Navigating Scleroderma
How Can Lifestyle redesign© Help You?
Enhanced Physical Health through...
Introduction & Incorporation of…
- Symptom tracking/monitoring tools
- Ergonomic, postural, and joint protection principles & strategies
- Inflammation management strategies & routines
- Adaptive devices, off-the-shelf & custom-fabricated orthoses/braces
- Scare/wound prevention & management
- Digestive problems, like acid reflux, bloating, or constipation, management
- Bladder control management
- Hand/foot paresthesia (numbness, tingling, prickling, or burning sensations) management strategies
Development of…
- Flare-up prevention & action plan
- Morning & daytime stiffness management strategies
- Strategies for hand cramping with writing, computer use, etc
- Enjoyable, non-exacerbating physical activity routines & exercise program
- Sleep-promoting habits and insomnia management skills
- Sustainable, inflammation-friendly dietary habits
- Activity analysis & modification skills
Enhanced Mental Health through…
Introduction & Incorporation of…
- Fatigue management & energy conservation strategies
- Restorative rest & mind-body techniques
- Pain neuroscience & management strategies
- Concentration, memory, & productivity strategies for “brain fog.”
- Positive self-talk & counterproductive thought pattern management
Development of…
- Time management & energy conservations skills and habits
- Headache/migraine trigger awareness & action plan
- Proactive & reactive stress coping strategies
- Thought patterns that promote self-esteem, self-efficacy & feeling of control
Enhanced Social Health through...
Self-advocacy & navigating social obligations in…
- Home role(s) as … caregiver, parent, spouse, homemaker, wage earner, etc
- Community role(s) as … volunteer, sport team member, church member, etc
- Work role(s) as … co-worker, employee, manager, entrepreneur, etc.
- Healthcare role as patient – become your own care manager
Development of…
- Assertive communication skills
- Robust social support network with both emotional & practical supports
- Strategies to manage social isolation or loneliness
- Practical modifications to home, community, & work environment
- Disclosure plan to inform/educate family, friends, & coworkers on your condition and needs
Enhanced Spiritual Health through…
Values-based living by means of …
- Identifying core values, one’s “North Star”.
- Reflecting on how closely lifestyle and daily decisions align with core values
- Accepting new limitations & grieving “loss” of past self
- Setting realistic, but aspirational goals to work toward living in congruence with values
- Structuring daily activities to align with values, “redesigning” your lifestyle
Exploration of…
- Worries concerning long-term consequences & condition progression
- Ways illness intrudes on your life, lifestyle, & well-being
- Practices & activities that promote gratitude and hope
- Balancing obligatory, committed, & discretionary activities
Ready to Take the First Step?
The first step to feeling more in control of your health is just a conversation away.
