What Are Some Chronic Illnesses that Can Be Managed by Staying Healthy at Home?

Home care for people with chronic illness is a burgeoning industry that offers services ranging from personal care, such as bathing and meal preparation, to case management to help patients navigate the complexities of accessing medical care and prescription drugs. For people who have a chronic illness but live at home, staying healthy at home may sound like an oxymoron. However, there are many chronic diseases that can be managed at home because they do not require frequent medical care. Some of the most common chronic diseases that can be managed at home include diabetes, hypertension, and mental illness. For other diseases, there are treatments that can be provided at home without the need for frequent doctor visits. These treatments include insulin injections, oxygen therapy, and home monitoring devices for chronic diseases like asthma and epilepsy. This article explores some common chronic diseases that can be managed at home and offers advice on how to stay healthy at home when managing these conditions.

What are some chronic illnesses that can be managed at home?

Asthma - Asthma is a chronic disease that can be managed at home with appropriate medication and a plan to avoid irritants that trigger an attack. The American Lung Association recommends that people with asthma have a written asthma action plan with instructions on how to use their medication, how often to use it, and how to recognize symptoms that require quick medical care.People with asthma should avoid triggers that can cause an attack, such as smoke, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. People should also have an emergency kit in their home with an inhaler, extra medication, and a peak flow meter to measure their lung function.

Cardiovascular disease - Cardiovascular diseases are chronic diseases that can be managed at home with a self-care plan. Heart disease, stroke, and hypertension are all examples of cardiovascular diseases that can be managed at home.Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors for heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.Stroke is a serious and potentially disabling condition that can be prevented with healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle. Hypertension is a serious, chronic disease that can be managed at home with a self-care plan that includes eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity. In addition to the self-care plan, people with hypertension should follow up with a doctor every six months.

Depression - Depression is a serious and often chronic disease that can be managed at home with a self-care plan. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a person to feel sad, anxious, or empty. It often lasts for a long period of time and interferes with normal daily activities.Depression is a mental illness that can be treated with medication and/or therapy. Self-care plans for people with depression can include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a positive outlook on life. People with depression should also follow up with a doctor every six months.

Diabetes - Diabetes is a chronic disease that can be managed at home with a self-care plan. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to stop producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections to regulate their blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is a disease that is caused by an unhealthy diet and a lack of exercise. It is the most common type of diabetes, affecting an estimated 9% of the adult population in the U.S.People with diabetes should follow a self-care plan that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a regular check-up with a doctor. Self-care plans for people with diabetes can also include a glucose monitor, medications, and eyeglasses for diabetic retinopathy.

Hypertension - Hypertension is a serious, chronic disease that can be managed at home with a self-care plan. Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is too high.Hypertension can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking. Self-care plans for people with hypertension can also include a medication to lower their blood pressure.

Mood disorders - Mood disorders are chronic diseases that can be managed at home with a self-care plan. Mood disorders are a group of mental illnesses that cause a person’s mood to change suddenly and frequently. Mood disorders can be a challenging condition to live with because they can interfere with normal daily activities.Mood disorders can be treated with medication and/or therapy. Self-care plans for people with mood disorders can include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a positive outlook on life. People with mood disorders should also follow up with a doctor every six months.

Migraines - Migraines are a chronic disease that can be managed at home with a self-care plan. Migraines are a type of headache that can be debilitating.Migraines are often treated with medication and/or therapy. Self-care plans for people with migraines can include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a positive outlook on life. People with migraines should also follow up with a doctor every six months.

Summary

Chronic diseases can be managed at home with self-care plans. Some of these diseases include asthma, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, hypertension, and mood disorders. A self-care plan can help people with these conditions to lead a happier and healthier life. A self-care plan can help people with chronic diseases to lead a happier and healthier life. A self-care plan can help people with chronic diseases to lead a happier and healthier life.