Spring 2025 7 Living with a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can be challenging. With effective management, you can enhance your well-being and lead a fulfilling life. A primary care provider (PCP) can help with that. In addition to offering preventive care, a PCP can help you navigate the complexities of chronic disease management. For Family Medicine Physician Katherine Pederson, DO, being a PCP means serving as both an accountability partner and an advocate for her patients. She emphasizes the importance of holistic support, asking her The importance of routine screenings Your PCP can help you get the screenings you need Being proactive about your health by getting regular screenings can bring you peace of mind. Health screening tests can help detect many problems early, when it’s often easier to treat them. “There are diseases like high blood pressure where you may not have signs or symptoms,” says Internal Medicine Physician Prabhash Kakarla, MD. “It might present later as a stroke or a heart attack. And you don’t want to wait for that.” How do you know which screenings you need and when to start getting them? By seeing your primary care provider (PCP), even when you feel fine. Depending on factors like your age, sex and health, your PCP may suggest screenings for: ● Breast, cervical, colorectal, lung or prostate cancers ● Diabetes ● High blood pressure ● High cholesterol A focus on prevention Navigating routine screenings is just one of the ways Dr. Kakarla helps his adult and geriatric patients maintain their health. “The important thing is to at least have an annual physical and speak to your physician about what screenings are appropriate for you,” Dr. Kakarla says. Living your best with a chronic condition Your primary care provider can help patients about their daily lives and the challenges they face that may hinder them from managing their condition. “I ask questions like, ‘How are Mom and Dad doing?’ or ‘How is work going?’ ‘Is that the stressor that is causing your diabetes to worsen?’” she says. Dr. Pederson then offers a range of solutions, including lifestyle changes and access to nutrition and mental health counseling. She makes sure her patients fully understand how to manage their chronic conditions and safely and effectively take their medications. The most rewarding aspect of Dr. Pederson’s work is witnessing her patients achieve their goals. “They come in super proud,” she shares. “And that’s what I like. They’ve improved their health, and they’re proud.” By fostering collaboration, Dr. Pederson helps her patients manage their chronic conditions and inspires them to take charge of their health journeys. Make an appointment Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Pederson to schedule an appointment. Make an appointment with Dr. Kakarla Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Kakarla.
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