29 Apr What can you do when you need a doctor in Corona-time

With everything that is going on, I completely understand that you are uncertain about going to the doctor. However, it may be important to address any symptoms NOW in order to prevent them from getting worse.

If you are uncertain about symptoms you are having or have symptoms that you don’t trust, and you are afraid to go out because of the Corona virus, what can you do?
Please know that NOT going to the doctor might be the worst thing you can do.
What do I mean by that?
Symptoms and underlying conditions might get even worse if you wait. And this could possibly make treatment more difficult.

So how can you take care of yourself in the best possible way?
Ask yourself:

• It is urgent?
• Do I have chest pain, severe shortness of breath or severe pain?
• Has my symptom increased in a short period of time?
• Could my symptom become life threatening in a short period of time?
• Has my symptom gradually increased over a long(er) time and is it becoming more severe?

Are you worried and not sure about your symptom?
Do you have abdominal pain, skin spots that you don’t trust or persistent headache?
Then call your doctor’s office!

Thanks to nowadays’ technology we can not only hear each other on the phone, but can also see each other. And with an e-consult, you can attach or upload a picture as well.
This might be the way that the doctor can help you from ‘a distance’.
If needed, the doctor might want to see you in person and set up an appointment.

And then you all know what to do:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
• Keep 6 feet distance.
• Follow the directions of your (local) health authority.

Please keep in mind that the Corona virus is not a ‘death sentence’. And not everyone is affected in the same way.
Taking care of you right now might be more important for your overall health and perspective than worrying about Corona.

PS did you know that worrying puts our body in a fight-or-flight mode?
This is a completely normal reaction. In fact, that is how our brain works, at least the part that has been around for millions of years and has made us survive for so long: this reptilian brain wants to protect us. It will do so at all costs. And therefore puts us in a state of fight-or-flight.
The downside, however, is that this causes our stress levels to increase (even more). And that has a detrimental effect on our immune system … And right now, in Corona time, we need our immune system in the best possible condition.

So, what can you do?

• Evaluate your symptoms yourself.
• In case of doubt or worry, get a consult by phone or email.
• And, if needed, see a doctor and take the necessary precautions.

Meanwhile, be aware of your mindset: focus on what you can do, on the things that are possible. We will have better outcomes when we focus on what goes well than on what does not.

And … breathe every now and then!
Uhm, what?
When we are stressed, we tend to shorten our breath, breathe high in our chest and tighten our shoulders. This happens without us even realizing …
So, take a deep breath, in via your nose. And exhale, out via your mouth. Put both feet on the ground. You can do so when you stand as well as when you sit. Relax your shoulders, relax your belly, inhale into your belly, exhale, relax your jaw, relax your tongue. Repeat 😉
Did you notice what a big difference it makes when you relax your jaw?
When you have breathed into your belly a couple of times, there a two different follow up techniques you can do:

• Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6 counts. Or in for 6 in and out for 8. Important is that you take more time breathing out than beathing in. This may feel strange in the beginning, and it may require your full attention. Yet, it is such an easy way to relax immediately. Discover for yourself which rhythm feels most comfortable for you. And then do this for a couple of minutes. Do it several times a day. And whenever you feel stressed of course!
• This one is called box-breathing. It goes as follows: inhale for 4 counts, hold your breath for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and hold your breath for 4 counts. You can see why they call it a box. You can do 4-4-4-4, or 5-5-5-5, or even 10-10-10-10 after some practice. Repeat 10 times.

Both of these techniques result in an activation of our parasympathetic nervous system, which helps us relax. And by focusing on our breathing, we give our mind the opportunity to rest a bit, and relax as well.

Take care,
And contact your doctor NOW if you need to.

A virtual big hug,
Maaike

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