With health in mind amid COVID-19, many New Yorkers may be trying to redefine their health priorities, including scheduling appointments with our doctors, dentists, and other health professionals.
While these appointments are important each year, they are especially important in 2021 as some election procedures and routine visits have been delayed or missed due to the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19. In fact, an estimated 41% of Americans have avoided medical care due to COVID-19, including 12% who avoided urgent or emergency services and 31% who avoided routine care.
Delaying or canceling routine health appointments or medical procedures, and ignoring symptoms of emergency medical care can negatively affect your wellbeing. In some places, health centers have found more patients to be sick than the long delay in care.
To help you stay as safe as possible when returning to the hospital or doctor's office for medical care, there are three tips to keep in mind:
Limit the risk of exposure. Public health recommendations to limit the spread of COVID-19 are especially important for personal care appointments, including:
• Use a good quality mask, e.g. B. a tight-fitting, multi-layer fabric cover. If you have any illness that prevents you from wearing a mask, tell your doctor in advance.
• Avoid overcrowded waiting areas. In some cases, healthcare providers may ask you to wait in the car before your appointment begins.
• Limit the number of people you bring (or don't bring anyone) to your appointment or hospital guests. If a family member is usually around for doctor appointments, you can call them while you are at the doctor and put your phone on the speakerphone.
• Expect to have your temperature monitored and share information about your current health, including possible symptoms related to COVID-19.
• Inquire with your doctor whether the healthcare facility has a COVID-19 action plan and what specific steps have been taken.
Prioritize assessments and certain electoral processes. The number of preventive medical examinations such as annual routine examinations and cancer screening examinations fell by 43% in the wake of the pandemic. [1] And just because an operation or procedure is selectable and can be planned in advance does not mean that it is not essential to the patient's health. Indeed, many of these services could potentially save lives, maintain organ function, and help prevent further damage from underlying diseases or illnesses. Priority medical services and screening tests to consider include:
• Preventive exams based on age or other risk factors, including colonoscopies and mammograms.
• Management of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes and periodontal disease.
• Medical emergencies such as chest pain, numbness of the face or extremities, or head or eye injuries should always be addressed to an emergency room or emergency room as soon as possible.
Focus on your oral health. Maintaining good oral health is important all year round, but especially before and after medical procedures. This is because germs can grow in your mouth while you are in the hospital after surgery, medication that can dry out your mouth, or difficulty reaching the sink for a brushing routine. This can increase your risk of hospital-acquired infections such as pneumonia. [2] To counteract this, it is important to consider oral health guidelines, which include:
• After eating and before going to bed, brush your teeth (and tongue) with a soft-bristled toothbrush for up to two minutes.
• Consider flossing every day and flossing with water to promote healthy gums.
• Rinse with mouthwash for 30 seconds to kill bacteria and clean parts of the mouth.
• Stay hydrated to promote general well-being, prevent dry mouth, while limiting sugary drinks and snacks.
• Proceed with routine oral health care, including checkups and cleanings, according to the American Dental Association. However, the World Health Organization recommends avoiding elective dental services in locations where there is "intense and uncontrolled community transmission of COVID-19". So check out local infection rates on websites like covidactnow.org.
Finally, consider accessing public resources to personally prepare for medical appointments and review the virtual care options that may be available through your healthcare provider or plan. In the midst of COVID-19, it is important to work on maintaining and improving your health. So, by following these tips, you can feel safe returning for personal grooming appointments.
Dr. Don Stangler is UnitedHealthcare for NY Medical Director.
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