How to Incorporate Exercise Into Your Chronic Care Plan

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as six in ten adults living in the United States have a chronic disease and as many as four in ten have more than one. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, stroke, cancer, etc. are the leading cause of disability and the death of the patient in the U.S. Keep in mind that these numbers don’t even take chronic conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), asthma, or chronic back pain into account.

The good news? There are lots of chronic care management strategies to help with chronic conditions. For example, according to the Mayo Clinic, getting regular exercise can help those dealing with a chronic illness manage their symptoms and stay healthy (therefore helping them avoid another chronic illness). Check out the best ways to incorporate exercise into your care plan.

Get the best face mask for exercising outside your home.

The Mayo Clinic notes that high-intensity exercise such as biking, running, or taking a jog can improve heart health, increase endurance, and aid in weight loss (which helps chronic illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes). According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly everyone with a chronic condition can benefit from incorporating regular workouts. (Warning: depending on your chronic condition, consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.) Even in the face of the coronavirus, exercise is important. But, finding ways to stay active while following CDC guidelines concerning the coronavirus can be challenging. Precautions such as social distancing, hand washing, and wearing face coverings are still the best way to stay safe from COVID-19.

If you’re a runner, cyclist, or enjoy a brisk walk, getting a mask for running is going to be great for any outdoor activities and will be effective in a public setting in case you need to stop at the grocery store afterward. While N95 masks are the best option to filter out infectious droplets, they may not be the right fit for a runner’s face mask as they are hot and make it feel harder to breathe. However, the NxTSTOP’s mask offers filtration while still giving you optimal airflow. The breathable material (polyester) is lightweight while resisting moisture.

Unlike gaiter masks, bandanas, medical masks, or other cloth masks; this cloth mask made from polyester comes with a strap that fits closely to the face so it will stay in place preventing the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining a lightweight feel. For the runners and the cyclists that enjoy a high-intensity workout, get the best face mask known for breathability and moisture-wicking. NxTSTOP’s masks not only repel moisture, but they are also designed to keep you cool and comfortable (adjustable ear loops give you a secure fit around your nose and the front of your mouth).

Consider a chronic care management plan.

Depending on the chronic illness you’re dealing with, you could need a whole care team of doctors and, in some cases, a caregiver and other health care services. By enrolling in a chronic care management program you will be assisted with a comprehensive care plan that helps you find the best ways to treat your chronic disease and improve your life. The clinical nurse specialists and wellness coaches at HMC HealthWorks, Inc. work on behavioral changes that focus on prevention (of other diseases or worsening of your condition) and customized solutions to your care plan.

They also offer other services for a comprehensive care plan such as medication management and assistance with understanding your medical coverage and bills (Medicaid services, whether Medicare patients are legible for any reimbursements, etc.). The care team at HMC HealthWorks, Inc. has a track record of chronic care management services that enhance the quality of life and drive down healthcare costs for the patient. Consider looking into all their chronic care management services today.

Try practicing yoga.

Yoga is not only great for the body, but it is also great to help calm the mind (and let’s be honest – having a chronic condition is often accompanied by a lot of stress). According to the Mayo Clinic, strength training and flexibility exercises (such as yoga, lifting weights, etc.) can make it easier for those with chronic conditions to do daily activities, slow disease-related declines in muscle strength, and help encourage stability in the joints reducing the risk of falls. Stretching in this way can also aid some in pain management associated with some chronic health conditions.

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