Chronic Disease Management

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner located in Columbia Falls, MT

Chronic Disease Management Services Offered In Columbia Falls, MT

Managing symptoms of a chronic disease can feel overwhelming when you don’t have the guidance of a trusted health care professional. Board-certified family nurse practitioner Angela St John, FNP-BC, has more than 30 years of experience in chronic disease management. At Hometown Clinic in Columbia Falls, Montana, Angela provides comprehensive care for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Call the family practice today or schedule an appointment online if you or a loved one is struggling with chronic disease symptoms.

What is chronic disease management?

Chronic disease management is a medically supervised plan that provides ongoing care for individuals who have chronic conditions. A disease is chronic if it lasts more than three months, often for life. Proper care is essential to maintain your health as you age and the disease progresses.

What are the goals of chronic disease management?

The goal of chronic disease management is to improve your quality of life in spite of the condition. Angela develops individualized care plans, and if you have a chronic disease, your plan’s goals may be to:

  • Slow the disease’s progression
  • Prevent complications
  • Improve your physical and mental health
  • Manage uncomfortable symptoms
  • Maintain independence
  • Reduce health care costs

Managing chronic diseases can help you lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. It’s important to work with Angela to create a long-term care plan that meets your needs.

What conditions can chronic disease management address?

Chronic disease management can improve the effects of many long-term conditions, such as:

Diabetes

Diabetes develops when your body is resistant to insulin, a hormone that helps your cells use glucose (sugar) for energy. Without insulin, glucose accumulates in your blood, increasing your risk of vision impairment, stroke, heart disease, and kidney damage.

High cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can clog your arteries, leading to stroke, heart disease, and other complications. Proper management is essential to reduce high cholesterol levels and protect your cardiovascular health.

Heart disease

Heart disease is a group of conditions that can affect your heart and blood vessels. Though it’s the leading cause of death worldwide, heart disease is often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Hypertension develops when the force of blood against your artery walls is repeatedly too high, increasing your risk of stroke and heart disease. Angela works with you to lower your blood pressure and keep you healthy.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. While it may not be too noticeable in its early stages, over time, hypothyroidism can contribute to other health issues, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure.

What does chronic disease management include?

Chronic disease management is a partnership between you and Angela, and it requires a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medical treatments. Depending on your condition, your plan may include:

  • Following a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Quitting smoking
  • Taking medications or supplements
  • Taking A1C tests (for blood sugar monitoring), other routine lab testing
  • Scheduling regular checkups

As your primary care provider, Angela can also coordinate care with specialists to ensure you receive well-rounded treatment.

If you have a chronic condition, call Hometown Clinic or schedule an appointment online to learn more about how chronic disease management can improve your health and quality of life.