How To Deal With Comorbidities And Be Prepared To Live With Covid-19

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 8 June 2020

A handy list of resources for living with the coronavirus and managing your chronic conditions. Just look for your condition below. If you don't find what you are looking for, please leave a comment and we will get back to you.

We must live with Covid-19 pandemic for a while. For people with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, rheumatic conditions, pulmonary conditions, it is even more essential to manage these conditions better. For e.g. a person whose blood sugars are under control is better equipped to deal with the coronavirus infection.

As we prepare for the easing of restrictions, we must be aware of the risks of infection associated with it and mitigate these risks by practicing safety guidelines viz. mask hygiene, regular washing and sanitisation of hands, and maintaining safe distance at all times.

We must also recognise that we cannot delay seeking help and treatment of our chronic conditions, and seek out the doctor. The process of these has changed in some places. While some places have started OPDs, most still require that you first connect and consult with the doctor through telemedicine. If the doctor advises you to go for tests or go see the doctor in person, please go ahead and not delay diagnosis and treatment. Do not let your fear of Covid-19 risk overtake your need for timely care.

We have also compiled resources for various conditions. Click on the topics you are interested in to get a detailed understanding of your specific condition. If you have specific questions, you can ask in our discussion forums or contact us at https://www.patientsengage.com/contact

Cancer

1. How to manage cancer treatment during Covid-19 by Dr. Vinay Deshmane, Consultant in Surgical Oncology & Breast Diseases and Medical Director and Jnt. Hon secretary of the Indian Cancer Society. Link to the webinar recording.

2.Also, here is the link to the key notes from the recording of the above webinar

Diabetes

1. How to live well with Diabetes during Covid-19 by Dr. Debashis Basu, Diabetes Awareness and You

2. How to manage diabetes during Covid-19 lockdown by Dr. Piya Balani Thakkar. Summary of her webinar recording

2a. How to manage diabetes during Covid-19 lockdown by Dr. Piya Balani Thakkar. Link to the webinar recording

Dementia

1. Dementia Home Care, the COVID-19 infection risk, and Lockdown/ Unlock challenges

This is a good resource to track the impact of the changes due to lockdowns and re-opening of cities and areas and how it impacts dementia care and even elder care. Useful tips for family caregivers of persons with dementia.

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Tue, 04/13/2021 - 19:04

Stories

Stroke Management

In addition to Treatment and Rehabilitation, the following aspects are equally important Nutrition Eat like a Mediterranean (fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods, lean meats and poultry, fatty fish once or twice a week) Cut fat intake Limit your alcohol consumption Limit salt intake. Exercise Make exercise a habit as soon as the doctor gives you the go-ahead. Exercise at least 30-40 minutes every day. Exercise will help you maintain an ideal weight and…
Stroke Treatment

The primary goal of treating stroke patients is to restore blood flow to the brain. The doctor will consider some of the following options: Medications that dissolve the blood clot. Surgical procedures that can open up or widen arteries - either in the carotid artery or in the brain, wherever the blockage is located. The carotid artery is located in the neck, supplying blood to the brain, neck and face. There are two carotid arteries, one on the right and one on the left. Once the…
Tests for Stroke

What tests do you need to have done? Stroke is a medical emergency, and anyone suspected of having a stroke should be taken to hospital immediately (delay affects rehab) so that tests can be done and the correct treatment provided as quickly as possible. Tests include: Physical examination and tests like a blood pressure test, blood tests to check cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. Ultrasound - a wand waved over the neck can provide a picture that shows whether there is any…
Types of Stroke

Different types of Stroke are: Thrombotic stroke: This kind of stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a blood clot in a blood vessel. Embolic stroke: This is caused when a travelling particle like fat, air, cancer cells or clump of bacteria in the blood stream blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Haemorrhagic stroke: This is caused by a breakage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain leading to bleeding within the brain. Silent stroke: This does not have any…
Stroke Symptoms and Signs

Here are some of the general symptoms noticed in a stroke: Sudden-onset face weakness Arm drift (ie, if a person, when asked to raise both arms, involuntarily lets one arm drift downwards) Abnormal speech Some symptoms depend upon the part of brain involved. If the brain stem (the part that joins the brain to the spine) is affected, it may result in the following: Altered smell, taste, hearing or vision (total or partial) Drooping of eyelid and weakness of eye muscles Decreased…
Stroke Prevention

Can it be prevented? You can lower your risk of getting a stroke by doing the following: Control and reduce high blood pressure Avoid fatty foods Avoid high carbohydrate intake Do not smoke tobacco Control your diabetes Stay active Manage your heart
Causes of Stroke and Risks

What causes a stroke? • Lack of blood flow caused by a blockage, such as a blood clot, in the blood vessel • Internal bleeding in the blood vessels in the brain Are you at the risk of getting a stroke? Stroke can occur at any age. So, it doesn’t just affect the elderly. However, the chances of stroke do increase in a person who has certain risk factors. Stroke is known to have multiple factors that can increase risk, but most of these factors can be treated and medically managed.…
Breast reconstruction – all your questions answered

By Dr Raghuvirsinh Solanki, Consultant plastic and Oncoreconstructive Microsurgeon. Are all breast cancer patients, who have had their breast removed, eligible for reconstruction? All patients wishing to undergo breast reconstructive surgery are eligible for reconstruction provided medical fitness and stage of cancer allows it. We do not offer reconstruction in advanced stages usually as it delays adjuvant treatment. What are the different types of reconstruction…
Management of Cancer

Food and Nutrition Cancer and cancer treatments can be harsh on the body. Lack of appetite, weight loss and muscle wasting are common during cancer and treatment. Healthy food choices that are high in calories and proetins can boost cell growth, weight gain and improve recovery. Here are some tips for good nutrition: Eat small and frequent snacks Eat every few hours Include lots of leafy greens and vegetables in the diet (but make sure they are washed and cooked properly to avoid…
Cancer Treatment

The options depend on the type of cancer, how far it has spread, age, lifestyle and the health status of the patient. There is no single treatment for cancer and doctors often combine different types of treatment. Surgery Surgery is the oldest known method of treating cancer. Surgery is quite effective if the cancer has not spread or metastasised. Surgery is often combined with other forms of therapy, like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is generally used when the…