Dr. Michele Summers Colon, DPM

From a former colleague who lives in Rome. I thought there was great info here, and practical. "UPDATE-Italy is in a lockdown. We all live in the red zone. Will keep you posted what this is like, including how I manage to cut my own hair. Update of life in Rome right now. So this is our new reality. One person at a time in the post office and 1 meter distance between people when standing in line. same in grocery stores, shops, cafes. You know for weeks I heard people say - it...’s fine, it’s no problem. We should have been doing this two weeks ago. We are your future. So from the future here’s my advice before this lands on your doorstep- Go get a haircut, color now Stop going to the gym or yoga classes even before you hear of the virus coming close. Stop touching anyone, and keep a distance. Don’t go to bars, large group activities. Get some puzzles, books and cards and stay home and cook. Share any good Netflix series you suggest! Don’t panic but be vigilant- wash your hands and then do it again as soon as you touch anything. Stock up with groceries but just a bit more than normal. Don’t panic buy. Stay home as much as possible. Go for bike rides, long walks in wide open spaces and enjoy the countryside." See more

An empathic message to my colleagues who I always try to help: Service industry providers (ranging from restaurants, movie theaters, retail stores, etc.) includ...ing physicians, are going to be impacted by the global economic affect created by COVID-19. As it pertains to physicians, services could possibly be disrupted as a result of the 2 Fs- fear and fifty dollar co-pays. As the coronavirus spreads, the media will play its usual role in the propagation of fear in order to sell news. That’s not a political statement nor criticism. It’s their job. But we now have a new concept known as social distancing that could ultimately feed the vicious cycle that will affect medical practices outside of those who actually treat the virus and its symptoms. People will avoid public service delivery points. That behavior will continue to fuel the economic impact that this virus has on our economy. Simultaneously, as the stock market continues to decline, people naturally will feel less confident in their spending and their co-pay will now play a bigger role than ever in their lifestyle decision making process. So what should you do? First, avoid panic and the irrational decisions that often results from panic. The virus might not economically hit your practice one bit. Also, it’s undoubtable that the virus and its spread will eventually get under control and its news will be replaced by something else. As for the stock market, there have been 11 substantial drops in the S&P 500 from 1950 through 2018. In 7 of those 11 falls, the market recovered in under one year! So in short order, the fear and fifty dollar co-pay will no longer be factors. Secondly, panic is causing many people to sell stocks irrationally. Unless you have a justified reason, like harvesting tax losses, if you own stocks, stay the course. Third- all physicians need to closely monitor their total patient visit volume as well as their charge production. Responding proactively and swiftly will help protect your cash flow. Allowing time for your cash flow to become compromised will create a significant delay in your rebuilding process. It might be time to engage your patients through social media and other venues to discuss the protective measures that you and your practice has put in place during this pandemic. It might also be time to educate your public using strategic marketing designed to keep your patient visit volume steady. What your practice data can tell you is more important than ever. And lastly, remember that this too shall pass. Respond intellectually and avoid reacting emotionally as times get a bit tough. Every bad decision I ever made in life was done through emotions. Every success, through intellect. And by all means... continuously wash your hands.

Last night I shared a post on Facebook that said 'Hey A**hole, the flu shot isn't about you." Sitting here soaking up every ounce of caffeine before night shift..., I figured I should elaborate. The flu shot is for Influenza, a severe respiratory illness that can lead to death. Have you ever had it? I have, and it's awful. You spike fevers, every bone and muscle in your body aches, and no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to catch your breath. You get the flu shot not always for you, but for those around you. For the grandparents, whose bodies are not what they used to be, and they just can't kick an illness in the butt like when they were young. For the 30 year old, with HIV or AIDS, who has a weakened immune system. For the 25 year old mother of 3 who has cancer. She has absolutely zero immune system because of chemotherapy. For the newborn baby who was just welcomed into the world, and isn't quite strong enough to fight off infections on his own. For the nurses and doctors that take care of you. If they get sick, they can't go to work and take care of the countless patients that need them. For the 50 year old husband who needs a medication for his chronic illness, and that medication also weakens his immune system. For the pregnant mom that has been trying to get pregnant for years, and now she's trying to stay healthy for her unborn baby. For the single dad who can't take any more sick days and needs to provide for his kids. For the 7 year old boy that just wants to play with his friends. But he has a disease that puts him at a higher risk for infection, so he has to stay inside. The flu shot is NOT always about you. It's about protecting those around you, who cannot always protect themselves. I have been in the room as a patient has passed away, because of influenza. I have watched patients struggle to breathe, because of influenza. I have busted my butt to provide Tylenol, warm blankets, nebulizers, etc. to keep that patient comfortable and fighting a terrible respiratory infection. Herd immunity is a thing. Influenza killing people is a thing. You getting the flu shot, should be a thing. -Nurse Bitz Note: the views stated are a personal statement and do not reflect the views of my employer. (via Amanda Catherine Bitz)

Nurses are not always taught how to handle death, says nurse and educator Jessica Ann Hanson. In her moving End Well talk, she shares how the traumatic death of her son Mason changed her life forever.

Not related to podiatry, but a good medical story to share! #condomsforthewin

Have you seen this yet?

#thisisourlane please share, docs!

People of color in the U.S. have endured centuries of abuse in the name of science. It's time we stop celebrating this blatantly racist history.

As a mobile podiatrist, I’ve treated over 1000 patients this month. I really my work!As a mobile podiatrist, I’ve treated over 1000 patients this month. I really my work!