A serious illness or life-threatening illness is a disease or health condition that comes with a shorter life expectancy or higher risk of death. Serious or life-threatening illnesses are usually chronic—meaning they persist for a long time or constantly return—and may severely limit or negatively impact a person’s daily living and quality of life.
Examples of serious or life-threatening illnesses in adults are heart failure, metastatic cancer (or cancer that has spread to multiple parts of the body), diabetes, COPD, and neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. In children, examples of serious or life-threatening illnesses are cystic fibrosis, diabetes, heart conditions, and neurological diseases.
According to The American Journal of Accountable Care, at least 12 million adults and half a million children in the United States are living with a serious illness.
Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed with a serious illness or you’ve been living with a serious illness for years—the reality is scary and filled with many unknowns. Support from loved ones and professionals are critical to staying as well as possible.
How Can I Help?
Management
Certain illnesses might be sufficiently managed for a time by adjusting food and beverage choices. I can help you determine if your illness could be better managed through diet and lifestyle choices and what those choices might be.
Symptom Relief
As an RDN, I can work alongside you and counsel you on how you might be able to adjust your food and beverage choices to help manage some of the symptoms you’re experiencing as a side effect of your illness or treatments.
Symptoms could include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Skin breakdown
Quality of Life
Incorporating certain foods, beverages and lifestyle changes can play a role in increasing your energy and quality of life. These choices also can play a role in relieving constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and may help you get better sleep, help maintain lean muscle mass and prevent weight loss. These factors work together to enhance your overall quality of life, making you better equipped to handle your illness and live as well as possible. I can work with you to determine what nutrition and lifestyle changes might directly impact your quality of life.
Supplement Guidance
Certain supplements can counteract or interfere with your medications and treatments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, and many may have more or less of the advertised ingredient—and some may have ingredients not listed on the label.
If you’re interested in taking supplements, it is very important to seek the guidance of a professional before doing so. As a food and nutrition professional, I can help you navigate the murky waters of supplements to help you stay safe.
Contact me to set up a complimentary call to discover if my services are right for you.