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Five Factors Influence Recovery While cause and treatment of any disease are highly complex, we can definitely say that physical well-being depends upon five factors, some of which, such as genetic make-up, are beyond your ability to change, but others, such as diet, are clearly within your power to do something about.
1. Past - and UNCHANGEABLE - Physical Factors Genetic predisposition Exposure to environmental risks General health and vitality Diet Alcohol consumption Smoking Type of disease Stage of disease at time of diagnosis Age at onset of disease Type of medical treatment up to present 2. Past - and UNCHANGEABLE - Non-Physical Factors Ability to relax and reduce stress Regular use of imagery and meditation techniques Sense of well-being Sense of control and purpose in life Social support Coping techniques and skill in dealing with challenges 3. Current - and CHANGEABLE - Physical Factors Exposure to environmental risks Healthy Diet Moderate or no alcohol consumption No smoking Exercise Comprehensive medical treatment 4. Current - and CHANGEABLE - Non-Physical Factors Coping skills Reaction to stressors Use of relaxation, imagery and meditation techniques Knowing self-care techniques for symptoms and side effects Sense of self Sense of purpose in life Social support Coping techniques and skill in dealing with challenges 5. UNQUANTIFIABLE -- and CHANGEABLE -- Factors Will to live Hope Faith Spiritual perspective Note that there is more than one thing you can do to affect health. Recognizing these factors can give you something to focus upon beyond your concern about recovery. © Copyright 1998, Revised 2002, Arlene F. Harder, MA, MFT |
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