Should I still be doing my routine checks at the GP during the pandemic?
Health Matters Ballito Dr Melize De Villiers answers:
Very good question!
If you are suffering from a chronic condition or are on any chronic medication, for example for diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease or asthma, now more than ever you should make sure that these conditions are well controlled, as underlying comorbidities increase your risk for severe Covid-related illness.
You should visit your doctor to monitor these conditions and check your medication to ensure that you are as healthy as possible.
Routine checks including yearly gynecologist exams, child vaccinations, blood tests, cancer screening etc should also continue.
Bear in mind that we are already 5 months into this pandemic and we are possibly 12-18 months away from a vaccine, and so we cannot neglect other conditions for such an extended period.
Do not postpone checking out any new symptoms that may need medical attention.
If you have flu-like/Covid-like symptoms, your doctor can arrange an online consultation for you.
Remember that doctors are doing everything they can to keep their practices Covid-free so that they can take care of your other medical needs.
If you are unsure regarding whether to seek medical help, contact your doctor for advice.
My kids are back at school in the middle of pandemic! What do I do if my child becomes anxious?
Health Matters Ballito psychologist Lisa Grant-Stuart answers:
This is uncharted territory for us all.
It is normal for children to have anxiety about the unknown.
When children are feeling anxious, they may show this in a unique way.
However, common signs of anxiety to look out for in your child are:
- Reassurance-seeking (Is Grandma going to be okay? What happens if….)
- Clinginess
- Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches
- Moodiness, irritability or meltdowns
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Not eating properly
- Feeling tense and fidgety, or using the toilet often
- Constantly having negative thoughts
There are several things parents can do to help.
Firstly, don’t (over)think for your child; kids are resilient, and this is their new reality.
If your own anxiety is having an impact on your child, seek assistance yourself.
Secondly, dedicate more time to play and relaxing.
Thirdly, talk to your child about Covid-19 to alleviate their fears. Some examples include:
- ‘Most people recover well from Covid-19.’ Provide reliable information.
- ‘We have strong bodies to help us fight the virus.’ Help kids trust their bodies.
- ‘By wearing a mask, you are really helping to fight Covid-19.’ Encourage empowerment.
- ‘Welcome back kids who have stayed at home because of the virus, they must have missed their friends’. Develop empathy and a sense of community in children.
For more info contact Health Matters at healthmattersballito.co.za or 087 152 3030.
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