Chronic ConditionChronic Condition

Self-management for HealthSelf-management for Health

Chronic ConditionChronic Condition

• What is a “chronic condition?”What is a “chronic condition?”

““Acute” versus “Chronic”Acute” versus “Chronic”

• Acute: IsolatedAcute: Isolated• SevereSevere• ImportantImportant• SeriousSerious

• Chronic – Multiple SystemsChronic – Multiple Systems• PersistentPersistent• Long lastingLong lasting• Frequent ReoccurrenceFrequent Reoccurrence

Managing chronic conditionsManaging chronic conditions

• Be informedBe informed• Take part in planningTake part in planning• Maintain meaning in your lifeMaintain meaning in your life• Expect ups and downsExpect ups and downs• Seek helpSeek help• Set goalsSet goals

EmotionsEmotions

Emotions:Emotions:

• AngerAnger• FearFear• FrustrationFrustration• DepressionDepression• StressStress• AnxietyAnxiety• Loss of purposeLoss of purpose

What is in your tool box?What is in your tool box?

• Can you name Can you name some self care some self care techniques?techniques?

Tool #1Tool #1

The The Power ToolPower Tool for Chronic Conditionsfor Chronic Conditions

Physical activityPhysical activity

Not exercising now?Not exercising now?

• Things I would like Things I would like to doto do

• Ideas for getting it Ideas for getting it donedone

Tool #2Tool #2

The The Power ToolPower Tool for Chronic for Chronic ConditionsConditions

Diet:Diet:Have BreakfastHave Breakfast

SnackSnack

Portion controlPortion control

Tool # 2Tool # 2

• Minimizes fatigueMinimizes fatigue• Maximizes energyMaximizes energy• Controls and maintains weightControls and maintains weight• Controls blood sugarControls blood sugar• Maintains chemical balancesMaintains chemical balances

• Healthy kidneys and bonesHealthy kidneys and bones• Fat and cholesterolFat and cholesterol

Food choicesFood choices

Tool # 3Tool # 3

Fatigue management Fatigue management

Tool #3 (cont.)

• Fatigue ManagementFatigue Management• By not overdoing itBy not overdoing it• Planning day with rest timesPlanning day with rest times• ExerciseExercise• Socializing!Socializing!• Learn to say “No”Learn to say “No”• Eat wellEat well

Tool #4Tool #4

MedicationMedication ManagementManagement

Medications for Chronic ConditionsMedications for Chronic Conditions

• Purpose: Purpose: • Relieve SymptomsRelieve Symptoms• Prevent further issuesPrevent further issues• Improve or slow diseaseImprove or slow disease

Tool #5Tool #5

• Breathing/Muscle RelaxationBreathing/Muscle Relaxation

4 – 7 – 84 – 7 – 8

Tool #6Tool #6

• Self Talk and DepressionSelf Talk and Depression

• Eliminate negative self talk Eliminate negative self talk • Strong support systemStrong support system• Get out of home everydayGet out of home everyday• VolunteerVolunteer

Engage in PreventionEngage in Prevention

• Schedule “re-charge” times in your day where you Schedule “re-charge” times in your day where you cannot be reached (no cell phone or email)cannot be reached (no cell phone or email)

• To avoid isolation, get involved in professional To avoid isolation, get involved in professional organizations where you can meet and discuss organizations where you can meet and discuss events and mutual problemsevents and mutual problems

• Take time for relaxation and for lunch, and take at Take time for relaxation and for lunch, and take at least two consecutive weeks for vacationleast two consecutive weeks for vacation

• Set boundaries between home and workSet boundaries between home and work

  

Engage in PreventionEngage in Prevention

• Create a ‘no-stress zone’ or ‘safe Create a ‘no-stress zone’ or ‘safe space’ for breaks.space’ for breaks.

• Identify healing activities and attend Identify healing activities and attend to spiritual needs.to spiritual needs.

• Pressure is extremely stressful and Pressure is extremely stressful and enhances feelings of burnout. Take enhances feelings of burnout. Take time to relax and enjoy.time to relax and enjoy.

Making changesMaking changes

Anybody seen Anybody seen my magic my magic wand?wand?

Find your motivationFind your motivation

The longest journey begins The longest journey begins

with a single stepwith a single step

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Questions?

Concerns?