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Living and coping with a disease like Lupus can be very stressful and the patients should take extra care and effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle. First and foremost the patient should learn to recognize the warning signs of Lupus flare up and immediately seek medical attention.
Regular preventive health care along with gynecological and breast examination is a must for women affected by Lupus. If the patient is taking corticosteroids or antimalarial medications, a yearly eye exam should be done to screen for and treat eye problems.
More than the physical symptoms, the patients will have to deal with the mental stress of having a chronic disorder. Many patients find relief in relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation and exercise.
It is essential to draw up an activity chart for daily workouts of aerobic exercises and swimming. Aerobics build endurance in the patients and swimming relieves the stress in the affected muscles.
A few other things that help with stress relief are:
- Practicing Stress Management
- Meditation, Yoga or Tai Chi
- Listening to calm and harmonious music
- Keeping a journal about important events in your life
It is essential for the patients to have a good support system of family, friends and medical professionals. Finding help through support groups and other Lupus patients not only provides emotional help and support but can also boost self esteem
It also helps to learn more about the disease because it can help the patient recognize the warning signals of a flare up and also seek alternative treatments if the present one is not working. |
