COVID-19 – What You Can Do!

by in Denver Naturopathic Community, mens health, real talk, teen health, womens health March 13, 2020

As the Coronavirus continues to spread, we at the Denver Naturopathic Clinic want to make sure our patients stay as informed and as healthy as possible. With that in mind, we’ve created this email to offer you information and advise on how we would like to proceed with patient care during this COVID-19 season.

Updates on COVID-19:

  • As of today, there are less than 50 cases of Coronavirus in Colorado. 
  • Colorado patients can get tested for COVID-19, but they must have a doctor’s order. 
  • Our providers work with Quest Diagnostics for testing, and Quest is hoping to have kits available for Colorado resident testing in the next couple weeks at a cost of $150. If you are interested in being tested, please call our office and we will help you get a test ordered. 
  • Coronavirus is most concerning for people over the age of 60 (and moreso for those over the age of 80), those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney disease, and those who are immune compromised.
  • The risk of COVID-19 is not at all connected with race, ethnicity, or nationality.
  • Symptoms can occur within 2-14 days after exposure.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 (from the CDC):

  • Fever
  • Dry Cough
  • Shortness of Breath

Emergency Warning Signs of COVID-19 (from the CDC):

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New onset of confusion or inability to wake up
  • Bluish lips of face

Ways to keep yourself and others safe:

  • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Moisturize your hands after washing to prevents dryness and cracks that can put you at risk for other infections.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick. It may also be a good idea for anyone exposed to a sick person to stay home until they are sure they are not carrying the virus.
  • Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household disinfecting products.
  • If you think you have been exposed, please call your provider before driving to their office – this allows them proper time to accommodate your arrival and make sure they have any necessary supplies.
  • Choose news sources that are reputable and do not propagate fear, such as NPR, the CDC, MedScape, or your local, trusted healthcare provider. 

What our office is doing:

  • Our office is professionally cleaned every other night.
  • The doctors at the clinic are diligently wiping down surfaces with disinfectant wipes throughout the day. 
  • We run a very high efficiency air purifier 24/7 to reduce air impurities.
  • The doctors wash their hands between every patient interaction.

Our recommendations:

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Get 8-9 hours of sleep every night.
  • Get 30 minutes of body movement every day, inside or outside to keep your immune system strong. 
  • Focus on high quality food that is brightly colored and fresh. Make sure you’re getting enough fiber and adequate protein. Increase consumptions of broths, fresh fruits, and immune boosting herbs like garlic, onion, and thyme.
  • Emphasize stress reduction practices such as yoga, qi gong, meditation, or breathing exercises.
  • Be consistent with your immune supportive herbs and supplements, like Elderberry, Vitamin C Vitamin D, and Zinc. 
  • Take our Launch Your Health quiz to see how you’re doing and get an idea of what areas of your health you may be struggling in.

We have an arsenal of immune enhancing herbs, supplements, homeopathics and treatment modalities. If you are interested in speaking with one of the doctors about what you can do to protect yourself this season, please give us a call.*

*In order to reduce likelihood of exposure to others, please schedule via phone call at this time and do not drop in without first calling. We appreciate you participation in our combined efforts to keep everyone healthy.

As always, we recommend keeping yourself up to date with the latest information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus.