A GUIDE TO ENJOYING SUMMER ‘SAFELY’

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As we begin to slowly open and some restrictions start to lift, it is hard to know what ‘safe’ vs ‘unsafe’ encounters look like. While prevalence continues to play an important role in our local communities, it’s hard to quantify what that translates to as most want to do the small things like hug family and friends, get our haircut, have a pool party, visit the nail salon, or gather at local bars and restaurants. 

We know the urge to get out and enjoy summer is real. That’s why social distancing is more important than ever to keeping you and the ones around you safe.  

What is considered ‘safe’? 

  • Backyard gatherings. With a small group, getting together outside in a spacious area isn’t too risky depending on who you invite and their status or symptoms. To lower your risk, avoid sharing food, drinks, plates or utensils.
  • Spending the day at the beach or pool. Watch how close you are to others. As long as you can stay 6 feet apart and gather in a small group, this could be a pretty safe activity.
  • Hugging family and friends. You have to use your best judgment—there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Before you give a hug, know how the other person has been following the social distancing rules. To be extra cautious, avoid the long, lingering hug and the kiss on the cheek or lips.
  • Using a public restroom. This could be a pretty scary thought, but most restrooms were designed to avoid the spread of germs. Be sure to avoid waiting in a line to use the bathroom and wash your hands after. 
  • Going to a vacation house with another family. Again, you will need to use your best judgement here. If both families have been quarantining and limiting their exposure to others, your risk of getting infected is limited. Don’t be afraid to ask. 

What is considered ‘unsafe’?  

  • Eating indoors at a restaurant. Because people tend to linger more, you’re in the restaurant longer and the risk of being exposed to the virus is greater. Especially since you don’t know who you’re dinning next to you and their symptoms. If you do go to a restaurant, look for outdoor seating. 
  • Attending a place of worship indoors. Worship services tend to bring together those from different households, which could increase the risk of people becoming infected in a short amount of time. 
  • Getting a haircut or nails done. These are some of the highest risk scenarios as there’s no way to keep 6 feet from the person performing the service and breathing on one another is extended for several minutes. 
  • Gathering at a bar or nightclub. When most drink, they become less likely to follow the social distancing rules. While there, you are then exposed to crowds, singing, sweating and the risk of sharing drinkware with others who may be infected. 

The key to enjoying your summer while minimizing your risk of getting sick is remembering to social distance, wear a face covering, and wash your hands. When possible, always opt for outdoor activities over indoor ones. We hope that knowing what the risks are for specific activities helps you to make the right individual decisions you need to in order to have peace of mind as well as stay safe summer. 

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Overview for Patients

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We wanted to provide a new update related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As you are aware, this is a rapidly evolving situation, so the steps we are outlining below, may continue to change as more information becomes available. We will keep you updated as we have new information. There have now been confirmed cases in each of the states that R-Health operates. Although the risk is still low, R-Health continues to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for evaluation of patients who may be at risk of developing COVID-19.

Members of our clinical leadership team are communicating with the state and local departments of health to monitor and respond to this evolving situation.

Patients who have appointments should be assured that all operations continue as usual, and our practices remain ready to provide care to all our patients. The only change is that when scheduling appointments, you will be asked some additional screening questions to determine if you are at risk for exposure or symptoms of COVID-19.

 

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of infection with COVID-19 may appear two to 14 days after exposure and can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

The severity of symptoms can range from very mild to severe, even death.  Importantly, most patients with COVID-19 have only mild respiratory symptoms and do not require hospitalization. However, it is important to limit contact with others to prevent further exposure.

 

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Call us right away (do not immediately come into the office) if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Call us first and ask to speak to a healthcare provider to tell us about your symptoms, recent travels, and possible exposure before you make an appointment or before you go to the ER. Coming into the office in person may spread the virus to others who are already sick.

 

Virtual Care

One of the benefits of R-Health is our access to virtual tools for patient communication. This includes the Spruce mobile app and the Elation Patient Passport. We encourage you to use these virtual communications tools, along with the phone, to communicate with the practice or have a virtual appointment, if medically appropriate. Call us if you need information on how to download Spruce or access the Elation Patient Passport.

 

Preventing the Spread

Please note that even if you are not experiencing symptoms, we each have an important role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19.  Simple hygiene can be very helpful in preventing transmission of many illnesses. This includes

  • Washing hands frequently (with soap for 20 seconds)
  • Utilizing hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available
  • Covering a cough/sneeze with shirt sleeve or tissue (not hands)
  • Avoiding touching your face

In addition, social distancing is an important protective measure. This includes avoiding mass gatherings, avoiding crowds, and staying home if you’re not feeling well.

 

Additional Information

Additional up-to-date information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

 

Updated March 12, 2020

 

ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO HAVE IN YOUR CAR DURING WINTER

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When the weather is snowy, icy, and downright unpredictable, it’s crucial to keep a few essential emergency supplies in your car. Being prepared will make things easier if you get into a crash, break down, or get stuck in the snow.

Here are 6 items you should have in your car this winter in case of an emergency.

  1. Bag of Sand or Kitty Litter. Sounds odd but keeping a bag of sand or kitty litter in your car can add weight in the trunk to help rear-wheel vehicles gain traction on slippery roads and can actually be poured around your tires if they get stuck in snow, slush, or ice.
  2. First aid kit. Although it’s essential year-round, this is one of the most important things to keep in your car during winter because an emergency vehicle’s response time may be slow if it’s snowing.
  3. Blanket. You can’t always rely on your car’s heater so keeping a few blankets in your trunk if you get stranded or get into a crash will help keep you warm if you aren’t dressed for the elements.
  4. Jumper cables. Cold weather can affect your car’s battery and can turn a weak battery into a dead battery overnight. By having jumper cables in your trunk, it is easier to find a passing driver that could give your car a jump start.
  5. Flashlight. It gets dark early in the winter. If you stall or get stranded at night, use the flashlight to signal passing vehicles, look around in the trunk after dark, or if you need to walk to get assistance at night.
  6. Portable phone charger/battery. You will need your phone to call for assistance if you are stuck or involved in a car crash. Keep a car charger in your vehicle, but also have a portable charger/battery handy that will charge your phone regardless if your car starts or not.

CARBOHYDRATES: WHAT KIND ARE YOU EATING THIS HOLIDAY?

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‘Tis the season for family, festivity, and food—lots of food, and this normally disrupts daily routines. How do you stick to a healthy plan when everyone around you seems to be splurging?

While you may not be able to control what food you’re served, you can start by limiting how many simple carbs you consume such as pies, sugar drinks and white bread. These types of carbs do not satisfy hunger very well and are typically present in foods with low nutritional content.

In order to do this, try to pick good carbs that are rich in nutrients and pay attention to portion sizes.

Complex “Good” Carbs

  • Whole wheat breads, pastas, and flour
  • Brown and wild rices
  • Barley
  • Quinoa
  • Potatoes
  • Corn
  • Legumes, such as black beans, chickpeas, lentils, and others

Simple “Bad” Carbs

  • Soda
  • Candy
  • Cookies
  • Pastries and desserts
  • Sweetened beverages, such as lemonade or iced tea
  • Energy drinks
  • Ice cream

When it comes to the holidays, it’s ok to splurge a little but the best way to make sure you don’t consume too many excess carbs is to load up on the protein of choice like turkey or ham and veggies. This will help you to stay fuller longer while the veggies—packed with fiber—will fill you up and keep you satisfied.

Happy holidays!

 

PATIENT STORY: A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN

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Mr. J has worked for the State of New Jersey as a maintenance worker for 14 years. He has struggled with substance abuse for many years. The Human Resources department at work informed him that he could see a primary care physician at R-Health as part of his state benefits coverage for no extra charge and no copay. When he met Dr. Jones at R-Health in Ewing, NJ, he was surprised at how she listened to his story and let him speak. He says, “It felt good to have a primary care doctor take an interest in me and spend quality time.” He confided in her that he needed help. But one matter weighed on his mind. He wanted to see his daughter graduate from high school. Dr. Jones went to work and found a substance abuse program to help Mr. J with recovery and also make it possible for him to attend that graduation.

He’s clean, appreciative and grateful. And he’s getting ready to go back to work. Mr. J says that staying on top his health is a priority. “My body is like a car. I have to do the maintenance and make sure I’m taking care of it,” he adds. Now he has a partner in his health care.

Discover a true relationship with a primary care physician at R-Health.

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME?

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Have you ever heard of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Most haven’t unless you’re a woman who has had trouble getting pregnant. PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. With PCOS, women’s reproductive hormones are out of balance, causing problems with their ovaries. These problems could be infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone levels. Because hormones are substances that our bodies make to help different processes happen, women with PCOS can also have difficulty getting pregnant.

Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. For more information on causes, diagnoses, and treatments, click here.

If you have any concerns and think you may have PCOS, please contact your doctor to schedule an appointment.

HOW ARE STRESS AND DEPRESSION LINKED?

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Most of us have felt stressed at one point of our life but aren’t sure how to answer when asked if we are depressed. I wanted to shed some light on the link between stress and depression.

Stress impacts all ages and can certainly be unbearable at times. Long-term, chronic stress can harm your overall health, enabling your body to start responding negatively. When this starts to happen, the following symptoms could occur:

  • Suppressed immune system
  • Digestive issues
  • Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
  • Reproductive issues

Over time, continued strain on your body from routine stress may contribute to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses, as well as mental disorders like depression. Stress can lead to elevated hormones such as cortisol and will reduce the serotonin in the brain, which has been linked to depression. Having a stress management plan can help you to effectively handle your stress to potentially prevent depression.

Depression is more serious and long-lasting than stress and requires a different kind of help. If you are suffering from stress or depression, please contact your doctor to make an appointment.

SCHEDULING BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHYSICALS

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As summer is just beginning, no kid wants to start thinking about the next school year. However, the best time to schedule a back-to-school or sports physicals is early in the summer so you don’t forget and have more time to enjoy your summer vacation.

Don’t need a back-to-school physical? Schedule an annual comprehensive exam. Annual visits are an important time to check in with your doctor to discuss prevention and your overall health. During this time, you can have your blood pressure checked and routine labs done to screen for diabetes and other medical problems. You can also get appropriate cancer screenings completed. When diseases are found early, you have more treatment options and a better chance for a good outcome.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE—MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

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When it comes to prevention and early detection, men’s health often takes a back seat to women’s health. Most men even find themselves skipping out on annual checkups with their doctor. The problem? Some serious health problems may not cause symptoms at first and getting annual checkups and the necessary screenings are the best way to detect health issues early.

According to the CDC, the top five health risks for men are:

  1. Heart disease
  2. Cancer
  3. Unintentional injuries
  4. Chronic lower respiratory disease
  5. Stroke

By making healthy lifestyle changes, men can help reduce their health risks and improve their overall health. Take a proactive approach by following these basic health tips.

  • Work with your doctor to identify potential health concerns that are unique to men such as prostate and testicular cancers
  • Get an annual comprehensive exam, which is an opportunity to screen for health issues including certain cancers and heart disease
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercise regimen

Start by calling your doctor to make an appointment.

PREVENTING TICK BITES AND THE DISEASES THAT COME WITH THEM

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Warm weather means lots of outdoor activities, and with that comes the risk of tick exposure. Ticks are tiny, have eight legs and are typically reddish-brown in color. Ticks can’t jump or fly, they climb tall grasses, leaf litter or bushes and wait for a host to walk by and brush up against them and look for a place to attach. Be especially cautious when in this type of environment. Ticks carry a lot of different diseases, some of them serious. Reducing exposure to ticks is the best defense against Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tickborne infections.

If you spend time outdoors or have pets that go outdoors, you need to beware of ticks. You and your family can take several steps to prevent and control tickborne infections:

  • The CDC recommends using insect repellent rated for the amount of time you are going to be outside. Use DEET or for a plant-based option, oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Wear long sleeves, pants, and tuck your pant legs into your socks.
  • Shower soon after being outdoors.
  • Check for ticks daily—especially under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and on the hairline and scalp.
  • Landscaping techniques may help keep ticks out of your yard.

If you find a tick attached to your skin, follow these steps from the CDC on how to remove it safely: http://bit.ly/2LQVaXc

If you think you’ve been bitten and show any signs and symptoms of a tickborne illness, please contact your doctor immediately.