The Leader • Saturday, April 11, 2020 • Page 1B
Telehealth takes off during pandemic By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
Heights resident Dr. Diane N. Roche, a licensed psychologist and clinical director at Roche + Associates, said her practice already had a protected online platform which in addition to managing medical records and appointment scheduling, offered secure video therapy sessions. But the video component was not often used. “For a handful of young adults, that was their preference,” Roche said. With the social distancing mandated by government officials on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, telehealth technology is the only way that Roche + Associates is currently offering therapy to the busy professionals it serves, except in cases of emergency. The demand for telehealth services is on the rise, according to a recent survey from customer experience IT vendor Sykes that found two-thirds of respondents are now willing to try virtual care. And in March, the U.S. government set aside many of its restrictions on telehealth. It also said it would relax enforcement on elements of the health privacy law, known as HIPAA, which oversees providers seeking to deliver care remotely. For Houston-based Legacy Community Health, a full-service, federally qualified health center with 12 standalone clinics, including Northline and Montrose locations, the government’s move opened the way for two new telehealth/telemedicine programs that are based on service lines. Legacy began offering virtual therapy for both adults and children three weeks ago, and a virtual pediatric clinic opened last week. While telehealth was also a service that Legacy provided on a small scale before COVID-19, primarily for behavioral health virtual clinic visits, it now makes up a large part of its current appointments. Dr. Jeanette Valdivieso, Legacy’s chief operating officer, said that in a a typical day, they see a total of 2,600 patients at all of their clinics. While those in-person appointments are down by at least half, they’ve “seen” 3,500 clients in their behavioral health clinic and a few hundred in the pediatric clinic during the last two weeks. This also includes their Spanish-
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speaking clients. “It’s new for the parents and the kids,” Valdivieso said. “We had to have extra support, but the kids have an easier time getting going.” Roche said she has been pleasantly surprised with the success of telehealth therapy, even with her older clients, but allows that she has to work harder to maintain the human connection during virtual sessions. Roche is often more taxed at the end of a session than she is during an inperson visit. “Brittany Baker, (a licensed clinical social woker), has been providing telehealth services since the time of her training, but I was practicing a long time before telehealth was an option,” Roche said of her associate. “So for her, it’s easier.” How it works Heights Dermatology CEO Daniel Salvato said his organization, which consists of nine clinical locations, is using telemedicine to serve existing patients and for the more urgent evaluation of those concerned about melanoma and other worrisome skin lesions. Patients can visit their website at www.heightsskin.com and access the Telemedicine Login to select a series of rotating providers and then go
through the screening process. The appointment happens over video chat with pictures sent through the HIPAAcompliant platform. “It’s been one tool in our tool chest,” Salvato said. “We’ve used more than one (platform) over the years.” Salvato said while telehealth services could not sustain the clinic fulltime, it is a particularly useful tool now for clients in rural areas like Gonzales and Columbus. The dermatologists normally visit them monthly. Valdivieso said Legacy’s pediatric service uses a Zoom platform specifically geared toward health care, and patients see either a nurse practitioner or a pediatrician depending on the type of appointment made. “It’s a collaborative process,” Valdivieso said of the appointment itself, in which the patient and their caregiver use the technology on their device to provide needed data to the medical professional. “It keeps them out of the (physical) waiting room.” For students at YES Prep and KIPP schools in Houston, Legacy’s clinic allows them online access to their school-based healthcare givers, employed by Legacy, that they used to see at school. “This is open to the kids and to all their friends,” Valdivieso said. One possible downside Roche sees
is that although the need for mental health services is probably greater during a pandemic, some people might be more willing to put off initiating a virtual appointment. “When every single thing about people’s lives change, it is completely overwhelming and they are less likely to reach out for other services,” Roche said. To be a support to healthcare workers, Roche + Associates is offering a free consultation and a discount on subsequent therapy services. “They have every possible stress (and) are unlikely to reach out,” Roche said, “even though they’d benefit from a completely confidential place to dump all of (the anxiety).” What’s next? Salvato said he hopes telemedicine becomes a mainstay. “I think we are all looking forward to getting back to a new normal,” Salvato said. “But (telemedicine) is one of those positive pieces of technology that will help redefine how we approach care in the modern world and how we provide a higher quality of care.” Added Valdivieso: “It minimizes the barriers of time and transportation. It is one of the ways of the future.”
Use nutrition therapy to support immune system IV Ozone therapy are new treatments under review in addition to the autoimmune and anti-viral protocols currently in use. For now, changing lifestyle habits such as diet, hygiene, stress and sleep are all powers within your control. Through these modifiable factors, reducing your risk may reduce the risk for our community.
By Shana Tatum sstatum@wellness-collaborative.com
While there are no known cures for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus, scientists are working overtime to come up with protocols to treat it and a vaccine to prevent it. You likely have read about supplements, herbs or adaptogens to take to avoid catching this novel virus. Without oversight from the FDA to regulate supplements, consumers may be influenced by marketing and the intense desire to prevent the disease. Taking supplements without knowing proper dosage or possible interactions may set up your immune system for trouble. Please be wary of unapproved and unbranded products claiming they can treat or prevent the virus. Along with decreasing your risk for exposure by staying home, practicing social distancing, frequently washing hands and wearing a face mask in public, here are a few things to focus on nutritionally: How to be stronger now • Eat a whole foods diet rich in vegetables. The antioxidant power with anti-inflammatory action is what the immune system needs to be strong. Not only do we benefit from the fiber vegetables provide, building a healthy gut microbiome, we also gain phytonutrients that are positively associated with reduced risk of chronic disease. It provides the vitamins and minerals essential to help promote a desired immune response. • Reduce consumption of sugar. I know this feels like a hard one. So many of my patients are reaching for food to calm the stress. Sugar aggravates the immune system and creates more inflammation at a time when we need the body to be calm and not in a reactive state. Researchers looked at the ability for white blood cells to react to bacteria after consumption of 100 grams of sugar (the amount you might find in a caramel-whipped iced coffee drink). Their results showed a 50 percent reduction in the ability to engulf bacteria. • Stay hydrated. Water transports so many biochemical nutrients in the body. Without it, our immune systems are at a disadvantage. Drink half your body weight in
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OAK FOREST - 2227 LAMONTE Stock photo A variety of food sources provide nutrients that aid the body’s immune system. A strong immune system can help prevent serious complications from COVID-19.
ounces daily, unless on a shanatatumrd for an easy fluid-restricted diet. recipe) and kimchi. • Include supportive • Sleep. Make it a pribio actives: ority. For those deemed Vitamin C is found in non-essential and officbroccoli, oranges, toing from home, you may matoes and kiwi fruit as have gained time back well as red, orange and in the schedule with reyellow bell peppers. Conduced commuting. Put sider supplementation as this toward your sleep well if working with a bank! Sleep loss has healthcare provider. been linked to cardiovascular risk, diabetes and Zinc is a mineral that Tatum increased risk of obeplays a key role in the sity. Notice a theme here? immune system and a mild deficiency can lead to a weaker im- These are some of the high-risk mune response. Sources of zinc categories for COVID-19 complicainclude seafood, shellfish, animal tions. • Stress less. This one is hard, protein, chickpeas, pumpkin and and I definitely haven’t mastered sunflower seeds. Some studies have shown that it! With homeschooling, the recent Vitamin D can reduce respiratory loss of a loved one, and a decreased infections and plays a role in pre- revenue in my business, my only venting influenza. Look for Vitamin advice is to take it one day at a time. D first from sunlight, but eggs, forti- Please know, we are all doing this fied dairy and mushrooms are good for the first time and that no one food sources. Supplementation is has it “all figured out” even if they advised if you know you are low look like it on social media. Instead, or deficient, when working with a I cling to what I do know. Funny movies, cooking with my children, healthcare provider. Probiotics help as the immune walking barefoot in the grass in the system starts in the gut with up to backyard are ways I slow down. 60 percent of the immune system Find your own way and make it a housed there. A good intestinal mi- priority. Immune support should be adcrobial balance is key to immune function. Lactobacillus and Bifido- dressed year-round, but when panbacteria are two species found to demics strike, we employ strategies show benefit. Sources include cul- to improve our health in the motured yogurt, kefir and fermented ment. Less conventional therapies foods such as sauerkraut (follow @ such as high-dose IV Vitamin C or
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Page 2B • Saturday, April 11, 2020 • The Leader
HAPS helping those with Parkinson’s disease By Richard Weirich For The Leader
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Today, it is estimated that nearly 1 million Americans and close to 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and the number of people affected by the disease is projected to double by 2040. Those are sobering numbers. Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) works tirelessly to raise awareness, develop additional treatment options and support those currently living with PD. In all that it does, HAPS is a pivotal partner in helping those with PD in our community live their best lives until a cure is found. Although all group meetings and classes are suspended through April because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff at HAPS generally offers numerous programs and services to the Parkinson’s community. More than 40 weekly exercise, water, music and speech therapy groups in addition to tai chi, tango, yoga, dance, singing and non-contact boxing classes are made available by HAPS free of charge. Professionally facilitated support groups are offered at no cost to individuals living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers to share their experiences in a warm, friendly environment. In addition, HAPS offers free transportation services to and from HAPS programs and
physician visits. Social services, respite, emergency financial aid, education programs and a monthly newsletter are also available. HAPS is a lifeline for many! Each April, the global initiative that is Parkinson’s Awareness Month unites patients, caregivers, researchers, physicians and others with the common goal of creating a more comprehensive understanding of this disease which has such a profound impact on the lives of so many in our own community. HAPS is happy to announce that both Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued proclamations declaring April 2020 Parkinson’s Awareness Month. These important documents highlight the ongoing commitment to improving our understanding and emphasizing the impact this disease has on our community. Many thanks to Mayor Turner and Gov. Abbott for their support and dedication in promoting public awareness of PD. On March 4, the Chevron Houston Marathon Committee hosted The Run for a Reason Celebration Luncheon. Each year this event brings together all participating charities, sidewalk squad corporate partners and Marathon Committee Members to revel in the successes of the January Marathon weekend. HAPS was honored to be awarded first place for over-
THE OBITUARIES.
Brian Paul Carrere, 44, born July 19, 1975 in Houma, La., died April 5.
bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren and her California daughter, Joyce Joyner.
Sally Logsdon, 72, born Sept. 7, 1947, died April 6.
Wade Pierre, 58, born March 9, 1962, died March 31.
Stella Herren Moore, 95, born Oct. 21, 1924 in Spring, died March 31. She is survived by her daughter, Tedi Moore Banta, son-in-law, Coy Banta, bonus daughter Bonnie Joe Jones,
Steven Suchicki, 59, born May 21, 1960, died April 1. He is survived by his mother Audrey Suchicki, and his brother Greg Savage.
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all fundraising charity and an award for raising the most funds during “The Run for a Reason Charity Challenge” contest for the 2020 Chevron Houston Marathon season. HAPS is honored to be part of this longtime partnership and looks forward to another great marathon season in 2021. For more information, visit https://www.parkinson.org/ parkinsons-awareness-month. Weirich is a 72-year-old Garden Oaks resident who has Parkinson’s disease.
Contributed photo On top row, from left to right, are the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society’s Celeste Harris, Angelica Rodriguez, Catherine Lansdowne and Gini Brown. Kneeling, from left to right, are Maggie Abbott and Kathleen Crist.
Women’s Health Directory Directory of Local Female Health Service Professionals Dr. Stephanie Fulton Dr. Fulton is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice consists of obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where she was a Chief Resident. Dr. Fulton volunteers as part of the health team ministry of her church. 1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 • Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com
Dr. Attiya S. Khan Dr. Khan focuses on the prevention of heart disease through early diagnosis and provides the latest interventional techniques to treat coronary and peripheral vascular diseases. She is one of the few female interventional cardiologists in Houston available to perform emergency angioplasties and stents for patients who are experiencing a heart attack. 1631 North Loop West, Ste. 220 • Houston TX 77008 713-365-0786 www.nwcardiology.net
Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Dr. Fredrickson has been practicing ophthalmology for over 12 years. She routinely sees patients for diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and ocular infections. She specializes in surgical procedures including cataract, eyelid lifts, eyelid cysts, Botox and Juvederm, and pterygia. 1415 N. Loop, Ste 400 • 427 W. 20th St. Ste 100 Houston, TX 77008 713-668-6828 • www.houstoneye.com
Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, a board certified internal medicine physician, has opened a new primary care/internal medicine practice, White Oak Medical Associates in the Heights. She believes patients deserve their doctor’s focused attention, personalized care, and is devoted to compassionate, effective treatment for her patients. 1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com
The Leader • Saturday, April 11, 2020 • Page 3B
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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, April 11, 2020 • Page 4B
Young boy shot inside vehicle at Houston Farmers Market By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Police are investigating the Sunday afternoon shooting of a 5-year-old boy inside a vehicle at the Houston Farmers Market, according to a Monday news release by the Houston Police Department. The boy sustained gunshot wounds to the hand and face and was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to HPD. HPD said the boy’s father told police he had driven to the farmers market, located at 2520 Airline Dr., with his wife, children and other family members. The children were
Photo by Adam Zuvanich A 5-year-old boy was shot in the parking lot outside the Houston Farmers Market, 2520 Airline Dr., on Sunday afternoon.
then left inside the SUV while the adults went inside to shop, according to HPD, which said the father told police he left a gun inside the center console. The gun discharged from inside the vehicle and struck the 5-year-old boy, according to
police, who said it is unknown who fired the gun. HPD said its investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call HPD’s Major Assaults & Family Violence Division at 713308-8800.
Leader offering yard signs to celebrate graduates With school not in session this spring, The Leader is offering a way for our community to celebrate the graduates of 2020. Parents, friends and relatives of graduating seniors can purchase yard signs that can be displayed over the coming weeks to mark the occasion. The signs, 24 inches wide and 18 inches high, are made of corrugated plastic, feature full color graphics, a yard stake, and are
Congratulations Taylor
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Class of 2020
shipped to your door. Customers can choose personal messages and can include photos for their yard sign. The Leader staff will design the sign and provide a proof before
printing. The Leader will be donating $7 of each sale to a school supplies fund. The fund will be donated to area schools when students return to the classroom. Each graduate yard sign is $39. To order, go to the theleadernews.com and click on the graduate yard sign icon. Once there you can complete the whole order online. Or you can call (713) 371-3768.
Police Reports • April 2 - 5 APRIL 2
Burglary 12 PM 2000 BLOCK YALE Burglary 3 PM 400 BLOCK W 24TH Theft 11 PM 1300 BLOCK DOROTHY
APRIL 3
Theft 2 PM 2100 BLOCK COUCH Theft 10 AM 2800 BLOCK ELLA
APRIL 4
Theft 6 PM 3000 BLOCK ATTRIDGE Theft 6 PM 500 BLOCK YALE
APRIL 5
Theft 6 AM 600 BLOCK W 38TH
Arrest 4 PM 2500 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 3 PM 2600 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 12 AM 900 BLOCK W COTTAGE Theft 12 PM 100 BLOCK SHEPHERD Arrest 12 AM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 12 PM 300 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Assault 5 PM 1200 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS Burglary 10 PM 2800 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Theft 9 AM 2300 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Theft 11 AM 1700 BLOCK WHITE OAK
Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
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