While COVID-19 had everyone locked down last year, that doesn’t mean your health maintenance needed to stay behind closed doors. Scheduling regular exams and time-sensitive tests are vital when it comes to maintaining your health – especially during quarantine.
CANCER SCREENINGS
Washington University physicians understand the concern COVID-19 has caused for our patients and communities. Colonoscopies and mammograms are vital for early cancer detection and treatment. If you are due for any cancer screenings, there is no reason to delay. Safety protocol guidelines are in place to keep you safe during your tests. Ask your Washington University physician’s office how to schedule your colonoscopy or mammogram.
YEARLY PHYSICALS
Last year’s physical might have been cancelled – either by you or by your doctor’s office. If you haven’t already scheduled another one, now is the time to make an appointment for your next physical. You could start with a virtual visit with your primary care doctor. Virtual visits are efficient, convenient, very personal and easy-to-schedule. Based upon your concerns or symptoms, your doctor may want to see you in-person or schedule some follow-up tests.
Seeing your primary care physician has never been easier.
MANAGING CHRONIC CONDITIONS
Stay on top of your existing chronic conditions. If you have heart disease or diabetes, you know how important regular check-ups and lab work are to your good health. Virtual visits or in-person appointments give you options for how you are seen by your care team.
Other chronic conditions that can be monitored with video doctor visits include, among others, arthritis, migraines and allergies.
There is no reason you should postpone any of your care because of COVID concerns — don’t delay reaching out to your Washington University physician for any reason.
MENTAL HEALTH
Your mental health has never been more important. No one is immune to anxiety or depression, especially during the stress of COVID-19. If you find you are struggling, a Washington University psychiatrist offers this advice, “Vulnerability is not a weakness to be ashamed of. I encourage people to get help early – not only when they are in crisis. The stressors of the extended pandemic can be compounded with isolation from loved ones, working from home, juggling child care and remote learning for school-age children. While it looks like there is light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel with more and more people getting the vaccine, the end of this pandemic does not mean the end of taking care of your mental well-being.”
If you or a loved one is concerned about your mental health, Washington University psychiatry is here to help. Please call us at 314-286-1700.
EMERGENCIES
It goes without saying, every minute counts in a medical emergency. DON’T LET FEAR OF COVID-19 CAUSE YOU TO IGNORE THESE WARNING SIGNS, call 911 immediately or get to the nearest emergency room. Safety protocols are in place to keep our patients safe.
HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS
Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
STROKE SYMPTOMS … Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.
Face drooping Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
Arm weakness Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech difficulty Is speech slurred, or is the person unable to speak — is he or she hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “the sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
Time to call 9-1-1 If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
No matter your health needs: chronic conditions, screenings, well check-ups or emergencies, Washington University physicians are here for you. Our clinics and hospitals are safe and ready to give you the care you need.
Visit physicians.wustl.edu to find a specialist or for more information on safety protocols that are in place for you.