Keeping chronic diseases under control can help you improve your health and may even extend your life. Your physician, Dr. Deana Al-Khateeb of Ridgeview Internal Medicine, offers treatments and recommendations that will make it easier to manage your chronic diseases and conditions in Woodbridge, VA.

Common chronic diseases and conditions

Chronic diseases and conditions last more than one year, require regular medical care, and may have an impact on the way you live your life. Among the top chronic diseases and conditions in the U.S. are:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Arthritis

Sixty percent of Americans live with at least one chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your risk of developing a chronic disease or condition increases as you get older. According to National Council on Aging, 80% of people 65 and older have one chronic disease, and 68% have two or more.

The dangers of chronic diseases

Chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can cause serious health problems that affect your independence and may make your life painful or uncomfortable. Although it's not possible to prevent all chronic diseases, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and eating healthy foods can help.

Changing your diet and habits can lower your blood pressure and your cholesterol level. If these readings are high, you may be more likely to develop heart disease or diabetes. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is a simple way to protect your health and reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease.

If diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes aren't enough to decrease your symptoms, you may need to also take prescription medication. Medication helps you keep your symptoms under control and avoid the potentially deadly consequences of chronic diseases.

Regular visits to the internal medicine doctor are a must if you have a chronic disease in Woodbridge, VA. You may feel fine even though your disease or condition isn't under control. Without proper treatment, your condition could worsen and affect your ability to work, live without pain, or enjoy your favorite activities and hobbies.

Do you need to talk to your Woodbridge, VA, doctor about your chronic disease? Call (703) 494-4116 to reach Dr. Al-Khateeb of Ridgeview Internal Medicine.