What is an underlying health condition?

An underlying health condition, or chronic disease, is a medical condition or disease that interferes with daily life or activities and requires continuous medical attention or medical care that lasts for longer than one year.

What is an example of an underlying condition?

Examples of chronic diseases include obesity, heart disease, cancer, hypertension or high blood pressure, lung disease, and diabetes. These non-communicable chronic diseases, (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, obesity) are also the leading causes of death in the United States. are also the leading causes of death in the United States and severe illness. But even those who have had congestive heart failure, cancer treatment, organ transplant, bone marrow transplant, solid organ transplant, cerebrovascular disease, sickle cell disease, interstitial lung disease, or the like, will likely have medications to take for these chronic health conditions.

 Leading causes of death in the USA

Why is an underlying health condition dangerous for patients with COVID-19?

Patients with underlying health conditions are at no more of a risk of contracting Coronavirus Disease than otherwise healthy individuals who have been exposed to the virus causing COVID-19. However, once the virus infects a person with a chronic disease, the patient is more likely to develop complications due to a compromised immune system and other risk factors. It is, after all, a respiratory disease.

Woman in hospital with IV in arm wearing a wedding band.

What can people with an underlying health condition do to protect themselves against COVID-19?

People of high-risk, including the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with underlying health conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, hypertension, lung disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes, need to see a doctor regularly to manage their chronic medical diseases. Following local guidelines include the current COVID-19 prevention strategies such as wearing masks, regular hand washing and sanitation, and social distancing, which are important preventive measures everyone should be taking, people who fall into the category of pre-existing conditions need to eat right and remain physically active while keeping physical distance. Patients also need to take their medications regularly.

Recommendations For Underlying Health Conditions: Obesity

In addition to following local guidelines, follow these four recommendations:

  1. Get a primary care physician. To reduce the risk of COVID-19 becoming a severe problem with complications in patients with underlying health conditions, the number one recommendation is to have a personal primary care physician. In preventive medicine, like Direct Primary Care, healthcare practitioners focus on developing a relationship with the patient when giving medical care. This means managing chronic medical conditions, and developing and tracking health goals to keep preventable illnesses, like chronic lung disease or coronary artery disease, at bay. A regular primary care physician allows continuity of care between the doctor and the patient so that the doctor is better able to understand the patient’s body and know what works best for him or her over time.
  2. Talk with your healthcare provider about a meal plan. The COVID-19 lockdown has created some difficulties in accessing quick and healthy food, but people with obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease must especially do the best they can by choosing healthier options. A primary care provider can help the patient with appropriate nutrition for his or her body.
  3. Move more often. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week improves overall physical and mental health, as confirmed by studies and health organizations worldwide.  It is difficult to access the gym with fluctuations in business hours and closures, but with access to the internet, there are opportunities to stream video classes online. For those who do not have such opportunities, outdoor activities, such as biking and even walking, are highly recommended. Lastly, the efficacy of cardiovascular aerobic exercises at home cannot be underestimated.
  4. Take medications as prescribed. Make sure you have enough medications for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and do not discontinue medications as this will increase the risk of getting sick. Direct Med Clinic members are given access to deeply discounted labs that make medications affordable.
How to be safe from covid obesity

How does COVID-19 affect people with obesity?

People who are obese have a higher risk for developing complications related to COVID-19. They may have decreased lung capacity, meaning the lung is not able to properly expand and bring oxygen into the body.

Obese black women walking in the street

How can losing weight help me reduce COVID-19 risks or complications?

Reducing overweight and obesity can dramatically reduce your risk for chronic health diseases in general such as:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease (e.g., Congenital Heart Disease and other heart conditions)
  • Hypertension or high blood pressure

This is important because the chances for the body to develop complications leading to hospitalizations and the Intensive Care Unit, or ICU, is higher in people with chronic diseases.

Losing weight will raise your HDL (good) cholesterol and lower:

  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar
  • LDL (bad) cholesterol

Does Direct Med Clinic membership include a weight management program?

Yes! With our Direct Primary Care model, Direct Med Clinic provides a far more comprehensive range of services in our membership plans than what is in a typical primary care clinic or fee-for-service practice. Our membership 24/7 telemedicine available through our app, deeply discounted prescription drug prices, and basic labs in a monthly membership fee. Our providers are experts in weight management loss, nutrition and diet, allergies, and women’s health. Direct Med Clinic wants to keep members out of the hospital by maintaining wellness.

How can I obtain quality care and quality information?

Although clinics and hospitals do not have regular operating hours making it difficult for routine visits, there is a way to get guidance from healthcare providers. Direct Med Clinic has been ahead of the curve before the pandemic and telemedicine has always been a very effective part of our model. With the ability to communicate with patients at home through telecommunications and connections through computer or cell phones, we are able to guide people through questions about care and virtual visits are possible. Having a phone conversation if video is not optional is also an option.

Do not delay getting emergency care for your underlying condition. Call your health care provider if you have any concerns. If you are searching for a Direct Primary Care provider, call us today.

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