To our valued clients,
We at the Tarnow Center for Self-Management are aware of the rising concern regarding the spread of the Coronavirus throughout the country and within Houston. Our first priority is the health and safety of our clients, team members, and the communities we serve. Jalane Theis, NP has been appointed as our infection control director. At the center, we have instituted rigorous medical techniques to create a safe environment. We continue to devote the necessary time and resources to do our part to respond to this emerging public health issue. We are taking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and government agencies, to stay on top of this.
According to the most recent information from the CDC, the immediate risk of being exposed to the Coronavirus is considered low for most people. To be on the side of caution, here’s what we are doing as a center:
- We are focused on cleaning our facility more diligently with recommended sanitizing products.
- We have taken increased steps to ensure the welfare of our employees. This includes instructing employees who feel ill to stay home and consult their healthcare providers. We are also urging all employees to be vigilant about frequent hand washing and sanitation.
- We are increasing the frequency and monitoring the techniques used to clean our offices, in particular, we are paying special attention to touchpoints such as doorknobs, check-in/out areas, pens, clipboards, testing computers, and hard surfaces.
We are taking the necessary steps to provide a safe environment for our clients. In doing so, it is important to us that we give you flexibility for your appointments. We are providing appointments via phone and telehealth, if you are unable to make it to the clinic. We are also requesting clients who are sick or have family that are sick or who recently traveled out of the country to stay home.
We will only use a telehealth service that is HIPAA compliant, and it will be free for you to use. We currently use it to communicate with our clients who are away at college or who currently live out of the city. You can download it to your phone, tablet, or computer (as long as your computer has a web camera). Please get in touch with one of our administrative staff to learn more about how to get started with telehealth. We are also including with this letter a packet on telehealth and how to sign up.
Below are helpful tips we wanted to share with our clients.
Ways to Boost Your Immune System:⠀
- Sleep is important for each body system. Getting enough rest will help your immune system work efficiently and effectively
- Help boost your immune system by taking Vitamin C, E and D and Zinc.
- Avoid toxins that weaken the immune system such as smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, and processed foods
- De-stress through exercise, meditation, breathing exercises… your immune system is weakened by high stress levels⠀
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Preventative Measures:
- Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol, but still need to wash your hands during the day.
- Do not touch your face, eyes, or mouth when out in a public place without sanitizing them first.
- It is recommended to stay at least 6 feet from anyone who is symptomatic (coughing or sneezing)
- Disinfect surfaces
- For the most accurate and up to date information please refer to the below websites and not social media. Stay informed through the CDC’s coronavirus website, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html, and the WHO website, https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus, which is updated regularly with that most relevant information. The US public health system has emergency plans in place and will provide information as needed.
Steps to Protect Others:
- Stay home if you are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Throw the tissue in the trash then immediately wash your hands
- If sick, you should wear a face mask if around other people.
- If you are not sick, then you do not need to wear a face mask unless you are taking care of someone who is sick, and they are unable to wear a mask.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces
The Tarnow Center has special training in managing stress. We have been educating ourselves further in being the resource in the community. We are here for you.
Thank you,
The Tarnow Center Staff