Open for Acupuncture Again!

Hello! I hope you are doing well during this unprecedented time.

Though the office was closed for 7 weeks to in-person treatments, during the Coronavirus lockdown, I am now starting my 3rd week back to seeing patients.

In this post, I’d like to share some changes that I’ve made to the office, as safety precautions against the spread of Covid-19. I want you to know what to expect when you come for treatment, and how I am committed to keeping you as safe as possible.

Also, I am continuing to provide Telehealth options and “front-step” pick-up of supplements, for those who need or wish to continue to isolate.

Face Coverings are Required

The first thing to know is that face coverings are currently mandatory in the office. Your face covering doesn’t have to be anything special…it can be a disposable mask, a re-usable fabric mask, a dust mask, a bandana, a gaiter or any other mouth/nose covering.

This is to keep the air in the office as clean as possible, for the safety of everyone. If you do not have a face covering, I can provide you one.

Front Door Sign

When You Arrive

For now, your waiting area will be your car. Once you park, please call or text 727-475-4710 to let me know you have arrived. When I’m ready, I will either call or text you back, or more likely I will just come outside to wave you up to the door.

I will take your temperature using a touch-less thermometer and ask if you have any Covid-19 symptoms before we go inside. (100.4 is the temperature cut off.)

I ask you to please not bring anyone to your appointment with you unless they are required for your proper care. Also, please do not bring food or drink, or any extra belongings besides the essentials.

Once inside, I will ask you to sanitize your hands, put on your mask (if not already on), and sign the Covid-19 Patient Agreement Forms (if not already signed), before we proceed to the treatment room.

You will find tissues and trash cans easy to access in every room, to aid in proper sneeze/cough hygiene.

To prepare for the eventual use of the waiting room, I’ve made changes there as well: The fabric couch has been replaced with vinyl chairs, for social distancing and easy disinfecting.

I have also removed all frequently touched items and those that are difficult to disinfect, including the coffee table, drink coasters, books, magazines and toys.

The drinking water cups are now in a dispenser that protects them from the ambient air.

Samples of all educational articles, brochures and cards are encased in plastic. If you see one you’d like, simply ask, and I will give you a clean one from behind the desk.

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Goodbye Fabric Couch

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Educational Materials are Displayed in Plastic

The Treatment Rooms

Each treatment room looks a bit different now. There are fewer chairs, for social distancing, and the fabric chairs have been replaced with vinyl, or covered in thick plastic, for disinfection.

The treatment tables and all pillows have been sealed in heavy vinyl or PVC coverings, under the linens, to be disinfected following each treatment.

Most decor items have been removed, for ease of disinfecting touchable surfaces between patients. Each room has a high quality HEPA air filter that runs continuously.

And each room has a Disinfection Supply Station containing cleaning spray or wipes, hospital-grade disinfectant, microfiber cloths and cleaning gloves.

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HEPA Air Filter in each Treatment Room

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Disinfection Supply Stations in Multiple Rooms

The Restroom

Most decor items have been removed or replaced with a Disinfection Supply Station. The air freshener spray has been replaced with a touch-less option.

A sign reminds us to properly wash our hands. And the paper towel roll has been replaced with a dispenser for individually folded paper towels.

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Hand Hygiene Reminder

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New Paper Towel Dispenser

The Checkout Area

All of the “Dr. Dawn’s” homemade products, including Body Butter, Lip Balm and the NEW Aromatherapy Mask Spray (for fabric masks) are in stock, but you will need to request them, as they no longer sit on the counter.

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Dr. Dawn’s Body Butter

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NEW Aromatherapy Mask Spray!!

The pen container is gone, so if you need a pen, I will give you a clean one from behind the counter. If you prefer a touch-less payment option, I can now send you an invoice via email or text, to pay with your credit card.

Please feel free to use the hand sanitizer provided, anytime during checkout.

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Hand Sanitizer & New Pens at Checkout

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Telehealth Option

I now offer Zoom video Telehealth for New Patients (living in FL only), and telephone meetings for Follow-up’s. These appointments include nutrition, herbs, supplements, and self-care suggestions.

This is a wonderful option for those who need to continue to isolate due to underlying health conditions, recent travel, or because they have Covid-19.

Online Pharmacy Option

I now also have an online pharmacy. It will allow you to purchase, through a reputable source, many of the products that I carry in my clinic. Since they can be purchased online and shipped directly to your home, you won’t have to come to the office to pick up refills. This will be particularly great for snowbirds and those who are using Telehealth! (More on this in a future post…if you are interested now, just email me.)

Behind the Scenes

While you will see many changes when you come for acupuncture, you likely won’t see the amount of cleaning, disinfecting and CDC compliance procedures that are going on throughout the day.

I have disinfection checklists that I follow after each patient visit, daily and weekly. This ensures that I don’t miss anything, and provides meticulous records of when each surface was cleaned, with what product.

If you would like to read my Covid-19 Infection Control Policies & Procedures document, click here.

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Cleaning Checklists

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CDC Compliance Manual for Covid-19

I also participate in weekly webinars by the Council of Colleges for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, the American Society of Acupuncturists, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, the American Acupuncture Council, and/or the Florida State Oriental Medical Association.

The topics involve how acupuncturists can adopt the current “best practices” in order to be compliant with CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines for healthcare clinics as the virus moves through our communities.

Also, I actively seek out the newest information on this Coronavirus, for 2 reasons. First, so that I may better understand the optimal ways to prevent its transmission in my clinic. And second, to learn about what natural treatments and herbs are being found to provide the most benefit to those who are infected.

Different but Still Great!

So, while Covid-19 has definitely changed most aspects of how I run the clinic, I am very happy to see patients again, and provide the amazing medicine that is acupuncture. Patients have been glad to receive treatment again, and they report that their treatment experience has been just as great as before.

I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love, and to have amazing patients who value what I do. I am so grateful for you all!

As always, I’m wishing you Peace and Wellness.

Dawn Potter

#acupuncture #ClinicUpdates #Covid19SafetyMeasures

March 16: COVID-19 Update

This virus is moving quickly, so I am taking things day by day, and will be updating you regularly. It has now become imperative that we socially distance as much as possible to limit the spread of Covid-19, and to protect our most vulnerable loved ones and neighbors. Therefore…

I am asking the following patients to reschedule their appointments until after March 30:

1. If you are 65 or older, especially with a chronic health issue.

2. If you suffer from an auto-immune disease, cancer, or are otherwise immuno-compromised.

3. If you suffer from lung disease, heart disease or diabetes.

4. If you are pregnant (especially 2nd and 3rd trimester, as pregnancy can reduce your immune response as well as your lung capacity).

5. If you know you have been exposed to Covid-19.

6. If you have a fever, with sore throat, cough or difficulty breathing.

7. If you have recently been traveling via airplane, especially from Asia or Europe. 

8. If you have recently been on a cruise ship. 

9. If you live with anyone or you regularly see anyone who fits any of the above criteria.

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I am asking that you reschedule your appt until after March 30, at which time I will re-assess the situation. I will take this week by week and day by day for now. For anyone else, please consider coming only if you need treatment for pain relief or anxiety relief. I recommend self-isolating as much as possible right now.

I will be available for Herbal Phone Consults:

Of course, I am happy to still provide everyone your regular herbs and supplements, and you can schedule a 30-minute Phone Consult for herbs if you develop a new condition, wish to boost your immune system, or if you contract Covid-19. You will see this new option now available on the scheduling webpage.

Changes at the Office:

I will be switching the schedule to see only 1 patient per hour, for the foreseeable future. This will eliminate the number of people sitting in the waiting room, and it will give me the time needed to more thoroughly wipe down all surfaces between each patient. Of course, I am being extra diligent about the office hygiene.

The schedule change may be awkward at first, so, if you are unable to find an appointment time that works for you, please call or email.

Full Disclosure:

I do not know if I have been exposed to this virus, but the possibility exists, of course, just like everyone. This is one of the reasons I am asking all the “higher risk” patients to reschedule. However, you do not have to be higher risk to contract Covid-19, or to carry it to loved ones without knowing it. If you wish to reschedule your appointment, I completely support your decision, and will waive any cancellation fees at this time.

Please be in Touch:

If you suddenly develop the symptoms of Covid-19, or learn that you’ve been exposed to someone who has it, please contact the office. I need to know ASAP if I have been exposed. Thank you for your consideration.

This could all Change:

The Covid-19 situation is likely to change very quickly, which means I may be closing the office to all in-person treatments, and providing phone consults (and possibly video consults) only, for an unknown period of time. I will keep you informed, and I welcome and encourage your communications.

Good Resources for More Info:

World Health Organization (WHO)

Center for Disease control (CDC)

Florida Dept of Health

Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center

Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy

Tips to Stay Well:

1. Wash your hands, frequently, for 20 full seconds. 

2. Clean all surfaces frequently, especially door handles, counters, and tables. 

3. Avoid crowds and gatherings. Try to stay at home unless you have to go out. 

4. Maintain a distance of 6 ft from people as much as possible. (Now is our time to perfect our Princess Waves and Jazz Hands greetings.) 

5. Get adequate sleep! Sleep is vital for adequate immunity.

6. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits for the natural vitamins, minerals and protective phytochemicals. 

7. Avoid foods that deplete the immune system, including alcohol, sugar, dairy products, and processed meats.

8. Stop smoking… even vaping.

9. Take general immune boosting supplements such as Vitamin C (250 – 3000 mg/day) , Vitamin D3 (2000 – 5000 i.u. per day), Zinc (15 to 30 mg/day), and Probiotics. 

10. Watch your stress levels….if you find yourself overly stressed about this pandemic, please find some stress-relief activities…such as epsom salt baths, meditation, gardening, watching a comedy, walking in nature, journaling, and counseling. And remember that for the majority of people, this virus causes mild symptoms that resolve on their own with home care.

11. Stay positive…we will come through this. 

Best Wishes, Dawn Potter Acupuncture

Corona Virus Update

Hi Everyone,

This is a clinic update regarding the COVID-19 virus. We wanted to provide some information for all of our patients regarding the Corona Virus.

Immune Boosting for Corona Virus

We are available for immune supporting acupuncture treatments, plus immune boosting herbs, supplements and injections.

Also, in general, we recommend most patients be taking daily: 2000-3000 mg of Vitamin C, 3000-5000 i.u. of Vitamin D3 (with some sun exposure to activate it), and 15-30 mg of Zinc, to help keep your immune system functioning well. This supplement regimen I have suggested is not appropriate for all patients, including those who are pregnant. Please contact me for more individualized recommendations if you have health issues, are expecting, etc.

Other Corona Virus Prevention Measures

Of course, follow the handwashing guidelines we’ve all been hearing about.

Avoid handshaking, face kissing and hugging. Consider greeting with Elbow bumps, Namaste bows, waves and even Jazz hands.

Get adequate sleep!

Avoid crowds and public gatherings.

Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, and forego the sugars, dairy and processed meats.

Stop smoking… even vaping.

If You Develop Corona Virus Symptoms

If you experience the symptoms of Corona Virus (COVID-19), namely a fever with a dry cough and difficulty breathing (maybe also a sore throat), PLEASE DO NOT COME IN for an appointment. Please stay home. We do not have the proper protective equipment to treat patients with COVID-19, and we don’t want to have to shut down the clinic due to exposure. We will waive any cancellation fees for those who are sick or know they have been exposed.

Instead, we are happy to provide a phone consultation for herbs and supplements. We can then either mail herbs and supplements to you, or you can have someone pick them up for you.

If you suspect you might have COVID-19, please call your primary care doctor, or the FL Department of Health hotline (1-866-779-6121) for instructions on how to report for testing. Also, please consult the City of Tampa COVID-19 information page. And remember that for the majority of people, this virus causes mild symptoms that resolve on their own with home care.

Lastly, please be kind…

While this is a nerve-wracking time, marked with uncertainty and confusion, please remember to be kind. We can all aim to be diligent without panicking. It behooves everyone to support each other in staying healthy and recovering quickly.

If you are experiencing severe anxiety or stress about COVID-19, please be kind to yourself as well, and take time for some stress-relief for yourself…massage, acupuncture, meditation, walking in nature…seek some counseling if you need it, and remember we are all in this together.