By Barby Ingle, PNN Columnist

People with chronic pain-related medical conditions are at higher risk for infection, falls, poor posture, complications, mental health issues and other challenges. There are things we can do to help lower these risks and live fuller, longer, happier and healthier lives.

Tip #1: Have good communication with your medical providers. Your medical team can include specialists in primary care, pain management, rheumatology, dentistry, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, gynecology, podiatry, surgery, physical therapy and nursing. The more proactive you are in communicating with your providers, the better and faster they can assist you in proper care.

Tip #2: Keep your weight under control. Maintaining an ideal weight as a pain patient can be difficult. You can lose your appetite and not eat enough, or overeat to help deal with the stress of being ill. You may even have cravings for goodies because the pain is so bad. We need something good in our life, right?

Maintaining a good body weight can be very helpful. I use the Noom healthy eating app, gut health testing through Viome, and self-discipline to better control my weight. I watch what I eat and look for healthy treat items that I can enjoy when others around me are having their goodies, helping me to stay social.

Healthy eating needs to be individualized. What is good for me to eat is not always good for others. Find your dietary recommendations and stick to them whenever possible.

Tip #3: Drink plenty of water. I know, I know. Water can be so dull. But drinking the right amount of water increases your energy and helps you focus more. Improved concentration and memory enable you to take on more in life and stay active.

Drinking water can also help you feel fuller and avoid overeating. Water flushes out toxins that we build up from high pain levels, the environment, and other lifestyle choices. Good hydration improves your skin texture, helps it stay elastic and makes you look younger. 

Tip #4: Exercise regularly. I know it’s much easier said than done. Even if you just reduce your sitting and screen time, making the change can help. Know your physical boundaries. For example, if you have a catheter and are not supposed to lift over 10 pounds, don’t do it. Stick to simple household tasks, such as moving the clothes from the washer to the dryer or engage in light sweeping.

During the pandemic, I started doing stretches and light yoga moves while watching TV. Many great exercise shows can be found on television, YouTube and the Internet. Even if you cannot touch your toes like the person in the video can, you can still stretch in that position. Make it a goal to improve your range of motion. Goal setting and a plan of action can help improve vascular flow, blood pressure and other health benefits.

Tip #5: Improve your sleep. A good night’s sleep not only helps reduce pain, it improves your brain performance and mood, and helps lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and obesity. 

Tip #6: Do not smoke or drink to excess. Work to do it less and less each day. I know it’s hard, but I also know it is possible to limit yourself or even quit. 

None of these tips will cure pain. They are tools to help improve your daily living despite your pain. We are told them while growing up, but often life gets in the way and we need a reminder to check our self-care tools and improve the manageable areas of life.

Best wishes in all you do to live a happier, more productive and healthier life! 

Barby Ingle is a reality TV personality living with multiple rare and chronic diseases. She is a chronic pain educator, patient advocate, motivational speaker, and best-selling author on pain topics. Barby has received over 25 awards for her advocacy efforts. You can follow her at www.barbyingle.com.