Chronic Disease Management

Chronic disease management can prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and arthritis from getting worse. At Stone Creek Family Medicine in Montgomery, Texas, Jeremy McWilliams, DO, Ginger McMillian, FNP-C, Courtney Groves, FNP-C, and the team offer chronic disease management to people of all ages. A combination of healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medicine, and routine checkups can prevent complications and improve your quality of life. Call Stone Creek Family Medicine today to request a chronic disease management consultation.

What is chronic disease management?

Chronic disease management teaches you how to deal with the stress of a long-term (or incurable) illness. It uses patient education, regular screenings, and therapeutics to reduce uncomfortable symptoms and help you stay active. 

Partnering with the Stone Creek Family Medicine team can prevent chronic illness from disrupting your life and make daily activities much easier. 

What conditions might benefit from chronic disease management?

The Stone Creek Family Medicine team uses chronic disease management to treat various conditions, including:

High cholesterol

Cholesterol helps build healthy cells, but too much of it can clog your arteries and limit blood flow. 

If you have high cholesterol, the Stone Creek Family Medicine team develops a personalized treatment plan. Often, healthy lifestyle changes keep cholesterol in check, but if your numbers stay high, the team might prescribe medication. 

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood pumping through your arteries remains too high for extended periods. Unfortunately, high blood pressure rarely presents symptoms, which is why it’s called the “silent killer.”

Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Without treatment, it creases the risk of more serious health problems, including nerve damage (neuropathy), slow-healing wounds, and heart disease.

Arthritis

Arthritis refers to diseases that damage the joints. Adults regularly visit Stone Creek Family Medicine to receive treatment for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. 

What does chronic disease management involve?

The Stone Creek Family Medicine team tailors chronic disease management to each patient’s needs. Often, that includes the following:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding negative coping mechanisms, like alcohol or drugs
• Exploring stress-relief activities, like yoga or meditation
• Prescription medication
• Routine checkups and preventive screenings

If you have a chronic illness, you might benefit from joining a support group. Support groups provide an environment to share stories and build relationships with others who can relate to your experience. 

Can chronic diseases be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent chronic disease altogether, but you can reduce your risk by living a healthy lifestyle. The Stone Creek Family Medicine team recommends maintaining a healthy weight, scheduling annual physicals, and avoiding bad habits like drinking alcohol and smoking.

Call Stone Creek Family Medicine today to schedule a chronic disease management appointment.