Chronic Disease Support in Johnson City, TN

Overview

Supportive and adjunctive care alongside conventional medical treatment.

Our healthcare team works with individuals to develop personalized care plans designed to support overall well-being and quality of life. Care plans are based on medical history, clinical evaluation, and individual health needs. Services are focused on supportive management, and no specific outcome is promised.

We work with patients who have a wide range of chronic and complex health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic inflammation, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s disease, other thyroid-related conditions, and more. Individual responses to care vary.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors, which may include age, genetics or family history, race, pregnancy history, stress levels, certain medications, cholesterol levels, and body weight. Research suggests that higher body weight is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, under the medical supervision of Dr. Dalal Akoury, MD, MPH, care for individuals with diabetes focuses on evidence-informed strategies that support metabolic health and overall wellness. Care is personalized, and outcomes vary based on individual health factors.

Hypertension

Blood pressure levels are influenced by a variety of factors, including body weight, lifestyle habits, genetics, and age. Research has shown an association between increased body mass index and higher blood pressure across diverse populations.

At AWAREmed, we provide supportive strategies as part of a comprehensive wellness approach that may help individuals support healthy blood pressure in collaboration with their healthcare provider. Responses to care differ among individuals, and no specific result is promised.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural biological response that helps the body protect itself and recover from injury or infection. While acute inflammation may present with visible signs such as swelling or pain, chronic inflammation can occur internally and may not always cause noticeable symptoms.

Persistent inflammation has been associated with a range of health concerns involving the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and other organs. According to Dr. Akoury, understanding how inflammation functions in the body can help individuals make informed decisions that support long-term wellness. Management strategies are individualized and depend on overall health status.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition commonly associated with widespread muscle discomfort, joint stiffness, and persistent fatigue. Symptoms can fluctuate over time and may vary in location and severity. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, and diagnosis can be challenging.

According to the CDC, fibromyalgia affects about 4 million adults in the United States, about 2% of the adult population, and it is more common in women. Management typically focuses on symptom support, which may include medical guidance, lifestyle modifications, and supportive therapies. Individual experiences and responses to care vary.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition affecting the central nervous system and involves inflammation and damage to myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers. Myelin plays a critical role in maintaining healthy nerve communication.

In MS, the immune system may attack myelin, which can contribute to symptoms such as muscle weakness, spasms, balance challenges, or changes in mobility. Symptom severity and progression differ significantly among individuals.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nearly 1 million people in the United States are living with MS. MS is a long-term condition, and management approaches typically focus on symptom support, monitoring, and maintaining function. Responses to therapies vary from person to person.

Hashimoto’s and Other Thyroid Conditions

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones. While it is more commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 60, it can affect individuals of many ages.

In early stages, hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms. Over time, untreated thyroid imbalance may be associated with fatigue, weight changes, joint discomfort, and metabolic changes. Supporting thyroid health generally involves medical monitoring, laboratory testing, and working with a licensed healthcare provider to address hormone balance. Individual experiences and outcomes vary.

Our Integrative Approach

At AWAREmed, chronic disease support combines conventional medical understanding with integrative and functional medicine. Dr. Akoury looks at nutrition, lifestyle, stress and other factors that may relate to your long-term health, and shares educational, evidence-informed strategies designed to help support overall well-being. This care is complementary: your primary and specialty physicians continue to manage your condition.

Who This May Be Appropriate For

This service may be appropriate for:

• Adults living with a diagnosed chronic condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis or a thyroid condition, who want supportive, educational care
• People who want a physician-led review of how nutrition, lifestyle and stress may relate to their long-term health
• Those looking for a personalized wellness plan that works alongside their primary and specialty physicians
• Adults who want to better understand chronic inflammation and the factors that may influence it
• People who prefer an integrative, whole-person approach to supportive care

A consultation with Dr. Akoury helps decide whether this service is a good fit for you. It is not a substitute for emergency care or for care from your specialists.

What to Expect

Your first visit is a physician-led consultation with Dr. Akoury. She reviews your medical history, current medications and supplements, previous lab results and your goals. Together you discuss whether supportive, educational care at AWAREmed fits your situation and how it can work alongside the care of your own physicians. Any plan is personalized, and individual experiences vary.

Important Note

Medical care decisions should always be made in consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Individual experiences vary.

Request a Consultation

To request a consultation, please call (423) 430-6170 or contact us online.

See also: Chronic Inflammation and Functional Medicine.

Related reading: Living with chronic fatigue syndrome: a practical guide

Frequently Asked Questions