By Troy Nelson, MD, medical director and pediatrician

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A March 2021 survey found that 61% of respondents had used telehealth vs. less than 20% in March 2020.  The COVID-19 pandemic created a need for a safe way to visit with a medical provider to get non-emergent medical care, and telehealth was the answer.  At District Medical Group (DMG), including DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services (DMG CRS), we offer telehealth appointments and have encouraged patients to use this technology to continue care for themselves and their families.

Even for patients that have complex conditions, telehealth can be used to support ongoing treatment and ensure patients remain healthy and on course with prescribed treatment plans during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Here’s some ways telehealth is being used to support the health of patients and support their families:

Intake Appointments for New Patients

While we love to meet new patients and their families in-person, their health and safety is our number one priority.  Fortunately, through a telehealth meeting, we can gather all needed information about our new patient, understand the patient’s health and wellness goals and begin development of a treatment plan. 

Consultations with Specialty Providers

Like intake appointments, when a new medical specialist is being engaged to support a patient’s health, a consultation between the patient and medical specialist may be able to be completed through a telehealth appointment. Assuming the patient is established with a DMG primary care provider (PCP) and other DMG providers to support their health, the new medical specialist will have access to the patient’s electronic medical records and can easily view the patient’s medical history and discuss next steps.

If the patient has a regular follow-up scheduled with a DMG specialty physician, it may be able to be completed through a telehealth appointment. Through a telehealth appointment, the patient’s physician can determine if an in-person visit is needed based on how the patient is doing on their treatment plan.

Behavioral Health Visits

Because a physical examination is not needed, behavioral health visits are among the easiest to facilitate through telehealth. COVID-19 has been stressful for people of all ages. That’s why maintaining scheduled visits with a behavioral health specialist is important.

Primary Care for Minor Illnesses or Injuries

If a patient has a minor scrape or bruise that is concerning or woke up with a cough, mild fever, or other non-emergent symptoms, we recommend the patient to contact their PCP to see if a telehealth visit is appropriate. In some cases, minor symptoms can be easily diagnosed and treatment prescribed without an in-person examination.

Reengaging with Your Medical Providers

If regular medical appointments were missed during the COVID-19 pandemic, a telehealth appointment is a good way to reengage with a medical provider(s). Through a telehealth visit, medical updates can be provided so the physician can determine the patient’s present health status and make appropriate referrals.

The health, wellbeing and safety of your family is our number one priority. At DMG, we’re here for you providing options to ensure your treatment plan stays on-track and support you in living a happy and healthy life.

By Richard Fowler, MD, internal medicine physician

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Did you know that you make choices every day that impact your risk of cancer?  Research shows that approximately 50 percent of cancer cases are preventable with knowledge and early detection being key.

February is Cancer Prevention Month, and below are seven tips to help you decrease your risk of cancer.

Don’t use tobacco products and/or subject yourself to secondhand smoke.

While smoking is most associated with lung cancer, bladder, breast, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, mouth and throat cancers have also been linked to tobacco use.

Protect your skin from the sun.

Did you know that in Arizona 85-90 percent of the 365 days in the year are sunny?  While our attractive climate makes enjoying the great outdoors inviting, the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, is greater.  Skin cancer is not only the most common form of cancer in the United States, but it’s also one of the most preventable.  Be certain to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation using a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher and reapply every two hours.

Eat (and drink) healthy.

A balanced diet that includes plenty of beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and limits red meat is recommended to improve your overall health and decrease the risk of cancer as well as other conditions such as cardiovascular disease.  In addition, delete processed meats from your diet, and limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks daily if you are a man, and one for a woman.  Alcohol consumption increases your risk of breast, colorectal and liver cancers.

Maintain physical activity and a healthy weight.

Exercise has numerous health benefits, including decreasing stress, increasing energy and positive attitude, supporting a healthy weight, and strengthening the immune system. Did you know a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity daily can also decrease your risk of cancer? Lack of exercise and obesity have been linked to breast and colorectal cancers, and some evidence has revealed a connection to lung and pancreatic cancers.

Practice safe sex.

High-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through skin-to-skin contact during anal, oral, and vaginal sex, have increasingly been found to cause many types of cancer, including liver cancer. Use protection during sex, know your partner’s sexual history, and limit your number of partners.

Get the HPV and hepatitis vaccinations.

Certain viruses have been linked to cancer but can be prevented through vaccinations. For example, approximately one-third of liver cancers are connected to hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses.  Vaccinations are available and recommended for certain age and/or risk groups; speak with your primary care provider (PCP) to determine if vaccinations are appropriate based on your age, risks, and other factors.

Get regular cancer screenings and annual exams.

If you do not have a PCP, find one and not only schedule an annual exam but share your complete medical history as well as that of your family.  Your PCP will partner with you to assess your risk of cancer and other diseases, schedule appropriate screenings such as a mammogram, PAP smear, and/or colonoscopy, and design a health and wellness plan that is right for you.

To find a District Medical Group PCP near you, click here.

By Lauren Lambert, FNP-C, family nurse practitioner

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First introduced when baby boomers began turning 50, September is Healthy Aging Month.  While September marks “back-to-school” for children, we adults can use this time to learn some new lessons to support our overall health and wellbeing.

As a primary care provider (PCP), I support the health and wellbeing of adult patients, and each patient is different.  However, one thing remains the same: our health is dependent on physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.  Here’s some tips to support each of these areas for healthy aging.

Preventive medical exams

Stay on top of your annual wellness exams and screenings.  As we age, the types of screenings recommended change and include:

• Diabetes testing: Begins at age 45 and should be completed every three years
• Colon cancer screening: Should begin no later than age 50 and be done every five years
• Osteoporosis screenings: Should start no later than age 65
• Blood pressure readings: Should be taken annually, beginning at age 45
• Vision and balance: To prevent falls resulting in hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries or even death, both your vision and balance should be checked at least annually.

For all the above, if you have a personal or family history, your physician may recommend tests or screenings begin earlier or be done more frequently.

Physical activity

Staying active is exercise for your body and brain and helps reduce stress.

• Exercise: Exercise daily. Choose an activity you like so you look forward to doing it.
• Balance: Identify an activity that helps you maintain balance and flexibility, like yoga, to decrease your risk of falls.  Your PCP can also provide exercises to improve your balance.

Socialize

See old friends as well as make new ones; socializing is great for the brain and supports emotional wellbeing.  In addition, you may find others with whom to enjoy exercising and new activities.

• Volunteer: Most of us have a ton of life experience, which can enrich the lives of others. Find a cause that speaks to you and volunteer your time and skills to help others.
• Play cards or board games: Games keep our minds sharp and provide a great way to socialize and meet new people.

Sleep

Getting the right amount of sleep is important throughout our lives.  As we get older, ensuring we get enough sleep- but not excessive- is important to refresh our bodies and minds.