Health & Wellness During COVID-19 & Beyond

The coronavirus pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives, but one thing that shouldn’t change is access to safe, reliable healthcare. While you should still take plenty of precautions to stay healthy and avoid getting sick, you should never delay medical care.

Since COVID-19 spread throughout the country earlier this year, we have noticed a concerning trend of patients delaying routine check-ups, treatments, preventative screenings, and important procedures due to fears of catching the virus. In many cases, these patients put themselves in more danger by not seeking medical attention when they should.

As state restrictions lift and some normalcy begins to return, we encourage you to stay safe, stay healthy, and get medical care when you need it. There’s no need to compromise your care—it is safe to visit a Frederick Health location and get the care you need when you need it.

Delayed Medical Care? See a Doctor Now.

For some health emergencies, waiting too long to get medical care is a greater risk to your health than the risk of contracting COVID-19. At Frederick Health, your health and safety matters. Each member of our healthcare team is dedicated to keeping our facilities clean and safe so patients can feel safe getting care. If you’ve delayed medical care because of concerns about health and safety at the doctor’s office, or if you’re due for a check-up, Frederick Health has plenty of options for you to get the level of care you deserve.

Patients are always welcome to visit a provider in person. Rest assured, we’re taking extra steps to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and staff, and we update our procedures regularly. Here are a few of the ways we’re keeping you safe:

• Requiring use of face masks
• Increased cleaning frequency
• Advanced cleaning technology
• Protective shields at transaction sites
• COVID-19 screening for patients, visitors, and staff
• Physical distancing reminders

Exceptional medical care is just a click or call away. Find a doctor or call 240-566-HERE to schedule an in-person visit with one of Frederick Health’s dedicated providers. For common conditions like allergic reactions, rashes, minor broken bones, and flu-like symptoms, Frederick Health’s Urgent Care has two convenient locations in Frederick and Urbana. For serious conditions like chest pressure or pain, severe bleeding, trouble breathing, or severe burns, Frederick Health’s Emergency Department is available 24/7.

If you prefer to stay home while getting care, Frederick Health has options for you, too. Our telehealth services are perfect for your ongoing healthcare needs and specialty care, and you can get online urgent care via Virtual Visits. In just an hour from the comfort of your home, you can connect with a trusted Frederick Health provider online. There’s no appointment needed.

Maintaining Good Health

Some restrictions are easing and life is slowly gaining back some normalcy, but the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. Summer 2020 doesn’t have to be a bummer, but you still need to keep health and safety precautions in mind to reduce the risk of you, your family, and others getting sick. These precautions include:

• Wear a mask. When you’re in public or around people not from your household, wear a mask over your mouth and nose. COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughs, sneezes, or talking. COVID-19 can be transmitted by asymptomatic carriers—people who have the virus but no symptoms of it—so it’s extra important to wear a mask even if you don’t feel sick. Anyone over age 2 should wear a mask.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone not in your household, and exercise extra caution when in public spaces. Studies and evidence show that COVID-19 respiratory droplets usually travel about 6 feet.
• Avoid crowded areas. Crowded spaces increase the risk of infection. Avoid busy enclosed spaces like malls, movie theaters, restaurants, and bars.
• Wash your hands. Pandemic or not, you should always wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching any public surface, after using the bathroom, after changing a diaper, after handling a pet, or whenever your hands are dirty. Make sure your little ones know the importance of handwashing, too.
• Stay home if you feel sick. Even when there’s not a pandemic, you should stay home if you feel ill to avoid getting others sick. If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, call Frederick Health today to get tested.

Are you concerned that all of these precautions put a damper on your family’s fun this summer? Don’t worry—there are still plenty of fun, family-friendly activities that keep health and safety in mind, such as biking, hiking, virtual storytime, and virtual fitness classes.

In addition to taking extra precautions, there are ways to boost your immune system to increase your chances of fighting off an infection, such as:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Staying active
• Eating plenty of fruits and veggies
• Not smoking
• Not drinking excessively
• Getting enough sleep

If you need help getting healthier or staying well, Frederick Health is here for you—because we want you healthy, Frederick!