Living with Chronic Conditions

Millions of us suffer from chronic illnesses, from asthma and diabetes to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic illnesses are persistent and long lasting. Our experts—including those with chronic conditions—offer tips, treatments and advice to ease the burden.

Tip the scale in your favor

Monitoring your weight daily can help you today and in the long term.

  • By: Len Canter, HealthDay
  • December 15, 2018
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Have anemia? An app and a fingernail may be able to tell

Test accuracy is on par with currently available point-of-care tests, without the need to draw blood.

  • By: Robert Preidt, HealthDay
  • December 12, 2018
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Few Americans have optimal ‘metabolic health’

It takes a lifetime commitment. Start by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

  • By: Robert Preidt, HealthDay
  • December 10, 2018
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Take a break, just for you, and remember that everything does not need to be perfect. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

Feeling anxious? 5 survival tips for the holidays

Simplify, set limits and manage your expectations to enjoy the season without the stress.

  • By: Health Beat staff
  • December 9, 2018
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Snow shoveling in cold weather can be quite dangerous for your heart. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

Put down the shovel

Take to heart this warning if you have any heart attack risk factors or symptoms. Really.

  • By: Health Beat staff
  • December 8, 2018
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Pets double as asthma antidote

Early exposure to cats and dogs may offer some protection from developing allergies and some chronic lung conditions.

  • By: Len Canter, HealthDay
  • December 5, 2018
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5 ways to get more whole grains into your diet

Including these great grains in your diet will up your fiber game.

  • By: Len Canter, HealthDay
  • December 4, 2018
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Patient Story

‘She was near death’

Charlotte Drinkall almost died on a family vacation. After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, her life completely changed.

  • Marie Havenga
  • By: Marie Havenga
  • November 30, 2018
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Keep your gut's mix of bacteria healthy, and chronic illnesses might be kept at bay. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

It’s all about the gut

Explore the link between digestive health and chronic disease.

  • By: Christine Khamis, PA-C
  • November 29, 2018
  • 1

Dining out with allergies is tough

Use these top 5 strategies to protect yourself.

  • By: Serena Gordon, HealthDay
  • November 28, 2018
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1 in 12 U.S. kids has a food allergy

It's likely that those who have this issue in childhood will also have it in adulthood.

  • By: Steven Reinberg, HealthDay
  • November 27, 2018
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Patient Story

‘They really bent over backwards to help me’

When wrist pain afflicted 97-year-old World War II veteran Norius Crisan, he found quick relief.

  • Bev Snyder
  • By: Bev Snyder
  • November 26, 2018
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