Chronic Disease Management Specialist

What are chronic diseases?

Simply stated, chronic diseases are long-term diseases, usually defined as lasting at least 12 weeks, and they’re quite common. In fact, some 40% of Americans have more than one chronic condition. With the right care, a chronic ailment doesn’t need to prevent you from enjoying a full, active life.

Here are examples of common chronic diseases.

Heart disease

Affecting men and women, heart disease comes in many forms, including an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. If you have heart disease, you’re at greater risk of life-threatening health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, which may be prevented with the right care. Healthy lifestyle choices can also enhance your overall well-being.

Diabetes

Diabetes affects how your body processes blood sugar. Diabetes comes in two forms, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 diabetes is the most common, while Type 1 is usually found in children. Although you can have Type 2 diabetes at any age, it's more common after you turn 40.

Asthma

Asthma is a condition where the airway carrying oxygen to your lungs becomes narrow and inflamed, making it difficult for you to breathe. With asthma, you might have these symptoms:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Tightness in your chest

Other chronic conditions include arthritis, high blood pressure, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and kidney disease.

What causes chronic diseases?

Certain lifestyle habits increase your risk of contracting a chronic disease. These factors include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Too little physical activity
• An unhealthy diet

Some chronic conditions also run in families, while others may be triggered by a combination of family history and environmental factors.

How are chronic diseases managed?

Chronic disease management is health care designed to help you live a full, active life with a long-term health condition. If you have a chronic condition, Sulkowski Family Medicine is your partner in health, working with you side-by-side to manage your symptoms with a comprehensive treatment plan.

While your treatment plan is tailored to your condition, it may include routine monitoring of your vital signs, such as checking your blood pressure or testing your blood sugar levels. Medications can lessen the pain from arthritis, reduce your blood pressure, prevent asthma attacks, and manage other symptoms related to chronic conditions.

If you’re ready for quality care from an award-winning family medicine practice, call or schedule a consultation online with the experts in chronic disease management at Sulkowski Family Medicine.