The pandemic that caused us to spend the better part of a year indoors has caused adverse side effects on our physical health and mental health. Protocols dictated that we stay at home, which resulted in fewer opportunities for physical activity and the restrictive lockdowns deprived of easy access to healthy food choices. Less social interaction has also caused us to develop higher feelings of stress and anxiety.
Several factors come into play when discussing managing our health better, even amid a global pandemic. Still, we need to understand that there’s more to being healthy than just staying safe in the pandemic. Taking care of our physical and mental health will not only help us manage the pandemic better but provide us with a happier and healthier future. Amidst all the changes we’re adapting to, what hasn’t changed is the importance we should give our bodies.
Symptoms of fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and unwanted weight gain were common occurrences because of the pandemic. Outside of these common symptoms, we should also take into consideration checking up on other aspects of our health.
Young or old, getting a better grip on our health will help us live better lives in the future. Being in tune with your body and knowing when to contact a professional is also essential. Fatigue is often treated by drinking enough liquids, getting sufficient sleep, healthy eating habits, and avoiding stress.
However, there could be other underlying factors that are contributing to how we’re currently feeling. Contacting medical professionals early on to properly diagnose and treat health issues is the key to staying in tune with your overall health. Here are just some areas that you may want to focus on the next time you’re taking a closer look at your health with the help of professionals.
General Practitioners
Visiting your family doctor or a general practitioner is a great first step to managing your health better. A family doctor will have all of your medical histories on file and can get a clearer picture of any complaints you might have developed just recently. A great general practitioner will also take a detailed note of your family and medical history to gather all the necessary information to treat you properly.
The great thing about these modern times is that telemedicine is now a viable option for you if going to the doctor in the new normal gives you anxiety. Booking and conversations done virtually online through audio and video platforms offer you the benefits of a professional consultation with significantly reduced risks. These checkups can help you manage any chronic conditions you may have, such as asthma, high blood pressure, anemia, and diabetes.
Optometrists
The pandemic has shot our screen time through the roof, adding to it working from home and other virtual activities, and spent most of our days in front of a screen. Optometrist visits are relatively quick but can make a world of difference to your daily life. Vision problems can be the cause of headaches, nausea, and motion sickness.
Getting your eyes checked regularly can help make sure your eyes stay in tip-top shape. Like those given for conditions such as astigmatism, corrective lenses can help get your eyesight back in better shape when caught early enough and with regular use of your glasses. This is especially a concern for our children, who have significantly more screen time at such a young age.
Dentists
The health of your mouth dramatically affects your overall health. Regular brushing and flossing may not always be enough to keep our mouth healthy. Developing problems such as sensitivity and toothaches can be caused by cavities, broken teeth, and other underlying causes.
The younger generation may also experience issues regarding their wisdom teeth coming in, requiring some form of dental surgery. The older generation may also need to regularly visit the dentist to take care of their teeth as they age. Our smiles are one of the first things people notice about us, so it’s essential to take good care of them.
Gynecologists
Women are recommended to see their gynecologists once a year until the age of 29, which if it’s determined that you’re of good health, you can then switch to doing so every other year moving forward. Gynecologists are professionals that adult women should prioritize. They can help with issues such as menstruation, birth control, pregnancies, and menopause.
You might be looking to see which birth control pill best suits you, as this can affect your weight and even your moods. A great gynecologist can help you out. Those starting families may also want to visit their doctors to get a checkup and make sure everything is in the clear.
Our health has never been in more of a spotlight than it is today. Though our physical health is a major concern, let’s not forget about our mental health either. Virtual therapists and psychologists that conduct encrypted sessions online are now readily available to help you manage your mental health.
