HealthLinks Charleston May/June 2022

8 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com 15 | TELEHEALTH ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE. … “The practice went from 2% of telehealth visits to 90% within a week. Now, as COVID wanes, they find that 20% of patients are making the choice to do virtual visits because they like the platform and its convenience.” 18 | DON’T IGNORE THOSE FLOATERS AND FLASHES Though there’s a chance that floaters and flashes might be no more than an inconvenience, it’s entirely possible that they could be a sign that trouble brewing in your eyes has the potential to cause long-term damage and even blindness. 21 | AGING GRACEFULLY MEANS LIVING PROACTIVELY It is critical for seniors to adopt a proactive mind-set and schedule regular visits with their primary care physician. 24 | EARLY INTERVENTION IS THE KEY WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER Recognizing the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder early on can help lead to more effective treatment and management of the disease. 28 | WHEN TIME AND REST DON’T CURE YOUR PINCHED NERVE For the tiny minority who have a severe compression of the nerve, surgery is best done sooner than later to minimize the damage and to support healing. 31 | CREATING A SAFE PLACE IN HEALTH CARE FOR LGBTQ PATIENTS Many LGBTQ patients are hesitant to share their gender and sexuality experiences, reducing the proficiency of health care providers to address the whole patient. 33 | BEST IN HEALTH With over 10,000 votes from readers, patients and local medical professionals, HealthLinks is proud to present our 2022 Best in Health winners. 65 | SWITCHING TO DIRECT PRIMARY CARE Direct primary care practices don’t accept health insurance. Instead, patients pay the practice directly. 74 | PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS OF MÉNIÈRE’S DISEASE Patients with suspected Ménière’s disease are encouraged to keep a food diary, but diet is only one part of the puzzle. 82 | CONVENIENCE IS IMPORTANT IN HEALTH CARE People are more likely to keep up with their regular health care appointments, preventive care and meetings with specialists if health care facilities are conveniently located. 84 | CCMS: MAKING PREVENTION A PRIORITY? Because of the pandemic, many lifesaving screenings have been delayed one to two years. Issue 11.3 MAY/JUNE 2022 CHARLESTON FEATURES

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