Smart strategies for managing multiple health conditions

Keeping track of your medications, doctor appointments and symptoms is a lot of work if you have more than one health problem. It can feel overwhelming and lonely. But it’s something a lot of us struggle with. Forty percent of all Americans have two or more chronic conditions.* That number jumps to 80 percent among people ages 65 and older.*

Ready for a helping hand? It’s here! Put these eight tried-and-true tips from both medical professionals and patients to work to take back control of your health.

Ask your doctor to review your medications

About one in four Americans takes at least three medications a day. And one in eight takes more than five.* If you’re taking multiple medications, you might need them all. But it’s also possible some of those drugs are doing the same work. Or that you no longer need a medication you’ve been taking for a while. Or maybe there’s a newer, better version and it’s time to upgrade.

These are all good reasons to talk to your health care provider about the drugs you are prescribed, says Daniel Atkinson, MD, a general practice physician at the online health service Treated. Your provider can look at your treatment plan and help you create a better one.

They might suggest a medication that combines the work of two of your drugs, for example. Which means you’ll have fewer pills to keep track of. Or they could offer alternatives that help you steer clear of unwanted side effects. It’s a good idea to have this conversation at least once a year to be sure you’re on the best possible track.

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Keep track of your test results

Dr. Atkinson recommends that you ask for copies of hospital and lab records and doctors’ notes so you can understand your health condition better. This way, you can track your progress and watch for changes, both good and bad. And it gives you time to process your health information on your own. Then, if new questions or concerns crop up, you can bring them up at your next appointment.

Electronic medical record apps like MyChart let you go online to access medical records, view test results and send questions to members of your care team. Your doctor’s office can show you how to use their app of choice. Or they can print out paper copies if that’s what you prefer.

Schedule your appointments wisely

It’s best to schedule appointments in the morning. That’s when you have the most energy, says Robyn Onyskiw, who has fibromyalgia and lives in Alberta, Canada. She also suggests that you don’t schedule more than two appointments a day. “More than that drains my energy and adds to my pain level and fatigue,” she says.

Practice healthy daily habits

When you have multiple health problems, the last thing you want is one more. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can go a long way toward improving your health now and fending off added problems. Here are 5 good-for-you habits to embrace.

• Eat a healthy diet. It doesn’t have to be complicated or hard. Just aim to fill up with plenty of fruits and veggies, and cut down on salt, sugar and saturated fat. They raise the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These healthy choices help keep your energy levels steady and your weight and blood pressure in a healthy range, says Dr. Atkinson.
   
• Move as much as you are able. Experts say to aim for 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) of moderate exercise every week. Examples include brisk walking, riding a bike and housework like cleaning and mowing the lawn. Not only does this help you to stay physically healthy, it also helps clear your head to stay mentally healthy, says Dr. Atkinson. If 150 minutes is too much, that’s OK. Just do what you can, when you’re able — every little bit helps.
   
• Get enough sleep. Try to get seven to nine hours per night. “This helps you keep balanced energy levels, so you don’t feel as run down and more likely to forget to take medications,” says Dr. Atkinson. Keep electronics out of your bedroom whenever possible. They can interfere with your sleep.
   
• Don’t smoke or drink too much. If you do smoke, it’s time to quit. Cigarettes increase your risk for almost any health problem. And limit the number of alcoholic drinks you have to less than two a day. This will help boost energy and improve sleep, so you can manage your health conditions better, says Dr. Atkinson.
   
• Practice self-care. It’s important to set aside time for yourself, says Mark Joseph, who has chronic breathing and eye problems. “Create a plan that works for you and stick to it to help keep your body healthy and your mind in check.” Joseph practices yoga every day. Other ideas include meditation, relaxation techniques or just spending some quiet time to pay attention to how you are feeling.

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Schedule an annual wellness exam

You may already have a lot of doctor appointments, but this one is very important. Covered by Medicare, it’s a yearly chance to reset with your primary care provider. And to create or update your prevention plan. "This is a way to celebrate your health,” says Krista Elkins, RN, a registered nurse in Bozeman, MT. She recommends that you schedule it on a familiar or important date every year, so you won’t forget to do it.

Keep a symptom journal

It can be hard to keep track of symptoms, especially if they change or are unpredictable. But it’s important to stay on top of those details. They can help you and your provider make decisions about treatment and lifestyle changes, says Elkins.

Find a notebook or notepad to use as a symptom tracker. Write down what symptoms you have, how often you have them and how they make you feel. Share this information with your provider each time you meet.

Set up a support system

Family and friends can help you manage your conditions better, says Joseph. “A solid support system can help you feel understood and motivated to make the best decisions for your health,” he says. Recently, Joseph even made a new friend while he was waiting for a doctor’s appointment. “Connecting with others who have been through similar issues is a valuable source of strength,” he says.

Educate yourself

We’re not talking about going back to high school or college. But you should try to learn as much as you can about the health conditions you have. That knowledge is powerful, says Joseph. Ask your doctor to suggest reliable websites where you can find out more about current research and treatments. Once you understand your health situation better, it will be easier to ask the right questions at your doctor appointments.

*FOR 40 PERCENT OF AMERICANS HAVE CHRONIC CONDITIONS SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic diseases in America. December 13, 2022. Accessed May 10, 2024.

*FOR 80 PERCENT OF AMERICANS HAVE CHRONIC CONDITIONS SOURCE: National Council on Aging. Get the facts on healthy aging. October 20, 2023. Accessed May 10, 2024.

*FOR MEDICATIONS PER DAY STATISTICS SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Therapeutic drug use. November 3, 2023. Accessed May 10, 2024.

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