FSR Recommendations for Good Self-Care
FSR is a strong advocate for patients following good self-care routines. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as well as staying on top of your mental health, patients can ensure a better quality of life.
Stay Active
While one of the main symptoms of sarcoidosis is fatigue, patients are still encouraged to participate in light to moderate exercise when possible. Staying active increases bone and muscle strength, which helps you maintain mobility and keeps your body working efficiently. It also can boost your mood.
Eat Right
A healthy diet is just as important as exercise. Patients should aim to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, and choose lean, healthy fats. Foods rich in antioxidants are also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially reduce some symptoms. If you’re a smoker, quit. 90% of sarcoidosis cases affect the lungs. Smoking only causes further damage and will dramatically worsen symptoms.
Manage Stress and Mental Health
Having a chronic illness can increase stress and affect your mental health. The frustration of treatment and the symptoms of sarcoidosis are daunting, but it is important to find ways to cope with these feelings. Stress can exacerbate your physical symptoms, and your interpersonal relationships may be affected as well. FSR offers online resources to help you find a local support group or join our online support community on Inspire. Talking with other patients can provide an outlet for your emotions and help build a strong support system. If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor to see what steps you can take next.
Ask For Advice
Since sarcoidosis is a rare disease, it can be difficult to find good information. If you don’t know anyone else who has sarcoidosis, it can be hard to know who to turn to. FSR aims to bridge those gaps by providing resources and support as well as connecting patients with one another. You can seek advice from many of our blog posts, our online support community, and our Patients Advocates.
Get Involved
FSR urges patients to be an involved member of the sarcoidosis community. Whether it’s through support groups, raising awareness and hosting fundraisers, participating in clinical trials or joining the FSR patient registry, there are many opportunities for patients to get involved and be proactive to help stop sarcoidosis.