Dear Patients and Friends of the Practice,
As we get close to the holidays, it is always good to remember the folks that may be having a harder time of it. You probably have heard of the Ronald McDonald House – this organization helps families stay near their ill children, with both a place to stay and financial help. Of course, keeping families together is especially important during the holiday season. This year we have chosen to get involved as a practice – we are sponsoring the RMHC Santa’s Workshop Toy and Gift Drive, and myself and staff will be volunteering our time to work at the house during the holidays.
We need your help! Please bring in a new, unwrapped toy or adult gift anytime before December 14 (see here for suggestions). On December 15, we will be delivering the toys to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas.
For every toy that is donated:
- We are giving you a practice insulated steel drink bottle or wine glass, as a small thank you.
- The practice will also donate a matching amount in cash to RMHC
I hope you will consider donating a toy on your next visit, or whenever you are in the area. Also, if you are looking for a charity to support, my understanding is that the local central Texas chapter is still looking for volunteers. Please check out this link for details.
Happy Holidays,
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour now that daylight savings time is ending this year.
Follow these tips to help you transition from daylight saving time and sleep better every night:
- Start now by going to bed and waking up 15-20 minutes later each day. Incrementally working up to an hour can help you make a smoother transition.
- Set a regular sleep schedule and stick to it.
- Avoid eating big meals just before bedtime.
- Make sure your room is dark enough, quiet enough, and cool enough when you go to bed.
- Start your day with bright morning light and get as much sun light exposure as you can during the day.
- Avoid bright lights and turn off blue light electronic devices like TV’s, smartphones and computers two hours before bed.
Before Breast Cancer Awareness month ends, we want everyone to remember that early detection can save lives. A mammogram can detect a breast lump before you can see or feel it. Make sure you stay up to date!
The CDC recommends flu vaccines of flu spreading to the Austin area.
Come into the office to get your flu shot, we have a limited supply on hand for our patients.
Here are some photos from our First Anniversary Open House that was held on October 10th. This event was to celebrate the transition to my concierge practice in 2018. Thank you to all that were able to make it.
I hope everyone had as much fun as I did!
And if you missed this one, don’t worry – we will be doing another one next year. – Roxana Rhodes, MD.
One of our patients would like to say Happy Friday! He is a founding member of my concierge practice and continues to delight our office. After recently attending our one year anniversary open house, he could not be happier that he was able to simply text me on short notice and was immediately able to be seen in the office.
You might notice the new practice water bottle he is holding. These are really nice insulated steel bottles that will keep your drinks either cold or hot. These are really easy to get – just post something on social media and stop by our office to pick one up.
It is that time of year again – cold and flu season is here. Influenza, more commonly known as the “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can be mild or severe. Most people will have mild illness and will not need medical care and will recover in less than two weeks.
Although the cold virus and flu virus can cause similar symptoms, flu is usually more severe. Serious outcomes of the flu can result in hospitalization or even death. Some people are more susceptible to complications of the flu, including the elderly, young children, those with compromised immune systems, and people with certain health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Although flu has not hit Travis County in force yet, 10 people in our county have already died this season from flu complications. There are some worrying indications coming from Australia that this flu season could be very severe – check out this article from the New York Times.
Here is what you can do:
- The best way to prevent the flu is to get immunized. Do this now, as it takes a few days to take effect.
- As always, avoid touching your face and wash your hands frequently. That is my secret to staying healthy in a medical office, and it will work even better for you.
- If you get flu symptoms, contact me asap as you may be able to take an anti-viral drug to reduce symptoms. This has to be administered within 48 hours of symptoms though.
- If you get a cold or flu, rest and drink lots of fluids.
Please see the CDC chart on how to tell the different between cold and flu.
Some of you may know Beth Rinke, a very talented local artist who is also part of the practice. I was fortunate to get my hands on one of her wooden art puzzles with an Austin theme. This will be one of our featured door prize on October 10th. It is really an incredible piece of art, which also can help build brain function (according to this NIH study).
If you haven’t RSVP’ed to the Thursday October 10 open house, you can do so on this link. Hope to see you there!
