What is chronic disease?
Chronic disease is a blanket term used to describe a group of persistent, long-term medical conditions that require regular treatment. Any disease that lasts for three months or longer is chronic. There’s no cure for chronic diseases, but it is possible to manage their symptoms. However, it takes focus, dedication, and a willingness to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
What is chronic disease management?
Chronic disease management takes an integrative approach to care. It involves regular screenings, check-ups, patient education, and coordinated treatment.
Chronic disease management can’t reverse or stop chronic conditions, but it can help you manage them. By participating in chronic disease management, you can live a happy, healthy, and active life while lowering your risk of serious complications, surgery, or hospitalizations.
What conditions can benefit from chronic disease management?
At Yager Family Medicine, Dr. Yager provides chronic disease management services for several conditions, including:
Diabetes
Diabetes as a result of high blood sugar. Everyone needs some blood sugar to survive, but too much blood sugar increases your risk of permanent nerve damage (neuropathy), heart disease, and slow-healing wounds. There are several types of diabetes. Management of diabetes usually includes a combination of insulin therapy, healthy lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups.
High cholesterol
High blood pressure is a chronic condition that occurs when the force of the blood pumping against the walls of your arteries is too high for a lengthy period of time. Over the years, high blood pressure damages your arteries and blood vessels, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Like high cholesterol, high blood pressure doesn’t present obvious symptoms. The best way to lower your risk is to familiarize yourself with your numbers and to participate in preventive exams regularly.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is a chronic condition that occurs when the force of the blood pumping against the walls of your arteries is too high for a lengthy period of time. Over the years, high blood pressure damages your arteries and blood vessels, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Like high cholesterol, high blood pressure doesn’t present obvious symptoms. The best way to lower your risk is to familiarize yourself with your numbers and to regularly participate in preventive exams.
Am I a good candidate for chronic disease management?
Anyone who has a family history of certain health problems, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, can benefit from chronic disease management. You’re also a good candidate if you’re overweight, have another underlying health problem, or you’re a smoker.
Even healthy people can benefit. Many chronic ailments don’t present obvious symptoms. By participating in annual exams and other preventive measures, you can catch problems early on, when they’re most responsive to treatment.
To learn more about the benefits of chronic disease management, request an appointment at Yager Family Medicine by calling the office or booking online today.
