Moving Forward: Managing CF Effectively - Long-Term
By Jhoanna Rae Marquez, PT, DAC, INHCA successful New Year reset isn’t about doing more. It’s about refining what you already do to support the physical and mental health of everyone in your family. The families who manage CF most effectively over the long term aren’t the ones who achieve perfection; they’re the ones who build sustainable routines, prioritize both physical and mental health, show themselves compassion when things don’t go as planned, and connect with others who understand their reality.
Focus on small, manageable adjustments that respect your time and energy.
Life is full of maybes:
- Maybe that means pairing one treatment with an activity that makes it more enjoyable.
- Maybe it means applying for an exercise grant to remove a financial barrier to physical activity.
- Maybe it means joining a virtual community to reduce isolation.
- Maybe it means simply acknowledging that what you’re doing is genuinely difficult, and that you’re doing better than you think.
The research is clear on this point. The families who thrive with CF are the ones who find sustainable approaches rather than pursuing unsustainable ideals. They understand that consistency matters more than perfection, that small improvements compound over time, and that taking care of themselves makes them better equipped to care for their children.
Whatever changes you decide to make this year, make them realistic. Make them specific to your family’s needs and circumstances. Make them with the understanding that progress isn’t linear, setbacks are normal, and tomorrow offers another chance to move forward.