Dear patients and families,
I am writing to offer a bit of comfort and information during this uncertain and novel time in our history. In addition, I want to let existing patient know that I am still offering telehealth consultations full-time. Here are my insights, however humble they may be.
SARS-CoV2 is a virus – of the coronavirus family, the same one that contains the common cold. COVID19 is the disease caused by this virus. SARS-CoV2 is specific to lung tissue and our research so far has indicated that it disrupts lung function by affecting surfactant and the renin-angiotensin system.
Scientists around the world are working to develop a treatment for this virus and its impacts – from vaccines to antiviral medications; but guess what? Your immune system has evolved alongside viruses and bacteria and it is remarkably good at destroying them.
Individuals with compromised immune function (cancer, transplant recipients) and older adults, especially those with chronic diseases (such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disorders) are the most at risk for severe or fatal disease progression. Thankfully, the severity of the disease in children and pregnant women seems to be mild. Testing is extremely limited at this time and samples are not collected through my office, your primary care physician’s office, or at most lab testing centers. So what does this mean?
Protect the vulnerable!
If you are sick, quarantine yourself for at least 14 days and contact your healthcare provider. Testing is really only provided to high-risk populations at this time. Everyone should follow the state and CDC recommendations for social distancing, hand washing (20 seconds), face touching, and hygiene around your home and work space. I will link reliable sources for information below.
Boost your immune system!
Eat well, sleep well, drink well, and think well. Be sure you and your family are drinking plenty of water, eating lots of vegetables and less sugar, and getting 8-10 hours of sleep per night! Protect your thought life; negativity and fear can easily creep in and the associated stress depresses the immune system. Limit media consumption to a healthful amount and look to the medical authorities (CDC and WHO) for advisement and information. Meditate, exercise, and get outside! If you would like additional recommendations, please request an appointment through your child’s portal.
Turn inward and remind yourself of what is most important in your life!
Dedicate your time and energy to those things. Kids are getting a lot of information and experiencing a major disruption in their normal life. Take care of your own mental health so you can best support them. Ask questions and talk about feelings.
Moments like this bring out the best and the worst in humanity. Be kind. Be generous. Look for the helpers as our dear Mr. Rogers would say.
In health,
Dr. Meg
—
Megan Cherie Hammel, ND
Children’s Naturopathic Center of Colorado
P: 720-519-2913
COVID-19 Resources
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Colorado Department of Public Health: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
Coronavirus information video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtN-goy9VO
Kids Mindfulness Meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvF9AEe-ozc
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