HealthLinks Charleston May/June 2022

www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 85 C H A R L E S T ON COU N T Y M E D I C A L S OC I E T Y HealthLinks Charleston is a proud partner of the Charleston County Medical Society. For more information on joining CCMS, contact Dana Holladay at [email protected]. the same with a diminished workforce and increased demand. The pandemic has forced many nurses and technicians to leave their job due to a marked decrease in available child care, fear of contracting COVID-19 and more. For this reason, most medical organizations, said Dr. Flaugher, are currently running with suboptimal staffing while responding to an ever-increasing demand for appointments. Dr. Flaugher recognizes that patients are anxious to return to a semblance of normalcy and regain control over their health and day-to-day lives. Despite the concerning downward trends in cancer screening and other preventive medicine, he remains optimistic. He asks families to be patient and flexible with their health care providers when making their appointments. Medical organizations are adjusting their practices to meet patients’ post-pandemic needs, but it will take some time. He also believes that the road ahead may be uncertain and encourages families to protect themselves and their health while also helping to keep office staff, doctors and hospital personnel safe. When asked what preventive screenings patients should prioritize, Dr. Flaugher stated that colonoscopies and mammograms are relatively easy to complete and remain generally accessible. These screenings also detect some of the most aggressive cancers, which are quite survivable if they are discovered early. In the meantime, he recommends families get outside and resume outdoor activities. “From running and fishing to days at the beach, it’s a great time to be outdoors,” he said. With flexibility, patience and self-care, Dr. Flaugher is confident that families in the Lowcountry and beyond will soon enough be back to living their lives to the fullest. For now, he and his patients are taking it one day at a time. For more information on Berkeley Family Practice, visit berkeleyfamilypractice.com.

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