HSE South West Press Release: Expert advice for people living with long-term health conditions

HSE South West Self-Management Support Co-ordinator Maeve Carmody has timely advice for people living with chronic or long-term health conditions to take steps to keep well this winter.

Examples of long-term health conditions include Diabetes, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Cardiovascular Disease (heart failure, angina, stroke, irregular heartbeat) amongst others. You are more vulnerable to illness in winter if you have a chronic condition. The weather itself and viral infections such as flu can cause health complications.

Maeve said:

“No one likes being ill or wants to spend time in hospital, especially over the Christmas period, so we all need to take responsibility and look after ourselves as best we can.”

Maeve’s Tips to Keep Well this Winter

Get vaccinated: “Get your annual flu vaccine and stay up-to-date on other recommended vaccines, such as the pneumococcal vaccine. Having a long-term health condition can make it harder to fight infections such as the flu. Encourage those close to you to get the flu vaccine also.”

Follow your medical plan: “Take all prescribed medications, including inhalers, as directed.”

Practice good hygiene: “Wash your hands often, especially after being in public places, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.”

Avoid triggers: “If you have a respiratory or lung condition such as asthma or COPD avoid tobacco smoke, strong odours, dust, chemicals, and fumes that might aggravate your condition.”

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: “Stay active with regular, light exercise, and rest when needed.

Eat a healthy balanced diet.

Stay hydrated.”

Know the warning signs:

“Be aware of the early warning signs that indicate you might be at risk of a flare up.

Refer to your written action or self-management plan for specific instructions on what to do when your symptoms worsen.

Contact your GP or healthcare team when you notice worsening symptoms to get prompt treatment and prevent them from becoming more serious.”

Supports:

Support can come from many sources - your GP and healthcare team, family and friends. Some people find it helpful to join a support group and to talk with other people who have the same health condition.

• In Cork there are three COPD Support and exercise groups. These groups meet each week in Hollyhill, Ballyphehane and Mallow. For more information call Katie from COPD Support Ireland on 083 086 4118 or email support@copd.ie.
• For more information about Type 1 diabetes Support Groups go to www.thriveabetes.ie/diabetes-support-groups.
• The Irish Heart Foundation offers a monthly peer-led heart support meet up. For more information and to register your interest email heartservice@irishheart.ie

There are many organisations that offer support for specific conditions. They have websites with information and telephone advice or support lines to help you manage your health condition. These are some of the organisations that may be able to help:

• Asthma Ireland www.asthma.ie
• COPD Support Ireland www.copd.ie
• Diabetes Ireland www.diabetes.ie
• Diabetes www.thriveabetes.ie
• Irish Heart Foundation www.irishheart.ie
• Croi (heart and stroke) www.croi.ie

More information can also be found on www.hse.ie/selfmanagementsupport and https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/winter/advice-patients-with-chronic-conditions/