Coping with a single chronic illness is difficult enough, but managing multiple chronic health conditions can be overwhelming and confusing. Many Americans have multiple chronic conditions, like arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, depression, anxiety, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Having two or more chronic illnesses, called multimorbidity, involves managing symptoms, relaying information between doctors, keeping medications straight, and dodging medication side effects—all of which can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health and quality of life. But it is possible to incorporate coping strategies, behaviors, and habits into your daily routines to make it easier.
Better care coordination for these folks is critical to improve health care efficiency and contain costs. SDSU Extension, in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Health and of Human Services, is leading the state’s efforts to help individuals better manage their illness with the Better Choices, Better Health SD program (abbreviated as BCBH-SD), which is an evidence-based program that empowers people to recognize and address the factors which impact their chronic conditions. Through BCBH-SD, individuals can develop and implement personalized action plans, take ownership, and achieve improved health outcomes that are both manageable and sustainable.
Whether you are managing your own health or that of a loved one, the following tips for how to manage multiple chronic health conditions can help support your health and wellbeing.
Tips for Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions
1. Learn as much as you can about your conditions.
The more you know about your conditions, the better-equipped you will be to ask the detailed questions of your healthcare provider so they can get you the information you need to manage your needs.
2. Determine your priorities for healthcare outcomes.
It is important to have an idea of what you want to get out of your overall care. Do you want to decrease your shortness of breath? Live independently? Maximize your energy and stamina? If you have a personal goal or outcome you want to see for your treatment, your healthcare providers can decide on an approach that helps get you there.
3. Discuss risks and benefits of each treatment.
It is important to clearly understand the risks and benefits of each treatment so you can make informed decisions. It may not always be in your best interest to choose the most-aggressive option. For example, if a certain diabetes medication increases your risk of falling, it could interfere with your ability to walk your grandchildren to school. Knowing the pros and cons of each treatment can help you maximize your comfort and quality of life.
4. Clarify everything.
During your appointments with your healthcare providers, ask every question you have and take notes so you can walk out with a clear understanding of your treatment plan and the steps you need to take to manage your health.
5. Take advantage of non-medication treatments when available.
Medication side effects and drug interactions can exacerbate or add new health problems. Take advantage of any non-pharmacological treatment for one of your health conditions. These may include physical therapy, exercise, acupuncture, or other treatment. Just be sure to discuss any treatments with your healthcare team.
6. Keep a health journal.
Having a written record of your symptoms, side effects, progress, questions, and other health-related information will help give you and your doctors a clear idea of how your treatment is progressing. You can use a notebook, a computer, or an app to keep these records. Just be sure to bring it to your appointments.
7. Communicate with healthcare providers.
If you have questions about your health, or if you are experiencing new symptoms, you do not have to wait for your appointment to ask them. Call or message your providers. They are there to help.
8. Pay attention to your mental health.
Managing multiple chronic health conditions can increase stress that can cause other symptoms to emerge and put you at risk for depression. It is important to pay attention to your mental health and practice stress-relieving activities. A counselor or therapist can also be a great resource for helping you manage your mental health and get the most out of life.
References
- Prevalence of Multiple Chronic Conditions Among US Adults, 2018, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Management of Individuals With Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Continuing Challenge, The American Journal of Managed Care.
