Give Priority to your Health

By Marcos Otero, Gulf Coast Immediate Care Center

Give Priority to your Health! Another year has transpired. The last two years have been genuinely crazy with the COVID epidemic and the apparent increase of callous, uncaring people. I worry about our society, and everybody involved in it. Today’s world is so tied to social media and worried about what’s so and so is doing. We forget to take care of ourselves and our loved ones.

I have seen so many patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac problems, etc. that have just stopped doing the recommended healthy things or stopped taking medications and blame it on COVID.

It is funny patients complain of the cost of the medications but spend excessive amounts on pedicures – manicures and handbags without a thought.

Many would not go to their providers because of fear of COVID but would hang out at Walmart and shopping centers without that same worry.

Yes, COVID changed the usual way we live and do things, but we must continue to care for ourselves. I had a gentleman present at the clinic requesting refills. He had stopped taking his medications over 18 months ago, just after COVID began. His diabetic complications had progressed, and now he wanted these fixed. Regrettably, I could not undo these complications, and he did not understand this.

Let’s go into the new year with a different attitude; let’s care for each other, watch over each other and take care of ourselves. Make a plan for the following year to see your provider and get physicals and up to date on medications. Live each day to the fullest! Enjoy life! Enjoy a healthy life!

As we all think of COVID, please do not forget about the flu. Vaccines are available for both, and I strongly recommend vaccination. I have heard the arguments from people who do not want vaccines, which is a choice. But I’ve also listened to those same people come down with COVID or the flu and expect antibiotics to cure them, and of course, now they want the vaccine.

As Christmas arrives, remember to care for the children. Buy them age-appropriate toys. Ensure these are safe before you give them to them. It’s easy to provide these children with iPads and phones, but teaching them what you learned as a child that playtime outside in fresh air and the sun is much healthier than looking at those addicting screens.

This year is almost over, and next year is fast approaching, and I can only pray that life improves for all of you.

May your family be blessed this Christmas and New Year

May God watch over you and protect you!

Merry Christmas.