Do You Have a Chronic Disease?

Jun 13, 2019
If you are dealing with a chronic disorder, it’s important that you have a doctor whom you can trust! A chronic disease is a long-term illness that, although incurable, can be managed with proper care.

If you are dealing with a chronic disorder, it’s important that you have a doctor whom you can trust!

A chronic disease is a long-term illness that, although incurable, can be managed with proper care. Approximately 133 million Americans (i.e. 40 percent of the entire US population) is dealing with a chronic disorder. Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with a chronic illness or you are experiencing symptoms that warrant a visit to our Houston office, Dr. Tomas Rios and Dr. Nicolin Neal can help you get the long-term medical care that you need to stay as healthy as possible!

What are the most common chronic disorders?

The most common chronic disorders include,

  • Asthma
  • Arthritis
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Cancer
  • Stroke
  • Alzheimer’s disease

How are chronic disorders managed?

The customized treatment plan that our Houston doctors will create for you will depend on the type of condition you have and the severity of your condition. If the condition is minor, it may be able to be managed with simple lifestyle modifications such as,

  • Quitting or avoiding smoking
  • Reducing alcohol consumption
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Reducing stress

While leading a healthier lifestyle is important for anyone dealing with a chronic condition, those with more serious or progressive symptoms may also require additional treatment including medication, therapy, or even surgery.

For example, the goal for those with diabetes is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. While maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle can certainly improve your blood sugar, many patients will still require daily medication to keep their glucose levels within a healthy range.

Can I prevent these chronic disorders?

While genetics and other factors play a role in the development of certain conditions, there are other things you can do to reduce your risk. In fact, a lot of the lifestyle modifications mentioned above for treating and improving chronic conditions can also prevent them—after all, leading a healthy lifestyle is paramount to good health. Of course, even with a healthy lifestyle, you’ll still want to see your regular doctor every year for routine checkups and screenings.

Give us a call!

Rios Healthcare Associates in Houston is proud to offer comprehensive medical care to adults over 18. Our medical team also specializes in geriatric medicine. If you have concerns about your health, call our office today at (832) 323-9230 to schedule a consultation.