Time to Reschedule those Appointments You Put Off Earlier in the Year

Medical professionals are recommending you reschedule all of your medical and dental appointments that were cancelled or postponed earlier this spring and summer when we were sheltering in place to get the coronavirus outbreak under control.  Early-on in the crisis, doctors did not have the procedures and protective measures in place or the personal protective equipment to ensure your safety as well as theirs.  

Moreover as Dr. Carrie A. Horn, a hospitalist and chief medical officer and chief of the division of hospital and internal medicine at National Jewish Health in Denver, explains, “We did not have the knowledge of what was going on to feel comfortable bringing people into a public setting.”   Now more knowledgeable, medical facilities have the equipment such as masks, gloves and gowns, and the understanding of how long the air turnover is between patient rooms to keep people safe when visiting the doctor.  Also facilities have implemented temperature screening and other symptom checks to help keep sick patients from infecting others.   

Thus healthcare providers are urging those people who have not yet set up their mammograms and other routine cancer screenings to do so as they are an important preventive or diagnostic tool in our wellness.  The sooner a problem is detected, the quicker it can be addressed.  In addition think about scheduling annual physicals, blood pressure checkups, and other non-emergency health care visits. 

Another thing that was put off early in the pandemic was elective surgery, which doctors reminds us, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s optional or unimportant.  In fact many elective surgeries help improve one’s health and quality of life.   

Doctors stress any health conditions that require urgent care should be addressed immediately, and to call 911 if it is life threatening.  Other medical conditions that should be a priority include diabetes management, heart disease, and follow-up visits after urgent or emergency care.   Lastly do not forget to get routine vaccinations including your flu shot!  

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Source: 

health.usnews.com/conditions/coronavirus-and-your-health/how-to-best-seek-medical-treatment-during-the-pandemic?int=hp_coronavirus_health