What you need to know about chronic health conditions

A chronic health condition is an illness that lasts a long time and unfortunately doesn't go away. Managing such a condition can be challenging at times, so seeking knowledge and support is often a good place to start.

With eight years’ experience supporting members managing heart disease and diabetes, HBF dietitian Kate Kenny encourages those managing chronic health conditions to be proactive in seeking support. Here are some notes from our expert.

1. "Chronic conditions include conditions like type 1 and type 2 diabetes, arthritis, coronary heart disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
2. "Learning how to best manage a chronic health condition from the outset can make a big difference. It can be easy to delay treating a chronic health condition. This is because it doesn't tend to be life-threatening or make you feel unwell in the beginning. Learning how to best manage a chronic condition well right from the outset though, can make a big difference in the long term."
3. "Managing a chronic condition can be challenging at times. Some people may benefit from some extra support. The more knowledge and control you have, the better your health is likely to be." You can find some helpful links at the end of this article.
4. "Break the cycle and be proactive. Depending on your condition, understanding how best to manage it can help you feel in control of your health."

How can health insurance help?

• HBF Health Support Programs. These are designed to help eligible members manage chronic health conditions and feel in control.

If you’re an HBF member, you can check what you're covered for by logging on to myHBF or calling us on 133 423.