COVID-19 turned the world on its ear.
We watched in fear as case numbers and death counts mount. We worried about those closest to us, about our older friends and colleagues, and also about our children who needed to get back to school.
The effects of social isolation led to spikes in substance abuse and suicide. Many people, separated from their support systems, suffered despair and felt like giving up.
Others placated themselves with pizza and ice cream and hunkered down to wait for it all to be over. (Note: This is not a confession!)
A sense of belonging; it’s the glue that holds us together. Let’s not neglect our physical and emotional health post pandemic. A good relationship with a family doctor you trust is a great way to begin.
Don’t put off taking care of your high blood pressure, diabetes, heart and breathing problems, depression and anxiety. If you get sick, let’s hunker down together. Take care of yourself and each other.
Heidi M. Larson, M.D. is one of only 9 private Maine physicians to earn three blue ribbons of distinction for excellence in outcomes for care in the treatment of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and depression. Her mission as a family medicine physician is to provide exceptional, comprehensive health care to the whole family in and around Scarborough, Maine, based on trusting personal relationships with patients, their families, and the community.