12 Mar COVID-19 READINESS
COVID-19 READINESS
How to stay calm and be prepared
There has been a mass of information spreading around COVID-19, some science based, some not. We want to help assist our patients to stay calm under chaos, yet take necessary action to be best prepared as you can be. Rest assured, we live in an area that is well prepared for infectious disease. The DC Metro area is home to some of the best medical institutions in the country, and they have close collaboration with the CDC and other expert organizations around the country and globally. Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Urban Search and Rescue Task Force has deployed all over the world in response to natural disasters and other state of emergencies. So, our area is rich with experience and resources to help with this virus and its effects.
Protect your body when the gym is not an option
I have noticed over the past week there appears to be about 50 % of the usual attendees working out. I asked the front desk and they told me attendance has been dwindling all week because of the virus. I get it, the gym and other public places can feel like a giant, moist petri dish breeding covid-19. Of course, they take every precaution to protect you, but sometimes your head and hands just can’t get beyond the emotion of this media coverage.
As a physician and first responder, staying in shape and being healthy is a critical point of care to fighting infections and staying safe. At times, how you exercise in an uncontrolled environment can wreak havoc on injury-prone body parts. We would like to help you all stay safe, and stay in fighting shape for whatever is to come. Our patient’s receive detailed exercise plans that they can do at home that will nurture past injuries, strengthen weaker areas so they can still participate in grueling triathlons, Tough Mudding events, CrossFit, Orange Theory, you name it. Our commitment has always been to help people stay healthy so they can live life pain free and without limitations.
We are reaching out to all our patients and associates. We’re happy to offer a free consultation to help you create an exercise plan that will keep you strong today, and for years to come. If you can’t come in to the office, email us at staff@drmattfontaine.com and tell us what concerns you have and we’ll be happy to assist you with any health or lifestyle concerns and to support your goals.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
- We want you to feel safe and pain-free!
- We are eliminating overlap in our waiting room for your convenience
- All rooms as well as Waiting Room are sterilized after each patient.
- Hand sanitizer and sink are available for all patients before leaving the office
- Still concerned? Option to wait in vehicle & receive text when doctor is ready
When stress rises, pain exacerbates. We want to eliminate both.
Pain breaks down your resistance. Let’s get you back into fighting shape
Dr. Matt Fontaine
Clinic Director Potomac Physical Medicine
WHAT IS COVID-19?
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please contact your healthcare provider and reduce contact with others.
As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals at highest risk for severe disease and death include people over 60 years of age and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.
Coronavirus symptoms, which can begin 2-14 days after exposure, are similar to the flu and include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Left untreated, or in people with compromised immunity, COVID-19 can progress into a coronavirus-infected pneumonia.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
TR is looking to CDC and WHO as subject-matter experts on this outbreak.
Live updates and information can be found here:
- General updates specific to COVID-19 from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
- Cases in the US from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
- Preventive measures:
- State Specific Information: Head to your state public health website to learn more about how your immediate community may be impacted: https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html