Hello everyone,
I hope my message finds you well during these crazy times. It has been challenging at best, between social distancing, the presence of masks and gloves everywhere, and the sheer uncertainty of the future. Out friends and neighbors have become “remote“, our jobs and learning “virtual”. We are dependent on Amazon for anything other than food, and even the supermarkets have become dangerous places, with the potential of infection.
Everyone feels at risk, fearful and uncertain, and it is difficult to be upbeat and hopeful. But, the numbers are indeed consistently decreasing in New Jersey, and the curve has flattened considerably. Slowly, cautiously, things will open again and DC Medical Care is no different. Our office is now open every Wednesday and Friday 8:30-1:30 for all in person visits. You can also reach us by phone/video for telemedicine Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8:30am-12:30pm for anything else you may need. We urge everyone who is due for a physical examination to schedule it in person, as well as any routine procedure such as knee injections, glucose monitoring for diabetics, heart monitoring, etc.
As the medical future of COVID-19 is still very uncertain, it is time to commit again to your health, as it was clearly shown that, regardless of age, people with lung disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity are at much higher risk for severe complications of the virus.
I would like to remind everyone that:
a. Remote, tele-visits which are linked to COVID are now completely paid for by insurance, so reach out if you have symptoms such as body aches, cough, fever, sore throat and exhaustion. The virus can give you a wide range of symptoms, let us help you decide if you should be tested and treated.
b. Dietician visits (which are done via tele-visits) are now free with all insurances in order to encourage weight loss, and overall well-being. Please schedule one to start on your journey.
c. We are doing antibody testing (free with all insurances) and everyone who was either sick during March through early May, or had any contact with COVID suspected patients, should test. While having antibodies does not offer a guarantee of protection for COVID, it does offer some reassurance that your body reacts to fight the virus, and in turn protect you. There are over 90 tests out there, and many are unreliable, so where you test is important. We are using the best test available, the only one approved by the FDA.
Last but not least I want you to know we are here for you, with easy and constant access and can refer you to specialists and send you for testing, if necessary, in a safe and efficient way.
Everyone always asks me about my family, and how we are weathering the storm. We have all been very careful to avoid infection but are trying every day to find a sparkle of something special and uplifting. We created and planted a vegetable garden and summer flowers, we try to stay in shape by walking, hiking and biking. We are working on several family albums. We try to strike a balance between privacy and togetherness. Most importantly, I work on cooking new interesting dishes for at least one meal per day, exploring different ethnic cuisines: Indian, Spanish, Thai. I try to expand my vegetarian options yet keep the meal balanced. It literally adds spice to our days!
As always, please contact us with any questions you may have and keep following the updated guidelines to stay safe,
Dana Cernea, MD