Men’s Health Month: 5 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Men Living with A Chronic Illness
The rate of chronic conditions continues to rise, with nearly half (45% approximately) of Americans living with at least one chronic disease.
As we get ready to celebrate Men’s Health Month, it’s important to highlight the importance of healthy lifestyle choices in men living with chronic diseases.
Watch the video: Men’s Health Month: 5 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Men Living with A Chronic Illness
Pursuing a Healthy Lifestyle
You may be frightened and confused when diagnosed with a chronic illness, but you should know that while your daily routine may change, you will soon develop a new one.
In addition to medication, the key to helping you manage your chronic illness is to create healthy habits and make wiser lifestyle choices.
There’s a lot of disinformation, so speaking to your doctor before you embark on a new “healthy” routine or take a supplement is essential. We should also note that there is no best way to lead a healthy lifestyle. Each person experiences their disease differently, and therefore everyone has different needs.
5 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Men Living with Chronic Disease
5 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Men Living with Chronic Disease
- Choose the Right Foods
Nutritional needs vary depending on your illness. For example, if you have IBD, some foods can exacerbate symptoms. So it’s important to exercise judgment when choosing what to eat.
Discuss your dietary requirements with your doctor and develop a list of foods that provide benefits.
- Stay Active
Many chronic conditions cause pain and fatigue, making moving around more challenging. However, staying active can help you increase your energy levels and maintain flexible joints, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. Speak to a trained professional before starting an exercise routine, as some activities may cause more harm than good.
- Make Sleep a Priority
In today’s world, everyone seems preoccupied with productivity. However, sleep is essential to staying healthy. Develop a bedtime routine, and go to bed at roughly the same time every night. Allow yourself time to unwind from your day, this means no electronics at least one hour before bedtime.
- Be Mindful of Your Mental Health
Living with a chronic disease affects you physically, mentally, and emotionally. So it’s important to discuss your feelings with a trusted friend or family member, and better yet, join a support group where you can share your experiences with people dealing with similar conditions.
Stress is a known trigger for many chronic conditions, so it is vital to learn how to control it. Meditation, tai chi, and qi gong are excellent relaxation tools for you to try.
- Take Small Steps to Achieve a Healthier Lifestyle
Abrupt changes seldom last and can cause stress in your life. It’s best to introduce healthy habits one at a time rather than trying to change everything at once. Adopting healthy lifestyle changes can help keep your illness under control, reduce the frequency of flare-ups, and improve your mood, but remember, you can achieve all this one step at a time.
If you are coping with a chronic illness, take advantage of Men’s Health Month to start your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Remember, it’s important to worry less about the things you cannot change about your condition and instead focus on the aspects of your life you can.