Chronic Disease Management

What is a chronic disease?

A chronic disease is an illness or condition that’s ongoing or repeatedly occurs for an extended period. Although you can sometimes manage them with medication, chronic diseases typically cannot be cured.

Common chronic diseases include:

• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Asthma/COPD
• Insomnia
• Endocrine disorders
• Certain cancers
• Depression and anxiety
• Diabetes

Most chronic diseases are not infectious, and they’re not usually preventable with vaccinations or lifestyle modifications.

What leads to chronic disease?

You might have a greater predisposition toward certain diseases if they run in your family. Age is also a factor: the older you get, the more likely you are to develop a chronic condition.

Many chronic diseases develop as a result of poor health choices. Four main habits tend to contribute the most to chronic disease:

• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption

High cholesterol and obesity have also been linked to heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Both are considered major risk factors and are considered by some experts to be chronic diseases themselves.

How can you prevent chronic disease?

The good news is that you can prevent many chronic diseases by following healthy lifestyle habits, such as:

• Eating nutrient-rich foods
• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining an appropriate body weight
• Getting enough sleep
• Reducing stress
• Avoiding tobacco use
• Limiting alcohol consumption

Regular medical checkups play a vital role in prevention as well. Dr. Espinoza provides screenings and tests for early disease detection, and he keeps an eye on critical metrics such as your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

What can you expect from a chronic disease prevention plan?

Regardless of your age, Dr. Espinoza can help you practice healthy habits to prevent disease or to manage a disease you already have.

At your initial visit, she evaluates your family history, lifestyle, weight, and vital signs. Based on this information and any screenings or blood tests, she helps you understand the issues you may face and discusses the habits and factors that you can change.

Dr. Espinoza may suggest specific dietary changes or nutritional supplements. He might also discuss other lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, increased exercise, or stress reduction.

Let Dr. Espinoza create chronic disease prevention plans for your whole family. Call RestoraMed Healthcare or request an appointment online today.