By Dr. Elaine Moore
St. George Medical Clinic, The School Based Health Clinic and Dental Clinic have been working hard since the last update. Our staff is working late into the evenings and Saturday and Sunday to try to get ahead of the PANDEMIC caused by the Covid-19 virus.
St. George Medical Clinic set up one of the first Covid-19 HOTLINES in the state. You may call 681-399-9311 to get answers to your questions. This line is dedicated to Covid-19 related questions. Anyone may call this number.
However, if you need to get a message to your healthcare provider call your provider’s number. The School Based Health Clinic and Dental Clinic number is 304-478-6000. The St. George number is 304-478-3339.
Based upon available evidence, we are separating higher risk patients from lower risk patients. Accordingly, we see respiratory related illnesses at the School Based Clinic. St. George Medical Clinic will see patients experiencing other health problems. Last week we began using Telemedicine in response to the current crisis. This means a patient can call the office to schedule a Telephone visit with the health care provider they normally see about ongoing and new problems. A lot can be accomplished with a one-to-one communication with your health care provider.
We continue to visit our Veterans, seniors and persons who are confined to their houses. We can come to your house to do urgent blood tests.
We know that the community leaders in Tucker County are working day and night for all of us. Thanks are due to so many.
For your own personal health, please practice the following guidelines.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds many time per day.
- If you must go to the store, keep the 6 foot distance from other people. Take your own wipe in to clean the cart handle. Make yourself a mask from a bandana or handkerchief. Wear safety glasses, if you have them. When you arrive at your vehicle, use hand sanitizer for 20 seconds. Don’t forget to clean under your nails. Wipe off your keys.
- Wear a mask if you go visit elderly people or people undergoing cancer treatment. Better yet, just call them.
- Sleep 8 hours a night. Drink 64 oz. of water per day.
- Start an exercise program.
- Call that friend who is on your mind. Call to see how your elderly neighbor is doing.
- Say thank you for the smallest gesture. it is healing to say, “Thank you.”
- Promise to be kind.
- Make up spiritual, funny, or silly songs that last 20 – 25 seconds to remind yourself how long to wash your hands.
We live in the most beautiful place in the world. Spring is coming, if you are able, go for a walk, a bike ride, catch a giant trout. If you can’t do these things, listen to the spring peepers and the robin’s song. Sitting on your porch in Tucker is a wonderful thing. Stay safe. Together, we are Tucker strong.
