(NC) Overeating – and usually not the good stuff – along with less exercise and less shut-eye typically mark our holidays. Pressures at this time mean we may not be at our best. And those stressors on top of one or more chronic or long-lasting health conditions makes maintaining your health an even trickier challenge. 

Respiratory virus infections also tend to increase now, as do hospitalizations and trips to the ER for people with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). 

But some planning and concerted effort can help ensure that chronic conditions don’t flare up or worsen over the holiday season.

Here are some tips:

• Keep your expectations of what you can commit to realistic.
• Make healthy food choices as often as possible.
• Get regular, condition-appropriate exercise, as well as the sleep you need. 
• Get help from friends and family to ease your load.
• Listen to your body. If your condition worsens, seek medical help immediately; don’t wait until after the holidays. 
• Continue to follow your treatment plan and inform yourself to the fullest about how to manage your condition effectively yourself with a program like Telehomecare.

Telehomecare is a free program delivered through the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) and many health regions in Ontario that provides in-home support for patients with COPD and CHF. It includes weekly health coaching sessions by phone and remote monitoring of important vital signs and symptoms by a specially trained nurse.

The program provides easy-to-use equipment like a weight scale and blood pressure device to help patients start monitoring changes in their symptoms that could mean their condition requires more attention and management. 

Learn more at myvirtualhealth.ca.