romoting happiness and wellbeing while facing medical challenges demands a comprehensive approach that tackles personal and systemic obstacles. The increasing impact of chronic illness and the rise of rare diseases in the workforce often go unnoticed, leading to immense frustration and stress for patients and caregivers due to a lack of understanding of the disease burden.
Over the past decade, the count of recognized rare diseases has consistently hovered between 7,000 and 8,000, gradually increasing. However, according to RareX's Power of Being Counted report from June 2022, this count has surged to 10,867, marking a more than one–third increase.
In medical crises, small acts of kindness from healthcare professionals or colleagues can help patients find balance and a sense of purpose despite profound physiological challenges. Peer support groups, facilitated by professionals with firsthand chronic disease experience, provide a confidential space for patients to connect with others who empathize with their struggles.
Understanding their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the need for accommodations, such as flexible work schedules or remote work options, is crucial for individuals navigating illness and employment. Additional health issues, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns often accompany stress and anxiety, compounding the challenges faced by patients and caregivers. Factors like reactions to medication, diet, and weight loss further impact these conditions. Navigating complex healthcare systems while balancing work exacerbates stress, adding to the burden of managing complex medical conditions.
Resilience–building enables patients to cope effectively with stressors, impacting their mental and physical health. Recognizing these knowledgeable, loyal, and committed employees as assets rather than problems to be solved is essential for fostering a supportive work environment and increasing productivity.
Work stress can exacerbate pre-existing diseases due to the cumulative effects of "wear and tear," underscoring the significance of stress. Equip human resources and managers with the policies and tools they need to make accommodations and offer flexibility to mitigate adverse health effects on employees, including assisting in career transitions when necessary.
Let's also remember the impact of small, simple acts of kindness, such as the Cards2Warriors initiative. This program collaborates with brands to send uplifting cards to patients with chronic pain, rare diseases, and disabilities.
Promoting happiness and wellbeing involves addressing personal and systemic barriers, offering support and understanding to individuals facing medical challenges, and fostering resilience in coping with stressors. By recognizing the importance of mental and physical health in both personal and professional spheres, we can work toward a healthier and happier society.
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Acts of kindness bolster happiness, wellbeing
March 20, 2024
In medical crises, small acts of kindness from healthcare professionals or colleagues can help patients find balance and a sense of purpose despite profound physiological challenges. These acts can also increase our happiness and improve wellbeing outcomes, writes Lisa Gable.
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romoting happiness and wellbeing while facing medical challenges demands a comprehensive approach that tackles personal and systemic obstacles. The increasing impact of chronic illness and the rise of rare diseases in the workforce often go unnoticed, leading to immense frustration and stress for patients and caregivers due to a lack of understanding of the disease burden.
Over the past decade, the count of recognized rare diseases has consistently hovered between 7,000 and 8,000, gradually increasing. However, according to RareX's Power of Being Counted report from June 2022, this count has surged to 10,867, marking a more than one–third increase.
In medical crises, small acts of kindness from healthcare professionals or colleagues can help patients find balance and a sense of purpose despite profound physiological challenges. Peer support groups, facilitated by professionals with firsthand chronic disease experience, provide a confidential space for patients to connect with others who empathize with their struggles.
Understanding their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the need for accommodations, such as flexible work schedules or remote work options, is crucial for individuals navigating illness and employment. Additional health issues, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns often accompany stress and anxiety, compounding the challenges faced by patients and caregivers. Factors like reactions to medication, diet, and weight loss further impact these conditions. Navigating complex healthcare systems while balancing work exacerbates stress, adding to the burden of managing complex medical conditions.
Resilience–building enables patients to cope effectively with stressors, impacting their mental and physical health. Recognizing these knowledgeable, loyal, and committed employees as assets rather than problems to be solved is essential for fostering a supportive work environment and increasing productivity.
Work stress can exacerbate pre-existing diseases due to the cumulative effects of "wear and tear," underscoring the significance of stress. Equip human resources and managers with the policies and tools they need to make accommodations and offer flexibility to mitigate adverse health effects on employees, including assisting in career transitions when necessary.
Let's also remember the impact of small, simple acts of kindness, such as the Cards2Warriors initiative. This program collaborates with brands to send uplifting cards to patients with chronic pain, rare diseases, and disabilities.
Promoting happiness and wellbeing involves addressing personal and systemic barriers, offering support and understanding to individuals facing medical challenges, and fostering resilience in coping with stressors. By recognizing the importance of mental and physical health in both personal and professional spheres, we can work toward a healthier and happier society.
