emergency room – watercress words by Dr Aletha

I’ve been reading what some other physician bloggers are writing about the COVID-19 pandemic. Here I share some of them with you. While I believe they are all reliable and honest sources of information, my sharing does not imply endorsement,complete agreement, or advice. This is a topic in which information changes daily if not more often, so all information is subject to change. Always consult the CDC and your state and local health departments for the most recent information that pertains to you.

What to do if you think you have COVID-19

Dr. Linda, a family doctor, explains what to do and what not to do if you think you have caught the coronavirus.

Don’t Panic. The majority of patients will get better without any treatment. I’ve seen many patients, even among those with no symptoms, with very high levels of anxiety. When we turn on the TV these days, it’s all about COVID-19. Remember that the news always shows the worst case scenarios. If watching it makes you more fearful, switch it off. You still need to get updates but limit your exposure to all the negativity aimed at you. Maybe, just check your state’s department of health sites to know what you need to be aware of.

Don’t Go to the ER Because You Think You Have COVID-19

A COVID-19 Overview

Dr. Andrew Weil, well known as an integrative medicine proponent, wrote this overview of what we know about the coronavirus. He also offers his recommendations for vitamins and supplements that might be safe to take during the pandemic (although not known to prevent or treat the infection) and what substances you should avoid. I reviewed one of Dr. Weil’s books at this link.

Dr. Weil considers the following natural immune stimulating and antiviral agents as likely safe to take before and during a COVID-19 virus infection. However, we don’t know for sure whether any of them will affect the symptoms or severity of the infection.

illustration showing the coronavirus which causes COVID-19 — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Perhaps one of the greatest lessons we are learning from this pandemic is our need for social connection and community. Perhaps we can ask ourselves, what does it mean to build real community in care communities?
Sonja Barsness , Changing Aging.org

If you are depressed and thinking about or planning suicide, please stop and call this number now-988

cover photo

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate with the World Health Organization (WHO), federal, state and local public health partners, and clinicians in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. CDC is closely monitoring the situation and working 24/7 to provide updates.

credit: CDC/James Gathany-public domain

exploring the HEART of health in a pandemic

I shared other COVID-19 blogs in another post . I hope you check out other posts from these physician bloggers.

Dr. Aletha

2 bandaids crossed on a world globe — photo from the Lightstock collection (affiliate link)

a sketch of various electronic devices — RoboForm Everywhere to manage your passwords

How much time do you spend waiting for health care?

You call your doctor’s office and get put on hold, waiting to talk to someone.
You schedule an appointment that you wait days or weeks for.
You go to the office and wait minutes or hours to be called back to the exam room.
You may decide to leave rather than wait hours for care in an emergency room.

Vietnamese people with bicycles, standing outside a clinic — People waiting to enter a medical clinic in vietnam.

I have waited for medical care too, from both sides, as a patient and as a doctor. Physicians wait-

for lab results
for xray and scan reports
for consultants to call or send evaluation findings
for insurance companies to pay claims
for prior authorizations for surgery and medications to be approved

We all have to wait and it usually isn’t by choice. Or pleasant.

clinicsign — People waiting at a medical clinic in Panama.

The Bible talks about waiting –

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31, NKJV

Learn More

Other Bible versions translate the word “wait” as

“trust”- NLT and HCSB
“hope”-NIV
“expect, look for, hope” -AMPL

I think it’s easier to wait when you expect, hope for, and trust that waiting will lead to a good outcome, that your problem will be solved, your illness will be successfully treated, your pain eased, and your sorrow resolved.

Sometimes waiting teaches us valuable lessons that we might otherwise not know.

those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar like eagles Isaiah 40:31 — Isaiah 40:31 graphic from the Lightstock.com collection

Martin Wiles wrote a poignant piece on how a visit to a hospital emergency room changed his perspective on waiting.

“Waiting rooms have taught me life is unfair.

When I see people who don’t have and can’t afford insurance.

When I see people who’ve been abused by others or who’ve had crimes committed against them.

And when I see people addicted to drugs who are making a visit to get a pain fix.

Or when I see bodies mangled by wrecks.”

Continue reading at this link

Lessons from a Waiting Room by Martin Wiles

group of people sitting under a tree — People waiting at a clinic in Zanzibar.

I took the photos in this post on medical volunteer trips to several countries. On these trips, people sometimes waited hours to see a healthcare professional, something they often have little or no access to.

No one ever complained about the wait, and they always thanked me. I felt both honored and humble.

Exploring the HEART of Health

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