Living a healthy life with arthritis and other chronic conditions is possible with physical activity and good self-management!
How can you have an illness and live a healthy life at the same time? There is no cure for arthritis, diabetes or heart disease, but with reliable information and some simple management tools, it is possible to find relief and re-activate your lifestyle.
If you don't let your condition stop you now, chances are good it won't slow you down later in life. Take some simple steps today to become a good self-manager.
Move More
- Be active at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Even 10 minutes at a time will improve your health.
- Start off slowly and choose a physical activity that you enjoy and can do throughout the week.
- Build physical activity into your daily activities. Take a brisk walk at lunchtime. Take the stairs intead of the elevator. Park farther away from the office or grocery store.
- Take time for strength building exercises 2-3 times per week. Regular stretching will improve your flexibility, strength and endurance.
So get moving, and keep moving! Choose to be active and find a physical activity class near you.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
One of the most imortant things you can do for your health is stay at a healthy weight. It will improve your health now and for the rest of your life.
- The more you weigh, the more stress you are putting on your joints. If you lose 1 pound that's 4 pounds of pressure off both knees according to the Arthritis Foundation.
- Eat smart with smaller portions, more fruits & veggies, and fewer fats & sugars.
- Balance the calories you eat with the calories you use during activities. Over time, it is wise to eat a little less and move more. This will help prevent gradual weight gain as you grow older.
It's important that you eat a balanced, varied diet to maintain your energy and health!
Actively Manage Your Disease
Remember you are in control. You can prevent problems and complications by taking charge and getting help when you need it.
- Follow your health care provider's advice.
- Ask questions and get more information.
- Take all your medications as prescribed. Keep medicines in a place you can see to help you remember to take them on schedule.
- Continue to get regular health screenings. Early detection can help you treat and manage chronic disease before it gets out of control.
It's never too late to get started! What you do today can affect your life tomorrow. Self-management is in no way a quick cure. The key to good self-management is learning the skills and practicing them. It will take practice.
Live Like Your Life Depends On It is a Chronic Disease Self Management Program to help you restore some degree of control over the effects of chronic disease on your body & activities and live a healthier, happier, more comfortable life. Click here to find a class near you and get started today!