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      • ER Alternatives
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      • Member Support & Assistance Program
        • In-home Care from Landmark Health
        • In-home Health Assessments with Signify Health®´
        • Personalized Support for Disease Management
        • Quality Optimizer
        • Additional Programs
      • Mental Health
      • Supporting Caregivers
    • Manage Your Health
      • Managing Diabetes
      • Preventive Care
      • Flu Prevention
      • Chronic Care
      • Fall Prevention
      • Urinary Incontinence
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  • Member Resources
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      • Plan Documents
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Chronic Care

What Is Chronic Disease?

A chronic disease is a condition that affects your health and can be controlled but not cured. Examples of chronic diseases include:

  • Allergies

  • Alzheimer's

  • Asthma

  • Breast cancer

  • Diabetes

  • Heart disease 

Often patients have more than one chronic disease. The good news is that many chronic diseases can be prevented, and, if you have one, it can be effectively controlled. Please be sure to see your doctor regularly.

How Do I Avoid a Chronic Disease?

To avoid a chronic disease or to make one easier to live with, start by making some lifestyle changes:

Eliminate all tobacco products

All tobacco products put you at a higher risk for chronic illness. As soon as you stop using tobacco, your body begins to recover from its harmful effects. 

  • Learn more about eliminating tobacco products.

Eat a heart-healthy diet

A heart-healthy diet is one that includes 

  • Vegetables

  • Fruits

  • Whole grains

  • Non-fat or low-fat dairy products

  • Lean meats

  • Fish

  • Poultry

Try to increase the amount of fiber and nutrients you eat, and limit your fat, calorie, and salt intake to a moderate amount. Nutritionists generally agree that you should get about 30 percent of your calories from fat, preferably unsaturated fats like:

  • Olive

  • Canola

  • Vegetable oils

  • Nuts, seeds, and peanuts

  • If you have dietary restrictions, such as diabetes or low salt, try these tasty recipes.

Follow an appropriate exercise program

Exercise can help you prevent or cope with a health challenge. The right exercise program can give you more energy and increases your strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination—plus it can help ease pain and improve your sleep and outlook.

Ask your doctor to help you find an exercise program that's right for you. For specific tips read Exercise Ideas for Older Adults.

Learn to manage stress

Stress is part of life. It's our body's way of protecting us from a perceived threat. However, if stress goes on for too long, it can accelerate the aging process. Some ways to cope with stress include:

  • Taking care of yourself

  • Getting regular exercise

  • Sharing your feelings

  • Learning how to relax 

  • Find out more about managing stress

Get enough sleep

Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults: seven to nine hours per night, on average, says the National Institute of Aging. If you're having trouble getting enough sleep at night, read about common sleep disorders and talk to you doctor.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an HMO and PPO Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts depends on contract renewal. Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont are the legal entities that have contracted as a joint enterprise with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and are the risk-bearing entities for Blue MedicareRx (PDP) plans. The joint enterprise is a Medicare-approved Part D Sponsor. Enrollment in Blue MedicareRx (PDP) depends on contract renewal.

You can file a complaint if you feel that you received inaccurate, misleading or inappropriate information. Please call Member Service at 1-800-200-4255 (TTY users call: 711). If your complaint involves a broker or agent, be sure to include the name of the broker/agent when filing your complaint.

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Last Updated: 01/01/2023

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