We are HERE!      The present COVID -19 (Coronavirus) Situation is what I call unsettling.   My main goal is and always will be Health and Wellness.    While we are dealing with what can make you sick, let’s also concentrate on keeping you well.

BRAND NEW MED is unique in that we are a practice who offers telemedicine visits (remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by telecommunications technology) Yes, I’m talking about your SPRUCE APP. We have been that way from the beginning.

Because of our present public health situation and   the nature of my practice, I will be moving all medical visits to telemedicine visits WITH THE OPTION for a face to face visit starting Monday March 23^rd.

I will contact you BEFORE your visit and if there is an indication that you need a hands-on exam to make a correct and valid diagnosis, I will meet you in the office if that is necessary.   I ask that you participate in your Telehealth visit by providing temperatures, blood pressures, blood sugar readings, or pictures when needed.

When you make an appointment online you will be asked to complete screening questions around symptoms of COVID- 19 before you complete scheduling of your appointment.  This allows us to provide you with proper direction    regarding your symptoms and to keep the office safe and open for others who may need to be seen in person.

I  will  continue   with  daily  monitoring  of  recommendations  and  protocols  established  by  trusted  scientific     sources  including  the  World  Health Organization,  the  U.S. Centers  for  Disease  Control  and  Prevention  (CDC), The Texas  State  Health  Department,  and  local county  and Waxahachie and Dallas city authorities and  provide  you  with  important updates.

At this point, the concept of “Heal Yourself by Yourself” becomes important.  Until testing become widely available, the only way, we can prevent the spread of this infection is by social distancing.    I encourage you all  to differentiate between what you want and what you need, keep others in your consideration and keep yourself and others safe.   I understand this is difficult, but life has become “different” and change can help us learn.

What I most want to express is social distancing DOES NOT have to mean isolation.  Also, you are not your thoughts, you are what you decide to do.   Keep in contact with your friends and family via phone   or social media, learn and leverage new technology   like using Facetime, Google DUO or What’s App to see and talk to friends safely.  Read that book, clean that closet, start a new hobby, healthier way of eating or exercise. Get outside and breath some fresh air at least once a day.  Sit on your porch, go for a walk.     Fear and loneliness can breed stress   and affect sleep and your immune system.  Our greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another-William James. 

You are not alone.  I am here to answer questions when you need me.  I too, want to stay healthy enough to serve your health needs.

Stay Well,

Dr.  Southerland