Hello Access Family Medicine family!
Happy Autumn! Cool weather, pretty fall leaves and soon, lots of rain to put those fires out.
This is the time of year that many businesses and individuals are choosing their health care options for next year. If you know of anyone you think Access Family Medicine could help, please pass on my information. Referrals from trusted sources are the best!
Vaccine and Covid info:
If you get sick from Covid, I have monoclonal antibody treatment available in the office. You have to have a positive test and be in the beginning of the illness to qualify. This can save you from getting worse or being hospitalized. For members of AFM, the treatment will be free.
We're still waiting for approval for the Moderna boosters. I have the vaccines and am ready to go as soon as the state of Oregon gives permission. I anticipate that being next week. I will have weekday and Saturday morning appointments available to you and the public.
Please call 541-916-7030 (the Josephine County Call Center) to schedule.
I also have Pfizer and J&J for whatever folks need.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines can be given simultaneously. I have flu and tetanus shots for those who are interested, at less cost than you could get at the pharmacy.
Pfizer vaccine to children ages 5-11 could start as soon as the first week in November.
Through Sept. 27, there were more than 125,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in pregnant individuals including more than 22,000 hospitalized and 161 deaths. Twenty-two of the deaths occurred in August alone. Those who are pregnant and get COVID-19 have a two-fold risk of being admitted into intensive care; and a 70% increased risk of death. They are also at an increased risk of delivering their newborn prematurely, stillbirth, and of their child becoming infected with COVID-19, requiring admission into intensive care
Covid 19 cases and hospitalizations have decreased, but to put it in perspective, the level is now what it was at last winter's peak. So it's still out there.
Fully vaccinated people can still get breakthrough cases, but the incidence of dying if fully vaccinated is around 1%. The vaccines are working!
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued advisories indicating that ivermectin is not authorized or approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health, World Health Organization, and Merck (the manufacturer of the drug) all state there is insufficient evidence to support the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19. The Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Treatment and Management of Patients with COVID-19 also recommend against the use of ivermectin outside of a clinical trial.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER MEDICAL TOPICS OF INTEREST:
Patients with type 2 diabetes who took oral vitamin D3 supplements for six months experienced a reduction in A1C level, compared with those who didn't take the supplements.
Walk With Ease (WWE) is an exercise program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with Walk With Ease! Get moving! Search for an in-person or virtual class:
https://www.compasshp.org/workshops/ Availability will depend on county risk levels and all classes will adhere to OHA guidelines. Please also consider joining the self-directed program to help you stay active at home.
Stay active at home
Take this simple walking program at your own pace! You can register online for a self-directed program. https://info.pace.oregonstate.edu/walk
In Oregon, the ScreenWise Program works with a network of providers that offer breast, cervical and hereditary cancer screening services for uninsured and underinsured patients. Covered services are offered at no cost to the patient. ScreenWise was created to help reduce cancer burden and health inequities across the state. Follow the link to read more about mammograms and breast cancer screenings. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYPEOPLEFAMILIES/WOMEN/HEALTHSCREENING/Pages/index.aspx
While it is rare, men can also have breast cancer. To learn more visit the CDC here: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/men/index.htm
And lastly:
A New Oregon Coast Restaurant Is A Harry Potter Themed Delight.
The newly-opened restaurant The Cheeky Cauldron is a Hagrid-sized reason you need to check out Lincoln City Oregon. This is one of the best possible ways to kick off the spooky season in Oregon!
Blessings!
Dr. Powell
