For any of my past, current or future patients, I hope you know I prioritize your health and safety (as well as that of my family and my own). As the COVID-19 epidemic unfolds, CB Skin Secrets remains open with visits by appointment as normal. I will continue to monitor and respect recommendations from the CDC or other regulatory agencies and will post and make best efforts to contact patients directly if any cancellations or postponements are needed.

Of course, if you or a close contact are symptomatic with fever, upper respiratory illness or any other potentially contagious condition, please contact me and we will adjust the timing of your visit accordingly. I have never penalized patients for making even last minute changes but I certainly appreciate any notice you can give. I would much prefer we reschedule than take chances with spreading illness.

In general, I encourage you to wash hands thoroughly and frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20seconds. Use lotion often to prevent cracked and dry skin, especially if hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol is used as an alternative.

Avoiding large groups or people with compromised immunity especially if you or a close contact are symptomatic is best.

Get extra sleep, 7 hrs is the minimum for most people but you likely know how much you need to feel good. Shoot for a bit more sleep, your health may depend on it!

Make time to meditate, stretch or relax quietly for at least 5-15minutes a day. You deserve that!

Eat a variety of real, unprocessed food (more vegetables, fresh or frozen fruit, grass fed and pasture raised meat and dairy (although less dairy may be a good idea).

Avoid sugar or artificial sweeteners especially those with high fructose amounts. Stevia or coconut sugar are acceptable in moderation. Unbleached cane sugar is better than honey or white sugar. Look up lists for low glycemic foods. These cause fewer dramatic shifts in your blood sugar and help stop cravings and food binge urges. Really!!

Along those lines, limit grains and flour. You don’t have to go full keto, paleo or gluten free but less GMO exposure and less inflammatory foods is a good practice. Carbs are basically linked sugars. Fuel your body wisely!

NO trans fats (avoid ALL hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils).

Moderate caffeine intake is ok but at least 70-100oz of actual drinking water daily is very important!

While on the subject of general health (and since I’m already feeling preachy), wear at least SPF 30 daily! Reapplication every 2-3 hours as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, is encouraged. At least applying the highest quality agents, like the all mineral, multifunctional products with optimized ingredients from Colorescience every day is a great start. Since reapplication is made easy using your Sunforgettable brush, you can better protect your skin and health while looking and feeling great with less hassle than you think!

Note that NO ONE is recommending wearing a face mask for the general public. Covering your coughs and sneezes IS a MUST with immediate and thorough hand cleansing, just like you do after using the bathroom or before making food, after contact with animals or frequently touched surfaces. Health care providers or those with symptoms will need the masks however.

Here is an article written by Dr Terry Wahls with some more details and advice for staying healthy including some supplements she recommends.

Let’s all stay positive, stay proactive and stay healthy! Let me know how I can help!

Dr Stacey E. Whitehead

http://www.CBSkinSecrets.com 402-915-2756