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mitigation practices still in place, in- cluding limited occupancy in places of business, masks mandates and main- tenance of social distance, plus some others. “I was very concerned initially and continue to be,” she says. “I have found, however, that the providers I have seen have taken every precaution, and I have felt safe.”

mental health support are essential,” he says. “COVID-19 poses a greater risk to those already struggling with their health, including people manag- ing complex, chronic conditions. Thus, prevention and management of health for these individuals is more critical than ever.” For Bell, obtaining medical care during the pandemic was and is “quite scary.” Bell says for her state’s stay-at- home order, which was from mid-March to the beginning of June, most if not all dentists were closed. But once it was lift- ed, she scheduled missed appointments, in addition to ones that were due during the summer months. “Many medical providers were switch- ing to video visits,” she says. “Elective surgeries were postponed or canceled. During that time, my periodontal ap- pointments were canceled, and I chose to defer other screenings until a later date.” Since the end of May 2020, however, Bell has undergone two blood tests; had a video visit for wellness and a video visit follow-up with her rheumatologist; had two eye doctor visits — one for cataract surgery followup and one for

monitoring her “dry eye” condition— and visited a hospital clinic to have eye drops made for dry eye; undergone a mammogram and a bone density test; and been to the periodontist twice. “I have been in hospitals, doctor offices, labs and professional buildings,” she adds. Once the stay-at-home order was relieved in June, there were still many

38 WINTER 2021

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