We are in an unprecedented time where information is coming out daily if not hourly which can affect us a community. I wanted to discuss a few items to help some of the anxiety everyone is feeling.
We are open and plan to be open for our patients. We will be converting as many appointments as possible to virtual visits, but you can reach us daily at our office for your questions, concerns and prescriptions will be refilled in a timely manner.
Prevention and Treatment
The information for prevention and treatment with hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine is still premature. Currently, its use is recommended for those in the hospital and for severe cases. The drug’s risk and benefit ratios are still being looked at as it does have significant side effects, drug interactions and caution should be used in those with kidney, liver and heart issues. Currently, there are no fixed guidelines approved for use as prevention or treatment in the outpatient setting. Remember, these are medications which are used for those with malaria prevention and treatment. Hydroxychloroquine is used for those with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. Drug shortages can occur when we overprescribe the drug for unapproved indications leaving those in need with few options. We will keep everyone updated as we get more information on the safety and indications for these medications.
Focus On What We Can
Many of us have a lot more free time on our hands since most group activities are canceled. Let us focus on what we can do during this time of social distancing. We need to change our paradigm of looking at this as stressful and inconvenient to looking at this as an opportunity for doing the things we thought we never had time for.
- Get comfortable being at home. Take on projects you wanted like clearing out the closets.
- Spend more time with family and do virtual meetings with people you haven’t connected with or do a virtual happy hour with your friends to stay connected I have made a resolution to play a game with my son and husband every day.
- Try learning a new language on Duolingo or take a free class on any topic on Coursera.
What Not To Do
Don’t spend all your time looking at news feeds and watching breaking news on CNN. You will get what you need to know by checking once in the morning and once at night. Constantly watching this is adding to anxiety levels but really not helpful to anyone.
Routines Help Us To Stay Focused And Lower Our Anxiety
- Start a morning routine. Write in a journal, do a meditation , start a yoga practice.
- Do a workout before you start your day. Adding back structure into our day creates comfort and a sense of normalcy.
- Check out this coronavirus sanity guide: Ten Percent Happier at tenpercent.com
Support Your Immune System
Support your immune system with nutrients such as zinc 30 mg per day, vitamin C 1g -4g per day ( too much can cause diarrhea) and vitamin D 2000-5000IU per day based on your levels. We like to get your vitamin D level to 50-75.
Stay Optimistic
Remain optimistic knowing that we will conquer this pandemic! Stay connected with your friends and family, go for walks outside and play more games at home. Find ways to get laughter back into your day. We will continue to give you resources and helpful hints as they come up. Please share with us on Facebook things you found to be helpful and let’s continue spreading positivity to everyone.
MORE TIPS
- Use your non-dominant hand to open door and pick up things you are less likely to touch your face with your non-dominant hand
- Make hot beverages with lemon and drink water frequently (every 15 to 30 minutes)
- Consider drinking some antioxidant yogi tea
- Try Yoga With Adriene