PROMOTIONAL SECTION
As temperatures drop and cold and flu season arrives, many people start thinking about what they can do to stay healthy through the winter months.
One of the most important steps is also one of the simplest: having a primary care practitioner you know and trust.
A primary care practitioner is often the first person you turn to when you are sick, but their role goes well beyond treating coughs, fevers and other seasonal illnesses. Primary care practitioners help patients manage their overall health throughout the year — from preventive screenings and vaccinations to chronic conditions, medications and changes in health that may need additional attention.
“Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider is one of the most important decisions a person can make,” said Eugide Othepa, MD, who sees patients at TidalHealth Primary Care in South Ocean Pines. “It allows you to have someone in your corner to advocate for care when it comes to a specialist. You also have someone who will screen for diseases, treat preventable diseases and — most importantly — provide you with a patient standard of care based on your personal history, family history and social history.”
That ongoing relationship can be particularly valuable during the winter, when illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, tend to circulate more widely.
When you already have an established primary care practitioner, you have someone who knows your medical history, medications and individual health needs. That context can help guide care when you become ill and make it easier to identify when a symptom may be more than a routine seasonal illness.
Primary care is also an important part of prevention.
Annual wellness visits give patients an opportunity to discuss recommended screenings and vaccinations, review medications and talk about concerns that may otherwise be easy to put off. For people living with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease or other chronic illnesses, regular primary care visits can also help keep those conditions well managed.
“Having an established relationship with a primary care provider before winter illnesses begin gives you a trusted place to turn when you’re not feeling well,” Dr. Othepa said. “We know your medical history, your medications and your individual risk factors, which helps us provide more personalized care. Just as importantly, we can help you stay ahead of illness through vaccinations, preventive care and management of chronic conditions, so you’re better prepared to stay healthy throughout the winter.”
Winter can present additional challenges for people with chronic health conditions. Cold weather, changes in activity, holiday schedules and seasonal illnesses can all affect health. Staying connected with your practitioner can help you prepare and address concerns before they become more serious.
Having a primary care practitioner also helps patients know where to turn when they need care. Not every illness requires a trip to the emergency department, and establishing a relationship with a clinician before you become sick can make navigating the healthcare system easier.
If you do not currently have a primary care practitioner, now is a good time to establish one rather than waiting until you are sick.
Taking care of your health is a year-round commitment, but entering the winter months with a trusted healthcare partner can provide an important foundation. A primary care practitioner can help you stay up to date, manage existing health needs and make informed decisions about your care — during cold and flu season and throughout the year.
To find a TidalHealth primary care practitioner, visit tidalhealth.org.
Heyue Du, MD, PhD
Ocean View, Delaware
302-541-4460
Eugide Othepa, MD
South Ocean Pines, Maryland
410-629-6467
Mary Mason, DNP
Berlin, Maryland
410-629-0041
