Introduction

Below are some helpful resources we compiled from the center for disease control and prevention, Illinois department of public health and others.

COVID FAQS

Am I at risk for COVID-19 in the United States? How can I protect myself?

The CDC considers people 65 years and older, living in nursing homes or long term care facilities and of all ages with serious underlying medical conditions to be at increased risk.

Health care professionals and close contacts of those with COVID-19 are at increased risk of contracting the virus.

How can my family and I prepare for COVID-19?

Create a household plan of action to help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community.

Create an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.
Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications and make sure they have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time.

How long does the disease last?

COVID-19 usually lasts for about 2 weeks, but symptoms may persist for up to 3 weeks or longer. The most severe symptoms are usually seen 5 – 7 days after exposure.

When should I contact my Primary care physician?

Contact your primary care physician if you develop symptoms indicative of coronavirus or if you have been in contact with someone known to have it. Our Risk assessment tool can help educate you further about what symptoms to watch out for.

Is it safe for me to go to the emergency room?

Do not avoid the emergency room if you have a medical emergency. Treat any medical emergency like you would in the absence of a pandemic.

COVID 19 Testing Centers in Illinois

Below is a link to the Illinois department of public health testing centers close to you. Start by putting in your zip code.

Click here for the link.

COVID-19 Symptoms Made Easy

Take a five minute educational survey that helps you understand the COVID symptoms and other risk factors in regard to COVID.

Click here for the survey.

Don’t go it alone, reach out when you have worrisome symptoms. We are here to help. Here’s a 3 minute video to help you better understand the 4 constellations of COVID symptoms and how better your doctor can help you.

COVID 19 Medical Log

Fill in your symptoms of concern to share with your practitioner.

Click here for printable copy of our assessment tool.

Dealing with COVID stress

Tips on how to cope whether on lockdown at home, working as an essential worker or other stressful aspects of the pandemic.
I know coping with the coronavirus outbreak can be stressful and may be causing some changes to your everyday life. I would like to share these tips, an article and a document with you to assist through this difficult time.

• The CDC recommends several things you can do to support yourself
• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling

Here is a great article on how to stay well while staying at home.

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:

Call 911
Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224

Downslope the Curve

It is my goal to have a well-coordinated trace and tracking program encompassing every one of the neighborhoods in Chicago. We must cooperate to find those affected by the virus, help them find treatment, give them medical and social support, and have them in turn identify their loved ones and other contacts to be screened and potentially treated and isolated.

It’s important to identify hotspots and guide contact tracing across the city. By pooling together our efforts, and building a database, we can have a better look at the bigger picture, and thus more effectively work towards downsloping the curve, based on evidence. The importance of tracing and tracking is unquestionable. Vò (Italy), Kerala (India), South Korea, Singapore, South Africa and others have proven it.

We need to organize and deploy teams of willing investigators, volunteers, experts on fundraising, neighbourhood organisers, individuals in healthcare and other individuals that have some knowledge about health, people skills, neighbourhood organizing, social workers and any others that want to help Downslope the Curve, Chicago Style. The goal is to model after various states’ trace and track programs, including Massachusetts, California and New York.

Downslope The Curve – Chicago Style will be headed by Dominic Gaziano, MD (http://dominicgazianomd.com), he is the author of three health books and is an ongoing Public Health media contributor, having commented on national television networks during numerous public health crises, including the 2019 global measles epidemic, as well as contributed to several print articles on the field.

Needless to say, the groups that decisively defeat COVID-19, unite and work together as one. Time is of the essence. Should you be interested in helping your fellow Chicagoans in this time of great need, please donate as you see fit, any amount is appreciated.

The plan is to launch on May 15th or shortly after that, depending on organization, time and funding procurement. Please spread the word to your practitioner that we are looking for practitioners to be involved in this program to Downslope the Curve to beat COVID.

For more information, access our dedicated website at downslopethecurve.org email us at DrG@bodyandmindmedicalcenter.com or call at 773-252-4848