04/05/2020
Hello Friends and Everyone who can see this! What a strange time, but theres never been a time in my life in which we all need each other more! I am reaching out to my patients with some of the messages, studies, and lessons recently released by experts in the medical field about what I feel we need to do, both Medically, Socially, and Personally.
This virus is a scary one, but it's not the worst that might come in our lifetimes. Two months ago, when my office was on backorder to buy masks and gloves, we could sense something was happening. Now, in our current state of social distancing, and sheltering in place, there are lessons we are learning to keep safe in this moment, but also, how to prepare for a likely inevitable, but more virulent and dangerous spread of a disease.
My first bit of advice is, STAY OPTIMISTIC! The human species has survived incidents and atrocities far greater than this virus could ever become, and we have always thrived. Coronavirus, like countless other virus "species" have been present before our ancestors were born.. our bodies adapt and have a complexly beautiful system of building immunity to new pathogens, and also fighting them should you be exposed to this virus.
The biggest issue with this virus is that, while forever its been commonplace in animals, this strain mutated slightly to be present in us. The best research i've been reading, and the advice from people smarter than myself who might not make national news interviews, says that yes, we need to be careful, and PRACTICE AND PROTECT for this virus and something that could come next year or 20 years from now.
As a Dentist, we have been trained to understand the spread of disease. To my colleagues, we routinely work on patients who have much more serious diseases with insignificant statistics of dentists and most health care professionals being infected, as long as basic health protocols are in place. Colleagues, in any medical profession, please add to these comments, either side of the line.
To my Dental Patients, Friends, and everyone who this can reach.. stay safe, but be optimistic. Medical professionals of every type have been trained to be safe.. but for everyone and their families, take rational caution and sanitation procedures, eat well, get exercise, don't lick countertops or public doorknobs, but trust in our world of sanitation- the food industry, the medical industry, and the extra efforts that stores are taking to make your experience safe.
While human beings can transfer this virus directly, it, similarly to every other virus, is weak outside of a host. While some studies show that corona can live on dry surfaces for many days, thats still laboratory testing to see if a single virus is present. Viruses are generally fragile, and cannot last outside of a warm, live host for more than minutes to hours.
Honors, Praise, and Thanks to our hospitals and "Skeleton Crews" for keeping our system in place. They are todays heroes. Help them and their families as you can. Our social shutdown may take time to get back to normal, but IT WILL, IT ALWAYS HAS.
If you are working from home, temporarily laid off, stuck with your kids out of school, or any family member or friend for that manner.. remember to practice personal time as much as possible, just to keep our own mental health in place. It's been two weeks since my office has closed to non emergency services, and it feels like a month. Im sure everyone is ready to get back to life as normal.. I know I am.
In summary, these are uncertain times, for every person and professional who exists out there. Life will get back to normal soon. Dentists are in a strange category, which would include estheticians, barbers, stylists, ENT's, and anyone working close to your face. This virus is airborne. So, governmental agencies have strongly advised the majority of the medical community, including my office, to see patients on an "Emergency Basis Only". Emergencies can be as simple as a broken filling, unknown pain in a tooth, swelling, and migraines.. but our team, and most offices are ready to see patients that are in need.
I personally believe that we should be clearing this up in a month or so, but it could take many months for life to resume as normal.
Be kind to yourself, take care of yourself, love those close to you, forgive the fact that we might be spending 24 hours a day with people we know and love, but be kind to yourselves and those who you love, and who can help.
Go for walks, learn to cook new meals, work in your yard or house to finally organize that closet you've been putting off, put on sweat pants and watch the Tiger King on netflix! These days will pass.
For those who have read this, I give you my best wishes and blessings, the future prosperity that has to come once our nation is running again, and the patients to endure this "staycation" as long as you can.
Please message me if you have any questions, I'm doing my research daily and i'm happy to share what I learn and what is going on. For patients in Fresno or close, Call the office at (559) 832-8211, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. we have an emergency line that will reach me most hours.
Be Safe, But use this time for the good things that life normally has not allowed us to do. Get your house in order, video chat with family and friends, and wash your damn hands!
Enough, I love you all, and wish everyone the best. Be kind to each other and yourselves. Cheers-
