Chronic diseases can be stressful and time consuming, but with the right care and support, you can live a full and healthy life. At Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), we help patients across North Florida and South Georgia manage chronic illnesses through personalized care, education and prevention. 

What Are Chronic Diseases?

Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that require ongoing medical attention. Nearly three in four American adults live with at least one chronic illness, making these conditions a major public health concern.

Many chronic diseases are preventable or manageable with healthy habits, early detection and consistent follow-up with your doctor.

Common Chronic Conditions

Diabetes Care in Tallahassee       

One common type of chronic disease is diabetes, which affects people of all ages. Diabetes develops when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when your body does not respond to the insulin it makes properly. Without your body using insulin, glucose builds up in your blood stream, causing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Common types of diabetes: 

• Type 1: The body does not produce insulin.
• Type 2: The body doesn’t use insulin effectively.
• Gestational: Develops during pregnancy.

Symptoms may include:

• Increased thirst and dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Numbness or tingling
• Slow healing cuts
• Frequent skin and/or vaginal yeast infections

Diabetes management focuses on blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, exercise and medication or insulin therapy. Without proper management, hyperglycemia can This condition. Having high blood glucose can cause lead to heart disease, a chronic illness, as well as nerve damage, kidney damage and eye issues.

Managing Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, affects the body's arteries. High blood pressure causes the force of blood that pushes against artery walls to be stronger, so the heart works harder to pump blood. 

While the ideal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), hypertension is categorized as 130/80 mm Hg or higher. If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg, it is considered a hypertensive emergency, and medical help must be sought immediately.

Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke – but often has no symptoms.

Prevention and management include:

• Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet
• Get regular physical activity
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol use
• Manage stress and get enough sleep (7-9 hours of sleep)

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your provider may prescribe diuretics (water pills), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or calcium channel blockers.

Understanding COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

COPD occurs when lungs undergo damage, resulting in swelling and irritation. This inflammation limits airflow into and out of the lungs through the airways, a phenomenon known as obstruction, making it difficult to breathe. It is most often caused by smoking or long-term exposure to pollutants.

The two common types:

1. Emphysema: Damage to air sacs reducing oxygen flow.
2. Chronic bronchitis: Airway inflammation causing excess mucus.

Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and fatigue. 

The primary form of treatment is limiting exposure to causes, such as quitting smoking. Medication and steroids can lessen symptoms, with most medicines being administered through inhalers. Oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation program and noninvasive ventilation therapy are methods to prevent COPD from worsening.

Arthritis and Joint Pain     

Arthritis causes swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints. It includes more than 100 different conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Symptoms include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion

Treatments of arthritis include physical therapy and exercise, anti-inflammatory or pain medications and joint repair or replacement surgery. 

Understanding Your Risk Factors

• While some risk factors like age and genetics can’t be changed, others can. Making small lifestyle changes today can greatly reduce your risk of chronic illness.Smoking: Free help is available at TobaccoFreeFlorida.com or QuitNow.net.
• Poor nutrition: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. For free resources on eating healthy, visit MyPlate for tips and information.
• Lack of exercise: Adults should participate in at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity.
• Excessive alcohol use: More than eight drinks a week for women or 15 for men increases health risks. For support, call the 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Chronic Disease Management at TMH

Managing a chronic disease takes teamwork – and the right healthcare provider.

At TMH Physician Partners, our primary care providers deliver coordinated, evidence-based care to help patients manage all types of chronic diseases. Whether you need help managing symptoms or creating a healthier routine, we’re here to help you take control of your health.

Visit TMH Physician Partners to find a primary care physician near you and start building your personalized care plan today.

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Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare is a private, not-for-profit community healthcare system committed to transforming care, advancing health, and improving lives with an ultimate vision of leading the community to be the healthiest in the nation.