Long-term care patients and front-line healthcare workers first to receive COVID-19 vaccine11/30/2020 In today's update, Governor Andy Beshear discussed the vaccine, distribution details, and the COVID-19 case numbers.
Currently, there are two companies with vaccines that are close to distribution: Moderna and Pfizer. In one particular Moderna trial, the Governor noted that for severe cases, the new vaccine was 100 percent effective. Beshear said that another positive outcome concerning the vaccine is that if the vaccine works the way it's supposed to, COVID-19 could be treated as one would treat a cold or flu. Kentucky is due to get the first distribution of Pfizer's vaccine mid-December, pending approval. Afterwards, shipments will begin. Moderna's shipment of the vaccine is expected to reach the state as early as two weeks after the Pfizer shipment. Shipments will be limited, therefor, two groups will receive the first doses. "We can go ahead and provide everybody with the first of these shots and then we will receive the boosters because the Pfizer vaccine, and Moderna take two separate shots separated by about three weeks," said Beshear. After receiving the first shipment of 28,025 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, long-term care patients and staff will be the first to receive the inoculations. As it stands, approximately two-thirds of the deaths have occurred in long-term care patients. The next group to receive the vaccine will be the front-line healthcare workers. Kentucky expects to receive 76,700 doses from Moderna. All states are expected to give the federal government distribution plans by the end of the week. Monday's new case numbers for COVID-19 are 2,124 new positive cases, 12 new deaths, and a positivity rate of 9.42%.
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Sharrie's 'My heads all stopped up' remedy
Ingredients: Apothecary jar (or any wide mouth jar) 4 - 6 cotton balls Organic Essential Oils: Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon Directions: In a wide mouth, clean jar place about 4-6 cotton balls. Drop equal amounts of the organic essential oils (usually 5-10 drops is good, depending on jar size): peppermint, lavender, & lemon. Close your eyes and inhale from the jar (start with jar several inches away at first until you find your tolerance level. It can be a bit strong). Exhale. Breath into the jar. This creates a helpful vapor. Be sure and keep eyes closed. As you feel the effects of the vapor, it could sting the eyes. Take several breaths. Repeat as often as needed to help relieve sinus pressure, nasal allergy symptoms, headache... This is an adult-only recipe as peppermint may cause breathing issues in very young children. Sharrie Thompson is a RN and business owner of I.O.N. Wellness LLC (It's Only Natural). Her focus is to advance health and wellness knowledge while striving for optimal functioning of the body. Located in Paducah, her business may be found on Facebook. The letter from Baptist Health Systems IN and KY was released hours ago late Thanksgiving Eve with a stark warning concerning hospital bed capacity. It's been only hours and Baptist Health Systems KY and IN have publicized press releases for limited numbers of visitors within some of their hospitals as well as a stark warning about the limits to its resources in regards to critical care beds for COVID-19 patients.
As midnight approached on Thanksgiving Eve, there were at least two announcements made from the hospital system. According to a September 2020 report, Baptist Health Systems and its nine hospitals have 2,700 licensed beds. The system has been ranked among the top hospitals in patient care for a number of years. As information is being released by the Chief Medical Officers, it's time to take notice and heed warnings. Beginning Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020, Baptist Health in Paducah is initiating a no visitors policy. The hospital is restricting visitation to all COVID-19 patients, emergency department patients, inpatients and/or critical care patients, surgery and/or cardiac catheterization lab patients, and outpatient oncology treatment settings and radiation therapy. There will be no visitors allowed at Baptist Health Group locations, with exceptions allowing one caregiver for children under the age of 18 and end of life patients. There will be exceptions and those are listed below. In addition to the no visitor policy in our local area, the Chief Medical Officers for the entire Baptist Health Systems released a letter almost simultaneously. In the letter it said, "COVID-19 cases in our community is rapidly rising and our hospital beds are filling with those too ill to quarantine at home and care for themselves. It is critically important that we take action now." The letter continues discussing how we can do better to stop the spread of COVID-19. The stark warning is going out on Thanksgiving eve as a cautionary tale for this Thanksgiving holiday. Don't mingle families. Stay at home. Mask up. These are just a few of the strong recommendations. The letter continues to say that there's no full proof way to stop the virus. That's why it's so important to implement them all. Many of you know those that have suffered with the disease, are suffering with the virus, or have died. As we prepare to say our 'thanks' for the many blessings remember those that are going through the worst time of their lives. It's important to think of others. As we shop for Christmas, remember all the warnings and recommendations heard for the Thanksgiving holiday. The same applies to shopping, family and friend gatherings, and all events that require participation from those outside the immediate family. Continued below are the limited exceptions to the no visitor restrictions at Baptist Health Paducah and the letter from the Chief Medical Officers KY and IN. Dependent patients and patients under age 18 (the visitor must be a parent or guardian.) Maternity/labor and delivery. One support person may accompany the mother to labor and delivery and their postpartum room. Neonatal intensive care: The mother and a support person (two bracelet holders) will be allowed. Hospice or end of life patients will be allowed one or two family members 24/7. Clergy will be allowed for end of life and hospice patients. As progress continues by developing drugs to fight COVID-19, the question soon becomes, who will get the first treatments? The decision isn't as simple as it may seem. In addition to treatment options, the Centers for Disease Control is considering shortening the time of quarantine based on the timetable for spreading the virus.
The two new COVID-19 antibody treatments distributed by Regeneron and Eli Lilly received emergency use authorization by the FDA several weeks ago. In fact, the drugs were administered to President Trump, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Dr. Ben Carson, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The thing is, all three were treated after being hospitalized for the virus which isn't the treatments intent. The hour long IV infusions were approved to treat patients before being admitted to the hospital. With the current rate of hospitalizations, ICU beds fill-ups, and a shortage of hospital staff, this is the area the treatment would be most useful. According to an article from NBC News, Regeneron is to distribute 30,000 doses on Tuesday, with an additional 50,000 within a week. Eli Lilly will have 120,000 doses. Currently in the US, we're diagnosing 170,000 cases a day. Regeneron plans to have 200,000 more doses by the first of January and Eli Lilly one million before the end of 2020. Regarding those that are at high risk. Patients that are obese, suffer with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or any condition that compromises the immune system. The report said that 40% of all complicated cases come from the obese population. As treatments slowly become available, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is likely to shorten recommendations for how long people need to quarantine. The current protocol is 14 days. One of the members of the White House Task Force stated on Tuesday that "a preponderance of evidence that a shorter quarantine complemented by a test might be able to shorten that quarantine period." NPR News What's floating around is a quarantine of seven to 10 days based on patients willingness to quarantine. The CDC is implying that there's a shorter window of time needed to quarantine as opposed to the current recommendation of 14 days. If this is true, compliance may improve. It seems like a complicated call. As COVID-19 cases are on the rise, treating patients that are at high risk first, makes sense to prevent hospitals from being further stressed, however, shortening quarantine time needs to be studied carefully. No one wants to take one step forward and two steps back. No indoor dining and more restrictions to stand against the third wave of attack from COVID-1911/18/2020 Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Public Health gets emotional today while addressing Kentuckians on the massive effect the coronavirus has had on not only the physical health but emotional health of all. As Governor Andy Beshear and his staff prepare for a third battle round with the coronavirus this year, restrictions are being put in place to slow the spread and prevent more Kentuckians from becoming infected, overwhelming the health care systems, and dying.
In effect Friday, November 20 at 5 pm through Sunday, December 13 at 11:59 pm, restaurants and bars will be closed to indoor dining. Outdoor seating is still an option if customers can safely social distance and follow the other rules set forth by the administration. Heated tents are still a possibility as long as distance is created between tables and parties that are seated are not to exceed eight at a table. Also, there should be no more than two families per group. Governor Beshear is launching assistance to restaurants to the tune of $40 million through the coronavirus relief fund or CARES Act. Chief of Staff La Tasha Buckner addressed Kentuckians regarding how the money will be used. She said that eligible restaurants will receive $10,000 to help mitigate the financial pain businesses will more than likely suffer. If a business owner has multiple restaurants, the relief money is capped at $20,000. This isn’t a loan, this is federally-funded money that doesn’t need to be repaid. Restaurants are required to be in operation at the time of this executive order. Restaurants that have 50% or more sales by drive-thru won’t be eligible for the funding. Buckner said, “This is more to help the mom and pops” Gyms are to keep occupancy rates at 33%. There is to be no group classes in gyms. Group practice sessions such as cheerleading and martial arts studios are also prohibited. The Governor said that much of the spread has happened in these types of settings. You may have individual classes while wearing mandatory masks. In addition, KHSAA is postponing all sporting activities through December 13. Indoor venues, event spaces or theaters can host no more than 25 people per room. this includes funerals and weddings. This doesn't apply to places of worship - rules to be issued Thursday. Pools, bowling alleys, and similar businesses are to remain at 33% capacity. Other businesses that can keep employees at home should or they need to be at 33% capacity. Beginning Monday, November 23, K-12 will transition to remote learning. Only those counties that are no longer in the red zone will return to in-person learning December 7. Middle school and high school students will begin remote learning on November 23 as well. However, these students won’t go back until after Christmas break on January 4, 2021. Governor Beshear said that 10,000 school age children and 2,000 faculty members were in quarantine at the same time and this scenario could happen again. Colleges and universities will start remote learning on Monday, November 23 until Spring semester. The hope is for Kentucky to make it through two virus cycles before opening the state up again. He said, “Everyone needs to do this at the same time. We all need to swing for the fence at the same time.” There will be no additional restrictions to retail businesses and hospitals will still carry on with elective surgeries if necessary. Beshear said COVID-19 is now the third leading killer in the United States. The commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Public Health Dr. Steven Stack spoke to the public today. He discussed two vaccines that should be available within days to help fight the virus. He got emotional as he was speaking about the toll the coronavirus has taken on Kentucky. He said, “I’m sorry folks, It’s been months since I’ve gotten emotional.” The enforcement of the new executive order will be easier from prior restrictions, according to Beshear. He said, “We can look inside restaurants and see if the rules are being followed.” He said most of these restricted businesses have licenses making it easier to enforce the rules. Beshear said, “I’ll take the blame. I’ll be the person that says no.” Beshear said, “It’s time to re-up the mask mandate and reinforce the rules.” As we shut down and regroup, it’s an effort that needs to be followed by all Kentuckians. 'Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food'
Raachel Carroll is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner certified by the National Therapy Association. She is a native of Paducah and is on a mission to help clients reconnect with the needs of their bodies through food. She first practiced in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and recently moved to Paducah to start Well-Rounded Wellness. Carroll may be reached at raathompson@gmail.com. NTA believes health can be achieved through a holistic and individualized approach to nutrition and lifestyle. Leveraging the power of real food and empowering people to reconnect with the innate wisdom and unique needs of their bodies for a chance at the good life...the healthy life. Her focus is on the importance of a properly prepared, nutrition-dense, whole food diet paired with a well-balanced lifestyle. Carroll has prepared a sugarless baked apple treat for those watching their sugar intake. Baked Apples by Well-Rounded Wellness Raachel Carroll, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner What you’ll need: Baking dish that will fit the apple slices (parchment paper lining optional - for easier clean up) 9 by 13 usually fits about 4 apples 1 organic apple per person, washed and dried About 3 tbsp. organic cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil* or grass-fed butter* Organic ground cinnamon to taste, about 1-2 tsp Directions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Remove apple cores and slice into ¼” - ½” wide slices Place sliced apples into the lined (optional) baking dish Spread the slices out as evenly as possible Drop coconut oil on top of the apple slices Place the dish into a preheated oven for 15 minutes Remove from oven and sprinkle with cinnamon Stir to coat apples with melted oil/butter and cinnamon Return dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes Test apple slices for done-ness When the apple slice can be cut using the side of a fork or spoon, the apples are done May require a few more minutes in the oven to reach done-ness Apples can be cooked longer for a more applesauce-like consistency, if desired Best served warm Keeps in fridge for up to 3 days Extra delicious served with coconut cream whipped cream Recipe below *if you do not have your gallbladder, you may want to use less coconut oil/butter and/or eat only a small amount of baked apples as the fat may upset your stomach Coconut fat whipped cream Refrigerate a can of organic whole coconut milk for at least 3 hours Open can and place just the solid part into a large mixing bowl The solid on top of the liquid is the coconut cream Save the liquid portion to use in other recipes With a hand mixer, in a stand-mixer, or with a fork beat coconut cream until whipped About 3 - 5 minutes Add a dash of vanilla or honey, if desired for extra flavor Keeps in fridge 5 days Beginning Wednesday, November 11, our neighbors across the I-24 bridge will face further restrictions due to the 11.5% positivity rate for positive coronavirus cases in southern Illinois. Based on Governor J.B. Pritzker's tier system to Restore Illinois, southern Illinois will revert back to phase two in order to fight the spread of COVID-19. Communities in southern Illinois, including Massac County and counties further north will have to hunker down and do their part until the positivity rate declines.
The new restrictions will affect businesses such as Fat Edd's Roadhouse and Cordavinos, bar service, and casinos. As the pandemic continues to sweep through our area, the governor believes this is the best course of action. Here are the new restrictions for the phase two plan: Bars All bars close at 11 pm and may reopen no earlier than 6 am the following day No indoor service All bar patrons should be seated at tables outside No ordering, seating or congregating at bar (bar stools removed) Tables should be six feet apart No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a tables No dancing or standing indoors Reservations required for each party No seating of multiple parties at one table Restaurants All restaurants close at 11 pm and may reopen no earlier than 6 am the following day No indoor dining or bar service Tables should be six feet apart No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting Reservations required for each party No seating of multiple parties at one table Social Gatherings Applicable to professional, cultural and social group gatherings Not applicable to students participating in-person classroom learning, sports or polling places This does not reduce the overall facility capacity dictated by general business guidance (office, retail, etc.) No party buses Gaming and casinos close at 11 pm and are limited to 25 percent capacity The phased plan will limit gatherings to 10 people or less both indoors and outside. It will reduce the table sizes in restaurants and bars to six people, still limited to outdoor dining. Message for new moms...the sitting bassinet is a must have. These little jewels are designed to be used while sitting as opposed to standing. Mercy Health Foundation-Lourdes received a grant from Kosair Charities for 28K to purchase new bassinets for Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital's Family Birthing Center.
After giving birth or even coming home from the hospital, new mothers know how exhausting it can be. Even if you're a mother with grown children, you remember the sleepless nights, the constant, middle-of-the-night baby checks, and the bottle feedings. The new bassinets that are being purchased by the hospital will not only help with the number of times having to walk to the crib or standing bassinet but it's also designed to facilitate mother-baby bonding through increased physical contact, including skin-to-skin care. If you're not having to get up, put on the robe and slippers, you're freer to sit up in the bed and nestle baby. If you're a breast feeding mom, even more reason to appreciate the a sitting bassinet. The hospital has performed nearly 700 deliveries last year which is a 41% increase since 2017, according to the hospital. "The generous grant from Kosair Charities will allow us to provide 15 new bassinets for our mothers and babies. We couldn't be more thankful to Kosair and their dedication to children," said Mercy Health Foundation-Lourdes president Jessica Toren. Kosair Charities' grants committee awards funds to promote the health and wellness of children through support, research, education, child advocacy, and social services. The charity is a partner to non-profits in Kentucky and southern Indian that align with their vision...to improve children's lives. |
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