Tips on Longevity

Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, "The best way to ensure a long productive life is to have a chronic disease and take care of it."  An article was published last year featuring the success tips of patients who have used the machine 25 years or longer.  Here is a summary of that article and how they take care of their chronic disease.

1.  Attitude is everything.  Stave positive and optimistic.  Always remember, bad times will pass.

2.  Get smart.  Learn all you can about your body, your disease and your treatment.    Understand how the machine works.  Take control and stay informed.  Keep an updated medical history and a list of medications ready at all times.

3.  Don't keep secrets from your health care professionals.  They are not mind readers.  Report any changes in wellness immediately, and always follow Doctor's orders completely.

4.  Eat well, feel well and never miss taking your food binders.  Foods normally eaten with a spoon, use a fork instead.  In other words, watch the fluids.  Stay on the dry side of the road.

5.  Be active.  Move around.  Get fit and stay fit.  

6.  Dialyze as much as you can.  Don't ever shorten your treatment time.

7.  Replace tears with humor, surround yourself with great people and always keep a smile on your face.

8.  Get creative with your down time.  Find a hobby, take a class or learn the computer.  Remember, life goes on with dialysis.  Be sure to get a life and live it to the full.

9.  Establish a strong faith.  Think God, and thank Him for His many blessings.

10.  Read, "Dialysis - An Unanticipated Journey" by David Axtmann, a 32+ years Veteran of Hemo.  Know that you are not alone and that there are people everywhere with problems.

My favorite quote came from musician Eubie Blake who said, "If I'd have known I was gonna live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."  This remark was made on his 100th birthday.  

A hundred hugs & a thousand kisses....your friend, Jodi