One thing’s for sure – The effects of 2020 and COVID-19 has meant putting many of our favourite activities and events on hold. We’ve had to cancel events, vacations, social gatherings, even group fitness. But just because we’ve had to temporarily say farewell (or see you later) to some of the things we love, what should never be put on pause is our physical health and wellbeing.  In this article, we’ll take a look at the hidden costs of the pandemic when it comes to healthcare, along with how to get ourselves back on track into placing our physical health as a top priority once more.

The hidden toll of the pandemic.

Looking back at the start of 2020, no one could have predicted that the strain of COVID-19 would soon sweep an entire nation – shutting down the world, creating mass cases of illness, and tragically; many losses. It’s undoubtedly been a time of great sorrow and fatigue, not to mention just how difficult it has been for our health care system to keep up with the demands of patients needing immediate care.

The effects of this global crisis have had the power to place our entire country’s attention on just one virus, which to holds its own implications and hidden costs to our health.  After the initial lockdown, much has changed when it comes to patient behaviour – with many people avoiding regular checkups, screening and important testing. With COVID-19 at the forefront of hospital care, along with the urgency to stay home and stay safe, there has been a much larger population of people who have decided it may be best to wait the virus out. But this can have much more detrimental effects in the long run, as the virus has since mutated and there’s simply no telling when we will fully be out of the woods – vaccines and all.

Prevention over intervention.

As we’ve seen the pandemic progress, medical attention has primarily been focused on treating affected patients and protecting our communities from infection. But what about the rest of the population who may be at risk of developing a different disease? How do we best ensure that all populations and various illnesses are being treated and considered?  For example, cancer care, which typically involves tumor resection, inpatient treatment, and immunosuppressive therapy has been drastically affected by the effects of the pandemic.

Protocols have been shifted to create less frequent treatments, not to mention there have been cancelled surgeries and delayed screening and diagnosis – creating more risk for rapid spreading of cancers. Prevention is such a fundamental aspect of maintaining good health and ensuring that you are getting the proper care you need before a situation escalates beyond repair. In addition to eating well, getting regular exercise, supplementing, and taking precautions – it’s just as important to be getting regular checkups.

Taking the steps to check in with a symptom right away is the difference between catching something before it starts, and having to intervene when it could potentially be beyond repair. It’s important to remember how important it is to be proactive with our health, not solely reactive to circumstance. Just because we are in a pandemic, doesn’t negate how important it is to be checking in regularly and taking our physical health into our own hands.

Time to get back on track.

With the hope of a new beginning and some sense of “normalcy” on the horizon, it’s time to get back on track with our health and wellness. It’s not too late to begin again and take your health prevention back into your hands. If you’ve been finding certain appointments and checkups have been falling by the wayside, take care of yourself, put yourself at ease and go see your doctor. Though it may feel inconvenient and extra time-consuming to go through all the processes, your future healthy self will thank you for taking the proper steps today for a better tomorrow.  Of course, it is important to remember that we are still amidst a global pandemic from COVID-19.

The effects of the virus are real and remaining vigilant and aware during this time is essential. Physical distancing and prevention are still a massive component of staying safe and getting our world back on track. However, your physical well-being should always be at the top of your priority list. Whether it’s a simple check-up with your family doctor, a test, or a blood panel, it’s always worth it to check in and be safe. Most patient appointments can still be held over the phone or through a virtual platform.

Remember that support is available and your healthcare professionals are still there to support you on your journey to optimal health!

If you have any questions on virtual care, health, and wellness programs to encourage positive physical and mental health and how Navy & Sage Benefits can help your company with the right benefits package, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to helping you find a way forward in your healthcare journey.