This has been a stressful year for many. With stress comes new health issues or underlying health issues that have surfaced. Many people have also been hesitant to visit their doctor or the emergency room when unwell, which in turn has led to more serious health concerns. Conditions that might have been less serious if detected earlier may have progressed, resulting in delayed diagnoses and recommendations for necessary behavior modifications. Unfortunately, not taking action promptly can lead to more severe health outcomes. Regardless of the diagnosis, it is crucial to take the right steps to ensure that all essential aspects of your healing process are addressed.
What to Do When Diagnosed
In this series, we will discuss what to do when a newly diagnosed health issue arises and outline the steps needed to develop the best plan of action to optimize your health outcomes.
Pre-contemplative Thoughts on Behavior Modification
Often, thoughts on behavior modification are pre-contemplative prior to diagnosis.
You have received a diagnosis from your healthcare provider. Whether it’s something minor like an allergy or a life-changing condition such as diabetes, cancer, or another chronic disease, a diagnosis requires reviewing your current lifestyle and making long-term positive changes to support your overall health and well-being. Most people initially are not ready to take that step. Defenses often arise, beginning with denial: “Why me?” or “Did I cause this?” Sometimes, blame is placed on others or circumstances. This is part of the grieving process, which can be painful. We all naturally try to make sense of our situation, often placing blame as a way to cope. When uncertain, we tend to look for fault, whether in ourselves or others.
Transitioning to Action
After this stage, questions like “What am I going to do about this?” and “Can I do anything?” emerge. We gradually discern what is within our control and what is not. However, this does not always translate into immediate change. It may involve postponing decisions to process new and important health information. This could involve specific treatments, nutrition adjustments, or lifestyle changes. It is a process of deciding what changes we are willing to make and which we are not.
Often, there are one or more habits or comforts people are reluctant to give up. These habits—such as frequent fast food consumption, a daily coffee ritual, or indulging in a favorite dessert—can provide emotional comfort. People may prefer to maintain these feel-good behaviors momentarily, even if they know deep down these habits might hinder their long-term health and well-being.
The Pre-contemplation Stage
The period before a diagnosis is known as the pre-contemplation stage. Most people experience this as part of the grief process. Knowing something is wrong brings the painful awareness that without treatment, health will decline or further issues will develop. Some treatments are provided by healthcare professionals, but many aspects depend on your own actions, including nourishing your body appropriately.
The Takeaway
You can work on your nutrition from the pre-contemplation stage through to the action stage, but if you or a loved one remain pre-contemplative, change is unlikely. The good news is that even small, incremental changes count as progress. Making all changes at once can overwhelm the system and lead to setbacks. For example, adding a daily spinach salad or switching up your breakfast cereal with chia seeds, oatmeal, and yogurt are simple but meaningful steps to start.
You deserve straightforward, easy-to-apply, personalized nutrition information that supports your health so you can live the life you want. It’s time to stop living limited by ill-health and start living fully. Get wise about what you eat. Book a call with a Registered Dietitian to learn how Smart Nutrition with Expert Advice can help you live the way you want.
With a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, Rachel has over 20 years experience helping people address their health through nutrition. She attended the University of Alberta and UBC. She started with chemistry and then focused on Human Nutrition and Food Science. Her career rounded out with guidance counselling post-grad course work at University of British Columbia. She has a teen aged son and 2 cats and loves the beauty of the Oceanside Area of Qualicum, Parksville and Naniamo - yes! the home of the famous Naniamo Bar!