Oh, here we go again… The sun is out, the music is on, and we’re in the middle of summer vacation, but sadly we’re all feeling a bit of COVID deja vu. Much as we wish we were past all of this, we find ourselves buckling (and masking) up for another chapter of our COVID rodeo.
For those of you who may be traveling to visit friends and family who are “vaccine hesitant”, I’d like to bring your attention to this week’s article by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Think you don’t want to get vaccinated? Think again. And in the spirit of Immunization Awareness Month, no less.
In his piece, Dr. Gupta reflects on getting his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, a “medical moonshot” success, building on decades of mRNA vaccine work followed by a global effort by scientists during the early days of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. However, the celebration has waned recently as the intersection of vaccine hesitancy and the delta variant have brought us back to a place of rising hospitalizations, at risk front-line medical teams, and completely preventable death and “long covid” morbidity. I encourage you to read his piece, and engage your vaccine hesitant friends and family in respectful conversation. Remember that vaccines and masks are not really for our own protection, but rather that of our loved ones, and theirs. As Dr. Gupta points out, “it (vaccine education) does involve conversation — possibly a series of ongoing conversations — with loved ones, friends and perhaps a personal physician or trusted pastor, who can talk to the hesitant or reluctant person in a way that resonates with them personally. And victory will be hard won, measured one person at a time.
I try to do it all the time. For example, as I walk through my daily life, as an on-air correspondent, as a doctor, and in this space. I do it not only because I love my family, but because I love yours, as well.”
Eric Weiss, MD, August 4, 2021
NOTE: Our TVD Newsletter is a labor of love. If you enjoy reading this, please share widely! Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Please subscribe here.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/graphics.html
IT’S IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH – WHAT SHOULD I KNOW?
With so much focus on the COVID-19 vaccines this year, I thought we might take a moment to review some of the other important adult vaccines and their general schedule. All adults need immunizations to help them prevent getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, missed work, medical bills, and not being able to care for family. Protection from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time. You may also be at risk for vaccine-preventable disease due to your age, job, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions. For more information, you can visit the CDC’s site on recommended vaccines for adults. The CDC has an Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool which will provide a list of recommended vaccines based on your answers to some specific questions about you and your health… Read more
Youth Sports: A COVID-19 SAFETY CHECKLIST
The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines for ages 12 and up has been a game changer for many families. Being fully vaccinated can mean a safer return to fun and healthy activities like youth sports.
For children too young to get the vaccine yet, though, it is especially important to continue steps that reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Also keep in mind that many kids have been less active during the pandemic, raising their risk of certain injuries. Plus, any child or teen who has recently had COVID-19 needs to get a heart evaluation before returning to physical activity.
Read on for more ways to keep your child safe and healthy as they return to sports and other physical activity… Read more
It is again my pleasure to write about happenings in our Woodside community, especially as they involve friends and family of TVD. Let me start with a shout out to my friends on the Woodside Community Foundation Board who are asking for your input: “The Woodside Community Foundation Board is reaching out to learn where you believe we should direct our efforts in the coming years. We are eager to hear what you think of our ideas. We also welcome additional ideas you may have regarding projects that are important to you. This survey is only 5 minutes long. Thank you in advance for your time. Regards, The Woodside Community Foundation Board”. Please see their 5 minute survey here.
You may also know that I worked with The Village Hub team a few years ago to help bring this community resource to Woodside. Learn more about The Village Hub here, and / or check out these August happenings!
Friday August 20 @ 5 – 7:30 PM
Lift Up Our Village Summer Night Family Taco Truck party
5:30 pm: Food, drink and local brews 6:00 pm: Live music with “Came for the Cake” Band 7:00 pm: Continued music and enjoyment until…
Saturday August 21 @ 4 – 6 PM
Verdi in the Village
Enjoy summer breezes, classic Italian opera, fine wine and Italian hors d’oeuvres.
Again, our TVD Newsletter is a labor of love. If you enjoy reading this, please share widely! Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Please subscribe here.
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Yours, in health and resilience,
Eric and the TVD MD team…
