Health Essentials - Spring 2012 - Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center - (Page 7)

2. Chronic kidney disease results from the failure of the kidneys to perform their vital function of removing waste and extra fluid from the body. The disease also can develop from an injury or other condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. 3. Congestive heart failure occurs when an individual’s heart does not pump blood efficiently. As a result, some patients may have great difficulty performing routine, day-to-day activities. 4. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce insulin (type 1) or does not effectively use the insulin it makes (type 2) to convert food into the energy needed for everyday activities. Failure to treat the disease can result in medical complications of the eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves and feet. 5. Wound care is provided to patients with diabetes, vascular disease and other conditions that lead to hardto-heal wounds. Many wounds heal naturally, without medical intervention while some may need special care to promote faster healing. conditions and prescribed treatments. “Getting them to take the salt shaker off the table is a start,” Lovelace says. High salt (sodium) intake is a contributing factor to high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions. Local residents, she acknowledges, do have the challenge of buying fresh fruits and vegetables with frequency because of the lack of neighborhood grocery stores. During those times when purchasing fresh produce is out of the question, she says, getting frozen produce is an option. Parents especially should be mindful of the example they are setting for their children in making good food choices. Children will carry on the practices established in the home, Lovelace says. Increasing numbers of young people, locally and nationally, are being diagnosed with chronic illnesses normally associated with older adults. Poor eating habits and inactive lifestyles are major contributors to this disturbing trend, she says. The staff at Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center educates patients on how to best care for themselves. How to Use the Specialty Clinics Patients are referred by their primary care physicians to one of the specialty clinics. Team members for each clinic work closely with primary care physicians of patients to make sure treatment plans are followed. The physicians are made aware of all testing, treatment stages and the overall progress of their patients. Just as each patient has a customized treatment plan, each clinic has an overall treatment strategy. In general, the clinics provide initial and follow-up patient assessments; monitoring of laboratory test results; patient monitoring; symptom management; adjustments in medication as needed; and education about the disease, medications, and benefit of healthy eating and exercise. Nutrition Is a Key Component Education is also provided on the positive effects of a healthy diet that includes more fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods. Proper diet and exercise are crucial for controlling chronic illness, says Lovelace. Adjustments to these can help reduce the likelihood of complications from these illnesses. Patients are helped to understand the need to restrict their intake of certain foods, liquids and sodium, given their CLEvELANDCLINIC.ORG/STJHC (call) GET HELP TO FIGHT YOUR CHRONIC DISEASE For more information on fighting the effects of chronic disease, call 216.767.4242. HEALTH ESSENTIALS 7 http://www.CLEVELANDCLINIC.ORG/STJHC

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Health Essentials - Spring 2012 - Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center

Health Essentials - Spring 2012 - Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center
Exciting news about Health Essentials
6 tips for talking better with your doctor
A grandmother’s strength
Teams launched to help patients with chronic conditions

Health Essentials - Spring 2012 - Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/healthessentials_stj_2012spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/healthessentials_stj_2012winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/healthessentials_huron_2011fall
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com