Chronic diseases are a significant challenge, especially for older adults. Many are incurable, which makes chronic disease management a crucial part of one’s healthcare plan.
While chronic conditions are a long-term challenge, they can be effectively managed by maintaining a close relationship with your primary care doctor and following a treatment plan.
What Are Chronic Diseases Preventive Health Screenings?
A chronic disease is a medical condition that lasts longer than a year and requires long-term treatment and management. They’re much different than acute conditions, such as the flu or a cold.
Some of the most common chronic diseases include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Asthma/COPD
- Obesity
- Alzheimer’s
Without proper management, these conditions often get worse, and can lead to more severe symptoms as well as a shorter life expectancy.
What Causes These Conditions?
There are many different risk factors associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, including:
- Poor nutrition
- Lack of physical activity
- Tobacco use
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Environmental factors
- Family history
By making healthy conditions and leading a wholesome lifestyle, you can mitigate the chances of developing one of these conditions.
But for some people, chronic conditions can develop, even if you’re extremely health-conscious, which is why regular visits to the doctor and preventive screenings are so important.
What Is Chronic Disease Management?
These conditions require lifelong treatment to reduce symptoms, slow the potential of any spread of the disease, and to maintain quality of life.
Chronic disease management should be integrated and holistic. It should include regular screenings, regular doctor’s appointments, and treatment coordination as needed.
It’s also important to learn how to avoid behaviors and situations that could worsen symptoms.
Where Can I Get Chronic Disease Management in Falls Church?
No matter if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, or some other chronic condition, you can count on the team at Anna Health Family Medicine for treatment and long-term management.
Contact us at 571-786-1492 today to schedule an appointment.
