Chronic Disease Management

Chronic Disease Management services offered in Sacramento, CA


If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, arthritis, or another chronic disease, see the experts at Greenhaven Family Practice in Sacramento, California. Osteopathic medicine physician Scarlett Lu, DO, offers chronic disease management to diminish unpleasant symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Call the Greenhaven Family Practice office.

Chronic Disease Management Q&A

What is chronic disease management?

Chronic disease management includes prevention and proper treatment of diseases to reduce the risk of bothersome symptoms and complications. Greenhaven Family Practice takes a holistic approach to treating conditions, minimizing the use of medications whenever possible. The result is improved health and a better quality of life for men and women.

Why might I need chronic disease management?

Examples of common chronic diseases include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis 
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Cancer 
  • Obesity
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease

Dr. Lu screens for and helps you manage these or other ongoing diseases you may encounter. She is highly trained and has many years of experience managing common chronic diseases.

What are the risk factors for chronic diseases?

The following factors may increase your risk of developing a chronic disease:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Eating unhealthy foods
  • Lack of exercise
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol in excess
  • Family history of chronic diseases
  • Ongoing stress

The cause of chronic disease isn’t always known and may develop because of multiple factors. Prevention measures include eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol.

Is chronic disease management right for me?

Dr. Lu completes a medical evaluation to screen for a chronic disease or its risk factors. She weighs you, determines your body mass index (BMI), and checks your blood pressure and other vital signs. She also reviews your medical history, including your symptoms, medications, past diagnoses, and lifestyle habits.

She evaluates your eyes, ears, nose, throat, breathing, and heartbeat during a physical exam. She may recommend urine testing, blood tests, lung function testing, heart function tests, allergy testing, X-rays, or other imaging procedures.

What does chronic disease management consist of?

Chronic disease management at Greenhaven Family Practice focuses on natural remedies that reduce pain and other bothersome symptoms. Dr. Lu offers:

  • Osteopathic manipulative treatment
  • Medically supervised weight loss
  • Diet and exercise education
  • Stress reduction
  • Dietary supplements
  • Injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Bracing

She also provides prescription medications or referrals if other treatments haven’t worked or you have a complex medical problem. Dr. Lu follows up with you as needed to ensure your treatment is effective and happily answers questions you might have.

To take advantage of chronic disease management at Greenhaven Family Practice, call the office today.