Growing up, the term “life expectancy” was always with me, affecting my choices and expectations. Over time, I learned to tune it out and live my life my way.
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When I turned 29 last year, I told my family that I was going to attempt a 24-hour fitness challenge to mark my 30th birthday -- an age I wasn't supposed to reach. Despite having cystic fibrosis, I am determined to inspire hope and highlight the importance of fitness when it comes to CF.
Caring for anyone with a long-term disease — especially if that person is your child — is stressful. Parents of children with cystic fibrosis are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, or both compared to parents in general.
Growing up with CF was hard, but my parents helped me learn how to cope by both encouraging me to fight and allowing me space to complain.
I struggled with my health for years until I was diagnosed with CF at the age of 19. After starting treatments, my physical health improved greatly, yet the scars on my mental health remain.
People with chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, are at greater risk for developing clinical depression. When left untreated, depression can interfere with your ability to manage your CF effectively and experience a better quality of life.
As a black man with cystic fibrosis, I am in a minority group within a minority group. I waited my whole life to find someone I could easily relate to until I happened upon a Facebook group for post-transplant patients.
For so long, my identify was defined by beating the odds and achieving a successful career despite having CF. But recently, health complications have forced me to create a new identity focused on self-care. With the help of my support system, I am slowly adapting to this new chapter.
The physical and emotional toll of CF can sometimes make me feel isolated from my peers. But I’ve learned being vulnerable about my struggles can create stronger relationships that make me feel supported and loved.
The benefits of regular exercise and good physical fitness for everyone have become well known in the past 50 years. So, how do these benefits apply to you?