How is MKW-Institute dealing with COVID-19

How is MKW-Institute dealing with COVID-19

Update: March 25, 2020

The Minnesota governor has recently issued a stay at home executive order with specific exceptions being made particularly to Minnesotans that need to leave their residence to perform health and safety activities. Since Ketamine therapy is an essential mental health and safety therapy that is keeping patients out of the hospital and saving valuable resources to be utilized at the hospital and minimizing potential patient exposure, the MKW-Institute will be remaining open with our already preventative and aggressive personal protective approach. Please continue to follow our strict guidelines outlined below as this allows us to function and stay operational.

Additionally, while traveling, in the chance that you are questioned by law enforcement regarding your travel plans, we encourage you to present to them (with consenting permission) your appointment scheduling with us shown on your cell phone via text message. If they need further confirmation, you can call or text immediately and we will attempt to be readily available to confirm your appointment with them, allowing you to proceed.

Again, thank you for your patience and please see our strict guidelines below regarding our personal protective measures and last-minute scheduling changes.

MKW-Institute is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Since ketamine is the only working option for many of our patients and keeps them out of the ER’s and hospitals, we are an essential service and are currently continuing to treat with the following guidelines with the safety of everyone in mind:

1) We ask that if you have any symptoms even similar to the ones described as COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing, and overall flu-like symptoms), please stay home and reschedule.

2) You will notice the office will be scaled down and there will be no amenities such as coffee, magazines, fans, etc. Scaling down will allow more streamlined cleaning and minimize viral surface exposure.

3) You will be brought straight back to treatment rooms, and there will be no waiting allowed in the waiting room for other family/friends/drivers.

4) We are staggering patients to allow time to clean the chairs and ventilate the rooms.

5) Please wear a mask if possible. You may take it off during the infusion.

6) We are a low volume clinic with a low risk already, however we are taking all possible preventative measures to keep our staff and patients safe, and our clinic open to provide our essential service.

Additionally, due to our collaborative specialty involving support staff and anesthesia providers, our scheduling may change last minute due to these providers being on critical and emergency response teams. We ask that you be understanding if there are last minute schedule changes or cancellations due to unforeseen availability of our staff.

Lastly, we will continue to do what we can to keep the clinic open. We understand there is a lot going on around the community, state, country, and world and that it can seem overwhelming. Please know that we are doing as much as we can, as safely as we can, and as efficiently as possible to provide the best care at any given point as daily recommendations change in regards to CDC, MDH, APSF, NIH, etc.

Below are a few things you can do to help manage anxiety naturally.

Be Active

Regular physical activity and exercise is important to both physical and emotional health. In fact, exercise can be just as effective as medication for some people according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Avoid Substance Abuse

The symptoms of anxiety can be stressful and many turn to harmful substances like alcohol or cigarettes to try to find relief. Unfortunately, this only puts off the symptoms temporarily and you can develop further anxiety or even depression because of how they make you feel.

Limit Your Caffeine Intake

Caffeine is seen as a necessary part of life for many of us, but the primary symptoms of anxiety, like general nervousness and jitters, may be made worse by excessive caffeine intake.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Many with anxiety also experience insomnia. If you are struggling with sleep as well, try only sleeping at night when you feel tired, not reading or watching TV in bed, minimizing use of electronic devices early in the day, and avoiding caffeine and large meals before bedtime.

Meditation

Meditation is a centuries-old technique for removing chaotic thought and returning your mindset to something calm and serene. In fact, just half an hour of meditation a day can relieve some symptoms of anxiety according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Diet

Some people experience mood changes because of low blood sugar levels, dehydration, or ingredients of processed foods like artificial flavors and colors and preservatives. If you find that your anxiety gets worse after eating, you may be on a diet that is contributing to your symptoms. Try drinking lots of water, cutting down on processed foods, and eating foods high in complex carbohydrates or lean proteins.

Deep Breathing

People have used deep breathing as a relaxation technique for hundreds of years. Try to focus on inhaling and exhaling evenly and deeply.

Find Something to Distract Yourself With

Try taking a walk or eating your lunch outside today instead. Anything that can disrupt your usual train of thought can help relieve your anxiety symptoms.

Self-Care

It is important to take time for yourself now and again to take care of your needs and spend time doing activities that you enjoy.

Clean Up

Despite how cliché it sounds, the old idiom of “a cluttered desk is a cluttered mind” rings true. Take some time to clean up the clutter around you – you may be surprised to see how much better you feel.

As always if you or a loved one has any questions for us please give us a call or send us an email and a member of our staff will be glad to help.

Stay safe and be well,
Sincerely,

MKW-Institute Staff

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