Get to know more about the most common chronic diseases impacting American adults.

According to the CDC, around six out of 10 Americans live with at least one chronic disease. Chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the US. Many chronic diseases can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle; however, if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic disease by our Trophy Club, TX,  family medicine doctors Dr. David Yi, Dr. April Enard, Dr. Paula Lansford Seabaugh, and PA Carol Addy PAC, it’s vital that you understand your treatment options. Here are some of the most common chronic diseases we diagnose,

Diabetes

Approximately 12.4 percent of Texans have diabetes. Hundreds of thousands of Texans have diabetes but don’t even know it, according to the American Diabetes Association. Through medication and a healthy lifestyle, you can get your diabetes under control. The goal of treatment is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Treatment options include,

• Lose excess weight (even just 5-10 percent of body weight)
• Get regular aerobic exercise most days of the week (about 150 minutes a week)
• Eat a healthy, whole and balanced diet that is low in starches and sugar
• Avoid alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Take medication exactly as directed
• Monitor blood sugar throughout the day

Arthritis

Arthritis impacts millions of Americans, particularly older adults. If you are experiencing pain and stiffness in one or more joints that don’t go away, this could be a sign of arthritis. If our Trophy Club, TX, family medicine team diagnoses you with arthritis, the goal of treatment will be to manage symptoms and slow the progress of the disease to prevent serious joint damage. Treatment options include,

• Getting regular exercise five times a week, including aerobic and strength training
• Quit or avoid smoking
• Manage your weight
• Consider using hot or cold therapy
• Consider alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture)
• Get quality sleep

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, according to Million Hearts. Having uncontrolled high blood pressure puts you at risk for stroke and heart disease, the leading causes of death in the US. If we determine that you have high blood pressure, there are some ways to help you get your hypertension under control,

• Maintain a healthy weight (or lose excess weight)
• Manage your stress
• Avoid alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Get regular exercise
• Monitor your blood pressure daily
• Take any medication exactly as prescribed

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol occurs when an excess of lipids (bad fats) clogs the arteries of the heart. High cholesterol is linked to a higher risk for heart disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease. High cholesterol treatment options include,

• Taking cholesterol medication
• Quitting or avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption
• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting saturated and trans fats

If you are looking for an expert family medicine team that provides health care to the Trophy Club, TX, area, call Trophy Club Family Medicine at (817) 430-9111 to schedule your next appointment. Make sure you turn to us once a year for an annual checkup to ensure you are staying healthy.