Chronic Disease Management Specialist

Chronic Disease Management services offered in La Cañada Flintridge, CA

Did you know that chronic diseases account for the majority of deaths and disability in the United States? Many people experience chronic disease, and for those in and around La Cañada Flintridge, California, help is available through chronic disease management from Dr. Compton at his self-named practice, Richard Compton, DO. Booking a visit is fast and easy online or by phone, so make today the day you take a step closer to improved health.

Chronic Disease Management Q&A

What are some common types of chronic disease?

The medical definition of chronic disease is a condition that lasts for one year or longer, requires medical attention, and/or limits your ability to go through normal daily routines. There are many different types of chronic diseases.

Some of the more common forms of chronic disease include:

Heart disease
Cancer
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Chronic kidney disease
Depression
Stroke
Alzheimer’s disease
Asthma
Arthritis

This is far from a comprehensive list. Many medical conditions are classified as chronic diseases, including things you may not think about, like dental decay.

How does chronic disease management work?

If you are diagnosed with a chronic disease, partnering with a skilled physician for chronic disease management can improve your daily quality of life. Chronic disease management is a highly personalized approach that begins with understanding how well your body functions.

A comprehensive exam and lab testing reveals that information. The results guide your treatment planning and also offer a way to chart your progress.

Medication can play a role in treating many types of chronic disease, but drug therapy is never the sole treatment approach. One of the best ways to improve your experience with chronic disease is by finding ways to make meaningful improvements in your lifestyle habits.

What can I do to prevent chronic disease?

An expansive body of evidence supports the fact that most forms of chronic disease are directly linked to a relatively small list of poor health choices. Those risky behaviors include:

Smoking or tobacco use
Sedentary lifestyle
Poor nutrition
Excessive alcohol use

Therefore, the best way to prevent chronic disease is to assess your lifestyle and determine where you can make changes that are meaningful and sustainable. Dr. Compton works closely with you to incorporate healthy habits into your daily routines and adjusts your chronic disease treatment accordingly. Genetic testing is also available to better understand your risk levels.

When you’re ready to take a proactive approach to chronic disease prevention or management, call the office to book a visit or use the online scheduling page to find a time that fits your busy life.