Regular health screenings must continue during virus outbreak
Early detection can help prevent and treat fatal diseases.
The coronavirus pandemic may have had the power to bring our normal life to a sudden halt, but it has had no authority over the progression of other diseases.
Cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes are just a few of the major diseases that continue to affect the health of Americans every day. These conditions can be prevented or slowed in progression if caught early. Screenings for these diseases must remain a priority even during the uncertain times brought on by COVID-19, according to Dr. Shirelle Applin with Premier Health Family Medicine – Xenia.
“COVID-19 is a real concern, but amidst the pandemic, we know that we still have many other diseases that continue to march on and are prevalent among our community and within our patient population,” said Applin, who practices with Premier Physician Network.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that seven out of 10 Americans die from preventable diseases each year. Disease that is caught early is often more treatable, and in some cases, curable. However, most of these diseases will not be diagnosed if individuals do not adhere to regular screening guidelines or choose to delay visits to their health care provider.
Applin agrees there are many reasons why individuals should confidently resume their regular health care appointments:
Open and ready – Primary care and specialist practices are open and eager to see their patients, and steps have been taken to significantly reduce the spread of germs. These measures include how patients are separated in offices, extensive cleaning between patients, and the availability of telemedicine to reduce the number of patients in the offices.
Keeping baby on track – Well-child appointments that often involve the administration of vaccines were placed on hold for the first few weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak; however, physicians are now urging parents to come in for these appointments. Keeping a child on track with vaccines is extremely important in keeping a young and vulnerable child healthy.
Maintaining good health – Those with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes should keep appointments that check and track their vital statistics. This ongoing data often helps a provider understand if a patient is being faithful in taking their medication or if they need additional help.
Symptoms need attention – Patients should heed new symptoms and avoid delays in seeing their doctor if they persist. Applin said there has been a trend for individuals – even some of her own patients – who have avoided coming into her office or the emergency room for symptoms such as chest pain. Such symptoms could be life-threatening and should not be ignored out of fear, she said.
Timing is everything – Key cancer screenings such as colonoscopies and mammograms are recommended at certain ages. It’s important for patients to talk to their providers if they feel they want to wait until after the pandemic lifts before having those screenings.
“It’s important for individuals to consult with their primary care provider. This is where that relationship between a doctor and patients is so important. Because they will know their family history, and whether it places you in a different category of screening,” Applin said. “Timing, in many cases, is everything. There are some aggressive malignancies that could change the course of treatment to be used or determine the stage of the disease at the time it is discovered.”
Premier Physician Network is one of the largest groups of pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, and urgent care practices in southwest Ohio. For more information, go online to www.premierphysiciannet. com. For more information about health screenings, or to schedule an appointment with a Premier Physician Network physician near you, visit PremierHealth.com/ MakeAnAppointment.