Why Health is Vital When You Have a Continual Sickness

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When you live with a chronic illness, it means that you are dealing with a pervasive stream of stressors that other people don’t even think about, such as: B. Regular doctor appointments, difficult-to-treat symptoms and an overview of daily medication. If you add to the pressures of everyday life, it can quickly become overwhelming.

Although every illness is different, doctors often advise patients with chronic illnesses to stay physically active, as exercise can help control symptoms and relieve the stress caused by illness.

However, establishing a regular exercise habit can be difficult for anyone – especially if you already have an underlying medical condition that you need to worry about. So we spoke to three women with different chronic illnesses about how to keep moving despite the challenges that often stand in their way.

Know your limits – and learn to be okay with them.

Claire Bonti struggled with severe diarrhea and significant weight loss for years until she learned she had Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. The 30-year-old said committing to a regular fitness regimen was daunting until she realized she could incorporate exercise organically into her routine. “There are several ways to be active, such as walking your dog,” she says. Whether you’re walking in place while streaming your favorite show, parking further than usual while running errands, or picking up the stairs in your building, the little actions add up.

Claire Bonti relies on fitness to cope with Crohn's disease

Claire Bonti relies on fitness to get her Crohn’s disease under control.

Claire Bonti

Adjust the intensity of your workout

Diane Palaganas says she often feels “sluggish and tired” because of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information in the brain and between the brain and body. “I used to be a professional dancer, so I know how important cardio, strength, and flexibility are to your body,” she says, adding that her symptoms include fatigue and muscle cramps in her legs.

She has learned to increase or decrease the intensity of her exercise depending on how she is feeling on a particular day. While she usually focuses on cardio and circuit training when she is fine, the 37-year-old turns to light stretching and yoga when she feels tired. “I’m still learning to listen and not push too hard,” she says. “It’s important to train smarter, not harder.”

Take things day after day.

Palaganas says she needs to learn to manage fitness on a daily basis. “There’s a fine line because some days my will can do more than my body,” she says. “Some days are better than others – and that’s perfectly fine.” But she says the most important aspect is not to pounce on yourself during these difficult moments. “Be nice to yourself and your body,” she says. “Meet where you are and don’t forget to party” – even if the profits are small, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Diane Palaganas, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, stays active through physical therapy exercises

Diane Palaganas, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), remains active with her physical therapy.

Diane Palaganas

Think of fitness as part of your treatment.

Ashley Krivohlavek lives with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints. Patients with PsA often experience problems with fatigue, stiffness, and swelling of the fingers and toes, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

“My rheumatologist always says: ‘Movement is lotion'”, says the 37-year-old, who enjoys doing HIIT workouts, Pilates and yoga. When she is in motion, she “can feel my joints getting more flexible, adding that her daily exercise session is“ the only time I feel like the person I used to be – healthy, strong, and in control of my body. “Her fitness regimen has also helped her gain flexibility and freedom of movement in her joints. An added bonus: “It helps a lot with my sleep.” Always ask your doctor to make sure you are focusing on the movements that are best for your condition.

Strive for consistency – even if it’s only 5 minutes a day.

Palaganas says she personally strives to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, including her physical therapy exercises. She also tries to add yoga at least twice a week. “When I’m inactive, my muscles get stiff and I lose flexibility [and] My balance and coordination are affected, ”she says. “When I agree with my exercises, the movement begins to come with ease. It is true what they say, “If you don’t use it, you will lose it” – I don’t want to lose it. “Depending on your illness, routines can come in all forms: Even five minutes a day can be an effective habit.

ashley krivohlavek, who suffers from psoriatic arthritis, keeps moving as much as possible

Ashley Krivohlavek, who suffers from psoriatic arthritis, keeps moving as much as possible.

Ashley Krivohlavek

Do fitness about more than just yourself.

Fitness has helped Krivohlavek manage the stress associated with her illness – and she loves having a community where she can share both the struggles and the successes. She is a member of CreakyJoints, an online arthritis education and support organization, and says the general support has been invaluable.

While Fitness Bonti also helped manage the pressures associated with Crohn’s Disease, she found a useful way to pass it on through the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. She volunteers for the group’s indoor cycling events called Spin4 Crohn’s & Colitis Cures, which raise funds for the foundation. “That’s perfect for me,” she says. “It’s less effective – and I can celebrate what other people are doing too.”

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