255 Main Street Unionville, Unionville, Ontario L3R 2H3, Canada
Appointments: (905) 477- 0027
Appointments: (905) 477- 0027
Dr. Carson's COVID-19 Email Update for Patients #17
October 19, 2021
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FLU SHOTS
This season, patients will need to get their flu shot at their pharmacy rather than at our office. We have debated this decision for several weeks. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our patients and office staff take precedence. We just cannot do these injections here in a safe enough manner, so we are not ordering any. Most pharmacies have just received these vaccines and are ready to go! Dr. Carson recommends that patients ages 65+ receive the high dose flu vaccine, if available. There are 2 high dose versions this year for that age group. Although there are both 3-valent and 4-valent versions of the high dose vaccine, Dr. Carson and NACI do not prefer one vaccine over the other, and recommend that patients get the one that is available to them. Unlike last year, our patients will NOT be able to get their flu shot at Soccer City in Stouffville.
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OFFICE UPDATES
We congratulate Linda on the birth of her granddaughter.
In early November, Tanya is returning from her parental leave.
We welcome our newest staff member, Jennifer, and high school co-op student Jenna, both of whom may have the pleasure of speaking with you when you contact our office.
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PREVENTATIVE CARE
Our Preventative Care program is led by our staff member, Carolyn, who conducts a phone call appointment with patients. These calls are only needed every few years and accomplish the same prevention goals as a call with Dr. Carson. During the call, Carolyn will review your general health status and lifestyle habits, and will recommend tests, vaccines and cancer prevention screening, based on your age, gender and advice from Dr. Carson. Patients will also have the opportunity to discuss additional health concerns, which will be relayed to Dr. Carson for feedback and follow-up.
The old version of the Dr. Carson “physical” was 80% questions and then 20% physical exam. Virtual physicals involve a phone call with Dr. Carson, in place of the in-person verbal conversation you would typically have had before the pandemic. All of the actual “physical” parts of the appointment (blood pressure check, etc…), will be done at a later date, during a shorter in-office visit. Requisitions for screening tests can be e-mailed to you.
Near the end of the summer, we put our virtual physicals with Dr. Carson, and Preventative Care phone appointments with Carolyn, on hold for a few months. We did this so that Dr. Carson and staff could attend to the increased needs of our patients during a busy 4th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in mid-November, patients will be able to schedule these appointments again by contacting our office by phone. Please visit our website: www.sportmednorth.com for more information.
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3rd BOOSTER SHOT FOR COVID PREVENTION
This CBC article is current and comprehensive:
https://newsletters.cbc.ca/q/1eWWbcZx1Z4oBVjfqAJVrdY/wv
...is the latest guidance from the Ministry of Health. Of course this is expected to change over the coming weeks to months. Our office is getting requests from patients now and most do not fit into the current criteria.
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DRIVEWAY VACCINATIONS
As the weather gets colder, we intend to bring these shots indoors. Many of these shots were for children in grades 7-9 who would have received these in school. When that vaccination program was put on hold, we were asked to take over! Now we understand that school vaccinations may resume soon. Seniors have been given Shingles, Tetanus or Pneumonia shots in our driveway. Likewise, we will bring these indoors and we will try to minimize your time in the office. That means we will only do the shot; any other concerns will require a formal appointment either virtually or in office.
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Thank you for taking the time to read our email update. We sincerely hope these have been helpful to you and your family.
Dr. Carson and Office Staff Team
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Dr. Carson's COVID-19 Email Update for Patients #16
August 16, 2021
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OFFICE UPDATES
We want to thank you for your patience during the very difficult past almost 18 month pandemic. It has become much busier here as we try to juggle in-office visits with virtual phone call visits and the occasional video call. Keep in mind that extra time consuming work such as insurance forms etc. has become very difficult for us to complete as quickly as before. Please be kind to our office staff, we are all working as hard as we can.
We will be delighted to see Tanya back in our office in November after her parental leave. Linda, Cathy and Carolyn have done tremendous work during her time away. As Tanya started working remotely in the spring of 2020, it will be a full 18 months that she has not been behind our desk!
Carolyn has led our preventative care program, coordinating phone calls for patients which cover the same tests and shots discussed by the doctors at your wellness check or physical. Emma has augmented this effort by emailing dozens of mammogram requisitions to women whose test has been overdue, especially delayed by the pandemic. We sincerely thank Emma for her excellent contribution the past two summers. Emma begins her Masters in Teaching program at the University of Toronto in a few weeks and we wish her well.
You may or may not have noticed that we have a new and improved website! Last summer Emma revamped our old design and now she’s totally redesigned it! It is now easier to navigate and we hope you like it. Check it out https://sportmednorth.com/
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SIGN UP FOR NOVARI- NO MORE GMAIL
You have read about our use of the secure NOVARI system for one year now. Hundreds of patients have signed up and we are quite satisfied with NOVARI’s functionality. Novari offers you the advantage of communicating private medical information in a secure way. We can no longer guarantee that anything patients send to us via Gmail will be reviewed promptly. It has served its purpose but we will now be transitioning to a new platform. Soon we will only send test requisitions and results to patients via NOVARI so if you have not yet signed up, please do so now.
Use this link to sign up:
https://eportal.on.novarihealth.net
If you have any technical issues you can check out their knowledge base or email their tech support at evisitsupport@novarihealth.com
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COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATES
There have been many new updates since our last email. Please keep in mind that information continues to change daily and weekly.
Recently, Quebec announced a vaccine passport system and Manitoba also is going in that direction, though Ontario’s and Alberta’s governments have said NO to that idea. Dr. Carson has had several questions about mixing vaccines and travel restrictions. If you mixed your vaccine doses, we applaud you as that is what you were encouraged to do. Unfortunately there have been some restrictions announced for those who mixed vaccines. For example, some cruise lines are not recognizing someone who has had 2 different vaccines as being truly vaccinated. This is frustrating as you were told to mix your vaccines but now are facing consequences that were not known to you at the time you received your vaccine. Quebec has started giving third doses of either Pfizer or Moderna which means Quebec residents can end up with 2 doses of an mRNA vaccine. Ontario has not yet announced they will be doing this, however we expect the government of Ontario to announce their plan soon. We suggest you have patience as these concerns affect many thousands of Ontario residents and we expect some resolution soon.
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OUR REOPENING
We have carefully thought out our reopening plan as more patients have received their second vaccine dose. We ask that you have patience as we navigate our way through this transition. We apologize if there are longer wait times, especially in the hot weather, as our waiting room is not open and we ask that you wait in your car. Phone appointments will still be utilized and those who need to see Dr. Carson (at Dr. Carson’s discretion) will be brought into the office. We will be bringing more patients into the office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons. These appointments will be for concerns that cannot be addressed adequately over the phone.
As we start to bring more patients into the office, this means there will be less time to do virtual phone appointments. In the past we have been able to schedule patients in rather quickly, but that may not be the case as we start to reopen.
On another note, if you are awaiting test results and Dr. Carson’s staff books you for a phone appointment 2-3 weeks later to discuss the results, please understand that the results are not urgent and Dr. Carson does not need to speak to you right away.
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MEDICAL STUDENTS
Dr. Carson has always had a passion for teaching and has had many medical students come into the office over the years. With the pandemic, medical students have not been able to get the same level of education and this saddens Dr. Carson. This autumn Dr. Carson will be having 4 medical students coming into the office to learn with us.
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BACK TO SCHOOL
Dr. Carson understands that as we start to think about going back to school, many students, parents and teachers, will have questions and worries. The Ontario government has announced a reopen plan and children will be returning to school soon. For those who are not comfortable there will be an option for remote learning. Masks will be mandatory for those who are in Grades 1-8. Many questions were not answered in the reopen report of schools but Dr. Carson wants to assure you that as we receive more updates from the government we will continue to pass along those updates with these update emails.
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PEEP THE PROCESS: A PODCAST FOR STUDENT ATHLETES
Last summer Emma and Dr. Carson started 2 podcasts, one for student athletes and one for medical learners. Emma has taken over the podcast for student athletes this summer and has just released the first two episodes of season 2! The focus on the second season is how to navigate social anxiety as the province opens up and other mental health aspects. The target audience is students aged 14-25 however it is also a great resource for parents and coaches as well. The episodes will be around 20-30 minutes and will have various guests. Check it out on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts, or at https://peeptheprocess.buzzsprout.com/
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VACCINE HESITANCY
With the emergence of the new Delta variant, the decision to NOT vaccinate is even more worrisome. US states such as Florida and Texas are seeing a huge upswing in Delta-related COVID infections, hospitalizations and deaths. This is a 4th wave that is almost unanimously affecting those who are unvaccinated. Recently, Dr. Carson sent out a letter to his patients who, according to our records, had not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine as of July 1st, 2021. This letter contained a list of resources from credible sources which you can find below, as well as on our website at sportmednorth.com. If you or someone you know has not received a COVID-19 vaccine yet, please read these, share them, and consider going to get your vaccine. This will help protect you and your loved ones and help end the spread of COVID-19. Please note that we are not giving COVID-19 vaccines at our office.
The provincial central booking line: 1-833-943-3900
You can also check out vaccinehunters.ca
Centre for Effective Practice (CEP)
https://tools.cep.health/tool/covid-19-vaccines/.
Vaccines at a glance (CEP)
Canadian Paediatric Society
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/immunization.
SHN has a hotline for Vax Facts shn.ca/VaxFacts
You can book an appointment for a phone chat with an expert about information on the vaccine!
An article about the history of mRNA research which has gone viral several times. It's really interesting to know that one of the Moderna vaccine founders is from Toronto!
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines/explainers.
John Hopkins Medicine
Mt. Royal University
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VACCINATED OUT OF PROVINCE?
Our office has been asked this recently. This answer was given in a local newspaper.
Q: I live in York Region and was vaccinated in Florida. Do you know whether there is an ability to register this information with York Region?
A: York Region Public Health maintains COVID-19 vaccination records for York Region residents who have been immunized outside of Ontario.
Any York Region resident who received their first and/or second COVID-19 vaccine dose outside of Ontario should complete the COVID-19 Immunization Outside of Ontario Form.
This form allows residents to provide information on COVID-19 vaccinations received out-of-province and will help maintain up-to-date proof of vaccination.
Residents who require assistance to complete the form can contact Access York at 1-877-464-9675.
This is important to do, especially if you read this CBC item:
https://newsletters.cbc.ca/q/1eWWbcZpmfkuoBXj4Xu8ttc/wv
COVID-19 vaccine mandates are coming — whether Canadians want them or not
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Thank you for taking the time to read our email update. We sincerely hope they have been helpful to you and your family.
Dr. Carson and Office Staff Team
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Dr. Carson's COVID-19 Email Update for Patients #15
June 24, 2021
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OFFICE UPDATES
We congratulate Dr. Julianne Falconi upon her graduation from her family medicine residency. We thoroughly enjoyed the past two years she spent at our office, and wish her all the best. We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Oluwabukola Olaniyan, our new family medicine resident, from The University of Toronto and The Scarborough Health Network. Dr. Olaniyan will be working in our office most Tuesday afternoons all year, and in addition on Thursdays in July 2021, May 2022, and June 2022. Family Medicine residents are supervised by Dr. Carson while they work in our office, and we thank our patients for allowing us to teach doctors who are nearly ready for independent medical practice.
Dr. Carson continues his vaccination efforts throughout June and has given injections at the Markham Cornell Community Centre, 6 hours weekly.
Emma joined our team last summer as a student intern. She has returned this summer to help us continue to improve our practice, despite the pandemic, by updating our records. You may receive a test requisition via email. For example, if you are overdue for a mammogram, Emma will coordinate sending you a requisition and an email reminder. You may also receive a call from Emma regarding your updated version code (2 letters) and expiry date on your health card.
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WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE RECEIVED BOTH DOSES OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE?
First of all, if you have been vaccinated, we congratulate and thank you! Canadians have received very little guidance on what you can do once you get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. We are waiting for the Public Health Agency of Canada to release guidelines. With that being said we want to ensure you are still following provincial social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing guidelines, but we also understand that you are now more protected and want to get back to normalcy. Check out this link from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is an example of what is currently happening in the USA, on guidance for getting back to your daily activities once you are fully vaccinated. It's something we're hopefully moving toward in Canada.
COVID-19: When You've Been Fully Vaccinated.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/travel-canada-fully-vaccinated-1.6070410
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GRADE 7 AND 8 MISSED VACCINE INFO
We have received calls from many parents asking about vaccines typically given to students in grade 7 and 8 at school, through public health. During the pandemic, students have not been able to receive these vaccinations that help protect them against several diseases. Dr. Carson recommends that your child receives these vaccines approximately 1 month apart and in this order:
Dr. Carson will be able to provide these vaccines, offered free through public health, that would normally be administered in schools (not the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine). He is happy to administer these vaccines in your car, in our driveway at the office. Please call to book your child(ren)’s vaccine appointments (905) 477-0027.
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COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATES
There have been many new updates since our last large email a few weeks ago! Please keep in mind that information continues to change daily and weekly. According to Our World in Data as of June 23rd, 2021 67.06% of Canadians have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. It is essential to get 2 doses to be optimally protected.
If you have received your second dose at an earlier date than your original second dose appointment date, through a local clinic, you do not have to cancel the original appointment date. If, however, you have received it through your pharmacy you will need to cancel the original second dose appointment date.
You do not need to worry if you receive an email appointment reminder for your original second dose appointment from your community clinic, if you have received your second shot earlier. You can ignore the reminder, and enjoy the benefits of being vaccinated.
Here is an interesting read - why to vaccinate your children…
https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/06/23/covid-19-vaccination-in-children/
Accelerated second doses
Recognizing the importance of enhanced protection against the Delta variant, Ontario recently announced that those living in Delta hot spots (Halton, Peel, Porcupine, Toronto, Waterloo, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, York, Hamilton, Durham and Simcoe-Muskoka) who got their first dose on or before May 30 are eligible to book or re-book their second dose as of June 23. All Ontarians who received their first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on or before May 9 will be eligible to book or re-book their second-dose appointment at a shortened interval as of June 21. In addition, the AstraZeneca second-dose interval has been shortened to eight weeks and those who received AstraZeneca as their first dose may choose either AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine as their second dose.
Dr. Carson has had several questions about mixing vaccines. The answer (as always) = it depends upon vaccine availability! If you had AZ or Pfizer as dose #1 and Moderna is available to you sooner for dose #2, then YES, GET MODERNA.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/pfizer-moderna-mixing-vaccines-covid-19-canada-1.6075765
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ASTRAZENECA INFO
Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has approved the mixing of COVID-19 vaccines. If you received AstraZeneca for your first dose, Dr. Carson now recommends getting Pfizer or Moderna for your second dose as your final protection will be greater. They have also announced that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be mixed for second doses as well.
This article also provides more information about which vaccine you should choose for your second dose:
https://healthydebate.ca/2021/06/topic/astrazeneca-covid-vaccination-guide/.
Here is a guide which was developed before last week’s NACI recommendation. This was designed to help people make an informed decision about their second vaccine.
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VACCINE HESITANCY
Research has shown that COVID-19 can have serious short-term and long-term effects on the body. Getting the vaccine protects you from possible life-long complications. If you are unsure about whether or not to vaccinate against COVID-19, here is an article about someone who is suffering the long-term effects of COVID-19:
The effects of COVID-19 are much more harmful than the rare serious side effects of the vaccine. Please do not fall for the misinformation that is being spread. Be very cautious of the information you are reading and be aware of the sources you are getting your information from!
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CENTRAL BOOKING WEBSITE AND PHONE NUMBER
This past 2 weeks vaccine booking has been an absolute mess. Please have patience and understand that everything depends on vaccine availability.
According to this week’s York Region website info…
Beginning Friday, June 25, 2021 at 8 a.m., individuals who live, work or go to school in York Region who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine on or before May 30, 2021 can book a second dose appointment through one of York Region’s vaccine clinics. For those with a second dose appointment booked, you also have the option to re-book an earlier appointment.
Starting the week of June 28, 2021, anyone aged 18 or older who lives, works or goes to school in York Region will be eligible to book a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.
To book your vaccine, please consult the link or phone number below.
If you still need your first dose you can also consult the link and phone number below. There are also some excellent resources in our past emails that you can utilize to find a vaccine appointment. Visit sportmednorth.com.
The following link is for the Ontario’s central booking site:
You can also phone this number but they are receiving high volumes of calls and there may be a wait time:
1-833-943-3900
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SORRY LEAFS FANS!
The only cheering at Scotiabank Arena this weekend will be for Moderna!
CP24 Toronto's Breaking News: Scotiabank Arena becoming COVID-19 vaccine pop-up next weekend; 10000 doses available.
Mayor John Tory says those taking the TTC to the event will get a free fare. Here is more about it and the link to how to book a vaccine appointment…
Thank you for taking the time to read our email update. We sincerely hope these have been helpful to you and your family.
Dr. Carson and Office Staff Team
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Dr. Carson's COVID-19 Email Update for Patients #14
May 21st, 2021
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INFORMATION ABOUT ASTRAZENECA
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OFFICE UPDATE
We are phasing out our old gmail. Please note that we are no longer checking the gmail unless we specifically asked you to send something to us. Please call the office to book an appointment (905) 477- 0027 for your concerns.
Dr. Carson continues his vaccination efforts and has recently given injections at Markham Cornell Community Centre, Soccer City in Stouffville and the Markham Masjid. We appreciate your cooperation as appointments have not been as readily available as they have been in the past.
If you have a phone appointment with Dr. Carson, he will be calling your cell phone number that we have on file unless you inform us otherwise! Some patients are not answering at the designated appointment time or if Dr. Carson is running a bit behind. Please make it a priority to be available when he calls.
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GET OUTSIDE!
The weather has been gorgeous and we hope you have gotten to go out and enjoy it! Dr. Carson encourages you to get outside and do so in a safe manner! Dr. Carson gets upset every time he sees a child on a bike without a helmet. Parents and grandparents please remember to enforce safety measures with your children such as wearing helmets when riding bikes! We want to avoid any preventable trips to the ER and make sure we are keeping our community a safe place! Also do not forget sunscreen and hats, protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun!
Just announced yesterday...
Ontario's reopening plan includes the reopening of outdoor activities such as golf courses, tennis and basketball courts!
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-reopening-plan-covid-19-third-wave-1.6033762.
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MENTAL HEALTH
This pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. This article in the Globe and Mail discusses that while the economy and the vaccine rollout are looking better, Canadians are still having a hard time and it has to do with their mental health.
With this being said, this article explains how things could be looking up in the near future, check it out:
Second Opinion: Canada is at a turning point in the pandemic and there's reason for hope — even in lockdown http://newsletters.cbc.ca/q/1eWWbcZevxFaWqO1hyGSKUy/wv.
If you are in need of mental health resources please check out our website sportmednorth.com.
Call our office if you are struggling (905) 477 0027
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UPDATE ON PAST COVID-19 INFORMATION EMAILS
Inside the past 13 email updates we have provided a lot of information. However, Some of the information we have shared is now outdated and not relevant to current times. Because of this we will be taking any still relevant information and compiling it onto one convenient webpage for you on our website sportmednorth.com. This will include our detailed list of mental health resources and any other current information. Our 13th email update will still be available as we just sent it out recently.
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND DOSES!
For those who are 12+ and can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine, they will be receiving Pfizer as this vaccine is approved for 12+ while Moderna is approved for those 18+. Those who are located in hotspots or have a highest-risk, high-risk, or at-risk health condition can now book an appointment at select locations.
We get new info daily, here’s what we learned this week:
For people residing in Toronto
Dr. Carson's COVID-19 Email Update for Patients #13
May 7th, 2021
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CHILDREN 12+ NOW APPROVED FOR PFIZER VACCINE!
It was announced this week by Health Canada that children aged 12+ will now be able to receive the Pfizer vaccine! Check it out:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/health-canada-authorized-pfizer-12-16-1.6014551.
https://twitter.com/bogochisaac/status/1389945369337999367?s=24.
UPDATE ON WHO IS ELIGIBLE
We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to go and get their COVID vaccine!
Vaccine eligibility is entirely dependent upon vaccine supply. We would love to update our patients when each of you is eligible. However that would mean an email from us daily, which you do not want. That is because VACCINE INFO CHANGES DAILY. In addition, the info we receive may not be applicable to you or your loved ones as you may have already had one or two vaccines or you do not live in a hot spot postal code.
Starting earlier this week, anyone 50+ in most places, 35+ in some places and those 18+ who live or work in the following hotspots can book an appointment.
L0J, L3S, L3T, L4B, L4E, L4H, L4J, L4K, L4L, L6A, L6B, L6C, L6E, L4C, L9N, L3L
Health for all FHT in Markham has open spots next week giving AZ vaccine. If anyone over 40 is interested, please call 905-472-2200;290 and leave a message. You will be booked for next week.
There are also pop up vaccination clinics happening, here are some that are happening this week!
Stay tuned…
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WHO CAN BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
These links are an update on who can go and get a vaccine and other resources:
https://www.tvo.org/article/heres-ontarios-latest-vaccination-update-1.
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VACCINE HUNTERS
Vaccine Hunters Canada is an organization that announces WHO is eligible and WHERE you can get a vaccine. There are multiple pop up locations announced and walk-ins are available! Check them out:
https://twitter.com/VaxHuntersCan?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor.
https://www.facebook.com/vaxhunterscan.
https://discord.com/invite/36NyW2P7Wv.
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HOW PROTECTED ARE YOU AFTER THE FIRST DOSE?
Many of our patients have asked “How protected are you after receiving the first dose?” This CBC article provides some valuable information:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid-19-vaccine-first-dose-protection-canada-1.6009822
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HESITATION ABOUT ASTRAZENECA
The AstraZeneca vaccine risks are very small. Dr. Carson says that if AstraZeneca was the vaccine offered to him that he would take it with no hesitation!
The following article examines the potential risks and benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
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DR. DAVID NAYLOR “GUCCI VS ROLEX”
Dr. David Naylor, a Canadian physician, and former president of the University of Toronto shares his professional opinion on why people should not get caught up on which vaccine they receive:
https://twitter.com/CBCMorningLive/status/1389582248400330752?s=20.
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BLOOD CLOT RISK
Blood clots have been extremely rarely associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. Check this out to be clear:
See the link for the full article:
https://thrombosiscanada.ca/covid-19-vaccines-and-blood-clots-faqs/.
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OFFICE UPDATE
We have had to adapt here at the office:
10-12 hours a week vaccinating
Dr. Carson has been administering vaccines at York Region and Scarborough clinics making sure to get more vaccines in arms!
Delays for non-urgent appointments
In the past Dr. Carson has been able to do many same-day appointments, however, with this heavier workload, there may be a delay of 1-2 weeks for non-urgent appointments
We cannot handle a large volume of uninvited gmails
If we ask you to send us a gmail we are happy to receive it, however, for most medical communication please just call! (905)-477-0027. (Or text using Novari)
You may be receiving one of these email updates for the first time. We are expanding our bulletin email distribution list. If you would not like to receive these updates, please let us know. All 12 prior COVID email updates are on our website sportmednorth.com.
As you know VACCINE INFO IS CHANGING DAY BY DAY.
Some of the information from our 12 COVID email updates over the past 14 months is now obsolete. Yet our mental health resources are all still very useful and we will repeat our favourites below. Check out our emails 4 & 6 on our website for larger mental health coping resource lists.
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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
In some of our past COVID-19 email updates we have included resources for mental health. We have included some of our favourites for you and encourage you to have a look at them.
Anxiety Canada - self-help information and this website offers the Mindshift CBT app. THIS SITE IS FREE!
http://www.anxietycanada.ca
Mental Health Resources- FREE programs that are accessible by phone or online to help with mental health and addiction needs. You can find different programs at:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-support-people#section-4
Headspace - offers free meditation for COVID-19 (see banner across the top of website)
http://www.headspace.com
CAMH has a resource for coping with stress and anxiety during COVID-19 outbreak
http://www.camh.ca/covid19?fbclid=IwAR2yWpPt8FDcaLyrtrLe5p3OQ18-xfzZmP3p2je6ZNRVLDhLh8ZJNQ3LPhs
Netflix has “Headspace: Guide to Meditation” and also “Headspace: Guide to Sleep”
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PREVENTATIVE CARE PHONE APPOINTMENTS
There are many of our patients who are missing out on recommendations for preventative tests and immunizations. Our staff member Carolyn Smith has been reaching out to patients regarding their preventative care. During the call, patients will also have an opportunity to discuss changes to their health or any concerns they have. Dr. Carson will review all of the patient's information and provide the necessary feedback and follow up. You can still book a virtual check up with Dr. Carson or our resident Dr. Falconi.
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EMAIL UPDATES 1-12
Here is a compilation of items from our early COVID emails which may still be relevent and current for readers:
VACCINE HUNTERS
Vaccine Hunters Canada is an organization that announces WHO is eligible and WHERE you can get a vaccine. There are multiple pop up locations announced and walk-ins are available! Check them out:
https://twitter.com/VaxHuntersCan?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor.
https://www.facebook.com/vaxhunterscan.
https://discord.com/invite/36NyW2P7Wv.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES
Some of these resources were listed in our March 25th email and others below are new. With the uncertainty and changes to our lives that most of us have had to endure recently, it’s not surprising that many people are finding it difficult to cope and get through each day. There are many resources available to assist you in dealing with any new or existing mental health problems.
Emotional Well-Being and Speaking with Kids About Covid-19
Morneau Shepell, an industry leader in HR services, has provided webinars to help deal with individuals’ mental, physical, social and financial well-being, which is currently under increased pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the link below to watch “Emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic”, and “Talking to your child about Covid-19”.
https://www.morneaushepell.com/ca-en/webinars
Mental Health Commission of Canada - Self-care and resilience guide
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has developed a self-care and resilience guide titled “Mental Health First Aid”, for dealing with the mental and emotional effects of dealing with COVID-19. The guide includes wellness tips, a worksheet for you to indicate strategies for your plan, and many resources to assist those suffering from one or more of the wide range of mental health issues. Provincial and territory specific resources available.
https://www.mhfa.ca/sites/default/files/mhfa_self-care-resilience-guide.pdf
Anxiety Canada - self-help information and this website offers the Mindshift CBT app. I suggest this to many patients in the office and there is a link off our sportmednorth.com website.
Headspace - offers free meditation for COVID-19 (see banner across the top of website) http://www.headspace.com
Balance - (iOS App store) - Balance meditation app is offering a free one-year subscription. Email access@balanceapp.com for instructions
Prana Breath App for Android - Calm & meditate. Free app for guided breathing
Available on Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abdula.pranabreath&hl=en_CA
Calm App - Now offering free meditations, http://www.calm.com
Healthy Minds App - Training your mind is the key to your emotional well-being, also free http://www.healthymindsapp.ca
The Science of Well-Being - free 2-week massive open online course (MOOC) from Yale designed to teach you how to build healthy habits and increase your happiness https://www.coursera.org
BC clinical psychologist Dr. Catherine Costigan shares her suggestions for how health care providers can talk to their children about COVID-19.
This link was originally directed to health care providers, but I think it is an excellent read for all parents of younger children.
CAMH has a resource for coping with stress and anxiety during COVID-19 outbreak
http://www.camh.ca/covid19?fbclid=IwAR2yWpPt8FDcaLyrtrLe5p3OQ18-xfzZmP3p2je6ZNRVLDhLh8ZJNQ3LPhs
The American Psychological Association has excellent resources…
In this podcast, the expert explains why we worry about new risks more than familiar ones, how to calm our anxiety and what are the psychological effects of being quarantined.
https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/coronavirus-anxiety
also...
https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/pandemics
SUPPORT FOR SENIORS, ADULTS, TEENS AND CHILDREN
Sunshine Centres for Seniors - Friendly Chat Line - Keeping You Connected During COVID-19
The Sunshine Centre for Seniors launched a variety of services to keep you connected and active during this challenging time. You can call the Sunshine Friendly Chatline if you’re feeling lonely or just want someone to chat with.
647-847-9853, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mosaic Home Care Services and Community Resource Centre: 905-597-7000, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., located in York Region
Website: mosaichomecare.com, email: www.mosaichomecare.com
211 Ontario: dial 2-1-1, website: 211ontario.ca, email: officeadmin@211ontario.ca
Ontario 211 is a free helpline that connects you to community and social services in your area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in over 150 languages.
Toll-Free: 1-877-330-3213
TTY: 1-888-340-1001
Community Crisis Response Service: provided by the York Support Services Network, for persons living in York Region and South Simcoe, who are having a mental health crisis, and their family or friends. Call the toll-free number
1-855-310-COPE (2673) or (TTY) 1-866-323-7785 to speak with a crisis worker.
Toronto Seniors Crisis Line: 416-217-2077
Additional Crisis Intervention Resources in York Region:
Central Health Line - https://www.centralhealthline.ca/listServices.aspx?id=10110®ion=YorkRegion
York Hills – Mental health services for children from birth to 18 yrs old, and their families. Located in Aurora. 905-503-9560, TYY: 1-866-536-7608, website: https://www.yorkhills.ca/ email: yorkhills@yorkhills.ca
Public Health resources can be found at: https://www.centralhealthline.ca
Chats – Community and Home Assistance to Seniors - https://www.chats.on.ca/ - for a list of seniors support services
WORKING FROM HOME
With the shift toward working from home many people have been forced to redesign their daily schedule, living environment and mindset. This can be a smooth transition for some while causing significant challenges to others. To help ease the transition, here is a list of tips to consider:
Make a schedule – attempt to maintain a soft schedule that maintains appropriate wake and bedtimes, in order to feel in control of your day, and stay productive.
Take breaks – build breaks into your schedule, that are “screen-free”, in order to give your brain a chance to recharge and not become overly stimulated. Do something that requires you to change your environment and your activity. If you’ve been indoor and sedentary, step outside and get moving.
Get dressed – it’s tempting to stay in your pyjamas
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