Gold River Family Medicine
Board-Certified Family Practice Physicians located in Gold River, CA
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, are widespread and affect 6 in every 10 adults in the United States. If this statistic includes you, Warren Brandle MD, MS, FAAFP, Jill Scully PA-C, and the team at Gold River Family Medicine can help. Seeking early treatment can prevent severe complications and drastically improve the quality and duration of your life. Make an appointment with Gold River Family Medicine, by phone or book online today.
- 916-638-2800
Chronic Disease Management Q&A
What are chronic diseases?
A chronic disease is a long-lasting health condition. It’s often defined as a disease lasting a year or longer that requires ongoing medical attention to prevent complications.
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, but you can still live a long, fulfilling life with proper medical care from a qualified provider.
What are some common chronic diseases?
In the United States, common chronic diseases include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Prediabetes (high blood sugar) and diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Chronic lung and kidney diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Thyroid disorders
While there isn’t a cure for many of these chronic conditions, early treatment, and healthy lifestyle habits can help control your disease and its symptoms.
What is the treatment for chronic diseases?
After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, a physical exam, and lab or imaging tests, if necessary, your provider can confirm or rule out a chronic health condition. If they determine you have a chronic condition, they will outline your treatment options so you can live a long, fulfilling life.
Lifestyles changes
Sometimes simple dietary changes are all it takes to reduce chronic disease symptoms or prevent complications. Losing weight if you’re overweight, eating a well-balanced diet, becoming more active, and giving up smoking and alcohol are good places to start.
Medications
Taking certain medications can reduce chronic disease symptoms or prevent complications associated with the disease. For example, certain medications lower blood pressure and cholesterol, control blood sugar, and balance hormones.
How can I prevent chronic diseases?
You can’t always prevent chronic diseases, especially if you’re genetically prone to them. But living a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, and staying active can greatly reduce your risk.
When you’re ready for quality chronic disease management to ease your symptoms or reduce complications associated with a long-lasting disease, call Gold River Family Medicine.