When a person gets diagnosed with a chronic health condition, it can be a daunting and emotional time for them.
While every person and their condition is unique, the fact that they will require long-term medicine or treatment means they are likely to have many questions and want further resources or support.
People who make small changes to their lifestyle can see significant positive benefits to their overall health as well as helping them to manage their chronic health condition.
How can healthy lifestyle services support people with chronic health conditions?
Impact of self-management
Research shows people with long-term conditions who take more control of their health:
- are more able to cope with their health problem
- experience less flare ups
Our services can help people find lifestyle changes that work for them. Health is not a “one size fits all” approach and our team take the time to listen to figure out the best way to support the individual.
Lifestyle interventions can also help prevent chronic health conditions for certain people.
Research from Diabetes.Org showed that combined lifestyle interventions – including diet, physical activity and sustained weight loss – can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by approximately 50%.
Achieve a healthy weight
We’re sure you’re already aware of the health benefits of maintaining a healthy weight. It can lower the risk of certain cancers (including liver and kidney), heart disease and hypertension. Plus, it can help relieve chronic joint pain.
However, encouraging someone to lose weight can be a challenging conversation. We’ve previously written about the best way to approach this with people. However, once someone makes the decision that they want to lose weight, joining a programme can help them achieve their health goals. Research has shown that weight management support which provides a social element are easier to stick to, compared to those which do not.
Get more active
Physical activity can help with the management of long-term health conditions, as well as help prevent them. However, if someone has recently been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, they might be feeling vulnerable and not sure of the safest or suitable way to get moving. They may even feel like they shouldn’t exercise at all, for fear of causing damage or too much strain.
However, there are lots of ways people living with chronic health conditions can enjoy and benefit from physical activity. It’s all about finding an activity that’s right for them. Again, our team can offer guidance and point them in the right direction. There are lots of ways to move with a long-term health condition, and we can help people find them.
Lower alcohol consumption
Could the person benefit from drinking less? There are so many health benefits from cutting back on alcohol. Similar to other actions on this list, drinking less alcohol can help prevent chronic health conditions, such as certain types of cancer, hypertension and strokes. It can help someone feel more energetic and help them if they’re trying to lose weight.
Part of our weight management programmes explore ways to reduce drinking as part of a healthy lifestyle. For instance, having alcohol-free days and drinking low-alcohol beverages can help a person feel the health benefits.
If you know someone who has recently been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, or is concerned about developing one, our team can offer the support they need.
You can refer a person to us today.
