MHPE Volunteer Resource HEALTH MANAGEMENT Living with chronic disease or chronic pain Tab 25

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 25 Health management: Chronic disease or chronic pain Chronic diseases Cardiovascular health Cancer control Mental health Obesity Diabetes mellitus Musculoskeletal conditions and arthritis Asthma Injury prevention and control Long-lasting, not fully cured, gradual onset Australian Government focus is on those causing high rates of hospitalisation, disability and death

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 25 Health management: Chronic disease or chronic pain Living with a chronic condition Take an active role Learn all you can Talk about your condition Build relationships with health specialists Stay healthy in all ways Manage the challenges with help

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 25 Health management: Chronic disease or chronic pain You are not defined by your illness “I am a diabetic” but you are still you “I am Barry. I am a proud veteran. I am a loving father and husband. I am a keen cyclist. I am the barbecue king! I have diabetes.”

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 25 Health management: Chronic disease or chronic pain Chronic pain Occurs most days for at least three months. Seek/accept professional help Seek/accept help from others Pain is not just a physical problem Know and use medicines well Stay healthy in all ways Attend a pain clinic Don’t ignore the pain. Take responsibility. Live life. Pace yourself!

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 25 Health management: Chronic disease or chronic pain Talking with a mate Every person with an illness is an individual Some men talk too little, some too much Be honest: Say what you think, if a mate Stay in touch, but adjust pace as needed Encourage professional support Humour, familiarity and companionship are wonderfully therapeutic

MHPE Volunteer Resource - Tab 25 Health management: Chronic disease or chronic pain Resources Arthritis Australia Asthma Australia Australian Pain Management Assoc’n Beyondblue Chronic Illness Alliance Chronic Pain Australia Diabetes Australia Headache Australia Heart Foundation Osteoporosis Australia Pain Australia Lung Foundation Australia Vision Australia VVCS © Commonwealth of Australia 2015