Hours Next Week & Speed of Vaccinations

To My Patients, 

Emailed to patients 3/7-3/11/2021

Hope all is well. 

Well, we are almost on our way to see our youngest son, his wife, and their two children (our youngest grandchildren) in Denver. We had our COVID vaccinations and have our plane tickets - we're very excited! 

We'll be a way for one week, beginning Thursday 3/18, back in the office the following Thursday 3/25/2011. While away, we'll continue to take urgent messages through our regular phone number 203-853-1919 or by email at istaw@drstaw.com. Janine will be in the office by arrangement for pre-physical exam workup (usually EKG, breathing test, and blood drawing). 

If you need to be seen before we leave, please contact us as soon as possible, we'll be in the office on Tuesday 3/9, Thursday 3/11, and Tuesday 3/16. 

While away I will continue to do telemedicine "virtual visits", using either FaceTime or Zoom. Isn't it great how technology can keep us close together? 

** COVID Vaccination in Connecticut **
As of 3/5/2021, Connecticut ranked amongst the 8 highest in the percentage of people who were actually vaccinated, with 21% having received the first shot, and 8.8% having received two shots. Sounds like we're doing well, doesn't it? No, it's still too slow! And Connecticut is gradually "opening up." That means more chance of exposure and that means that you still have to be very, very careful, vaccinated or not - please remain vigilant. 

Want more information? Check out this great site by NPR with some additional details. This site is updated regularly. 

** More About the Heart **
February, Heart Month, is over but our heart is still within us and we have to take care of it. Let's assume that you're overweight (actually, quite a bit overweight, obese...). You already know the heart risks of obesity and you want to reduce these risks. You give yourself a choice "should I exercise, or should I lose weight, what's better?" 

Recent studies reinforce what we've known for a long time: the benefits of significant weight loss (more than 10% of body weight), exceeds that of moderate exercise by far, although both have cardiac benefits. But why think of which choice is better? Do both. Just get up and do it, your body will thank you for it. 

Need guidance specific to your needs? Email me with your questions. 

** Gardening **
Do you grow your own vegetables and flowers during the warm season? Now is the time to start your seeds indoors. Want a reasonable seeding/planting calendar for vegetables? Try the Old Farmer's Almanac calendar, it's a great resource. 

Looking forward to getting outdoors again! 

Stay safe and stay well,  

Igal Staw, Ph.D., M.D.