A thread to my patients. With the current pandemic it’s harder for us to work together to keep you healthy, so hear are some suggestions to keep in mind.

Most importantly, you will get through this and on the other side of it I will work like crazy to get us back on track. In the meantime, follow @CMOH_Alberta advice. Maintain isolation and distancing, and wash your hands.

Do not cancel your clinic appointments with me or any other physician. We will do our utmost to connect with you over the phone or virtually. Let’s not loose contact.

Buy a scale and a blood pressure monitor and learn to use it. There are very good tutorials out there. Home vitals are very helpful in absence of a physical exam.

Get to know your pharmacist. They are a wealth of knowledge and manage multiple issues. You are likely on many medications, and we need you well stocked.

If you have asthma or pre-existing lung conditions, speak to your family doctor about rescue medications to have available should you need them.

Pace yourself, and remember all the advice that I’ve given you in clinic. Yes, I have probably told you to stop smoking, get routine physical exercise, eat moderately, reduce your calories, and get a good sleep. Now more than ever, this is a good time to practice what I preach.

Pay attention to your mental health. It will suffer, and it will exacerbate your medical conditions. Stay virtually connected to friends, and again if you can go outside and get some exercise.

Help take care of others. I will go along way, and even the littlest kindness in these times can be therapeutic, to everyone involved.

I really do miss seeing my patients in real life. There is so much intuition that plays into medical diagnosis and care. I miss being able to reassuringly pat someone on the shoulder. I don’t know if these things will ever completely return, but for now, l’ve got your back.

*here*