Almost half of all Americans live with at least one chronic condition. The medical care costs of people who have chronic diseases account for more than 75 percent of the nation’s medical bill. Still, if you have a chronic condition, much of the care needed to manage your illness comes down to you—what you know, how well you stick with your treatment plan, and how you cope mentally and emotionally with the challenges your condition presents.

The following recommendations can help you control your condition, which in turn can lower the costs of care.

• Learn as much as you can about your illness. Knowledge is power, particularly when it comes to medical conditions. Keeping up with new treatments can help you be proactive about trying them. To do so, sign up for e-mail health news downloads from reputable sources, and bring up any questions you might have about them when you see your doctor.
• Take control. Many chronic illnesses are unpredictable. That said, in the midst of changing symptoms, there are things you can control. Among them: taking your medications on time and in the proper amounts, keeping scheduled follow-up appointments with your care team, and sticking with recommended lifestyle changes.
• Solve problems creatively. If your condition limits you in any way, work with your doctor, family, and friends to find ways to work around those limitations. For example, if macular degeneration has made reading difficult, order large-print books and newspapers or illuminated magnifiers.
• Join a support group. You can find groups that meet in person and groups that exist online. Either way, you can share empathy and understanding with others coping with similar challenges.
• Follow your treatment plan. Whether you have arthritis, asthma, or heart disease, you should have a treatment plan from your doctor. It should include when and how much medication to take, recommended screening tests to track your condition, and warning signs that indicate you should call your physician or 911.

Chronic diseases are challenging. Focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t, and work to maintain hope. That approach can help you meet your physical and emotional challenges.

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