Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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It's a fact of life for millions of Americans, chronic medical problems.
For some they get worse over time, and for others it's a matter of keeping things under control.
There is a book that can help. It's a guide to healing. Even in the face of problems that have no known cure.
David Spero: "AS EVERYBODY IN THIS ROOM KNOWS, WHEN YOU HAVE A CHRONIC ILLNESS THEY CANNOT FIX YOU, BECAUSE OUR BODIES ARE NOT MACHINES."
Like millions of others, the people in this room are living with a chronic illness, diabetes.
David Spero, a registered nurse and health coach, speaks from experience.
David Spero: "I DON'T HAVE DIABETES, BUT I DO HAVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS."
He says whether it's diabetes, hiv-aids, or heart disease, chronic conditions have a lot in common. His motto, illness is the best teacher, awareness is the best medicine, and self-care is the best care.
David Spero, Registered Nurse & Health Coach: "YOU KNOW, 95% OF THE TIME YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN, SO LEARNING TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF IS CLEARLY THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN LEARNING TO MANAGE A CHRONIC ILLNESS LIKE DIABETES OR ANY OTHER."
It's a philosophy he shares in his book "The Art of Getting Well", a 5 step plan for maximizing health when you have a chronic illness." He likens it to a martial art, emphasizing awareness flexibility and balance.
David Spero, Registered Nurse & Health Coach: "THE CAUSES OF CHRONIC ILLNESSES ARE COMPLEX, AND THEY'RE NOT OUR FAULT. BUT IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DEFEND OURSELVES AND TO DO THE BEST WE CAN."
That means slow down, listen to your body.
Change things that are harmful to you, habits or relationships, and get the help you need.
David Spero, Registered Nurse & Health Coach: "IF YOUR LIFE HAS A LOT OF POSITIVES, A LOT OF MEANING, AND A LOT OF VALUE TO YOU AND PLEASURE, AND FUN, THEN YOU ARE GOING TO WANT TO DO THE THINGS THAT YOU NEED TO DO AND YOUR BODY WILL PROBABLY WORK BETTER TOO."
