Aspirus | Aspire | Fall 2018

A personal plan can help you live well with a chronic illness. Health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease are all on the rise nationally and locally. You can’t fix them or make them go away—that’s usually what it means to live with a chronic illness. You can, however, choose how you’ll manage these health conditions. Smart decisions can make a big difference in your physical health and mental well-being. Give these tips a try: Have a plan. Work with your doctor or other health care providers to develop a self-management plan that can help improve your health. “Self-management means you take an active role,” said Luke Budleski, DO, who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation for Aspirus. “Your plan should include your goals, the specific steps you’ll take to reach them, and what kinds of support and resources you’ll need.” If, for instance, exercise would improve your condition, talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you. Choose an activity you can enjoy and a goal that you are confident you can reach in a set amount of time. Educate yourself. Seek reliable sources of information, such as government or medical association websites that specialize in your condition. Consult with experts. For example, if a dietary change will make a difference in managing your illness, consider meeting with a dietitian. Ask your doctor if there are therapists or other medical specialists who may be of help to you. Be realistic. If you set a goal that’s too hard to reach, rethink your plan. Proceed at a pace you can handle. Don’t ignore potential obstacles. Think of things that could go wrong, and plan ways to deal with them. For example, where will you walk in bad weather? How can you avoid overeating during special occasions? Ask for help. Talk to family and friends about your goals, and suggest ways they can help. Joining a support group that includes people with the same chronic illness is helpful to some people. Keep your doctor posted on your progress. If you’re struggling to follow your self-management plan, your doctor can help you figure out why. And as your plan goes forward, you may need more advice to set new goals. Your life, your plan PICKYOURCARETEAM If you need help finding a provider, go online to aspirus.org or call the Aspirus Customer Contact Center at 800.847.4707 . Luke Budleski, DO aspirus.org 5