With the national COVID-19 Public Health Emergency officially over, medical experts say it’s time to address health challenges that may have been neglected during—or created by—the pandemic.
“Making time for yourself and your family’s preventive medical care and investing in your mental health is essential now,” says Jack Resneck Jr, MD, president of the American Medical Association (AMA). “As you settle into old routines or find new ones, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, fearful, or depressed. Give yourself permission to express those feelings while taking steps to get the care you need.”
For better health and well-being, the AMA offers these tips:
1. Stay connected: According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the health consequences of isolation include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Spending time with loved ones, friends, or community groups can quickly have a positive impact on mental and physical health.
2. Practice self-care: Regular exercise, practicing gratitude, and getting enough sleep are all forms of self-care that can improve mental health. Check out the resources from the National Institute of Mental Health, which include ideas for better understanding what causes your symptoms and what coping techniques can help you manage your mental health.
3. Know the signs: Feelings of hopelessness or irritability, loss of interest in hobbies and activities, and decreased energy or appetite can all be signs of depression. If you are experiencing signs of a mental health condition, talk to your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist. Be aware of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a national hotline available 24/7. Anyone experiencing a suicidal crisis, substance use, or mental health crisis can call or text 988 to talk with trained crisis counselors.
4. Get screened: It’s estimated that since April 2020, 3.9 million breast cancer diagnoses, 3.8 million colorectal cancer diagnoses, and 1.6 million prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. If you are overdue for preventive care, screenings, or exams, schedule an appointment.
5. Don’t wait: It’s estimated that 41% of adults with one or more chronic health conditions reported delaying or forgoing health care since the pandemic began. Additionally, one in three of these adults reported that this worsened one or more of their health conditions or limited their ability to work or perform other daily activities. Whether you have a chronic health condition or not, don’t wait until something is wrong before seeing a doctor. If something feels off, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
6. Get vaccinated: Immunizations for teens and adults dropped sharply during the pandemic, and it’s estimated that 26 million recommended vaccinations were missed in 2020 compared to 2019. Make sure your family is up to date on vaccinations, including the annual flu vaccine and the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. Your doctor can let you know if you are due for a COVID booster. If you have questions, consult your doctor and trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.
7. Know your numbers: Track health data such as height, weight, body mass index, and blood pressure to share trends with your doctor and take action if needed. Visit ManageYourBP.org to understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and how to manage your blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions of Americans and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
For more tips and information, visit www.ama-assn.org.
“It is vitally important to prioritize mental and physical health. Contact your healthcare professional to schedule the care you need to keep you and your family healthy,” says Dr. Resneck.
Source: StatePoint