Many of our patients have expressed concerns about the Coronavirus (a.k.a. COVID-19). We want you to know that your health and safety is our first priority, too. We’re continually taking steps to keep our clinics safe and prevent the spread of disease, and we hope you’ll join us in doing the same.
The following tips can help:
- Stay home if you’re not feeling well – Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In some cases, symptoms may not appear for at least 2-14 days. Please call our clinic at 712-249-8231 at the first sign of a cold, cough or fever, and we’ll work with you to reschedule your appointment as needed. Additionally, if you have been around someone who is experiencing symptoms, consider limiting your contact with others for at least 2-14 days.
- Wash hands frequently – Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, as recommended by the CDC. Simply check the label to determine if the product contains the required amount. (We prefer Thieves, OnGuard and EO products, which are free of many harmful ingredients typically found in traditional hand sanitizers yet still contain at least 60% alcohol.)
- Limit physical contact with yourself and others – Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as well as shaking hands or giving high fives to reduce the spread of disease. It’s also best to maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. If you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue. Dispose of tissues and wash your hands immediately to prevent passing germs onto others.
- Keep common areas clean and disinfected – Clean your home and work area daily using disinfectant cleaning supplies. (We prefer Seventh Generation products because they’re free of many harmful ingredients typically found in household cleaners yet still kill 99.99% of germs.)
- Load up on vitamins, especially Vitamin C – The old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” may have truth behind it after all. Eating nourishing foods that are rich in certain vitamins and minerals can help your immune system fight off illnesses. For those who need it, supplements can provide an extra boost of nutrition to protect your immune system. (Some of our favorite brands include Standard Process and Ortho Molecular Products, which are available for purchase through our clinic.)
- Stay hydrated – Water helps your body produce lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune system cells throughout the body. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least half of your bodyweight in ounces of water. For example, a typical woman weighing 120 lbs. should drink approximately 60 ounces (or 12 standard glasses) of water per day. Additionally, limit beverages that can make you dehydrated, like coffee, and consider adding more hydrating foods, such as cucumbers, celery or watermelon, to your diet.
- Be aware – Review best practices from local and state health officials as well as other respected healthcare professionals. (If you’ve been following us on Facebook, you probably know that one of our favorite mentors and leaders is Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD. Dr. Klinghardt has been instrumental in advancing various fields of medicine, including the treatment of chronic pain, Lyme disease and Autism. Recently, he published a presentation addressing COVID-19.)
For more information on tips for staying healthy, please contact us.
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