Dr. Kate at the Newburgh Clinic
5 Earl Sreet K0K 2S0 Newburgh, ON, Canada

Esoteric Saturday post. Thanks to the Marine Detective for sharing this poem. *Edit* to say "Oops somehow I managed to not actually share the poem so here it is now..." Fear, by Khalil Gibran... It is said that before entering the sea a river trembles with fear. She looks back at the path she has traveled, from the peaks of the mountains, the long winding road crossing forests and villages. And in front of her, she sees an ocean so vast, that to enter there seems nothing more than to disappear forever. But there is no other way. The river cannot go back. Nobody can go back. To go back is impossible in existence. The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean because only then will fear disappear, because that’s where the river will know it’s not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean. "It's not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean". These words speak to me on so many levels, especially in the uncharted waters of Covid times. I've always loved poetry. I've always loved the ocean. Born and bred on the prairies, the ocean was always the ultimate destination. Even though the prairies will always be where my heart can take a deep breath and know that I'm truly home... I am still drawn to the ocean, to the voyage. Khalil Gibran's poem speaks to my heart and reminds me of one of my earliest memories of story-telling... 'Paddle to the Sea' by Holling C Holling. Paddle to the Sea is the story of the journey of a hand-carved paddler in his canoe, carved by a young boy in the Canadian north, lovingly launched by his creator from a snow-covered river bank early in the spring. It tells the story of the wooden paddler and his canoe, through spring run-off, through lumber mills and great lakes, through all kinds of adversity and accolades, tenderness and near-tragedy... It was one of my absolute favourite childhood stories/movies. Still is, still makes me weep every time. So, Esoteric Saturday..., We're in this together whether we like it or not. We'll do way better if we embrace the fact that we're in this together. The ocean is one of the most powerful forces on this planet. I would like to believe that humankind is another such powerful force. Let's paddle to the sea. Let's become the ocean. Let's do everything we can to support each other to get there. Together, we've got this! "Only then will fear disappear"

A simple but huge shout-out to all the kids, parents, bus drivers, teachers, EAs, librarians, office staff, after-school care providers.... as you navigate the uncharted and ever-changing territory of back-to-school in the midst of Covid-19. We're in this together, and together, we've got this!

Written by a fellow Canadian Physician mom, well worth the read!

I promise I won't get political very often. But... this is an issue that needs more awareness.

Some of you who follow me on my personal page may have seen this already but I think it's an appropriate post to share here too. I don't know the OP and I don't agree with everything in this post (energy drinks are NEVER a good idea) but for the most part, I think there's clearly lots of experience and concern, and a lot of sound advice. If any of you have any questions about this feel free to reach out to me. Thanks for reading. We're in this together!

True Superheroes!

Good, simple advice.

This is a really interesting graphic.

WE SEE YOU... local seamstresses, making masks and gowns, and all those who are donating fabric and elastic so that they can continue to do this. Elastic is in short supply so if anyone has any to donate, please consider doing this. You can drop it off at the Newburgh Clinic and I'll deliver it from there. Thanks!

WE SEE YOU... Community businesses donating your PPE supplies. Thank-You!

Let's talk about masks. There are 3 kinds of masks that people are wearing. All 3 are designed to cover your mouth and nose. The N95s are the form-fitting ones made of a more rigid material with a metal insert to pinch around your nose. They have two elastics that loop around the back of your head.... The surgical masks are simple, pleated rectangles with elastic ear loops. They also have the metal insert to pinch around your nose. And then there are the hand-sewn ones made of cotton. They're pretty much the same design as the surgical masks but with a fabric insert instead of the metal one. The N95s are the ones that offer the greatest protection, for the person wearing it and also for the other people in their space, but they're in dangerously short supply. They need to be reserved for healthcare workers (HCWs) who are performing procedures that are likely to send small particles of potentially infected mist into their faces, procedures that can't be performed from any kind of physical distance, things like CPR or inserting a breathing tube, life and death kinds of procedures for the patient and also for the HCW if they don't have the proper protection. The surgical masks should be reserved for HCWs who are performing day-to-day procedures like immunizations or even prenatal exams, or even just asking the questions, taking the history as we call it. The cotton ones are ideal for wearing to the grocery store or walking the dog, or any activity where a physical distance is relatively easy to maintain. They're the only ones designed to be re-usable. Lots of trades people use N95s as protection from fumes or dust. Re-using them in this setting is perfectly safe. Re-using them in a healthcare setting, where that mask itself can become a vector for the virus, is not safe. HCWs are desperately trying to source more supplies of these masks, and to figure out ways to sterilize them, but in the meantime, if any of you have any extra N95s or even surgical masks, PLEASE donate them to your local hospital where they can save lives. There are lots of talented seamstresses out there making cotton masks so they won't be in short supply, and they make a great fashion statement! Stay well, and show me your cotton-masked mugs folks!

It looks like we may actually be starting to flatten the curve here in Canada. Physical distancing works! https://91-divoc.com/pages/covid-visualization/

Here I am, at the 41 minute mark (thanks Anita). https://www.cbc.ca//15768534-is-ontario-ready-for-the-surg

Taken from one of the World Health Organization's top experts, the news continues to be sobering. Thanks to all who are staying home, physically distancing, and taking this seriously. You are saving lives!

If ANYONE has anything in the way of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), especially N95 masks, protective goggles or face shields, and hand sanitizer... PLEASE consider donating them. This is a serious need. Your Healthcare Workers took an oath. We have a duty to care and many of us will stand up and show up regardless, but we'd really rather have the protection we need to keep ourselves and you and your loved ones safe. Please!

Great information about bringing groceries (and other things) into our homes.

PLEASE read then share this very important poster...thanks!!

Are you worried about Covid-19? Do you think you need to be tested? Here's a link to Ontario's self-assessment tool for Covid-19. https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

So, I was thinking that my next post might be about what we can do to stay mentally healthy through this COVID-19 pandemic, and then I woke up to this... Thanks Eileen Feliciano! There are some really great tips here, something for everyone to be sure.

Finally, here is my long-overdue post about COVID-19 and pets. It applies to farm animals too. First of all, there is NO evidence that a dog, cat or any other pet can transmit COVID-19. That means that you can safely snuggle with your pets as usual. And please do! It's good for them and it's good for you too, especially in stressful times like these. There's been tons of research about the benefits of pets on our health, both mental and physical (anxiety, depression, high blo...od pressure, etc). They can even boost our immune system! There ARE a few things that you do need to think about if you have pets or farm critters during this pandemic though... Be sure to have a two-week supply of their essentials on hand (food and water, medications, bedding and litter...). Make sure that there's at least one other person who is familiar with your pet and their routine (feeding, walking, medications...) in case you need help. Have detailed written instructions, the more extensive the better, in case you need someone to take over the care of your animals. And make sure someone knows where those instructions are. Bottom line, there is no need to worry that you have to isolate yourself from your pets during this COVID-19 pandemic, so snuggle to your heart's content. I hope this is helpful. Take care everyone. Look after yourselves and each other. K