When you have a health condition, there are four important things you can do to live better for the long term: First is lifestyle.

Eating healthy foods and staying physically active...

Next is your doctor. Working with your doctor, or doctors, to stay on top of your health... Then comes medicine.

Understanding each of the medicines you take and taking all of them exactly as directed...

And the fourth thing that really benefits your health is having a good support system. Let's take a closer look at getting social support. Having a good support system is so important because it gives you the confidence, strength, and connections you need to manage your health condition and live better over time. Having a good support system also gives you the chance to connect with others.

Let me show you what I mean... Start by thinking about how you connect with other people in your life. Maybe it's with friends and family...

coworkers... a health support group... a faith community... or even online.

Now think about who has asked you for help or support in the past.

Take a moment to think about how you support that person.

Okay. Because... for your social support system to be helpful for you, it has to be helpful for other people too.

You have to give good support to get good support.

It's a bit of a give and take. So...

Connect with people who will listen, and be a listener for them.

Try not to lean too hard on any single relationship.

Reach out to more than one person. Ask for what you need, and offer what you can. Give and take.

Now think about someone you can connect with today.

Reach out to that person and make a meaningful connection.

That's how you'll build a helpful and healthy support system.