Chronic Disease Management

If you’re living with one or more chronic health conditions, managing your health may not be a simple matter. That’s why Abdulkareem Kraidy, MD, of Mclaren Health Clinic offers chronic disease management services to residents of Springfield, Virginia. If you’re ready to take control of your health and wellness, begin by calling to book a visit or scheduling online.  

What are chronic health conditions?

Chronic health conditions are those that last at least one year, require professional care, and negatively impact your daily routines. According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as six out of every ten American adults are living with one chronic health condition, and four out of ten have two or more forms of chronic disease.

Some examples of chronic health conditions include:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Depression
• Inflamatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Hypertension
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Food allergies
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Osteoporosis

These are just a few examples of chronic health conditions. Some are very common, while others affect only a small portion of the population.

How can chronic disease management improve my health?

Chronic disease management is a highly personalized process that strives to improve the way you feel and function daily. The focus is on boosting overall health while reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms. Lab testing and screenings for high blood pressure (hypertension) and high blood sugar can identify a risk for developing chronic disease. 

Medication management is a key part of the process. Dr. Kraidy reviews your current drug therapy to ensure there are no negative interactions and that your dosage is meeting your current health needs. Changing medication can often lead to substantial improvement. 

If you need to drop some extra weight, medical weight loss offers a safe and effective path. This is also a customized process, one that places your health as the central focus.  

What role do lifestyle modifications play within chronic disease management?

Research shows that most cases of chronic disease can be tied to just four dangerous behaviors. These include:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor nutrition
• Tobacco use (including secondhand smoke)
• Excessive alcohol consumption

It stands to reason, then, that making changes in these areas of your life can dramatically reduce your risk of developing chronic disease and also improve your quality of life after being diagnosed. 

Dr. Kraidy works closely with you to identify areas where you can make meaningful improvements. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to alter your habits and routines in a way that is sustainable over the long term. 

When you’re ready to begin, call the office during normal business hours, or use the online booking page any time of day.