember during this time is that you are not alone. Seek support from your loved ones, and know that at South Plains Rural Health Services, you will always have an open door and the best care you can get.
Don’t forget to always go to your routine medical check-ups, even if you feel perfectly fine. These are the spaces to prevent complications and adjust your treatment. You can reach out to any of our offices at Levelland, Lamesa, or Big Spring, Texas, by phone or using our online scheduling tool.