• Arthritis

• Crohn’s disease

• Diabetes

• Endometriosis

• High blood pressure

• Migraine

• Multiple sclerosis

While some conditions make everyday living more challenging than others, there are ways to make life a little easier. Here are a few tips to incorporate in your life to live well with a chronic condition.

Monitor your health.

When it comes to keeping yourself as healthy as possible, monitoring your health is essential. Keeping a journal of symptoms, medications, activities, and measurements can be helpful in many ways.

First, you can identify how you feel after certain actions. For example, if you have migraines and find they get worse after watching movies or shows with lots of flashing lights, it’s helpful to write down your symptoms, when they started, and how long they lasted. Keep track of your symptoms and triggers over time so you can try to avoid future headaches.

Second, you can bring any observations to your doctor to help them identify a pattern of symptoms. If you have type 2 diabetes, measure your blood sugar readings and record them every day. Or if you have high blood pressure, take your blood pressure daily and write the readings down. Your doctor can use this information to determine if your symptoms are improving or not.

See your doctor for regular check-ins.

The CDC encourages those with chronic conditions to see their doctor regularly. At these appointments, you and your provider can make sure your treatment plan is still working and identify any other concerns. It’s also important to continue with routine screenings for other issues or conditions.

How often you meet with your doctor should be determined by both of you, but it’s important to follow up as advised.

Enroll in Care Management.

Living with a chronic condition is challenging, and having someone on your side can make all the difference.

Eligible Select Health members have access to the Care Management team. They help members and their families navigate tough health conditions and care options.

If you enroll in the Care Management program, you will be paired with a dedicated Care Manager. These healthcare professionals will get to know you and your health needs before recommending ways to get care that fit your unique situation.

Care Managers can help you coordinate and manage your healthcare needs. Here are examples of what they can do:

• Answer questions about medications, symptoms, an ongoing health issue, or an upcoming procedure

• Help you manage medications and prescriptions

• Coordinate care between your specialists and help to schedule appointments

• Connect you with health and wellness activities, educational materials, and community resources

Learn more about our Care Management program and how you can become a Select Health member here.

See a therapist and find a support group.

Living with a chronic condition(s) can be isolating and frustrating. Even if your illness is controlled by medication, at least some part of normal life changes. You may feel overwhelmed, confused, and shocked with the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition.

Connecting with others going through similar challenges is a great way to find a support system who understands what you’re going through. Finding a local support group for people who have your condition can be helpful in feeling less alone, building coping skills, and hearing others’ experiences with symptoms and treatments.

Additionally, working with a licensed therapist can be valuable. There are counselors trained to help those with chronic conditions work through tough feelings and navigate life changes. You can find a qualified therapist in your area through Psychology Today or the Select Health Find Care Tool.

Eat well.

Consuming nutritious foods is still important for those with chronic conditions. The CDC says healthy eating is a large part of managing chronic diseases and preventing complications.

Eat lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and low- or fat-free milk products is a good way to get necessary nutrients. Make sure you also get lots of protein from lean meats, seafood, nuts, and beans.

It’s vital to follow your doctor’s recommendations, as certain chronic conditions may call for changes in diet. For example, people with diabetes should limit their intake of carbs to prevent excessive blood sugar spikes.

Make sure you consult with your provider before making any significant diet changes.

Prioritize exercise.

Though certain conditions can make exercise more challenging, prioritizing any sort of movement is essential. Staying active can help you control your weight, improve your mental health, and may even help you stay independent.