According to Health for Life, more than 130 million Americans have at least one chronic health condition. Chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease are the leading causes of disability and death in America. Dr. Leela Patel South Charleston can help you live longer and enjoy a healthier, more productive life through chronic disease management. Chronic disease management can improve the strength of your muscles, boost your energy levels, and lessen your discomfort and pain.
Consequently, below are tips to help you manage and cope with your chronic health condition.
- Stay hydrated
Health experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. Still, you can stay hydrated without drinking water by starting your day with oatmeal, sipping smoothies, eating vegetables, consuming broth-based soups, and drinking beverages like coffee.
The level of hydration you require will depend on various factors, such as your physical activity levels, age, weight, and climate. For example, if you are unwell and have a fever, you can vomit and experience diarrhea, leading to an abnormal loss of body fluids. Therefore, you will need more fluid intake.
Drinking sufficient water every day can help in the proper regulation of body temperature, lubrication of joints, prevention of infections, and enhanced delivery of nutrients. Moreover, staying hydrated may improve the quality of your sleep and cognitive function.
- Maintain a clean environment
The products you use daily and your environment play a significant role in the quality of your life. Exposure to toxins can harm your body and trigger or aggravate your chronic condition.
You can achieve optimal health by regularly avoiding exposure to dust, using non-toxic cleaning products, cleaning your shower, installing an air purifier, ventilating your home, and washing your hands.
Opening your doors and windows can help improve air circulation inside your home and thus help remove toxic chemicals and fumes. Houseplants are also recommended as they are excellent for eliminating air pollutants, boosting mood, and reducing stress.
- Eat healthily
A healthy diet can prevent, delay, and manage chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Eating healthy provides your body with sufficient vitamins and minerals to work optimally to keep you healthy and safeguard you against severe health conditions.
Eat organic foods since they have more beneficial nutrients and contain no pesticides. Several studies show that pesticide residues in food may cause acute and chronic health conditions, including poisoning, cancer, and an autism spectrum disorder.
Also, eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat.
- Avoid sleep deprivation
Underlying medical conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, and respiratory problems can disturb your sleep because of the pain and discomfort you feel. Without quality sleep, the brain and the body cannot rejuvenate, and thus symptoms of chronic conditions worsen. Getting enough sleep can make you less tired and improve your general mood.
You can get adequate sleep by sleeping in a dark environment, avoiding screen time before you go to sleep, sleeping on a comfortable mattress, and adhering to a sleep schedule.
Contact Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc today to schedule an appointment with a chronic disease management specialist.