Eagle Grove’s COVID-19 recommendations from local doctors

We are fortunate to have Dr. Dustin Smith and Dr. Jordan Moffitt as active members of our community. They have provided the Eagle Grove Eagle with some specific action steps for our community as we prepare for the oncoming coronavirus. 

Eagle Grove is not usually among the first places for new trends that sweep through the US. Right now, we can all be thankful to be in Eagle Grove for that. Somewhere in the media hype are some real concerns about COVID-19. How should Eagle Grove and rural residents respond? 

We can all follow the presidential guidelines: Avoid groups of 10 or more, wash your hands frequently especially after touching anything that other people touch, and avoid touching your face. Maintain a little more distance from other people than usual. We have all heard these recommendations. Now, here are a few important recommendations that you may not have heard:

1. One Immunopathologist professor from MIT has said that the best way Americans can respond is to put focus on strengthening the immune system. That way, when trouble comes, the body can fight it off more effectively. Exercise stimulates your lymphatic system which is essential for a healthy immune system. Even just going for a short daily walk can help. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help your body to have the building blocks it needs to boost your immune system, especially fruits high in Vitamin C like strawberries and citrus. Getting enough sleep is critical in maintaining a healthy immune system. A well-rested body is better able to fight off a virus. Take the action steps necessary to ensure that your immune system is operating at peak performance. 

2. People experiencing even minor dental pain should not delay seeing a dentist. Some patients wait until their pain is too much to bear, and then go to the emergency room when they cannot get an immediate dental appointment. This is always the most expensive way to take care of a dental problem. Also, hospitals can only provide prescriptions to address the pain because physicians are not trained to extract teeth. This means that they usually advise patients with dental problems to see a dentist. Now, more than ever, we do not want dental patients taking up valuable hospital resources. Also, people with healthy teeth have stronger immune systems, and they are not as susceptible to many other health related problems. If your body is busy fighting off a tooth infection that is leeching pathogens into the body, it has less defense against a virus. If you are experiencing even minor dental pain, instead of delaying dental care, go see a dentist now. The Iowa Dental Association has recommended that dentists all over our state should postpone elective dental procedures and give priority to urgent care. Some dental offices in the Eagle Grove area have closed their doors in response to Coronavirus concerns, but Dr. Moffitt stated that he is still seeing patients on an emergency basis. Seniors and people who are weak or with health conditions that put them at risk to COVID-19 should prioritize getting urgent dental care done right away. Moffitt dental is taking steps to help the community and has postponed certain patients to make room for the immediate treatment of dental emergencies. 

3. If you are sick, do not go out. If you have a common cold today, your body’s immune system is busy fighting off that cold. If you were to encounter COVID-19 while already sick, your body will be more susceptible to getting very sick. Instead of going out, stay home and call your family physician. Unity Point is ready to screen any patients over the phone that might be at risk. This will help to slow the spread of COVID-19 when it does get here, and will also help you to avoid it when your immune system is already overtasked. 

Dr. Smith and Dr. Moffitt have both taken steps in their offices to help protect their patients and staff from possible dangers. They encourage their patients to follow recommended guidelines and stay safe.