Chronic Disease Q & A
What is chronic disease?
A chronic disease is one that lasts for an extended period, which is usually more than three months but very often can be lifelong.
Many types of chronic disease are incurable, but if patients and their health care providers manage these conditions carefully, it’s very often possible to live a long and rewarding life.
Chronic diseases that affect millions of Americans every year include:
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain conditions
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Incurable infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition that without treatment can cause life-threatening problems such as heart attack, stroke, and organ failure.
The problem with hypertension is that until you experience one of these devastating complications, you won’t be aware that you have the condition. Therefore, it’s essential that you visit Canyons Medical Center periodically, even if you feel well, to have your blood pressure checked.
What is chronic disease management?
Chronic disease management is a care plan that you and your health care providers follow to ensure you stay as healthy as possible and keep the effects of your chronic disease to a minimum.
At Canyons Medical Center, your chronic disease management plan is designed holistically, which means looking at every aspect of your life that could have an impact on your health, including:
- Your age
- Medical history
- Genetic predispositions
- Whether you smoke
- How much alcohol you drink
- Diet and lifestyle
- How much exercise you get
- Whether you have high levels of stress
- Comorbidities (any other diseases you have)
- Your work and home life
- Social environment
The Canyons Medical Center team also schedules regular tests and exams that you might need, and periodic reviews so the plan can be kept up to date.
To help you when you’re at home, they give you information on reliable resources and advice on any relevant support services that could help you manage your chronic disease.
By combining all this information, the team creates a chronic disease management plan that optimizes your outcomes.
How can I prevent chronic disease?
Many chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, are preventable. By leading a healthy lifestyle, you can avoid the consequences of chronic diseases like these.
If you need help and support with making lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, reducing alcohol consumption, weight loss, stress reduction, and eating healthily, the team at Canyons Medical Center is happy to help.
You can also prevent chronic disease by undergoing regular health screenings for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
If you have a chronic disease or wish to book a checkup or wellness exam, arrange a consultation by calling Canyons Medical Center today, or use the online tool.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of all Americans have at least one chronic disease, representing an immense burden of pain and ill health. Michael E. Cobble, MD, the director and family practice physician at Canyons Medical Center, has extensive experience in managing patients who have chronic diseases using a holistic approach for optimal results. Call the Sandy, Utah, office today to find out more about chronic disease prevention and management, or book an appointment online.