2020 is here! Whether or not you subscribe to “new year, new you,” the New Year denotes a fresh start. According to The Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, nearly 55 percent of New Year’s resolutions are health-related, such as exercising more and eating healthier. Unfortunately, the statistics of those who actually keep their resolutions are a lot lower.
THE FACTS
Chronic diseases include conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Almost one in two Americans has at least one chronic condition. In the United States, more than 87% deaths are due to chronic diseases, (World Health Organization [WHO]). Healthy lifestyles and awareness are key to preventing chronic disease.
On Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, Nashville General Hospital will host a Healthcare Town Hall Meeting to discuss integrated care delivery and in maximizing health outcomes for our patients, especially those dealing with chronic diseases.
Diabetes
The rate of diabetes in Davidson County is 11.2%, which is higher than the nationwide rate of 9.4%.
Prediabetics can help prevent diabetes by learning about your risk, making lifestyle changes and getting help to manage your diet and exercise.
Disease management for diabetics includes learning how to eat healthy, be active, monitor blood sugar levels, take medication, problem solve, reduce the risk for other health conditions. It is evidence-based and improves clinical outcomes, health status and quality of life.
High blood pressure
Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. More than 40% of African-American men and women have high blood pressure. At 40%, African-Americans have one of the highest rates of high blood pressure in the world.
Most risk factors for heart disease and stroke — specifically, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity — are preventable and controllable.
Hypertension
Tennessee ranks 7th out of 51 states for having the highest rates of hypertension.
Nashville General Hospital (NGH)
Access to healthcare is the most important priority for people with chronic conditions. NGH offers safe, effective, patient-centered, health care and disease management programs to help treat chronic illnesses.
Nashville General Hospital is a NCQA recognized Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). Research shows that healthcare providers implementing patient-centered medical homes across the country have resulted in better chronic care management for patients. PCMH practices saw 1 to 5 percent more patients meeting care metrics for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol control.
WHAT: Nashville General Hospital Healthcare Town Hall
WHEN: Tuesday, January 14 at 6:00 PM (CST)
WHERE: Cathedral of Praise Church, 4300 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218
