Chronic Disease Management Specialist

What is a chronic disease?

If you’ve suffered from symptoms for several months or longer, you might have a chronic illness. On the other hand, sometimes you can have a chronic disease and not experience any symptoms at all

In general, a chronic disease is a condition that has been present for at least three months and may or may not worsen over time.

Sometimes a chronic disease will significantly impact your daily life and your overall physical state, while at other times it may be “silent.” High blood pressure or diabetes, for example, can often pose no symptoms but wreak havoc on your internal health.

While there’s a wide range of chronic diseases, some common conditions include:

• Arthritis

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease

• Osteoporosis

• Mental disorders (like depression or anxiety)

• Asthma

How do you treat a chronic disease?

As an internal medicine specialist, Dr. Perkins works with you on an individual basis to determine the best course of treatment. His goal is to make an accurate diagnosis, manage your symptoms, and help prevent future health complications.

To treat a chronic disease, it’s necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of your unique health history, your current medications or supplements, your lifestyle habits, your genetic profile, and other factors that may shape the course of your health care needs.

Treatment may include some or all of the following:

• Medication

• Lifestyle changes (e.g. new exercise routine or diet)

• Additional testing or visits with a specialist

• Charting your symptoms

• Regular visits with doctors to manage your care

A chronic disease can’t always be cured entirely, but this doesn’t mean you can’t live a full and healthy life.

What can I do to help myself?

Since chronic diseases tend to appear and worsen as you age, it’s important to make preventative health care a part of your long-term plan.

If you already have a chronic disease, Dr. Perkins can help you create a treatment protocol that supports your overall wellness goals.

If you’re in remission from a chronic disease or want to avoid developing a new one, make sure to stick with healthy habits that help ward off stress and illness. Diet, exercise, sleep, and mood are all factors to consider.

It’s also important to educate yourself on your unique risk factors, to ask your doctor questions, and to have a team of people that work together to support your health.

Invest the time and energy into health or lifestyle solutions that will keep you energized, disease-free, and happy, such as a gym membership, a nutrition program, or a support group.