Safely catching up your health

In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we all had to stay home as much as possible to flatten the curve. As we learn more about the coronavirus, we’ve been able to identify steps we can all take to resume many of our normal activities while minimizing our risk of catching or passing COVID-19.

As we venture back into the world with a new appreciation for how valuable health is, it’s important to catch up on preventive health services as well.

A good way to stay healthy

Preventive care includes screening tests, vaccines and wellness checkups that help you stay healthy.

It includes things like:

• Mammograms and Pap tests for women.
• Screenings for heart disease and cancer.
• Childhood vaccines and well-child visits.
• Flu and pneumonia shots.
• Routine checkups and advice about diet, exercise and safety.

Your wellness has never been more critical than as we work together to combat the coronavirus pandemic. “A delay in diagnosis (example: colon cancer or breast cancer) could dramatically alter the treatment plan,” says Dr. Sarah Shultz, a primary care doctor at Adventist Health’s Gresham Station clinic. “A late diagnosis may lead to more invasive treatments (surgeries, medications, and appointments) and subsequently more risk at time when we want to be minimizing our risks.”

Your primary care provider is the best person to help you decide what screenings and vaccines you need. They will also look at your entire health situation to help you decide when is the best time for each of these.

Because delaying your annual exam puts you at extra risk, we have added coronavirus-specific safety measures so you don’t have to choose between your ongoing health and continued safety.

Coronavirus safety you can depend on

We don’t want you to catch COVID-19 any more than you do. Here are some ways we are helping you stay safe in our clinics:

Staggering in-person appointments: We are staggering our patient visits to reduce how many people are crossing paths in our clinics each day. We also use virtual visits to save in-person visits for when you really need them.

Offering virtual visits: Many types of appointments can be handled via online video or phone visits with your provider. Call your clinic to find out if this option works for you.

Separating patients who might have COVID-19: We screen incoming patients for COVID-19 symptoms before anyone comes inside. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are kept separate from other patients.

Requiring masks: Everyone age 2 and older coming to our clinics should wear a mask at all times. Wear a cloth mask from home, or we will provide a mask. You’ll see our staff wearing masks at all times too.

Keeping physical distance: Clinic lobbies and other common areas are arranged to encourage physical distancing. You can even wait in your car until your provider is ready.

Cleaning and disinfecting: Exam rooms are cleaned between each patient visit, and common areas are cleaned multiple times each day.

Most importantly, don’t delay

So many diseases and health issues can be treated best when they are caught early, so please don’t delay your annual visit. We are working hard to make sure each of you can be seen safely and swiftly.

It’s time to get your health back on track. Call your primary care provider and ask when you’re due for your wellness visit and screenings. If you don’t have a primary care doctor or nurse practitioner, call us at 503-261-6929. We will help you find one that fits your life and your lifestyle.