Hello everyone!
I hope everyone is doing well, remaining safe and well at home. I know we are all having to make some sacrifices and start a new way of doing just about everything. What I urge all of you to do is get into a ROUTINE. This is not going to be like a hurricane where our schedules only get messed up for a few weeks. This will impact us for a lot longer so it is very important to get into a Healthy Routine. Take this opportunity to EXERCISE, Try NEW RECIPES and Healthy Meal Prepping, Catch up with Loved Ones Virtually, Implement healthy Stress Reduction Techniques, etc. Our GOAL should be to boost our immune system as much as possible.
A FEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
Unknown Caller/No Caller ID – Many of you have received phone calls from me. If you leave me a message or are expecting a call from me, please know it will show up as an Unknown Caller. I have not been using my relay app to the office number because it has a long delay and makes communicating very difficult. So please be aware of this.
Office Hours – We continue to have the office open 1-2 days /week for very limited hours for patients to pick up testing kits and/or supplements. Karen will be in next on Tuesday, April 7th from 9:30-1:00. Everything gets cleaned in between each visitor, so we are trying to limit exposure for anyone who comes in.
Appointments and Labs – I fully appreciate that this is something that none of us have been through and can create alot of anxiety for everyone. I urge you all to continue to work on your regular Health Goals and to keep your regular health maintenance appointments, and to complete the lab testing that is needed for these appointments. This is especially important for anyone who is taking certain medications. I’m in the same boat as all of you, so I am understanding to your situation and will work with you within reason. However, please understand that I have to continue doing my best for your health and follow guidelines and standard of care. Therefore, while I am able to do a short interval refill for some (not ALL) medications if you are OVERDUE for labs/appointments, this will not be a situation that I will give indefinite refills. We are now able to do appointments via Phone, Facetime, Skype and Zoom. I am learning and becoming more comfortable with Zoom. This allows us to see the same pictures /visuals together during our appointment, similar to how I show you these during face to face appointments. But it is your choice in which platform you prefer to have for your appointment.
COVID-19
Testing – As I stated in a previous email, the testing that initially came out were not accurate. If it shows positive, then it is very likely that you have the virus. However, if it shows negative, then it is a flip of a coin basically. They have 63% sensitivity. So the recommendations are still that you remain in quarantine for at least 14 days (which is now under debate, see below). The newer tests that are now emerging look promising with specificity and sensitivity much higher. But please know, they are more accurate at day 7 + than they are on day 1. Therefore, we still need to quarantine any “Negatives”. But these tests will give us a chance to screen better, which means we will possibly be able to return to work/productivity faster. I am ordering some of these rapid tests this week. They are not being shipped until next week, but I will let you know when they are available.
Treatment- I am sure many of you have seen the news reports of several medications. I have looked into this EXTENSIVELY! The physician sites, studies/trials, treatment plans from physicians who are in the hotspots of NYC, NOLA and Chicago. There are alot of Regimens that these medical providers are trying. The FDA has allowed for this so that we can try to have a chance to save more lives. That being said, there isn’t anything proven YET. The trials will continue to release more information each week. Most healthy individuals need NO treatment at all. It won’t be a pleasant 14 days, but you will get through it without a problem. For those who are at HIGHER RISK (having shortness of breath, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Cancer, on Immunosuppressants, etc), The practices that I see working are a regimen of Hydroxychloroquine, high dose zinc, with/without zithromax.. Then there are varying ideas of “Prophylactic” treatment as well that are less clear. ALL OF THIS CANNOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY THOUGH. THESE DRUGS ON THEIR OWN CAN CAUSE HEART RHYTHM IRREGULARITIES. ADDING THEM TOGETHER CREATES EVEN MORE RISK, ESPECIALLY IN SOMEONE WHO IS PRONE TO RHYTHM ISSUES. So please understand that if you are in a high risk group and start showing symptoms, whether or not we give these medications will be done on a case by case basis. But there is very promising information that shows that HIGH RISK patients are not ending up in the hospital and on ventilators when they go through these regimens. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IS CONTACTING ME IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE HAVING ANY SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH THIS VIRUS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU FALL INTO A HIGH RISK GROUP. The information coming out, especially from NYC and NOLA show that many high risk patients end up in the hospital within 2-5 days of serious symptoms. Most of the other data states the average is 7 days of symptoms. Either way, please contact me if you have symptoms.
Quarantine Time- We are learning more and more about this virus. As better testing and research emerges, we are seeing that people may be contagious for several weeks after beginning of infection. Please be diligent on quarantine/social distancing if you think there is a possibility that you have the infection.
Supplements – Please remember if you need any supplements, you can order many of them at the Balanced Rejuvenation Website under the “Products” button on the Left. There are discounts available and if you set up auto-ship, most will offer free shipping. You can also just call or email me and we will send them out to you as well. Whichever way is more convenient.
Please continue to be vigilant with social distancing. I am always here for you and for any questions that you have. Be safe and Be Well!
Dr. O