Dear patients,
As most of you probably know, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been confirmed in New Mexico. I hope you’re all staying healthy and taking moderate preventative measures.
I take your health and safety very seriously, and would like to give an update on procedures here at Artemisia Clinic to keep everyone at minimal risk of exposure. First of all, providing care for as long as I can safely do so is part of the oath I took when I became a DOM, so I’m open until further notice. Secondly, along with my usual strict adherence to OSHA regulations and CNT guidelines (like disinfecting surfaces, using high level disinfectant/HLD on reusable tools, using single-use, sterile needles, changing sheets between patients, hand washing, etc.), I’m being extra diligent about disinfecting surfaces like doorknobs, desk, chair, etc. between every patient and having hand sanitizer available.
Here are some temporary changes in policy and treatment strategy effective during this outbreak:
1. I am temporarily waiving all cancellation fees.
2. I ask that you cancel your acupuncture appointments if any of the following apply to you:
-You’ve traveled anywhere outside of the US in the last 14 days.
-You have a fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or have a confirmed case of COVID-19.
-You’ve knowingly been exposed to anyone who tested positive for COVID-19.
3. Here’s the good news: Chinese herbs have been part of successful COVID-19 treatments in China, so if you need to cancel for any of the reasons listed above, you’re elderly or at-risk, or you’re just practicing safe social distancing but want to continue herbal treatment, boost your immune system, etc., I am offering phone consultations for herbal prescriptions. Your prescriptions will then be left outside the front door for pickup or sent via USPS, and you’ll receive payable email invoices.
4. Please keep in mind that I am working hard to keep up with herbal demand, but my suppliers have already run out of many herbs and formulas. This means that I will fill herbal prescriptions for no more than a 1-2 week supply per patient at a time. This ensures that my resources will be distributed equally to everyone.
Some general suggestions on prevention, safety, and community:
1. Wash your hands frequently (and moisturize, especially here in NM), use a clean humidifier at home, practice moderate social distancing, get fresh air and sunlight, stay hydrated, avoid phlegm-producing foods like sugar, dairy, gluten, bananas, peanut butter, and fried food. Eat whole foods, nutrient-dense greens, and aromatic spices (unless contraindicated with your medications, i.e. statins). Prepare soups and other healthy/easy meals to freeze so that you have something ready should you or your family members get sick.
2. If you have mild symptoms and are otherwise healthy and under the age of 50, stay home, rest, hydrate, eat well, and take medications, supplements, and herbs that have been prescribed to you. However, if your symptoms are more severe, you are over the age of 50, or you have underlying health issues or compromised immunity, get medical attention as soon as you can.
3. Please regularly check in with your family, friends, and neighbors who live alone, are elderly, or have compromised immune systems or other underlying health concerns; they may need supplies, food, medication, or simple connection to keep their spirits up.
I hope that everyone is staying well, and I look forward to working through this outbreak with you all and resuming treatments as usual soon. Please don’t hesitate to call, text, or email with questions or concerns. I will update again as needed.
Warmly,
Clara Wetmore, DOM