Good health is more than being COVID free

In recent months the COVID19 pandemic, rightly so, has been all we could talk about and focus on. Partly because we needed to ensure we were doing all we could to help those infected and to ensure it didn’t spread any further, and partly because it’s something the likes of which we’ve never encountered before.

It meant that for a while doctors, nurses, hospitals and the majority of other healthcare providers had to drop everything they’d been working on and rush to the front-line, where an influx of COVID19 patients were waiting to be treated. Trying to understand a new virus and its effects, while minimizing deaths has been no mean feat, and exhausting for many. For the herculean efforts of all healthcare workers we remain deeply thankful.

This sudden focus on COVID19 and huge demand it placed on healthcare systems also ended up changing the way non COVID19 patients interacted with their doctors and other healthcare providers. Either due to fear of attending hospitals and health centers with large footfall and higher chances of infection, or out of altruism choosing to sacrifice their needs in favour of others.

Making health a priority at all times

Understandably prevention, good hygiene, and early detection of new COVID19 cases remains a priority. But let’s not forget the millions of patients living with chronic illnesses worldwide. For them, continued treatment and care of their conditions is also important. We should ensure they continue to have access to regular visits and treatments to help them manage their conditions and stay in good health. It’s not a question of either or, it’s a question of both. We should care for COVID19 patients and all others, balancing their needs equally. Easy to say but how do we do this?

 As a key player in the healthcare system, at Teva Pharmaceuticals we feel a strong responsibility towards patients. We have and must continue to do all we can to maintain the production of high quality medicines that over 200 million patients rely on every day.

I couldn’t be more proud of the dedication and commitment I have seen from my colleagues around the world as we have maintained our levels of supply during the crisis. Now as we slowly return to “normality”, our ask is that all actors of the healthcare system continue to work together in this unprecedented moment to:

·        Emphasize the need for early diagnosis, follow-up and appropriate treatment in non-coronavirus pathologies that can generate many health problems

·        Generate a calm and safe environment in which patients have guarantees to attend health resources without fear of possible infection

·        Where possible, promote telemedicine and tele assistance as a support tool to increase remote interaction with patients, while educating patients on this new way of engagement

·        Ensure the ongoing manufacture and supply of high quality medicines so they can be delivered to all patients who need them most

What does this mean on an individual level?

During the pandemic and still now, we’ve all been very conscious about our actions and being more hygienic. For example washing our hands more often, sneezing and coughing into our elbows, keeping our distance from one another, and now, wearing face masks in public as a way of protecting others.

But there are other ways in which we should be looking after our health at all times, as for example ensuring we continue to eat healthily and get enough exercise. Considering a lot of us are working from home, building exercise into our routine (having lost a commute) is vital to ensure we keep moving, maintaining our muscles in shape and good cardio health. A healthy body can also have a direct correlation to a healthy mind.

Being mindful of fear is another way of keeping our immune system active and prepared to ward off any infections. It is well known that fear depletes the immune system making people more vulnerable to disease and for those living with chronic conditions this is worse still, since they are already fragile. This is why we should be mindful of our news consumption and not focus so much on the “scary” news stories out there. Instead, focus on facts and ask questions to see whether our assumptions are valid.

When living with a chronic condition we also need to remember to regularly take our medication, replenish stocks when needed, and visit our doctors. For many I’m sure a trusted relationship with their physician develops, often being followed for years by the same person. If we’re feeling unwell, experiencing something different than usual or concerned about the progression of a condition, let’s start by picking up the phone.

Countries are now relaxing the rules related to COVID19 which means it’s possible to resume visits to doctors or the hospital. Call them to find out more about new rules, voice your concerns and ask for advice. While I understand the sentiment of wanting to protect others, we shouldn’t neglect our own health.

It’s time to act, because to be healthy is more than to be COVID free