We can’t afford to ignore these chronic conditions — especially now.
As we begin our latest national lockdown, it is clear that even with a vaccine making its way through the healthcare system, we are still in the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic and there are other conditions that are hiding in the shadows, thriving in the silence while we tackle the job in hand. But it’s time to break the silence and make some noise to ensure patients are aware that GP’s are here to help them even if not as up close and personal as they may be used to.
As they continue to deal with COVID-19, clinicians are finding a disturbing trend. Fear of contracting the virus is keeping some people from getting medical care for chronic health problems that need attention, or preventive care that could catch any underlying issues before they become a greater problem. Undiagnosed and untreated chronic conditions can make you vulnerable to severe illness and the following silent killers are some conditions that cannot be ignored:
Diabetes
Every part of your body can be affected by diabetes and left untreated, it can potentially lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney or nerve damage.
Hypertension and heart disease
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, when undetected or uncontrolled, can lead to heart attack, stroke, vision loss and kidney disease.
Respiratory conditions and lung disease
If left untreated, respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD and other lung diseases, can worsen dramatically and increase the risk of complications like pneumonia and respiratory failure. Uncontrolled asthma can lead to an increased risk of permanent lung scarring. Be proactive by working with your doctor to manage these conditions.
Obesity
Obesity can cause health complications such as metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancers, sleep disorders.
Gastrointestinal issues
Early diagnosis of any inflammatory bowel disease is essential. Letting Crohn’s disease, for example, go untreated allows the condition to progress and can lead to severe symptoms and complications, hospitalisation, malnutrition and decreased quality of life.
Cancer
This is one disease that cannot be ignored. For many types of cancer, delays in treatment lead to worse outcomes for patients. Also, routine exams, labs and screenings, like mammograms, pap smears and colonoscopies, can help detect cancer early, before symptoms are present, and before the disease has a chance to spread.
Depression/anxiety
Now more than ever, people are struggling with depression and/or anxiety. Both conditions can have serious consequences, including addiction, self-injury and suicide. Depression and anxiety can also increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis.
Keeping on top of the silent killers in your community, however, has never been more difficult. Without easy access to patients to monitor their BMI and blood pressure, it means that hypertension, diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease and the risk of stroke remain a palpable threat.
Our Self-Screening Health Kiosks mean that GP’s and clinicians can invite patients of concern into their treatment rooms for a safe and socially distant healthcare assessment. As well as dealing with issues sooner rather than later, the QOF points generated by the consultation will bring welcome financial support too.
As well as healthcare checks, EK Interactive can support the primary care of those with mental health issues, particularly those who may have other conditions like diabetes or who have had a stroke.
We have developed a Covid-safe installation process and are still installing self-screening kiosks across the country. To take a look at EK Interactive products with a remote video demonstration - email hello@ekinteractive.co.uk to book your demo.
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