Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Dealing with Chronic and Terminal Illness by Eric Stevenson

Hello Everyone,

The following article was written by Eric Stevenson, he is very passionate about people's health and the long term side effects. Thanks Eric for writing this article and sharing information!

Western medicine is built on a model of battle: fighting the enemy disease until victorious. This is an appropriate model for many conditions, but often leaves both doctors and patients feeling helpless when an illness is incurable or fatal. However, living with a terminal or chronic illness should not be thought of as a lost or losing battle.

While chronic illnesses are not always terminal, certain coping strategies can be effective for either. Maintaining mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health. Depression and anxiety can disrupt eating and sleeping habits, which can take a physical toll. The American Psychological Association recommends staying connected to friends, family, or support groups; taking care of one’s self through a healthy diet and exercise; and maintaining a daily routine to provide stability. Of course, consulting with a licensed therapist or counselor is always recommended.

Symptoms of many chronic diseases – autoimmune disease, CFS, endocrine disease, fibromyalgia – may overlap with those of debilitating fatal diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, or mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma, like many other cancers, can include fatigue. WebMD recommends the following activities for raising energy:

● Increasing magnesium intake with nuts, whole grains, or fish
● Taking a walk
● Taking a 60-minute nap
● Eating a healthy breakfast and not skipping any meals
● Reducing stress
● Drinking more water (and less alcohol)
● Eating more whole grains (and less sugar)
● Eating a healthy snack between meals
● Drinking a latte instead of black coffee

These strategies might not be appropriate or feasible for everyone, but they may help to offset the low energy that comes with many chronic or terminal illnesses.

Living with a terminal illness is obviously different from living with a chronic illness. As an example, mesothelioma life expectancy over five years is less than 10%, whereas chronic fatigue syndrome rarely shortens life expectancy at all. However, authorities on chronic and terminal illnesses alike stress the importance of positive thinking. While being realistic about the future is important, it is also vital to maintain a positive outlook in order to lower stress and reduce depression.

By Eric Stevenson, a health and safety advocate, for questions about this article please feel free to contact him at epicsurvivor@gmail.com

I hope and pray everyone experiences a pain and fatigue free day.

16 comments:

Fibro Viv said...

Eric,

You wrote a great article. Maintaining mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health.

Living alone and being socially isolated is a risk factor for many healthy problems, including memory loss and mental decline.

Thanks again for sharing. Great Job!

health news said...

I have read so many blog article but your article some thing different, i really liked your writing skill, amazing thinking power.

EMR said...

Thanks for the positive thoughts here.It is hard to cope with a chronic illness and new tips and guidance will surely help.Magnesium helps lessen the stress of course.

Dr. Ordon plastic surgeon said...

reducing stress is a very important factor.Fish and magnesium help reduce stress and also is good for health.try and keep a simple and healthy lifestyle...it helps.

health & safety vancouver said...

A fantastic presentation. Very open and informative.You have beautifully presented your thought in this blog post.Those suffering from chronic or severe illnesses, like MS, Ovarian Cancer, or Mesothelioma need physicians, therapists, and medical advice.Nice information.

wheelchairs said...

Wow i love you blog its awesome nice colors you must have did hard work on your blog. Keep up the good work. Thanks

health news said...

The article you have written is very informative and also help to the people who are always searching tips to stay fit in their busy life. healthy food and daily walking is necessary in order to stay fit and healthy

mj said...

I like reading your blog. I learned a lot. keep posting..


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Diane J Standiford said...

Good article. Sad that society lags behind in acceptance.

Fibro Viv said...

Hello Dr. Ordon plastic surgeon,

Thank you for reading my post and commenting. I need to add fish and magnesium to my diet.

God Bless,

Fibro Viv said...

Hello health & safety vancouve,

Thank you for reading and commenting on the post. I agree people with chronic illness require physician's, therapist's and medical advice.

I pray people have access to the type of help they require.

God Bless,

Fibro Viv said...

Hello Wheelchairs,

Thank you for your compliments, they are appreciated and make me feel good.

God Bless,

Fibro Viv said...

Hello Health news,

Thank you for commenting on my blog and for taking the time to read it. Healthy eating habits and exercise is important. Unfortunately, some of us are limited on the type of exercise we can complete. The key is to keep on moving and stretching at a level that is appropriate for each individual.

Thanks again,

Fibro Viv said...

Hello My Dear Diane,

Society is lagging behind on acceptance and it truly saddens me. If we all try to inform and educate the public, perhaps things will change sooner than we think.

Take care of yourself and thanks for stopping by.

God Bless

Change Relationship said...

Wow thanks for sharing. Positive thinking is really very important in dealing our daily stress. Your post is very informative and helpful. Thank you!

Marianne said...

I agree that keeping a positive outlook is one of the most important factors when dealing with a chronic disease. Keep up the great work!