Wow, things are changing rapidly and it can be hard to keep up with all of the updates for Pennsylvania. Rest assured, we are still open and caring for Central Pennsylvania.  Below you will find updates on COVID-19 in our local community, my thoughts on Plaquenil and new visit options available at our office for the entire Pennsylvania community. I also list a few helpful resources at the bottom. 

COVID - 19

We are seeing an increase in cases in Pennsylvania and the Department of Health continues to encourage us to Stay Calm, Stay Home, and Stay Safe.  The number of cases in Lebanon is relatively low but rising. At Ideal Wellness, we do have tests and, thanks to a great colleague, protective equipment to safely perform the tests. 

Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and z-pack ...oh, my!

(Said to the tune the great Wizard of Oz song. Please forgive my doctor humor.)

There are several medications under investigation for treating COVID-19. So far, they are recommended for limited cases in the hospital setting. I'm not recommended them for mild cases or prevention at this time. I am a scientist and I need more evidence. There are very real risks to these medications including fatal (life-ending) heart rhythms. Also, hoarding of this medication is starting to lead to a shortage, like with toilet paper. However, this shortage can be much more dangerous for those with autoimmune disorders, such as Lupus, which is no laughing matter.  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/therapeutic-options.html

Several of you have asked about integrative or complementary medicine options for managing COVID-19. Unfortunately, no integrative measures have been validated in human trials.  However, I've posted information on risk reduction and symptom management here.

New Appointment Types

Medical Marijuana Certification - Pennsylvania now allows both new certifications and re-certifications to be completed via telehealth (phone or video). 

We are offering two new appointments types for acute visits. 

1. Herbs & Supplement Short Consult - Short telephone or video discussions on herb and supplement use with or without medications. Advice only, no prescriptions will be written. $30 per 15 minutes.

2. Telehealth for Friends and Family -  We are able to manage the several conditions as one-time visits for those having difficulty accessing their primary care provider during this time or who don't have a primary care provider.  During the visit, if it is determined that in-person evaluation is needed, this can be scheduled. 

Visit cost: $40 

See the list of conditions here. 

Resources

Headspace -  Guided meditation and mindfulness app. They are offering free access through 20202 to healthcare professionals here: https://www.headspace.com/health-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR2PzcbwvtN052VxKVRoBGpHmC_YpEnuxofxgZHU0cf9JA9m3WNKJ7-H6Lo

National Institute of Health Mental Health Resource List - includes the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, Veterans Crisis Line, Disaster Stress Helpline 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml

Free yoga - When the quarantine has ended, we will restart yoga at the office. Until then, practice yoga in the comfort of your own home at https://www.doyogawithme.com/. 

C25K App for iPhone or Android - Based on the Couch to 5K plan, this lets you run at your own pace. It alternates walking and running for the first six weeks, to ease you into running without leaving you exhausted.

Giveaway

We've got a new Facebook page!  https://www.facebook.com/idealwellnessfamilypractice/

To celebrate and spread the word, we are offering a $50 gift card to Ancestor Coffeehouse and Crêperie and a free month of yoga at the office (post quarantine). Support two local small businesses with a quick click.

To enter:
1. Like our page
2. Comment on the post what you love about Central Pennslyvania.
Every like & comment will give you an entry into the giveaway.

It's tough out here for small business owners. If you feel like we give great care, please leave a 5-star review on the new Facebook page. If you feel like you can't give us five stars, please let me know personally by responding to this email and I will see what I can do to improve your experience.