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"Sometimes we're tested not to show our weaknesses, but to
discover our strengths." --
anonymous
Focus on your strengths, persevere and don't give in. Keep
up the fight.
We are all proud of our children. My oldest daughter is a
nurse anesthetist and she and some of her colleagues
recently drove up to NYC and are working at Jacobi Medical
Center in the Bronx. For a first-hand look inside what she's
experiencing, here are some of her comments:
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The support they are getting from local businesses is
overwhelming. Some of the local businesses are open so
they are able to find food before and after work.
Typically, payment isn't accepted for their food
purchases, and instead they are being thanked for what
they are doing.
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As they were leaving work yesterday, a truck from a
Harlem pizzeria pulled up with 50+ pizzas that were
donated by someone wanting to give food for the entire
hospital!
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"Super tricky removing mask, when wearing 3 over each
other all day, starting with a super tight N95. Nose
sore."
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"Forehead has marks from goggles, even underneath eye
shield."
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When a patient gets extubated (removed from a
ventilator) the hospital blasts Fight Song over
the PA system and people pause and cheer. Here's
a brief video of this from Rachel.
I am so very proud of the courage and strength of my
daughter as well as all of the front line health care
workers! If you want to get misty-eyed, listen to the entire
Fight Song with lyrics, click
here! "Like only a single word can make the heart
open."
Boosting Our Immunity:
Ok, so we want to do everything we can to boost our
immunity. If you did not view my Instagram interview from
last week, you might find it useful to get some information
on healthy ways to boost your immunity. Here is the link to
my interview: https://www.personanutrition.com/articles/.
Full disclosure, I have been on the Medical Advisory Board
since Persona's inception. Our group of physicians and
nutritionists developed a computer-driven algorithm that you
can access on the Persona site that surveys your medical
history and makes suggestions on vitamins and supplements
that may be helpful and are specifically geared towards your
general health. Importantly, for my credibility, I do not
benefit in any way if you decide to purchase anything from
the Persona site.
I am again reminding you that approximately 85% of people
are not getting the recommended 5 to 7 servings of fruits
and vegetable per day. If you feel your diet could be
better, there is evidence-based data showing that many
people may benefit from a good multi-vitamin, extra Vitamin
D, a probiotic, turmeric (curcumin) and omega fatty acids.
In addition, some people may benefit from other vitamins and
supplements depending on their age, gender, current
medications as well as other health issues. The Persona
algorithm counter-checks any supplements one chooses to be
sure there are no drug interactions. One final comment -
take vitamins and supplements for a good reason. I advise
not to buy cheap unsourced vitamins and supplements, for
example, fish oil from a discount store, because crazy Uncle
Eddie says he feels better taking it.
Not only did Persona graciously support the Instagram
interview, but also has gifted through their vitamin/supplement
program for First Responders and Hospital Healthcare workers. Further,
they have donated to their legacy charitable partner Vitamin
Angels as well as to Meals
on Wheels America. In
the past month, Persona has donated over $500,000. I am very
proud to be part of their Medical Advisory Board.
The numbers:
US: 671,425 cases 33,286
deaths 4.9% fatality rate (up)
Maryland: 11,572 cases
425 deaths 3.7% fatality rate (up)
Please note that we have only tested 3.4M people nationally,
which is approximately 1% of the total population. If 10% of
the population is actually infected, the fatality rate goes
down considerably!
This map, showing infection rates, is updated twice daily
(thank you FS) - I like how the data is presented.
https://graphics.reuters.com/HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-USA/0100B5K8423/index.html
Diagnostics
and Therapeutics:
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We are learning that there is accumulating evidence that
COVID-19 may have emerged
from an accident at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. A
lab worker may have become infected and then passed it
to his girlfriend. Despite local physicians there trying
to alert their Government to take action in December,
there appears to have been a cover-up by the Chinese
Communist Party. This is so distressing to think that
this infection might not have become a pandemic if
responsible action was taken early on. The impact has to
be the most substantive catastrophe we have seen in our
lifetimes.
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Many of you know that I have been a big proponent of
Vitamin D. There was an article today in the WSJ. I
recommend at least 2000 units of Vitamin D-3 per day.
And try to get at least 15 minutes of sunshine daily.
On a musical note:
One of my favorites and an encore presentation from The
Piano Guys: "It's
Gonna be OKAY".
And on a lighter note for another TGIF:
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