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Self-ManagementThe goal of self-management is to make things better for yourself: to keep yourself as healthy as possible, minimizing your risk of further health problems and unwanted visits to the hospital. With good self-management you can live a normal, healthy life.
What is self-management?
You take responsibility for the daily treatment of your condition. You make choices surrounding medication, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle issues that protect or damage your health. Your care team helps you understand your options and the consequences of your decisions; you are the one who, on a daily basis, makes lifestyle choices and chooses to follow your plan of care. You are responsible for doing what is recommended by your care team.
Self-management includes choosing a doctor and care team that you trust and believe in. You may need to evaluate their beliefs about what "healthy" means; choose professionals who will work with you on achieving your goals and establishing what is important to you.
Why should I self-manage?
Our tendency as human beings is to not learn about something and not concern ourselves with changing old ways until we are compelled to do so because something has gone wrong. When you have a chronic condition, you must take a proactive, preventative stance. The results of not making informed daily choices could be severe.
How do I self-manage?
Inform yourself as much as possible by seeking information and asking a lot of questions. Making choices that are protective of your health can help guard against numerous, more serious complications. Learn about choices you can make to decrease your risks. Find resources that can help you make the changes you need to make.