Admit it. We have all let quite a few things slide in the last year – the year of Coronavirus. Some have used the changes forced into our everyday lifestyles to adopt a healthy option – exercising on a Peloton in between those Zoom calls and with the weather and quarantine challenges here in the northeast, actually planning and cooking meals. Good for you if that is how you survived! While not sure of the actual statistics, I would say that this is a group in the minority.
Remember the early pandemic days? Think about the dearth of yeast packages found on the food store shelves. I think we would all agree that the increase in yeast sales had nothing to do with one of its only other uses - the production of biofuels.
Look at these statistics (Forbes/December 2020): Yeast sales rose 98% from 2019 through 2020. Couscous rose 47%. Pizza crust 43.8% and baking powder 2020 sales were $65 million – up 40.8%. There were some increases in healthier food choices – meat alternatives (up 110% from 2019) and beans, but, by far, the largest increases were not in the area of healthy food choices.
The intent of this blog though is not to address the sales trends of COVID-19 era grocery sales. Rather, we thought it would be a good opening to discuss the outcome and consequences of what effect all of these home-grown “comfort food” choices most probably have had on our health.
Think about it. A year ago, how many of you had a medical visit with a “Telehealth” physician? Not many. Now Telehealth is more of a norm. Maybe, just maybe we all need to take stock and pick up our phones to make an appointment with our actual physician!
Yesterday, a good friend with mostly minor (her word!) age-related health issues lamented that she was struggling with her everyday routine. Feeling sluggish, certain of a weight gain, and worried about the consequences of that for someone with a history of cholesterol, blood pressure, and sleeping issues, I urged her to skip the Teledoc appointment and go in for the real thing. An actual appointment with her primary care physician. An office visit that would include bloodwork, a full physical exam and a healthy and honest discussion about the changes that took place this year, and a plan to get back to a healthier version of herself. While it did make me smile when she sadly said, "I guess then I will have to get on the scale.” it made me think of what the consequences will be for many of us physically as we veered from our norm this past year.
How many others will avoid getting back on track? As a person who happily lives health insurance day in and day out, I cannot help but consider how many people are paying for health insurance plans that are not being utilized. Come on people – you are paying an enormous amount for your insurance. That huge cost entitles you to specific benefits every year. Benefits that you should tap into before things go too far. Health Insurance is not like automobile insurance! You should not wait until you crash to use it!
Some suggestions to get you on track! Here at HealthLink Advocates, we are huge fans of HealthCare.gov. Healthcare.gov is a great tool to access if you need clarity on which screenings you should be considering as a “preventive service” and are generally entitled to via your health insurance policy. While a summary is provided for your review below, access this useful link which offers a more comprehensive understanding of what the standards are:
https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/
Hopefully, you are all aware that most health plans cover preventive services without charging you a copayment or coinsurance. These costs are covered even when you have not met the yearly deductible. Check out the list below to see some significant recommendations:
Here is a checklist:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) Screening
Especially recommended for one-time screening for men over 65 who have smoked at any point in their lives.
Baby Aspirin
Discuss potential use with your physician if you are 50-59 and you have a history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Blood Pressure Screening
Aged 40 or older (younger if at higher risk due to obesity, diabetes, etc.) check annually. Aged 18-40 - check every 3-5 years (or annually if at higher risk due to obesity, diabetes, etc.)
Colorectal Cancer Screening
For adults aged 50 to 75 – and possibly younger depending on your medical history
Diabetes (Type 2) screening
For adults aged 40 to 70 who are overweight or obese
Hepatitis B Screening
For those at high risk, especially for those not vaccinated as infants
Hepatitis C Screening
For those at high risk, and one time for everyone born between 1945 and 1965
HIV Screening
For everyone ages, 15 to 65 and other ages deemed to be at increased risk
Immunizations and Vaccines
Access link for a comprehensive list: https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/
Cholesterol screening
Every 4-6 years or more often depending on your risk of heart disease
While the list above is pretty comprehensive, it nowhere nears the recommendations detailed on the healthcare.gov website (https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/). Clicking on the link will not only give you a broader scope of what preventative standards you should consider on your road to good health, but also offers a detailed list of suggested preventative testing specific to children and women.
Hopefully, you have had a chance to review the recommendations above, along with the healthcare.gov website, and are ready to make that call. The fallout on routine preventative healthcare during COVID-19 is not a big discussion yet. But believe me – in the months ahead it will be a big topic. Given that, take out the calendar. Make your appointment today – or the availability to get into your physician's office for your exam may mirror the current saga we are now faced with in accessing vaccine appointments.
The line will be long. There will be a crowd.
What will we all have in common? No denying this – the scale is waiting!