Did you know that chronic health conditions are the leading causes of death and disability? You have hope for living a long life despite your disease when you get chronic care from Leo Kao, MD, at Concierge Health and Aesthetics. Dr. Kao specializes in chronic care using lifestyle changes and medications to control your disease and prevent complications. To get started with this life-saving care, book an in-person or telehealth appointment online or call the office in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, today. When you call, ask about membership in direct primary care so you can get exceptional chronic care for an affordable monthly fee.
What is chronic care?
Many chronic health conditions are preventable with chronic care. But once they develop, they tend to get progressively worse. They also last a long time because there aren’t any cures for these diseases.
Getting chronic care is the only way to stay healthy after you’re diagnosed with a long-term health condition. Chronic disease management focuses on keeping your condition under control and preventing serious complications.
What conditions need chronic care?
Dr. Kao manages many chronic diseases, from common problems like arthritis and allergies to complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The conditions frequently treated with chronic care include:
Hypertension
High blood pressure is a top cause of:
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Aortic aneurysms
- Chronic kidney disease
These conditions develop as hypertension damages artery walls and put extra stress on your heart.
Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia refers to high blood levels of lipids (fats), which include cholesterol, triglycerides, and several other fats found in your bloodstream. High amounts of lipids raise your risk of developing arterial diseases that lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetes
Diabetes causes high blood sugar, which damages small blood vessels and nerves. If you don’t have chronic care, diabetes gradually causes nonhealing foot wounds, neuropathy, and damage to the retinas in your eyes. Diabetes is also a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.
Asthma and COPD
Asthma is a lung disease that needs ongoing care to prevent flare-ups. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes progressive lung damage, but with chronic care, most people can control their symptoms.
What type of treatment will I receive during chronic care?
Your chronic care services are based on your underlying health condition. The goal is to maintain normal biomarkers. For example, your blood sugar, blood lipids, and blood pressure need to stay within a tight range. You also need to take steps to reduce inflammation in your lungs.
Most chronic health conditions are managed by following a healthy diet, getting exercise, losing weight (if needed), and taking medications to control the disease properly. If you smoke, it’s essential to stop.
For some conditions, like asthma and COPD, you may need to avoid the things that trigger flare-ups.
Dr. Kao offers remote monitoring for chronic problems like high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, and COPD. He also devotes extra time to teaching you how to take care of your health. Studies show that this approach, called self-management support, is the best way to control chronic disease and stay healthy and well.
If you need experienced chronic care, connect online to schedule an appointment or call Concierge Health and Aesthetics today.