Chronic Condition Management Specialist

What is a chronic condition?

A chronic condition is an ongoing illness that lasts for three months or longer. Unlike acute medical problems that occur suddenly, chronic diseases develop slowly over a long time.

Although there’s no cure for chronic illness, healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and regular doctor’s appointments can minimize your risk of complications and make day-to-day life easier with chronic conditions.

What is chronic disease management?

Chronic condition management is an integrated approach to managing illness. It combines preventive screenings, frequent check-ups, and patient education with monitoring and coordinated treatment. 

If you have a chronic condition, chronic condition management can minimize its effects. This makes it easier for you to work, spend time with loved ones, and participate in activities that you enjoy.

What conditions does chronic disease management treat?

At Gearity Wellness Center, the team uses chronic disease management to treat a variety of illnesses, including:

Endocrine disorders

Endocrine disorders are a type of chronic disease that affects hormone production. Your hormones play a crucial role in everything from appetite and breathing to weight control. Some of the most common endocrine disorders include Grave’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and hypothyroidism.

Hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, refers to the force of the blood that pumps against the walls of your arteries. If your blood pressure is consistently too high, it increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. 

Post-menopause

Following menopause, women are much more likely to experience chronic ailments like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hormonal imbalances. Chronic disease management can address these and other issues, ensuring you age gracefully.

Thyroid disease

Your thyroid gland produces hormones that act as chemical messengers. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, it can result in unexplained weight loss or weight gain, fatigue, and dizziness.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two of the most common chronic respiratory disorders. Chronic disease management can minimize inflammation in your lungs and help you breathe clearly.

Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, means you have high levels of fats or triglycerides in your blood. When combined, these factors increase your risk of a serious cardiovascular problem, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of chronic diseases characterized by high blood sugar. Chronic disease management works to keep your blood sugar levels in check, lowering your risk of nerve damage, open wounds, or vision loss.

Am I a candidate for chronic disease management?

Anyone who is living with a chronic illness can benefit from chronic disease management. Even if you feel relatively healthy, it’s important to undergo screening. Many chronic conditions present very few symptoms early on. Preventive measures can detect them when they’re most responsive to treatment.

To schedule your chronic disease management appointment at Gearity Wellness Center, call the nearest office or book online today.