Some diseases, such as infertility, cancer, asthma, and diabetes may not be curable. Still, they are treatable with medication and lifestyle changes that reduce the negative affect on your daily life. There are many different actions you can take starting on the day of diagnosis that will improve your quality of life and allow you to enjoy every day. The InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID, Inc.) shares some tips.

Arm yourself with information.

The first thing anyone should do after being diagnosed with a disease or condition is to learn. Although it might feel like a lot to take in, there are reliable sites – We suggest starting with the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus. Both organizations provide reliable information written specifically for patients. Be cautious not to diagnose yourself or change your treatment plan based on articles you find on the internet. While it is important for you as a patient to remain proactive, your doctor and others on your healthcare team should be a source of information.

Become an active self-advocate. Print the articles and take them to your provider for an open discussion. Your physician and healthcare professionals should work together with you in concert to support you with healthcare goals.

Find an accessible home you can afford.

If your home does not lend well to your recovery or quality of life, it might be time to move. Start by evaluating how much home you can afford, which will involve taking a close look at your credit score and taking steps to improve your rating. and then look for an agent to help you search before you get approved for a loan. Let your agent know what you need. For example, if your current home has stairs and you suffer from pain, make sure they help you look exclusively for single-story properties. Eliminate stress by hiring a reputable service providers. Get written estimates for service.

Prioritize your overall wellness.

While your daily actions may not have contributed to your current diagnosis, the things you do now can help mitigate the effects of many issues. For example, taking yoga lessons can help you manage your breathing, keep your muscles limber, and help you manage stress. Further, prioritizing healthy eating now is essential. The food you eat fuels every cell in your body, and, according to South Carolina Internal Medicine, eating the right foods can boost your immunity and may even reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Make sure your insurance information is up-to-date.

Your life, health, and other insurance plans can help you bridge any financial gaps you might experience because of your disease. Take the time to get all of your information together in one place. Being organized is also crucial if you need to make an appeal due to a denial of coverage. Now is also the perfect time to get your life insurance policies together. Even if you are expected to be able to live with your condition for many years to come, it never hurts to have everything in one place.

Perhaps the most important thing you can when dealing with any type of serious illness is to maintain a positive attitude. The way that we react to both negative and positive situations can have a profound effect on the progression of our disease. If you’re feeling lost or hopeless, talk to your healthcare provider, who may be able to recommend other lifestyle changes or put you in touch with a therapist that can help you work through your emotions as you deal with this unsettling news. Most of all, remember that your disease doesn’t define you, and there are many things that you can control even when you feel helpless.