Chronic Disease Management

Osteoarthritis – more commonly known as just "arthritis" – is a chronic medical condition that affects the joints. Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, but is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Arthritis is a degenerative disease, which means that it gradually gets worse over time. The symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and a decreased range of motion in the affected joint. Arthritis can also cause the joints to become swollen and deformed.

There is no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow progression of the disease.

If you are living with arthritis, it is important to work with your provider to find the best treatment plan for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing this condition, so be sure to ask questions and express any concerns you may have about the various treatment options. With the right treatment plan, you can expect to see significant improvement in your symptoms and quality of life.

There are a number of conservative treatments we might recommend for our patients with arthritis, including:

• Medications to relieve pain and inflammation
• Exercises to improve your range of motion and muscle strength
• Heat or cold therapy
• The use of assistive devices, such as canes or walkers
• Weight loss (if you are overweight)
• Avoiding high-impact activities

Surgery is generally only considered as a last resort when all other treatment options have failed.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes your airways to narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma can be triggered by a variety of things, including allergies, cold air, exercise, and stress. If you have asthma, you may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.

While there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled with medication. We can work with you to create your own unique asthma action plan. This plan will outline what you should do if you have an asthma attack – and how to prevent attacks from happening in the first place. If you have asthma, it is important to see your doctor regularly to make sure your asthma is under control. With proper management, you can live a healthy and active life.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. It's estimated that COPD affects more than 32 million Americans.

The most common symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. These symptoms can develop slowly over time and may not be noticeable until the disease is well-advanced.

COPD is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, dust, fumes, or chemicals. In some cases, COPD may be due to a genetic condition.

There is no cure for COPD, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments include quitting smoking, medication, and oxygen therapy.

If you think you may have COPD, it's important to see a medical provider for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve your quality of life and may even prolong your life expectancy.

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause serious symptoms, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. A medical provider can help you manage your depression by providing support and treatment, which may include medication, a referral for psychotherapy – or both. If you think you may be depressed, talk to your medical provider today.

It's important to keep your diabetes under control so you can enjoy a healthy and happy life without worrying about complications from the disease.

Here are a few things that can help you effectively manage your diabetes:

• Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly – This will help you identify any potential problems early on and take steps to address them, such as administering insulin when your body needs it.
• Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly – This will help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood sugar levels in check. People diagnosed with diabetes are often advised to eat smaller but more frequent meals throughout the day, and to avoid eating foods high in sugar.
• Get regular checkups – This will ensure that your diabetes is being properly managed and that any potential problems are being detected and treated early on.

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. ED can be temporary or chronic and long-lasting – depending on its cause. ED can be the result of psychological problems, physical problems, or a combination of both.

As your medical provider, C3 Cares can help you manage ED by assessing the cause of the condition and recommending appropriate treatment, such as medication or other options. Common physical causes of ED include diabetes and high blood pressure.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic medical condition in which stomach acid regularly rises up into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and other symptoms. GERD is often treated with antacids and lifestyle changes, but more severe cases may require prescription medications or surgery. If you experience GERD symptoms, ask us about the best treatment options for you.

Managing hypertension (high blood pressure) doesn't have to be a headache. At C3 Cares, we make it easy for you to keep your blood pressure under control with our comprehensive care services.

We offer a variety of hypertension management services, including:

• Lifestyle changes – You may be advised to lose some weight, get adequate nutrition, and incorporate exercise into your regular daily routine.
• Dietary changes – Keeping an eye on your sodium intake is important. This may mean saying no to processed foods, reading nutrition and ingredient labels on food, and simply adding less salt to your food.
• Medication management – Regularly taking your prescribed medications can greatly reduce the chance that you develop dangerous symptoms associated with high blood pressure. Our team can help you stay on track.
• Stress reduction techniques – Stress can easily cause your symptoms to worsen. Finding ways to reduce the stress in your life can help keep your high blood pressure under control.

At C3 Cares, our team of experts will work with you to develop a personalized care plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. We know that everyone is different, so we tailor our services to meet your unique needs. With our help, you can take control of your hypertension and live a healthier life.

High cholesterol is a condition that can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Thankfully, there are several things that can be done to manage high cholesterol and reduce the risk of these conditions.

• Eat a healthy diet – This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products.
• Exercise is vital – Regular movement and exertion helps to keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce inflammation.
• Statin therapy – In some cases, medications may also be necessary to manage high cholesterol. Statins are a class of drugs that work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol.

By following these steps, it is possible to keep cholesterol levels under control and reduce the risk of serious health problems.

These days, HIV is considered a chronic disease that can be managed, rather than the death sentence it used to be back in the 1980s. That said, left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, making it crucial for people with the condition to receive prompt and ongoing treatment.

There are many different components of HIV management, which can vary depending on an individual's needs.

In general, treatment and management of HIV usually involves a combination of:

• Timely diagnosis – It is important to get tested for HIV as soon as possible after you think you may have been exposed. This can help you get started on treatment early and improve your quality of life.
• Antiretroviral medication – These prescription medications will decrease your viral load – which is what usually leads to uncomfortable symptoms associated with the infection. It will also significantly decrease the likelihood of you passing it on to someone else.
• Regular checkups and close monitoring – Your healthcare provider will keep an eye on your viral load to ensure you don’t suffer any unnecessary symptoms or side effects.
• Counseling – Many people living with HIV should receive counseling and support to help them cope with the physical and emotional impacts of the disease.

By following these simple guidelines, you can stay healthy and can help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Are you feeling more fatigued than usual? Have you put on weight without an obvious cause? Are you always cold? These are all potential signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a problem in which your thyroid gland releases insufficient levels of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. Also called an "underactive thyroid," hypothyroidism slows your metabolism, leading to a range of symptoms. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a medical provider for a diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is easily treated with medication. Left untreated, however, and it can lead to serious health complications.

Obesity is perhaps one of the most common chronic medical conditions in the U.S. If you are obese, you are not alone. More than one-third of all adults in the country are obese (having a body-mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher).

Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem. It increases your risk for many serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also makes it harder to breathe, and can lead to joint pain.

If you are obese, there are things you can do to lose weight and improve your health. Talk to your medical provider about a weight-loss plan that is right for you. And make sure to get regular physical activity. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week can help you control your weight and reduce your risk of health problems.

If you use tobacco products, we can help you quit.

There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, including:

• Counseling
• Medications
• Smoking cessation programs

If you smoke, vape, or use other tobacco products, ask your care provider at C3 Cares about a quitting plan that may be right for you.