Chronic illnesses are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Today, there is an increased understanding of the multidimensional influences that self-care can have on chronic disease. There are effective self-care strategies that can help people with chronic illnesses improve their health and quality of life. This article discusses some positive lifestyle changes that individuals can make in order to mitigate some of the symptoms of their chronic illness and help them live a more comfortable, pain-free life.

Although illness affects every person at some point in their life, being chronically ill is typically a socially stigmatized condition. The experience of illness itself may have a negative impact on people’s self-esteem, as they experience such things as pain, discomfort, changes in appearance and a loss of control over their own bodies. Just as significantly, however, the social stigma that comes along with serious illnesses can deal a heavy blow to self-esteem and body image.

Caregiving is perhaps the most loving, but also the most challenging, responsibility a person can take on. And it’s a responsibility that falls disproportionately on women of the sandwich generation.