3/17/20 UPDATE: TEMPORARILY OFFERING VIRTUAL CONSULTS ONLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
3/13/20: As of right now, my doors are still open. I am here for you. However, there are some changes that have been implemented at my office considering the serious public health issue we are currently facing, to help keep you and our community at large safe. Here's what you need to know if you are a current patient of mine, or if you are looking to establish care during the spreading COVID-19 pandemic:
I am taking extra precautions at the office to sanitize surfaces and door handles multiple times a day. Additionally the IQAir HealthPro air filter will be running before, during and after appointments.
I am asking that all patients wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds upon arrival and before leaving.
If you are not feeling well (fever, cough, shortness of breath), it is a requirement that you stay at home. In such a situation, you have two options: you cancel/reschedule your appointment (with no late cancellation fees), or we can switch to a teleconsultation appointment. In either case please give me as much notice as possible.
If you are feeling healthy, but would like to limit your time outside your home/in contact with other people, you can switch your in-person appointment to a teleconsultation (just let me know).
Remember that together we can help to curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable amongst us. Take even mild symptoms seriously if you feel sick and stay at home to protect our fellow humans. For updates about COVID-19, I recommend referencing the CDC website, but set boundaries with reading the news (ie. opt for small limited chunks of time), so that you are not constantly bombarded with anxiety/panic inducing information.
Make sure to sanitize your cell phone and surfaces in your home/at work frequently. Avoid large social gatherings. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Eat your vegetables. Opt for whole foods. Avoid/reduce sugar and alcohol intake. Spend time in nature. Meditate. Relish time with loved ones at home. Remember to move your body. Prioritize sleep, rest and stress management.
Mental Health Support
We are focusing a lot of our energies on curbing the spread of COVID-19, which is SO IMPORTANT. However, what is often being overlooked is support for mental health. What I am seeing in my office, in messages from my patients, and from friends and family is a lot of fear, anxiety, panic and sadness. The changes and uncertainties present in our world right now can be very taxing on our nervous systems, which in turn can also impact our immune system (this is known as psychoneuroimmunology). And because of the need for more mental health support for so many people right now, I am opening up additional times in my schedule to accommodate people experiencing the mental health impacts of the current pandemic. If you would like to schedule an appointment, and do not see any availabilities online, please feel free to reach out to me at 614-706-3339 and I will do my best to find a way to work with you.
Stay well <3