Blog

CV🦠News, Week of November 2, 2020

 

US Flag

 

Peaceful electoral greetings, friends and patients of TVD!

As soon as a presidential winner is officially called (AP), we should take down any and all candidate signs from our yards and put out flags, large and small. The flag belongs to us all, not to one party. E pluribus unum. It is time to start to heal as a country.”

Juan Enriquez

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

Socrates

(but not the one you’re thinking of) #factsmatter

Eric Weiss, MD, October 26, 2020

NOTE: CV🦠News is a labor of love. If you enjoy reading this, please share widely! Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Please subscribe here.

 

Covid-19 Children

COVID-19 case numbers continue to break records in the US and unfortunately, the increases are now also reflected in pediatric cases: at least 61,000 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in children last week. Since the pandemic began, the percentage of pediatric cases has risen steadily, from 2% of cases in April to 11% now. Per the  AAP State-Level Data Report, which has been tracking pediatric cases, over 853,000 children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic (representing 1,134 cases per 100,000 children) with nearly 200,000 of those diagnosed in October. While testing rates in children have definitely increased recently, there are still likely many cases that were never formally diagnosed by test. Read more

Jackie Phillips, MD, November 3, 2020

 

Covid-19 exercise

Keeping physically active is as important as ever while we are doing our very best to stay safe and healthy during COVID-19.  You may be missing the camaraderie of the gym and swimming laps at your local pool and find it hard to start a new routine. 

While some gyms and fitness centres have opened, it is safest to select outdoor activities and limit your time in an indoor environment with shared surfaces.  If you enjoy group classes, there are many free video workouts on Youtube. 

Another popular choice is the Peloton app which includes classes without a bike. If you don’t have weights at home you can still participate by using water bottles and cans. The variety is endless so you won’t get bored with so many options to choose from. Read more

Prerana Sangani, MD, November 2, 2020

 

covid test

There are two types of COVID-19 tests — diagnostic tests and antibody tests.  Let’s focus on diagnostic testing.  There are two types of diagnostic tests — molecular tests, such as PCR tests, that detect the tiniest bits of genetic code specific to SARS-CoV-2, and antigen tests that detect proteins that the virus produces, such as a specific protein on one of its namesake “corona” spikes.  Molecular tests are highly accurate but require trained healthcare workers, lots of PPE, lab technicians, specialized equipment, swabs and chemicals, and . . . time (for the test itself, and transport to the lab).  Antigen tests, once scaled up and distributed, are rapid, can be used in many different settings, are simple to perform, but are less sensitive than molecular tests. Read more

(Sky Pittson, MD, Updated: November 3, 2020)

 

Thanksgiving

Coming up to the 8-month mark of vigilance against COVID-19 transmission, how much do we miss spending cozy hang-out time with friends and family outside our households?  For those who love the holidays, how much do you look forward to that family time – catching up over long meals, laughing, singing, hugging.  This year will be a challenge for so many as we navigate a very different holiday season, balancing our very real need for connection with each other’s safety. Read more

(Jennifer Abrams, MD, November 2, 2020)

 

HOPE AND GRACE

If you have made it this far, time for a reward, something to lighten your day, and acknowledge the human spirit. Find some escape, or perhaps even inspiration, in this ever-growing collection of works and perspectives gathered from around the world. Please contact me directly if you have come across something that has lifted your heart today.  Dr. Eric Weiss

 

VoteMobile

VoteMobile Saves The Day

A great idea.

We all know a lot of fellow Americans have been voting at home this year, but for residents who have lost their home to wildfire, this just isn’t an option. Fortunately, the VoteMobile was created. The rolling polling station catered to those who have lost their homes to wildfire and to elderly voters who don’t feel comfortable venturing to voting sites. 

Read more!

St. Croix Rive

Love Conquers All 

A love story like no other. In October, a couple got married at the US-Canada border so guests from both countries could attend despite travel restrictions due to the pandemic. The newly-weds exchanged vows on a pier along the St. Croix River in New Brunswick surrounded by loved ones.

Read more!

Race to Kindness

A Ten-year-old in North Texas Spreads Kindness

Orion Jean has been on a mission to help those in need around the world with his “Race to Kindness” events after being awarded a cash prize for a national kindness speech contest. 

In September, Orion donated 619 toys to Children’s Health in Dallas and his grace continues as he aims to donate at least 100,000 meals to people in need by Thanksgiving.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Read more!

 

Again, CV🦠News is a labor of love. If you enjoy reading this, please share widely! Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Please subscribe here.

*****

Yours, in health and resilience,

Eric and the TVD MD team…