Dear friends and family,
I write these words today (December 21st), I am reminded that today is our winter solstice, which seems an apt introduction to this newsletter. As you will read below, there is much information about the newest COVID variant (Omicron) which looms on this first day of our winter season. But on a more positive note, the days will now only get longer, sunnier, and warmer from here forward (until the summer solstice, of course), and although it has been a rough year, there is plenty here at The Village Doctor for us to be thankful for. Most notably, we have not one but TWO new TVD babies (and by TVD babies I do not mean just “patients” but children born to our “doctor mommies”, Drs. Phillips and Abrams!) What bundles of joy. Welcome. We have also added new staff (again, welcome, Jose), and have continued to grow and mature as a practice despite the challenges of 2021. I do indeed feel blessed, and I hope that you do, too, being part of The Village Doctor family.
I am also reminded of a formerly recurring section of this newsletter which we stopped when we pivoted away from “CV🦠News” back to our more traditional newsletter format – that of Hope and Grace. As I browse back through our Hope and Grace page I still see that there is much there worth reading and reflecting on, especially during this time of year. I welcome you to do so also, here.
In closing, I look forward to putting 2021 behind us and wish all of you a very Happy Holidays and an especially joyous and healthy New Year!
Eric Weiss, MD, December, 21 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.
COVID-19 ROUND UP
Omicron has rapidly become the dominant COVID strain, accounting for more than 75% of new cases in the U.S. While it is highly contagious, and more easily evades the early phase of the body’s immune system, getting a booster can reduce your risk of infection. Any prior vaccination reduces your risk of having a severe case requiring hospitalization. While that means that most people who do get infected will have mild symptoms (especially children, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, whose risk of serious illness is very low), the sheer numbers of new infections means that even a small fraction of cases requiring hospitalization will again strain our healthcare system, overwhelming hospitals in many regions of the U.S. Here is a round up of resources and guidelines for boosters and testing… Read more
WITH OMICRON HERE, HOW CAN FAMILY MORE SAFELY GET TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Just in time for the holidays, the first known cases of Omicron variant appeared in the bay area in early December and we already find ourselves in the midst of an explosion of cases over the last few weeks. The lines for COVID tests and booster doses seem to be growing longer by the hour as many scramble to book appointments or re-arrange Christmas plans.
As of Friday, December 17th, more than 73% of new cases in the country were caused by Omicron, which has overtaken delta as the dominant coronavirus in the US. Companies are revising their return-to-office plans, many colleges are planning to go virtual for the first few weeks of January classes to allow returning students to self-isolate after their travels, and big sports leagues are rethinking their calendars.
With this week one of the largest travel weeks of the year, many planned family get-togethers will be for the first time in a long time. These Omicron developments are causing many to frustratingly find themselves revisiting the feelings and questions of last year’s holidays. How can we still safely get together? Read more
IS YOUR CONTACT AND INSURANCE INFORMATION UP TO DATE?
If 2021 included any changes to the information we have on file for your family, please be sure to let us know.
We need to know about updated insurance coverage, addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses. Remember, that information accompanies your referrals, prescriptions, and samples sent to labs. Make sure it’s up-to-date with us so you get the full benefit of your insurance plan! Read more
Dear Village Doctor Family, Community, and those in need of reassurance, support and light: The Village Doctor team has been working hard on this website as a resource for you, our public, and I am proud of them, and this effort. But in doing so, in immersing ourselves day after day in the science, the global scene, our trusted institution’s recommendations and our medical recommendations (based on a combined almost 80 years of clinical experience), it is clear that we needed something more. So we offer up this page titled “Hope and Grace,” with the intent to lift your heart and broaden your spirit. Let us recognize the beauty in the human experience, even in this painful time we are experiencing. Find some escape, or perhaps even inspiration, in this ever growing collection of works and perspectives gathered from around the world. Maybe even joy.
*****
Yours, in health and resilience,
Eric and the TVD MD team…
