Living with a chronic health condition can make it difficult to feel your best each day. Chronic disease management can help and is among the areas of specialty for Richard Pedroza, MD, at AGP Family Health Clinic in Tomball, Texas. Call the office or book a chronic disease management appointment online today to take a proactive approach to managing your health.
book onlineWhat is chronic disease?
A chronic disease is a condition that lasts for one year or longer, requires ongoing medical care, or interferes with your daily routines. There are many types of chronic disease, including:
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Depression
- Arthritis
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
Diabetes is an incredibly common form of chronic disease. People with diabetes can’t properly convert food into energy due to insufficient insulin. Diabetes can cause or contribute to a wide range of other serious health issues, and researchers believe rates of the disease are on the rise.
These are just a few of the more common forms of chronic disease. Overall, these conditions are a leading cause of disability and lost time from school or work.
What happens during chronic disease management?
If you have one or more chronic health conditions, working with a practitioner for chronic disease management is one of the best things you can do to improve your quality of life.
Medication management is an important part of the process. Your provider reviews your prescriptions to ensure your medications are working for and not against you. If there are better options or a different dosage that might improve your condition, you receive all the details needed to make an informed decision about your medication therapy.
Chronic disease management strives to improve your health and reduce the risk of serious negative outcomes associated with your specific chronic health conditions. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach but remains dynamic and will shift and adjust as your needs change over time.
What role does lifestyle play in chronic disease management?
Meaningful and sustainable lifestyle modifications are part of chronic disease management. Making changes to your nutrition and activity levels can go a long way toward reducing the negative effects of many chronic health conditions.
Some of the areas you might focus on include:
- Eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- Getting plenty of exercise every day
- Managing stress
- Avoiding excessive drinking
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Improving sleep quality
If you’re overweight, reaching and maintaining a healthier weight will have a direct positive impact on how you feel and function every day. Call AGP Family Health Clinic or book an appointment online today when you’re ready to learn more.