Dr. David Lalezari

The healthcare system is reaching a breaking point. Help reduce the strain on doctors and nurses. Avoid gatherings, wear your mask and keep 6ft between others.

Dodger stadium turning to mass vaccination center.

There’s growing evidence that vitamin D may have a protective effect against COVID-19, according to recent research and a paper published in nature. Several studies have shown that COVID-19 patients who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to experience serious illness, severe complications and increased risk of death. The fatality rate was high in vitamin D deficient (21% vs 3.1%). Vitamin D level is markedly low in severe COVID-19 patients. Inflammatory response is high in vitamin D deficient COVID-19 patients. This translates to worse outcomes. I recommend administration of vitamin D supplements to population at risk for COVID-19.

We are in a crisis and our hospitals are overwhelmed and stretched thin. The ICU is at 120% of capacity. We are seeing a soaring number of Covid patients being admitted and unfortunately nearly 25% of patients are transfered to the ICU ending up on a ventilator. Doctors and nurses are completely exhausted. Please do your part by staying indoors and avoiding gatherings. Wear a mask, stay home, and help reduce the strain on us.

Here is what different eye conditions look like. Cataracts and glaucoma are more common as you are older and can be corrected with surgery. Credit - national institutes of health

A great read if you are interested in learning more about the COVID-19 vaccine and it’s safety

L.A. County adopts restrictions for stay at home orders on public and private gatherings to slow spread of virus

There is a smoke advisory for a residence of Los Angeles county. - we recommend running your AC and air purifiers especially for those with lung disease. - Remain indoors and avoid outdoor activities.

Both COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing exponentially. Yesterday, the LA department of health reported nearly 4000 new cases. If cases or hospitalizations reach 4,500 or 2,000, respectively, LA county will go on lockdown and impose a curfew for three weeks. This will likely be inevitable in the near future at this rate. Just a reminder to always wear your mask when outdoors, keep 6 feet distance from others and wash your hands routinely throughout the day.

Proud to work at Cedars-sinai #7 in the nation.

Pfizer vaccine found to be 90% effective.

Great talk if you’re interested in learning more about the coronavirus vaccine.

Study in the United Kingdom shows Immunity to covid-19 Is on average lost by three months. https://www.theguardian.com//immunity-to-covid-19-could-be

Love your heart Take care of your health especially during COVID-19.

Knee pain is a common complaint among young and old people. Below are 2 common causes of knee pain and how to differentiate them 1.Patellofemoral pain syndrome (aka runners knee) is an overuse injury of the knee caused by by abnormal tracking of the kneecap in the trochlear groove. This leads to pain on front of knee and is worse with walking downstairs and squatting. The pain is common among runners. The treatment includes quad/hip strengthening, avoiding provocative exercis...es, ice, NSAIDS, taping and shoe inserts. 2.Ileotibial band syndrome occurs when the ligament extending from the pelvic bone to the shinbone becomes so tight that it rubs against the thighbone. This is common in runners and cyclist. The pain occurs on lateral hip and runs down to the lateral knee. Treamtent consists of refraining from activity that causes pain, physical therapy and NSAIDS. Below is a chart of common causes of knee pain - #Patellofemoralpainsyndrome #Ileotibialbandsyndrome

New study reveals why the shut down was so important in controlling COVID-19 pandemic.

Most patients I’ve treated for Covid-19 recover in 3-4 weeks. There are many that have an even more prolonged recovery. Great article on prolonged sequele below. https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/86482

A large study reviewing 1 million Medicare patients compared those who had received the shingles vaccine to those who had not and found 15% reduction in strokes in those who has received the shingles vaccine.

So far, there have been an estimated 19 million cases of flu, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths in the U.S. this influenza season including 68 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.usatoday.com//coronavirus-flu-dead/4632508002/