What is chronic disease management?
A long-term illness or chronic health condition is any condition lasting 6 months or longer, such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, obesity, diabetes, chronic pain or heart disease. The incidence of many long-term illnesses and chronic conditions is increasing in Australia and the rest of the world due to a range of factors, including an ageing population and lifestyle issues such as smoking and poor diet.
Modern-day treatments also mean that people are living longer with diseases that previously caused premature death.
Many long-term illnesses and chronic conditions:
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are caused by a number of different health factors occurring at the same time
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take some time to develop
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last for a long time, often leading to other health problems.
What can be done to improve my chronic condition?
Chronic conditions are rarely cured completely, so looking after yourself will be about good medical advice, living a healthy lifestyle and having a positive attitude.
To maintain your best quality of life, you or your carer can help by:
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finding reliable information about the disease, its treatment and management – will help you feel you are taking a positive step and give you a feeling of control over your illness
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understanding your medication, including what it is specifically for, any special instructions and potential side effects
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setting yourself goals – short-term goals will give you a sense of how you are progressing
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developing skills to manage your pain and fatigue
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getting emotional support – speak to others who are going through what you are, as well as leaning on family and friends when you need to
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planning for the future – be realistic about your future health and discuss this with your doctor.