Healthcare Is More Than a Mask

The coronavirus pandemic has drawn attention to the ways in which our complex healthcare system is fundamentally flawed: PPE shortages, struggles to manage patient surge, inadequate health education, and lack of access to telemedicine, among others.

The pandemic has had an impact on individuals as well. We know that wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing will help us stay safe, but healthcare doesn’t stop there. Has Covid reminded you to make your healthcare a priority? Start with a well-thought-out action plan.
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One Client’s Story

Charlie (identifying details have been changed) is a 70-year-old executive. He runs a small company and divides his time between Connecticut and Santa Monica, California.  He contacted Better Health Advisors last year, pre-Covid, for help finding a top primary care doctor, pulmonologist, and a neurologist, in addition to nutrition counseling. At the time, he was interested in BHA’s services, but didn't feel ready to start working with our team.  

Charlie recently got back in touch with us, because he and his daughter had been diagnosed with Covid-19.  He asked us for help managing the illness and with setting up his medical team on the West Coast. We immediately talked with his previous primary care doctor to understand his overall health and other medical conditions. We recommended a new health insurance plan that better fit his needs and educated him on Covid treatment and management. As he recovers from Covid-19, we are identifying the best medical team for him, giving them access to his medical information, and working to steer his ongoing care.  

Many people overlook the importance of healthcare when they are feeling healthy, but we encourage you to put a healthcare action plan in place. The pandemic has made this more important than ever. BHA’s Better Health Action Plan will help ensure you stay healthy today and are prepared for the future.
7 Ways to Prioritize Your Health

• Know your primary care physician (PCP). When Covid hit, many people had questions—and were told, “Ask your PCP.”  Your PCP connects the dots on your healthcare. They know your medical history, follow your treatment, answer questions, and manage hospital visits.
  
• Be sure you have the right health insurance. This time of year is open enrollment, so it's a great time to examine your health insurance plan and consider your options.
  
• Stay up to date on your vaccines. It's flu season, which means it’s time for a flu vaccine.  Many states typically have vaccine rates under 50%. Getting the flu vaccine not only helps keep you healthy but also limits the flu’s spread.
  
• Take care of your physical health. Covid has been linked to obesity, so don’t let yourself go just because you’re spending more time at home. If your gym is off-limits due to the pandemic, find other ways to keep your body healthy and fit.
  
• Manage your mental health. If you are experiencing loneliness or anxiety due to the pandemic, you are not alone. Pay attention to how you are feeling and know how to get expert help if you need it.
  
• Pay attention to prevention. During the Covid pandemic, we’ve all learned to take responsibility for our own health while also considering how our actions affect the health of our community. Let’s keep that in mind as we move forward.
  
• Be prepared for emergencies. Do you have a plan for accessing care and treatment in case of an emergency? If not, now’s the time to create one. Don’t wait until a crisis occurs.

If you want help setting up a health action plan, or have questions for John and the BHA Team, email john@betterhealthadvisors.com.