Chronic Disease Management

Almost half of people in the United States have at least one chronic disease. If you have a diagnosis, rely on Linda Clark, NP, based in Newport Beach, California. She serves patients throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Virginia via telehealth. Linda helps you properly manage an ongoing chronic disease to minimize the risk of symptoms and complications. Schedule a virtual evaluation by phone or request an appointment online today.

What is chronic disease management?

Chronic diseases are ongoing conditions that can negatively affect your health. They’re typically not curable, but managing them effectively can usually help you maintain a healthy, symptom-free lifestyle. Early detection and chronic disease management (treatment) is the best way to avoid disease-related complications. 

What conditions can chronic disease management address?

Examples of chronic diseases that require management include:

• Diabetes, including prediabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Arthritis
• Heart disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cancer
• Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Osteoporosis
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Obesity
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Thyroid conditions

Depression and anxiety can also be chronic (long-lasting), requiring ongoing treatment to optimize your mental health and overall well-being. 

Which symptoms can chronic disease management eliminate or prevent?

Signs and symptoms of a chronic disease may include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in appetite 
• Sore or painful joints
• Unusual sores, lumps, or bumps
• Frequent fractures
• Slow-healing sores
• Numbness or tingling

See Linda at the first sign of new or unusual symptoms, and anytime you need help managing a previously diagnosed chronic disease. 

Am I a candidate for chronic disease management?

To determine if you have a chronic disease or establish how to best manage your condition, Linda discusses your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and current medications. 

She completes a virtual physical exam, if necessary, and may order blood testing, urine tests, heart function testing, lung function tests, allergy tests, imaging procedures, or additional diagnostic testing. 

What should I expect during chronic disease management?

Your personalized chronic disease management plan depends on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition. Linda provides:

• Healthy lifestyle counseling
• Medically supervised weight loss
• Medication management
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Specialist referrals

Sometimes, making healthy lifestyle changes or taking medications is all that’s needed during chronic disease management to eliminate symptoms and your risk of complications.

Ways to minimize your chance of a chronic disease include exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, maintaining a healthy weight, minimizing stress, and getting enough sleep. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol within healthy ranges, maintain a strong social support network, don’t smoke, or drink alcohol in excess. 

If you need care from another specialist, therapy, or a medical procedure, Linda refers you to a highly trained provider who can help. She follows up with you routinely to ensure successful health outcomes. 

Schedule a virtual chronic disease management evaluation with Linda Clark, NP, by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.