Chronic Condition Self-management for Health

Chronic Condition What is a “chronic condition?” What is a “chronic condition?”

“Acute” versus “Chronic” Acute: Isolated Acute: Isolated Severe Severe Important Important Serious Serious Chronic – Multiple Systems Chronic – Multiple Systems Persistent Persistent Long lasting Long lasting Frequent Reoccurrence Frequent Reoccurrence

Managing chronic conditions Be informed Be informed Take part in planning Take part in planning Maintain meaning in your life Maintain meaning in your life Expect ups and downs Expect ups and downs Seek help Seek help Set goals Set goals

Emotions

Emotions: Anger Anger Fear Fear Frustration Frustration Depression Depression Stress Stress Anxiety Anxiety Loss of purpose Loss of purpose

What is in your tool box? Can you name some self care techniques?

Tool #1 The Power Tool for Chronic Conditions Physical activity

Not exercising now? Things I would like to do Things I would like to do Ideas for getting it done

Tool #2 The Power Tool for Chronic Conditions Diet: Have Breakfast Snack Portion control

Tool # 2 Minimizes fatigue Minimizes fatigue Maximizes energy Maximizes energy Controls and maintains weight Controls and maintains weight Controls blood sugar Controls blood sugar Maintains chemical balances Maintains chemical balances Healthy kidneys and bones Healthy kidneys and bones Fat and cholesterol Fat and cholesterol

Food choices

Tool # 3 Fatigue management

Tool #3 (cont.) Fatigue Management Fatigue Management By not overdoing it By not overdoing it Planning day with rest times Planning day with rest times Exercise Exercise Socializing! Socializing! Learn to say “No” Learn to say “No” Eat well Eat well

Tool #4 Medication Management

Medications for Chronic Conditions Purpose: Purpose: Relieve Symptoms Relieve Symptoms Prevent further issues Prevent further issues Improve or slow disease Improve or slow disease

Tool #5 Breathing/Muscle Relaxation Breathing/Muscle Relaxation 4 – 7 – 8

Tool #6 Self Talk and Depression Self Talk and Depression Eliminate negative self talk Eliminate negative self talk Strong support system Strong support system Get out of home everyday Get out of home everyday Volunteer Volunteer

Engage in Prevention Schedule “re-charge” times in your day where you cannot be reached (no cell phone or )Schedule “re-charge” times in your day where you cannot be reached (no cell phone or ) To avoid isolation, get involved in professional organizations where you can meet and discuss events and mutual problemsTo avoid isolation, get involved in professional organizations where you can meet and discuss events and mutual problems Take time for relaxation and for lunch, and take at least two consecutive weeks for vacationTake time for relaxation and for lunch, and take at least two consecutive weeks for vacation Set boundaries between home and workSet boundaries between home and work

Engage in Prevention Create a ‘no-stress zone’ or ‘safe space’ for breaks. Create a ‘no-stress zone’ or ‘safe space’ for breaks. Identify healing activities and attend to spiritual needs. Identify healing activities and attend to spiritual needs. Pressure is extremely stressful and enhances feelings of burnout. Take time to relax and enjoy. Pressure is extremely stressful and enhances feelings of burnout. Take time to relax and enjoy.

Making changes

Anybody seen my magic wand?

Find your motivation The longest journey begins with a single step

Comments? Questions? Concerns?