Chronic Disease Management

Roughly 60% of Americans live with a chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 40% are managing two conditions or more. Key lifestyle risks for chronic diseases, such as poor nutrition, smoking or lack of physical activity, can be prevented with the assistance of your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP gets to know you and your health history, which makes him or her a great partner in managing chronic conditions. PCPs can help you make healthy lifestyle choices to minimize symptoms and possibly even reverse the course of your disease.

The board-certified PCPs at Beaufort Memorial are equipped to diagnose and help manage chronic conditions. Find a PCP accepting new patients.

Below are some common types of chronic illnesses, as well as the services we offer to those who have them.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Heart disease is an umbrella term that includes a number of conditions, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure and coronary artery disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47% of adults have at least one of three risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and tobacco use. Your PCP can be a vital partner in helping you control those risk factors before they lead to serious health problems.

Cancer

Cancer can affect organs and systems throughout your body and requires complex, comprehensive medical care. Our cancer care program allows us to screen for and treat a variety of conditions, in partnership with MUSC Health. The screenings you need to identify and prevent cancer vary based on your age and other factors. Discuss your cancer screening needs during your next visit with your PCP.

Chronic Lung Disease

Chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, prevent the lungs from working properly. Our board-certified pulmonologists and PCPs can create a management program designed to help you minimize the impact lung disease can have on your life.

Stroke

Strokes occur when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain or a blood vessel in the brain bursts, both of which can lead to brain tissue dying or becoming damaged. Stroke prevention and the post-stroke care available at Beaufort Memorial are vital to patients, as is discussing risk factors with your PCP.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia in older adults, is a neurological condition that leads to problems with thinking and memory. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and requires highly individualized treatment. Our board-certified PCPs and neurologists are skilled in identifying this disease and helping families manage a diagnosis.

Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when your body does not use insulin well (Type 2 diabetes) or stops making insulin entirely (Type 1 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes is more common, accounting for between 90% and 95% of cases in the U.S. Diabetes requires careful blood sugar management with the help of your PCP and other specialists.