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Coronavirus Information and Updates
April 30, 2020
We Have Reason To Hope
Today we face challenges like we have never seen before. It is easy to be overwhelmed and lose hope. The sacrifices we are making every day in social distancing, diligent handwashing, mask wearing, and more are having a positive impact on the spread of COVID-19.
Trends suggest that these infection control practices are making a real difference. While we may continue to see an uptick in reported cases, the number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalizations has slowed and, in fact, has plateaued.
This is good news and gives reason to hope.
Does this mean we can relax? Absolutely not. It is of paramount importance that we continue to remain diligent in our current actions. We must do what we can to stop the spread of the virus. We are all in this together, and we will all come out of this stronger.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information.
We Are Here To Meet Your Health Care Needs
While there is so much focus on COVID-19, other medical needs are still important to address. Please don’t wait to seek care and risk developing an acute illness.
Our providers are selectively seeing patients for office visits. We are following best practices in infection control to provide care in a way that is safe for our patients and staff.
We have procedures in place to minimize risk to you and our providers and staff, including limitations to waiting rooms, which may mean waiting in your car until your provider is ready to see you, using protective medical masks for all staff and patients, and offering two separate office sites to minimize social interaction.
We are all embarking on a new normal. Telemedicine is a part of that new normal. We can see you by phone or video appointment and encourage telemedicine when appropriate for your medical care.
Click here to see our most up-to-date Telemedicine policy.
Giving Thanks To Our Health Care Colleagues
In major cities around the globe, applause and cheers go out nightly as people show support for the health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.
Hope is on display every day in the selflessness and sacrifice of essential workers. From grocery store workers to delivery drivers, those who can stay home are supported by many fellow citizens who are doing their jobs despite the risks.
Hope is on the faces of the health care providers we work beside—first responders, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and volunteers—who are putting the health and wellbeing of others before their own. It is a calling to care and serve others, and that is why each and every one of us chooses to do what we do.
We are witnessing so much heroism right now.
I would also like to express special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of GNI who are going above and beyond for our patients every day. Collectively, we remain committed to providing the highest quality and safest care possible.
Thank you and please be well.
Erol Veznedaroglu, MD, FACS, FAANS, FAHA
April 8, 2020
Preparing for Today and Tomorrow
Early signs are showing the spread of COVID-19 may be slowing. Rates of hospitalization have seemed to plateau, and medical masks and gowns are now stocked at our local health care systems. These are positive signs, and this new data offers a glimmer of much-needed hope. But now more than ever, we need to remain vigilant and strictly follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines using great discipline.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Governments around the world have restricted travel, gatherings, and meetings. Quite simply, please stay home. If you must go out, continue to follow physical distancing guidelines and wear face coverings. The CDC this week called for Americans to wear masks in public places. If you do not have access to a medical mask, please use this video showing how to make a simple homemade face covering.
As you know, we have made changes to our office policies. Please use this link to find information about rescheduling wellness and elective procedure appointments, as well as options for telemedicine at GNI.
This global health crisis has presented a unique challenge that has impacted all our lives. On behalf of GNI, I would like to express my concern and support for our patients, staff, and health care colleagues affected by this outbreak. Your health and safety is our first priority. We are here for you.
Please be well.
Erol Veznedaroglu, MD, FACS, FAANS, FAHA
April 1, 2020
Coping with Coronavirus Concern
With COVID-19 in the news every day, it’s only natural to have some anxiety. This is especially true since so much about the virus is unknown right now. Anxiety is understandably high as we learn more about the global spread of this disease. Here are some tools to help manage the fear you may feel.
Focus on what you have control over
A good way to manage any kind of fear is to become educated about it. The more we know about the real dangers, the more we can take effective steps to avoid or minimize them and put some fears to rest. Accurate information is an effective antidote to unrealistic fears.
Resources for up-to-date medical information and advice about coronavirus:
World Health Organization (WHO)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Monitor your exposure to the news
Media news coverage can arouse emotion and increase fear. It’s important to get the facts, but it may not be helpful to hear the same reports over and over. Be aware of how you and family members respond to news stories. Limit television or online coverage if it becomes distressing.
Understand your risk
The term ‘pandemic’ can be very scary. It’s a medical term that means cases of a new disease are showing up around the world and may spread rapidly because people don’t have immunity. Practice good health habits to reduce your risk, such as washing hands frequently. Your level of fear should not exceed your risk factors.
Take a break from the fears
Find ways to shift your focus away from stressful thoughts. Spend time doing things you enjoy that help you feel calm and balanced. If children are fearful, give them honest information at a level they can understand. You don’t need to explain everything about the virus and risk. Give them only as much information as they request. Encourage family members to talk about any stressful thoughts and feelings they may be experiencing. Listen to their concerns and reassure them.
We have to walk a fine line between awareness and fear. Try to keep your thoughts in sync with what is actually happening, not what your worst fears may be. Please know we are working diligently to understand the risks of COVID-19 and keeping our patients safe.
Please be well.
Erol Veznedaroglu, MD, FACS, FAANS, FAHA
March 24, 2020
The health and safety of our patients is of the utmost importance to Global Neurosciences Institute (GNI). One of the best things about being a health care provider is caring for others. We are here for you. Your trust in our care means a great deal to us, and for that we are truly grateful.
GNI is working hard to ensure we are keeping our patients, families, and staff safe and healthy as per the CDC guidelines during this unprecedented time in history.
COVID-19 What You Need To Know
Stay Safe. Protect Yourself.
You can prevent your chances of contracting COVID-19 by taking these steps:
- Wash hands liberally with soap and water for 20 seconds or more.
- If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
- Please stay home. Limit contact with others and be smart about travel.
- If you have to go out, maintain personal space with 6 feet of distancing.
- Don't Panic. Stay Informed:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
Pennsylvania Department of Health | Hotline: 1-877-724-3258
New Jersey Department of Health | Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
For General COVID-19 Questions | Call: 2-1-1
Symptoms to Monitor
Symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Body aches or fatigue
If you believe you have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 or are exhibiting mild symptoms, please do not go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care Center seeking testing. Please contact your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine your need for testing and treatment depending on the severity of the situation.
If you are experiencing a severe medical emergency, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, immediately call 9-1-1.
Thank you for remaining thoughtfully engaged with GNI as our world takes precautions for COVID-19. Courage is forged from the same source as fear, and during these past few days we are reminded the resilience within us all as we face this time of unforeseen difficulty.
Please be well.
Erol Veznedaroglu, MD, FACS, FAANS, FAHA
President and CEO of Global Neurosciences Institute