SUNDRE — A local physician is encouraging the public to avoid delaying medical check-ups during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Don’t be afraid to seek care if you are starting to feel sick,” said Dr. Michelle Warren, who with husband Dr. Rob Warren runs the Moose and Squirrel Medical Clinic.
Physicians continue to offer virtual appointments, and can from there make arrangements to safely see patients in person if deemed necessary since of course not everything can be diagnosed over the phone, said Warren, who is also the 2020-21 Alberta Medical Association president-elect.
“We don’t want to ignore things,” she said.
Warren said she in the upcoming months expects to see a province-wide increase in various conditions, such as cancers being diagnosed late, which translates to more aggressive surgeries and reduced odds of survival.
“We’re seeing that already,” she said, citing concerns about COVID-19 as the main reason some people are more reluctant to go to a clinic or hospital than usual.
“So, I want them to know that their health-care providers are safe. Sundre hospital is safe,” she said.
“If you’re having chest pain, or you think you’re having a stroke, go to the hospital.”
While she anticipates cities will suffer the greatest impact, she added rural areas won’t be an exception and urges everyone not to take any chances with their health.
“Stay safe. Vaccinations are out there,” she said.
“That is going to help, but it’s going to take months yet before we even get a semblance of normal.”
In the meantime, she implores people not to put off getting a potentially serious health issue checked out.
