Prevention plays a clear role in keeping your lungs healthy and, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, that has never been more true.
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that can affect the lungs, which may impact your ability to breathe normally and, in some cases, even cause lasting breathing problems after recovery.
“Infections like COVID-19 come predominantly through the airways,” said Wellstar Pulmonologist Dr. Hitendra Patel, explaining how the virus often enters the body.
Within the first days of infection, COVID-19 starts attacking cells in the respiratory system. In fact, the American Lung Association reported that the lungs are the first organ affected by the virus.
Being infected with COVID-19 can lead to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and cough — symptoms which can appear suddenly and be severe.
“It’s important people do everything in their power to protect their lung health,” Dr. Patel urged. “This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic and as variants emerge.”
While the world continues to work together to control COVID-19, there are ways you can be proactive and protect your lungs.
Protect Your Lung Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on November 11, 2021
Last updated 03:03 PM December 30, 2021
It’s important people do everything in their power to protect their lung health. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic and as variants emerge.
- Dr. Hitendra Patel
Wellstar Pulmonologist
Ways to keep your lungs strong
Take these steps to help you and your lungs stay healthy:
- Stick it to COVID. COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 infection. Visit a local retail pharmacy or visit vaccines.gov to find a shot. Now, booster shots are recommended for people ages 18 and older. Young adults 16 and 17 may also receive the booster shot, as well. Learn more about booster shots.
- Schedule a wellness check-up. Your primary care provider can help you stay ahead of potential lung problems and provide preventative lung screenings.
- Don’t skip the specialist. Don’t put off care for chronic conditions, such as asthma and COPD. Your primary care physician can refer you to a pulmonologist or other specialist, if needed.
- Say no to smoking. Smoking cigarettes, vaping or any other tobacco use increases your risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting has major benefits for both your overall and lung health.
- Eat a balanced diet. Create healthier eating habits, such as filling half your plate with veggies, to promote better nutrition.
- Create an exercise routine. Regular physical activity can help keep your lungs in shape, even if you are recovering from a COVID-19 infection. “For those who have had COVID-19 and are focused on lung recovery, it’s vital to get back into an exercise regimen and pattern,” Dr. Patel said. “Stay active and use your lungs to the best of your ability. Also, be sure to see a pulmonary physician if you have any concerns.”
- Stay grounded. Find ways to prioritize your emotional and mental well-being, whether it’s meditating or simply taking an evening walk.
- Catch some Z’s. Keeping a consistent and restful sleep schedule can have a positive effect on your overall well-being, including lung health.
Learn more tips to keep your lungs healthy.
Breathing tips to combat stress
Many people have been feeling a heightened level of anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following rhythmic breathing patterns, such as the “4-7-8” method, may help bring a sense of peace.
According to Dr. Patel, “4-7-8 breathing” can be helpful to calm the body, relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep. Simply inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds and then exhale for eight seconds.
In addition, practicing yoga and meditation can help relieve everyday stress. You can also follow our tips to take care of your mental health, or reach out to your provider for additional support.
Don’t wait to take control of your lung health. Schedule a wellness check-up with your primary care provider today.
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Highlights
Wellstar Team Members Voted Best of Cobb
The care teams at Wellstar are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve, and we thank our team members for their commitment to world-class care. We also thank Cobb residents for
trusting the expertise of Wellstar to keep their families healthy and provide them with more than healthcare, PeopleCare.
Several Wellstar team members have been voted among the Best of Cobb:
- Bruce Alayof, MD
Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Second Place - Kyle Brown
Wellstar Health Place
Best Personal Trainer, Second Place - Ryan Breshears, PhD
Wellstar Clinical Psychology
Best Psychologist, Second Place - Ryan Cantwell, MD
Wellstar Internal Medicine
Best Family Physician, First Place
Best General Practice Doctor, Second Place - Kozue Cunningham
Wellstar Health Place
Best Massage Therapist, First Place - Diedre Greene, MD
Wellstar Pediatrics
Best Pediatrician, Second Place - Amy Gross
Wellstar Outpatient Rehabilitation
Best Physical Therapist, First Place - Ashish Kapila, DPM
Wellstar Podiatry
Best Podiatry, Third Place - Amy Kewin, MD
Wellstar Pediatrics
Best Pediatrician, First Place - Keisha McClure
Wellstar Health Place
Best Massage Therapist, Third Place - Eduardo Molinary, MD
Wellstar Pulmonary Medicine
Best Pulmonary Medicine, Third Place - David Parks, MD
Wellstar ENT
Best ENT Specialist, First Place - Dhaval Patel, MD
Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Third Place - Daniel Saade, MD
Wellstar Pediatrics
Best Pediatrician, Third Place - Carolyn Smallwood, DO
Wellstar Primary Care
Best General Practice Doctor, First Place
Best Family Physician, Second Place - Randall Webb, MD
Wellstar OB/GYN
Best OB/GYN, Third Place - Wellstar Atherton Place
Senior Living and Memory Care
Best Nursing Home, Third Place - Wellstar Health Place
Best Fitness Center/Gym, First Place - Wellstar Health Place
Best Yoga/Barre/Pilates Studio, Third Place - Wellstar Health Place
A Healthier You- Medical Fitness
Best Weight Loss Clinic, Third Place - Wellstar Pediatrics at 3707 Largent Way
Best Pediatric Group, First Place - Wellstar Pediatrics at 760 Kennesaw Avenue
Best Pediatric Group, Second Place - Wellstar Pediatrics at 121 Marble Mill Road
Best Pediatric Group, Third Place
PeopleCare
KevinCare
There aren’t many people out there who can say they survived cardiac arrest at 30. Kevin Miskewicz can.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 90% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest die. Those who survive often have permanent neurological disabilities. But Kevin’s story has an incredibly fortunate ending, thanks to the highly coordinated work of his medical experts at Wellstar.
Recovering from cardiac arrest is something Kevin will never forget. It lives forever as a piece of his health history — one that includes a dedicated healthcare team — and his wife, who was the first to save his life.
CPR to the rescue
Kevin woke up on Labor Day 2017 at 5:30 a.m. to take the dog out. Pausing to adjust the thermostat as he came in, he fell, knocking over a lamp.
He was in cardiac arrest.
With no symptoms and no known pre-existing condition, this was unexpected, but that didn’t stop his wife, Andrea, from jumping into action.
“If it weren’t for me knocking over a lamp when I passed out,” said Kevin, “she would have never woken up and saved my life.”
In addition to calling 911 and unlocking the door for the paramedics, Andrea performed CPR for 10 minutes.
“Kevin’s wife doing good CPR was critical,” said Dr. Arthur Reitman, the interventional cardiologist who was a vital part of Kevin’s treatment team at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. “More than five minutes of poor blood flow to the brain can result in permanent irreparable injury from which a patient is unable to recover.”
Coordinating multidisciplinary care to save a life
When paramedics arrived at Kevin’s home, he had no pulse and was not breathing. As the paramedics performed their lifesaving work, he technically died two times.
The ambulance took him to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, where he was initially assessed and treated by Dr. David Jacoboff. The interventional cardiologist implanted an intra-aortic balloon pump to stabilize him. Then, he transferred Kevin to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center for highly specialized heart care.
When Kevin arrived at Kennestone by helicopter, his heart function wasn’t strong enough to support his body. Dr. Reitman and a team of doctors including a cardiologist, a pulmonologist and critical care doctors worked in tandem to put Kevin on an advanced life support system called veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Better known as VA-ECMO, it took the heart “offline” so it could heal. The technology removed unoxygenated blood from his body, oxygenated it and pumped it back in for the next three days.
“Very few places in the state — only four or five hospitals — have the technology and specialized training to put a patient on ECMO,” Dr. Reitman explained.
Highlights
Feeling Sick? Know Where to Go to Get Care
Whether you experience an injury, minor illness or simply need a wellness exam, the most important step you can take is getting the care you need. That way, you can find trained experts for your specific medical needs, stay ahead of potential health issues or even help prevent your condition from worsening.
With primary, virtual, urgent and emergency care services available, as well as retail pharmacies, how do you decide which type of care is best for your medical situation? Learn the differences between each type of medical service so you don’t delay and get care right away.
Local Pharmacies
If you are ill and have minor symptoms, over-the-counter medications can help you feel better. At your local retail pharmacy, you can find over-the-counter treatments for minor conditions like colds. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away with over-the-counter treatments, contact your primary care provider or visit an urgent care location.
Local pharmacies also carry at-home COVID-19 tests, offering a convenient testing option for people who have been exposed or are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19.
Virtual Care
Whether you have a busy schedule or are just looking for a more convenient option, virtual appointments are an easy way to keep up with your health from anywhere.
At Wellstar, we offer virtual visits with both primary care providers and specialists — no matter if you are an established patient or not. Connect with your Wellstar provider over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet.
If you’re an established patient, simply request a virtual visit through MyChart. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to sign up for MyChart and keep all of your important health information in one secure space. You can also call your physician’s office directly and request a virtual appointment over the phone.
These days, many types of appointments can be done virtually, including consultations, care for chronic conditions and prescription management. In addition to virtual primary and specialty care appointments, we also provide virtual urgent care through WellstarON for minor medical concerns.
While virtual care is a convenient way to stay well, it should never be used in place of emergency care. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 right away.
Primary Care
Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life.
Your primary care provider — either an internal or family medicine physician, pediatrician or OB/GYN, depending on your age and medical needs — gets to know you and your health history on a deeper level. That means they have a more accurate view of your overall wellness.
Services include:
- Annual wellness exams
- Health screenings, labs and imaging
- Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Immunizations for children and adults
- Treatment for acute illness, such as the flu or colds
- Coordinating care with other specialists
- Physical and mental health concerns, such as weight loss or anxiety
Find a Wellstar primary care provider in your neighborhood.
Urgent Care
If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care Centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions.
We also offer urgent care through WellstarON, which provides virtual health visits for minor medical concerns from the comfort and convenience of home.
Wellstar Urgent Care provides:
- Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones
- Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts
- COVID-19 testing and evaluation for patients 12 and older
- Lab and X-rays
- Sports physicals
- Occupational health services
- Worker’s compensation services
Find a Wellstar urgent care location near you or make a virtual urgent care appointment.
Emergency Care
In a life-threatening medical emergency, every second counts. Never put off getting the proper care when lives are on the line. Remember, driving yourself to the emergency department (ED) may delay care, so call 911 for the fastest access to emergency care.
When the unexpected happens, Wellstar is always ready in a medical emergency. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24 hours a day for people of all ages. We even have several pediatric emergency room locations, specifically designed to treat children.
Recognize the signs of a medical emergency:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Sudden dizziness, weakness or vision changes
- Sudden, severe pain
- Uncontrolled or severe bleeding
- Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting
- Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
- Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior
- Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents
Find a Wellstar emergency department close to you. Remember, call 911 right away in a medical emergency. That way, care can begin sooner during the crucial time it takes to be transported to the hospital.