Chronic Disease Management

Ballantyne Medical Associates

Family Medicine & Laser Aesthetics located in Charlotte, NC

Most chronic diseases are preventable, but the steps you may need to take to stay healthy aren’t always easy. That’s why the doctors at Ballantyne Medical Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina, provide all the preventive services you’ll need. If you already have a chronic disease, we have comprehensive medical care and support to manage the disease and help you live an active life.

Chronic Disease Management Q & A

What are chronic diseases?

Chronic diseases linger, often lasting through your lifetime and potentially taking a serious toll on your health. Seven of the top-10 causes of death are chronic diseases. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, while diabetes is the top cause of kidney failure. Some of the most common chronic diseases are:

  • Heart disease and heart failure
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic pain
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Osteoporosis
  • Asthma
  • Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
  • Opioid dependence

You’re more likely to develop a chronic disease as you get older. In fact, one in four adults are diagnosed with two or more chronic health conditions. If you haven’t stopped to take a good look at your overall health, it’s time to visit Ballantyne Medical Associates to begin assessing your risk and to take steps towards prevention.

Are chronic diseases preventable?

Scientists are still studying whether Alzheimer’s disease is preventable, but you can avoid most chronic diseases by changing the risk factors known to cause them. The key risk factors are:

  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • High blood pressure
  • Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Diets low in fruits and vegetables
  • Diets high in sodium and saturated fats
  • Excessive alcohol use

All of these risks can be lowered by losing weight, changing your diet, getting regular exercise, and making healthy choices. Here’s the thing to remember: Prevention is vital because once you develop a chronic disease, it most likely can’t be cured. Don’t wait to contact the doctors at Ballantyne Medical Associates. They’ll be with you every step of the way, from identifying your risk to creating a prevention plan.

How do the doctors at Ballantyne Medical Associates manage chronic disease?

After you’re diagnosed with a chronic condition, you must learn to “manage” the disease – to keep it under control and to prevent it from worsening. At Ballantyne Medical Associates, we help you manage chronic disease with comprehensive services and a team of doctors with specialties in family medicine, osteopathic medicine, and chiropractic care.

In addition to providing medications, the doctors work with you to make the necessary lifestyle changes. They recommend dietary supplements if needed, develop an exercise plan, or help you with smoking cessation. If you’re one of the many adults struggling with chronic pain, our doctors will work with you to find alternative treatments for pain relief.

We’re uniquely qualified to help those struggling with opioid addiction. One of our physicians, Dr. Bauer, holds special certification from the DEA to prescribe buprenorphine pharmacotherapy. Our patients receive medication along with counseling and the ongoing support they need to break the cycle of addiction.