Hello all!
I wanted to send another update as things are rapidly evolving. Please see my previous two posts as all the information that I offered over the past couple of weeks is still valid. You will find them here and here. Some additional thoughts for you...
Given my knowledge of the situation and in consultation with thousands of physicians nationwide (social media is a great thing that has brought worldwide experts together), I do believe that the seemingly drastic measures are warranted and necessary. All of these measures were outlined in my previous posts, but given the recent developments, I urge them even more strongly. This article is a good one to explain the concept of social distancing that you’ve been hearing about.
If you have specific questions about “What should I do or not do?”, please reach out. I am happy to offer guidance, always within the setting of respecting your personal values and wishes. In general, I recommend that people at high risk (over age 60 or with underlying medical troubles) leave the home only when really necessary and with extra precautions. I recommend that you strive to keep your distance from people that you don’t know if they are sick or not (6 foot rule) - this is the rationale behind canceling events and schools. If you are among friends and family that you know are not symptomatic and are low risk to have been exposed (this is difficult I realize) and everyone is exercising caution (hand washing, etc.) then enjoy each other’s company!
Don’t shy away from making difficult decisions and speaking up for difficult decisions. Your decisions reflect your values. Don’t be made to feel that you are being overly cautious or silly or guilty if you are doing what you feel comfortable with in keeping yourself and your community safe. Advocate among your friends and family. Remember panic is a feeling that we can choose to have (or not have). Be calm and confident that you are taking wise tactical measures. Make decisions that spread a message of positive wisdom - not fear, aggression or apathy.
The fight or flight response is real and it happens when faced with a threat. We are seeing it's psychological equivalent all over the place right now. It is governed by the sympathetic side of the nervous system which detracts from calm rational thought and creative solution building. (It also detracts from the parasympathetic side of the nervous system which enhances immune response btw.) There's a tendency towards aggression, defensiveness and an argumentative nature. And there's a tendency towards disbelief, apathy and oblivion. Neither camp is based in wisdom. Everyone’s doing the best they can to process and react - we are in this together.
Help yourself and your neighbors by seeing the positive within feelings of chaos. Be especially mindful of what you are modeling to those around you and the little eyes and ears that are looking to you for leadership. Can we see the lessons in this that can change our lives for the better? Can we adapt and use this time in the best way possible? Can we see the silver linings, be creative and keep kids’ and our own lives fun? Yes!
Office policies - In effort to keep everyone well and safe, I want as many people who are comfortable and able to make their appointments virtually (telephone or video chat via our Spruce Health app)..
Well and preventive care - No purely well care (annual physicals, paps, refill visits) will be provided in person from this Monday March 16th until approximately April 15th. We can discuss the status of your current conditions, the health data that you collect at home (sugar, blood pressure, weight), medications, lifestyle changes and make plans all by phone or video visit. You will be surprised how convenient it is!
Evaluation of symptoms - We will be separating evaluation of “ill symptoms” from other evaluations to limit everyone’s exposure.
If you are having fever, aches, fatigue, chills, ear pain, sore throat, runny nose, cough, nasal or chest congestion, vomiting, diarrhea or any other symptom of a contagious nature, please let us know when you make your appointment. As well if you have had contact with a person with known or suspected COVID-19 or have traveled to an area of high prevalence, inform us at the time you make your appointment.
If you are having a “non-contagious” problem - pain, headache, mood issues, injuries, skin issues, etc. your appointment time will be separate from those who are ill to decrease risk of exposure.
Triage - we will help you find the best plan. Never hesitate to call or ask any question. We are here for you!
Arrival time - please arrive on time (not early and not late) so that we can properly serve you. Call or text us at 614-710-0075 if you need to update us. If everyone adheres to this and keeps us informed, we will all benefit!
Testing for COVID-19: This is rapidly evolving. At this time, testing is limited to certain risk groups (based on a known exposure and clinical condition). The Department of Health has recommended that COVID-19 testing not be performed in the outpatient physician setting due to the risks involved. Testing is becoming available with a physician order for people who meet expanding criteria soon.
This got longer than anticipated, so I will save my additional thoughts for next round. : ) Please reach out if you have any questions!
Be well,
Dr. Paige
