A local physician is voicing his concerns regarding a worrying trend he is seeing among residents with chronic illnesses.

With COVID transmission still at a high level here in Saskatchewan, it's understandable that people are more wary of making unnecessary trips and errands.

However, Dr. Brandon Thorpe explains that it is crucial that patients still reach out to their family doctors to manage their health.

 "We're finding that a lot of patients are choosing not to come in to see their family doctors or contacting their homecare nurses. We don't want people to think that COVID is causing so much of a problem that they neglect their normal chronic disease management; things like heart disease or diabetes. All of their pre-existing conditions."

Dr. Thorpe says he believes there may be a number of reasons as to why patients aren't reaching out.

 "I think there's a bit of fear that if someone goes to a doctor's office or emergency room, that they'll catch COVID. They may feel that the doctors and nurses are so busy that they don't want to bother them with any other problems. But we don't want to let their healthcare slide. They are just as important as everyone else so they need to make sure to see their doctors."

He says that if someone with a chronic illness doesn't take the steps to manage it early on, it could compound their health later on.

"They put themselves at a higher risk for COVID-19 if they don't look after themselves right now."

As a reminder, there are still a number of options for consulting with your physician.

"We're still encouraging virtual care but at the same time, sometimes, you just have to see your patient in person. So make those appointments. Don't neglect yourselves."