Tips for Managing the Most Common Chronic Health Conditions

These everyday habits give you more control over ongoing health issues so you feel better.

Millions of people live with chronic health conditions every day, with problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and lung conditions being very common, especially as people get older. While these conditions may not go away, there are ways to manage them to improve your quality of life.

“Many chronic illnesses respond well to healthy lifestyle habits and routine medical care, so be sure to pay attention to symptoms and you can address them before they become more serious,” said Michael Tarkey MD, a family medicine doctor at the PIH Health Bellflower medical office building. Here are some basic tips for managing some of the most common chronic health conditions.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often has no warning signs, which is why it’s sometimes called a silent condition. Left untreated, it can raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Here are some tips for managing high blood pressure:

• Check your blood pressure regularly
• Cut back on foods high in salt
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay physically active most days of the week
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
• Take medications exactly as prescribed

Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes affects how your body uses sugar for energy. When blood sugar stays too high for too long, it can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs.

Helpful diabetes management tips:

• Monitor your blood sugar if recommended by your doctor
• Choose high-fiber foods and limit sugary drinks
• Spread carbohydrates evenly throughout the day
• Stay active to help improve insulin sensitivity
• Drink enough water
• Keep up with regular eye exams and foot checks
• Take medications or insulin as directed

Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The condition includes problems like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms.

To help protect your heart:

• Eat more heart-healthy fats like those found in fish, nuts, and olive oil
• Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats
• Engage in regular exercise, even if it’s just walking
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques or hobbies
• Get enough sleep each night
• Know your cholesterol numbers
• Keep up with routine doctor visits

Arthritis

Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can make daily activities more difficult, but movement is often one of the best ways to manage symptoms.

Tips for living with arthritis:

• Stay active with gentle exercises like swimming or walking
• Stretch regularly to improve flexibility
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints
• Use heat or cold packs for symptom relief
• Pace yourself and avoid overdoing activities
• Wear supportive shoes
• Talk to your doctor about medications or physical therapy

Chronic Lung Conditions

Conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make breathing harder and may worsen over time without proper care.

To help manage lung conditions:

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Take medications and inhalers correctly
• Stay up to date on flu and pneumonia vaccines
• Watch out for changes in breathing or coughing
• Exercise as tolerated to strengthen the lungs
• Reduce exposure to air pollution and strong chemicals
• Follow your treatment plan closely

“Living with a chronic condition can be overwhelming at times, but adopting healthy habits and adhering to your medical care can help you feel better and lower your risk of complications,” said Dr. Tarkey. Even simple changes can improve your health over time and help you stay more active and independent longer.

To find a PIH Health primary care physician, visit PIHHealth.org/Doctors

Michael Tarkey MD

Michael Tarkey MD is a family medicine doctor with a subspecialty in chronic disease management and addiction medicine. Dr. Tarkey chose to go into medicine because he had a passion for teaching, biology, and community work. Medicine was an excellent way for him to combine all of his passions into a meaningful career. Family medicine requires a broad knowledge base as the foundation for providing healthcare to the whole community. Dr. Tarkey believes that when he sees a patient in the context of their community and family, he can more fully address their needs. Dr. Tarkey completed a two-year fellowship in academic medicine to learn how to be a better educator and researcher within medicine and he also completed his Masters degree in healthcare administration. He enjoys getting to know his patients and their families over time, as well as seeing patients grow their knowledge and confidence about their health. Coming from an academic background, he values being up to date in his field and the latest research. Having bilingual language skills allows him to bring different cultural perspective to his practice. Dr. Tarkey grew up in the Midwest and moved to Southern California in 2023. He loves the outdoors and is an avid rock climber and backpacker.

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