The NJ Police Chief Magazine - Vol. 26, Number 10 | Page 14

Healthy Living Tips from
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | June 2020
HEALTHY TIP: Don’t Delay Care for Chronic Diseases
Delaying healthcare is never good, especially if it’s a chronic disease. Chronic diseases including heart failure, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and high blood pressure have taken second place during the
coronavirus pandemic, which has upended every aspect of our lives – from how we shop, visit with friends, and work.
In addition to postponing routine medical care for the past several months, many people now also live with increased
stress, as well as an on-going fear of contracting the virus.
This combination is a worrisome problem for Renee Bullock-Palmer, MD, Cardiologist at Deborah Heart and Lung
Center.
“When the virus hit, hospitals had to rapidly redeploy resources and shift priorities,” she said. “Many patients had non
-urgent specialist appointments postponed.”
Now, with New Jersey’s infection rate flattening, and the state back on the road to recovery, Dr. Bullock-Palmer is
urging everyone with a chronic condition to make an appointment with their doctor.
Chronic Disease Management--Critical to Health
Dr. Bullock-Palmer said the current problem with putting off health care is twofold.
“First, for example, if you have high blood pressure and you stop seeing your specialist and continue without proper
medical management, you can find that your hypertension rapidly turns into something more serious. Although we
had to take a pause, we are now at the point where patients should be connecting with their doctors for care. Hospitals
are prepared to manage patients in a safe manner, with social distancing, masking of staff and patients, screening
of patients with questionnaires and temperature checks, spacing patients’ available seating at least 6 feet apart,
and following universal precautions for cleaning of the medical facility following federal and state health guidelines.”
And she reminded patients: “Virtual telehealth visits are always an option if you cannot come to the hospital for an
appointment.”
“We don’t want patients to start getting sicker.”
Just as importantly, Dr. Bullock-Palmer pointed out the importance of managing chronic conditions especially during
the pandemic.
“There is mounting scientific and medical evidence that patients with underlying chronic medical conditions are more
at risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19,” she said. “If you have diabetes, hypertension, or COPD, if you contract
the coronavirus you might get much sicker. If your conditions are managed well and your immune system is stronger,
you may have a better chance of not becoming severely ill with this infection.”
In either case, Dr. Bullock-Palmer urges anyone who has put off going to the doctor to make an appointment.
“It’s time to connect with your physician. Your health matters.”
For an appointment with a Deborah Heart and Lung Center specialist:
855-338-9557 or request an appointment online:
www.DemandDeborah.org
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