Category Archive: Doctor Questions

Protecting Yourself from Coronavirus

Coronavirus and other health issues

At RMD Primary Care, the health and well being of our patients and staff is of utmost importance to us.  We especially want our patients to be aware of the best practices to safeguard their health and their families against the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).  This includes measures to protect themselves from contracting the virus as well as what to do if you are experiencing any of its symptoms.

We strongly recommend following the guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Since there is not yet a vaccine for the Coronavirus, it is important to be proactive in protecting ourselves.  These measures will help prevent the spread of Coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses, including influenza, in our community.  The following information comes directly from the CDC’s website, www.cdc.gov.

How to protect yourself

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after having been in a public place and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose. Do not touch your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. This is especially important for older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. Avoid crowds as much as possible and stay home to reduce the risk of being exposed.
  • Avoid all non-essential travel.

Supplies to have on hand

  • Any prescription medications that you may need.
  • Over-the-counter medications and supplies (tissues) to treat fever and other symptoms
  • Have enough groceries and household items so that you can isolate at home if infected. Stock up on non-perishable foods and limit trips to the store.

Watch for symptoms

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to Coronavirus.

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath

Emergency warning signs for COVID-19 include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

What to do if you are sick

  • Call your doctor for advice if you develop symptoms of COVID-19. Do not go to the doctor’s office without calling first. 
  • Isolate at home to keep from spreading the virus to others. Separate yourself from other people and pets in the household.
  • Use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues in a lined trash can.  Wash hands immediately with soap and water for 20 seconds.
  • Avoid sharing personal household items.
  • Clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces every day. This includes counters, tables, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
  • Wash laundry and bedding thoroughly.

Persons with confirmed COVID-19 should continue to isolate at home until instructed by their healthcare professional to discontinue.

Can Your Diet Affect Your Mental Health?

Now that school has started again for the kids and our workload is likely to be picking up during the fall months, being alert, energetic and thinking clearly is more important than ever. Research is increasingly showing a correlation between a healthy diet and good mental health. The following information discusses how your diet affects overall mental health, possible foods that have a direct influence on mental functioning, and how to follow the healthiest diet possible for both physical and mental health.

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Fall Allergies — What are They? How do we Fix Them?

The fall season is considered as one of the most problematic for those that suffer from seasonal allergies.

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5 Facts About Heart Disease

You hear about cancer nearly every day — on TV, in social media, maybe you even have a personal connection to this horrible disease. It has impacted everyone in one way or another. But, did you know there is another disease responsible for taking more lives each year than all types of cancer combined? Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America.

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Questions To Ask Your Doctor

The Lawrenceville physicians at Rodriguez MD believe that patients play a key role in their own health care. We encourage our patients to ask questions. Honest communication between doctors and patients is key to properly diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Click here to read more »

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