From all of us at CNY Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery, we hope you are able to stay healthy and safe during this uncertain time. Because most of us have probably not experienced a pandemic like this before, we wanted to share some tips and advice on how you can stay well and protect those who are more at risk, such as the elderly and those who are immunocompromised. Together, we can help to slow and stop the spread of coronavirus!
Here’s what you should know and how you can help:
How does COVID-19 spread?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explains that the virus is thought to spread from person-to-person between people who are less than 6 feet apart, and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Another easy way to contract the virus is touching infected surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes with the same hand. This is why it is extremely important for you to avoid touching your face.
The CDC’s recommendations for preventing the spread of coronavirus are:
● Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
● Using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry, paying particular attention to your fingertips. But don’t panic if you don’t have access to hand sanitizer because all the stores are sold out. Lathering up with old fashioned soap and water is still the most effective way to prevent infection.
● Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
● Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
● Putting distance between yourself and other people. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
● Staying home if you’re sick.
● Covering coughs and sneezes.
● Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily, such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, computer mouses and keyboards, your phone, toilets, faucets, the microwave buttons and refrigerator door handles, etc.
Now, a word about your mental health:
If you’re practicing social distancing, you might feel isolated or have trouble focusing on normal activities, particularly when social media and the news are steady reminders of the pandemic.
It’s always important to stay informed, but don’t forget to take care of yourself, as well! That could mean limiting your exposure to the news for a part of the day or putting your phone on silent mode for a few minutes while you do stretches or meditate. Moderate exercise is also helpful to keep your immune system strong, so even if you can’t go to the gym, make some time for yourself to get outside, practice yoga or use the treadmill at home. Do whatever works best for you, so you can keep active and reduce any anxiety during this stressful time.
For your safety, CNY Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery is currently closed for all scheduled routine and non-urgent visits and procedures. However, our staff will still be responding to your calls and questions, and are able to see patients that need more immediate care. We are closely following the COVID-19 pandemic and will inform you as soon as we are able to safely resume practice as usual. Please feel welcome to give us a call at (315) 663-0112 if you have any questions or concerns and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
