29 Sep 2020 Q and A: Unity Health Chief Medical Officer

Posted at 6:00 PMh in Health & Beauty by

501 LIFE asked Unity Health Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Roddy Lochala, D.O., FAAFP, of Searcy, a series of questions about health and wellness exams that adults should not put off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Lochala has been a Family Practice Physician for 19 years and has been CMO for two years. 

Unity Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roddy Lochala offers valuable health advice for adults during COVID-19.

What are some of the wellness exams/tests that adults should not ignore? 

No one should delay getting his or her weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screenings done through a wellness exam. Individuals should have immunizations up to date. Routine screenings for mental health issues, including depression, should not be delayed. Mammograms for women and colonoscopies should never be put off. Anything that is a new need or a routine screening for a patient should be conducted as usual. 

Do you know of situations where a patient delayed a wellness exam or help with pain/sickness because of COVID-19? 

Yes. Has this caused any permanent damage to their health? Yes. We have had several cases of patients hospitalized with conditions that had they sought medical care sooner, could have had better outcomes. However, their fear of COVID-19 motivated them to stay home and away from needed care.

For patients who are diabetics or cancer survivors, people with heart problems, or a stroke history, what advice would you give? 

These Arkansans need to have heightened awareness of their increased risk of a bad outcome from contracting COVID-19. They should adhere to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) guidelines regarding COVID-19. These include handwashing, social distancing when possible, and wearing a mask. This vulnerable population should do a risk assessment for each activity outside of their home, meaning they should think through the risks associated with each interaction they have, before leaving home, and decide if going is worth the risk to their health. 

Is Unity Health open to seeing patients at this time at the hospital and in their clinics? What steps are they taking to protect patients? 

Absolutely, we are open and seeing patients. Masks are mandatory for all Unity Health associates, their patients, and guests. We have hand-sanitizing stations throughout the health system.

It is important to note that we recommend utilizing telemedicine when possible. Telemedicine provides an opportunity to help patients receive healthcare without leaving their homes in most cases. Telemedicine also minimizes the risk of contracting COVID-19. 

In short, Unity Health is taking all of the protective measures possible inside our walls, to protect patients when they come to us. However, more than that, we provide an alternative – the option to receive healthcare remotely when possible and appropriate with telemedicine. 

Any additional advice for readers? 

We are approaching flu season. It is going to be like many flu seasons of the past in some respects. However, this year, even more so than in the past, I encourage everyone to get a flu shot, as immunizations become available. 

I encourage everyone to be diligent about following ADH guidelines. In addition, Convalescent Plasma is an excellent way for Arkansans to help Arkansans. Convalescent Plasma has been given “Emergency Use Authorization” by the FDA as a treatment for COVID-19.

Convalescent Plasma requires those who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma. Anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 can visit https://bio-linked.org/ to find out how to help his or her neighbors with COVID-19, by donating plasma.