Coronavirus Update and Tips

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Dear patients of Pacific Coast Sports Medicine:

When something like the Coronavirus hits the news, it causes us to re-think everyday decisions. Just like you, we have families we care about and want to keep safe. I assure you we have always taken your health very seriously.

Although we have always implemented the following, we have stepped up our sanitation procedures even more. For your safety and peace of mind, please note:

– OUR OFFICE IS OPEN and is being kept a “safe zone” for our patients. We ask that you do your part to keep it that way.  

–  When you enter, a staff member will take your temperature. Anyone with a fever or who feels ill will be asked to reschedule their appointment.

– Our staff and doctors do not work when sick or contagious.

– Please keep your appointments (as long as you are symptom-free).

– We sanitize all equipment after each patient visit to ensure they are germ and virus free.

– We clean our common area surfaces; front desk, doorknobs, etc. frequently every hour.

– We recognize that some people may only be comfortable if their caregiver is wearing gloves and a mask; please let us know if that is your preference.

– The person best equipped to take care of you is you, but we’ve got your back. Read below for some commonsense health maintenance suggestions and…

REMEMBER:

KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENTS and TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH!

  •  If you are age 65 or older, and NOT IMMUNO-COMPROMISED (e.g. you are not on an immune-suppressive medication, have asthma, chronic bronchitis, or a recent history of pneumonia), please remember that the recommendation by the Governor to self-quarantine is discretionary, not mandated.
  • For social distancing at your appointments, you may choose to sit outside instead of the reception area and one of the staff will call you in right as your doctor is available.
  • Lastly, we ask that you stay home if you are not feeling well or have someone at home who is ill.  If you must cancel, please reschedule your appointment for a couple of weeks ahead. Appointments two weeks out are filling fast, so please do not wait. 

Here are some tips to help you and your family feel safe…

In General:

  • Wash, wash, wash your hands. Did you know soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizer (and apparently easier to find right now)? To really get rid of any germs, wash for at least 20 seconds – which just happens to be how long it takes to hum “Row-Row-Row Your Boat” three times.
  • Be sneeze- and cough-courteous. Coughing or sneezing into the inner crook of your arm catches many of the droplets that would otherwise end up in the air or on the surfaces around you. The COVID-19 virus is transmitted through droplets, not through breathing, so this is important.
  • The benefit of a mask is that it controls the outbound expression of germs when someone coughs or sneezes. If you’re healthy, a mask won’t be very effective in preventing the spread of germs. If you’re sick and need to be out in the world, a mask can help protect those around you from the germs you send out when you cough or sneeze.
  • Don’t touch your face! The easiest way to get sick (with any kind of virus) is to introduce germs from your hands to mucus membranes – like your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • While you are at home, watch Netflix, Hulu, Fandango, your favorite cable program, a DVD;  or play a fun board game, work on a puzzle, clean out your closets or cabinets, start and complete one of those projects you’ve been putting off for a rainy day, OR read a good book and relax.
  •  If you’re not feeling well (whether it’s coronavirus or an old-school cold) please stay home!   Below are some helpful guidelines. Please note, however, that even mild symptoms may be suspect.  If you are concerned, please go to your nearest testing facility, but please do not go “just to make sure” or “just in case” as overburdening testing facilities can delay those who are infected from receiving necessary care as soon as possible:

Out in the World:

  • Use sanitation wipes!  Many of us do this anyway but grab one of those wet wipes at the grocery store entrance to clean the cart handle and your hands.
  • Declutter! A clean desk or counter makes it easier to run a cleaning cloth across.
  • Keep “personal space”!   Keep at least 3 feet between you and someone who is sneezing or coughing.
  • Sharing = caring? Not right now! We’re usually all about sharing, but for now, the kindest thing you can do is avoid sharing food, drinks, make-up, even lotion or sanitizers – and the germs that ride with them.
  • Breathe in, breathe out. Ventilation is a good thing. Weather and location permitting, crack a window. Get out and breathe the fresh air.
  • Stay calm!!  Stress depresses your immune system.  Stop and think before you act.  Set an example for others – be on your best behavior by practicing mindfulness and courtesy.
  • Keep yourself in good shape!   Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink lots of water and eat nutritious foods. A stressed body is a weak body, so manage your stress through exercise, meditation or conversation with a trusted friend.
  • Self-care matters! Caring for yourself is the best thing you can do for your overall health and the wellbeing of those for whom you care.

For additional trusted resources about the coronavirus, you may like to review these sites:

We hope you have found this helpful!

Wishing you good health,

Your Doctors and Health Professionals at Pacific Coast Sports Medicine

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