It’s always a good time to focus on your health
As a physician, I continue to tell my patients to stay on top of healthy best practices to manage COVID-19. Wash your hands. Maintain social distancing of 6 feet. Wear a mask when you’re in public. Stay home if you’re sick.
In all areas, we need to continue to make certain our health is on track. How can we make the most of our time with our doctor, what questions should we be asking, and what should we expect from new care experiences?
For many of us, the options to receive care have expanded in the last few months to include in-person visits and more virtual options. As we advance through the phases of Safe Start Washington, most health providers will continue to offer options for virtual care, but in some cases your doctor might want or need to see you in person.
You shouldn’t hesitate to ask for guidance and help from your provider’s office about any health concern. Regardless of how you receive care, the experience is likely going to be different from before. You might wait in your car instead of the waiting room. You might be asked to come to your visit alone to help reduce the number of people in the clinic.
You will likely answer additional screening questions and have your temperature taken. And you’ll be asked to wear a mask to keep yourself, fellow patients and health care providers safe. You’ll see social distancing practices in place and increased cleaning procedures. These steps will help to keep providers and patients safe.
As always, be prepared for your provider visits. Write down all the questions and concerns you have in advance, and get your current medication list ready so that when it comes time for your visit, you are prepared and can make the most of your time with your provider. Ask for an after-visit summary to ensure you know next steps.
Take a look at your prescriptions and make sure you have enough on hand and that you’re continuing to take the medicine as prescribed. Ask your doctor about any changes, and don’t make adjustments on your own. Getting a refill is easier than ever as many pharmacies are continuing to offer curbside pickup, and others will deliver by mail right to your home.
Be sure to ask if you are up to date on your immunizations and tests. Many provider offices are creating secluded areas just for immunization that further minimize any potential exposure in the clinic.
Some might even be doing “drive-up” immunization. Make sure the adults in your home are current with immunizations, and don’t delay vaccines for children, especially for infants in the first year of life.
Many of us have been cooped up and not doing as much exercise as our body needs. Keep physical activity a part of your day be it walking in the neighborhood, biking, running or home-based workouts. Remember to take it easy as you ease back into routines so you don’t hurt yourself.
Check in on your mental health, too. As we spend more time at home or away from our families, we might be feeling the effects of isolation and loneliness and an increase in anxiety or depression.
Finding new ways to connect with friends and family can certainly help whether it’s video chats or cards in the mail. Your medical provider is always available to discuss what you’re feeling and to help you plan for your care.
Bob Riggs is a family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente’s Riverfront Medical Center. His column appears biweekly in The Spokesman-Review.