In Brief: Patient, manage thyself (but coaching may be available)
In Brief
Patient, manage thyself (but coaching may be available)
Illness often used to be swift and severe. Once people became patients, they were too sick to be anything but passive and follow doctor's orders, which were rather simple.
But now we're in the age of chronic illness, moving at deliberate speed: We live for years, if not decades, with conditions like arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. Ideally, doctors don't boss patients around, but advise and enlighten them.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.