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2/9/2022

What We Know about Omicron

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The CDC has been collaborating with global public health and industry partners to learn about Omicron. They have stated, “as we continue to monitor its course. We are still learning about how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and how well available vaccines and medications work against it.”

Spread
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The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Delta variant. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

Symptoms

Persons infected with the Omicron variant can present with symptoms similar to previous variants. The presence and severity of symptoms can be affected by COVID-19 vaccination status, the presence of other health conditions, age, and history of prior infection.

Severe Illness

Omicron infection generally causes less severe disease than infection with prior variants. Preliminary data suggest that Omicron may cause more mild disease, although some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this variant. Even if only a small percentage of people with Omicron infection need hospitalization, the large volume of cases could overwhelm the healthcare system which is why it’s important to take steps to protect yourself.

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. This includes primary series, booster shots and additional doses for those who need them.
Scientists are still learning how effective COVID-19 vaccines are at preventing infection from Omicron. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated are likely to occur. People who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get COVID-19 are less likely to develop serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and get COVID-19.

Treatments
​
Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Some, but not all, monoclonal antibody treatments remain effective against Omicron. Public health agencies work with healthcare providers to ensure that effective treatments are used appropriately to treat patients.


FOR THIS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT CDC.GOV

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10/11/2021

ImpOrtanT InformatioN for all patientS (No-Show Policy)

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Thank you for trusting your medical care to Signet Healthcare PC. Please see our Appointment Cancellation/No Show Policy below. This will be effective 10/15/2021 .

We schedule our appointments so that each patient receives the right amount of time to be seen by our physicians and staff. That is why it is very important that our patients keep scheduled appointment with us, and arrive on time. If your schedule changes and you cannot keep your appointment, please contact us so we may reschedule you, and accommodate those patients who are waiting for an appointment. As a courtesy to our office as well as to those patients who are waiting to schedule with the physician, please give us at least 24 hours notice. If you do not cancel or reschedule your appointment with at least 24 hours notice, a fee of $25 will be charged to your account. This “no-show charge” is not reimbursable by your insurance company. You will be billed directly for it. As a courtesy, when time allows, we make reminder calls for appointments. If you do not receive a reminder call or message, the above Policy will remain in effect. We understand there may be times when an unforeseen emergency occurs and you may not be able to keep your scheduled appointment. If you should experience extenuating circumstances please contact our Office Manager, who may be able to waive the No Show fee.

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9/27/2021

Breast Cancer Awareness

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African American Women and Breast Cancer
By
​
Dr. Richard G. Berry. MD, FACP

Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month? Did you also know that in 1993, President Bill Clinton proclaimed the third Friday in October each year to be National Mammography Day?  Throughout the month of October, women are encouraged to make appointments for their mammogram.  Knowing this, I would like to focus on the African American woman. You see, an article published in Breast Cancer Prevention Partners reported that African American women have the highest rate of mortality from breast cancer. Let us look at some pertinent facts: 
  • US women as a whole, have a 1 in 8 risk for breast cancer.
 
  • Breast cancer has the highest mortality rate of any cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 59.
 
  • Breast cancer incidence among women younger than 45, is highest among American American women than the Caucasian women.
 
  • Research shows that while Causation women are more likely to get breast cancer than any other race, the mortality rate for African American women is 30% to 40% higher.  African American women are also more likely to get cancer earlier in life and twice as likely to be diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
 
So what can you do as an African American woman to decrease your risks of serious complications and death from breast cancer?  I will review three areas for awareness. 
Signs of Breast Cancer
You really need to know your body, specifically your breasts.  These are some of the signs of breast cancer.
  •  Swollen lymph nodes or bumps under your arm or around your collarbone
  •  Abnormal swelling of any part of your breast
  •  Dimpling of the skin of the breast where the skin appears to have an indentation appearance.
  •  Breast nipple pain or retraction of the nipple.
  •  Redness or scaliness of the nipple or skin of the breast.
  •  Discharge from the nipple.
 
Now how would you find these abnormalities of the breast?  A regular breast exam is the way.  A breast exam routine should begin at your first PAP exam recommended at around age 20 to 21.  The person who does the PAP should be able to teach and instruct you on how to do a complete exam.
 
The Breast Exam
A good breast exam would have you lying down usually with the arm of the breast being examined comfortably over your head.  Using the pads of the three middle fingers of the opposite hand, (do not use your fingertips), firmly press on the breast feeling all the tissue from your collarbone to the bottom of your bra line and from the armpit to your breastbone.  Remember that a large portion of your breast is under your arm, so take a little extra time examining this area.  At the end of the exam squeezing the nipple is the final important act to see if any pain or discharge is noted.   If you are more comfortable doing this exam in your shower, you can follow the same technique, standing and lathered with soap.  
 
You should do this exam around the same time each month, approximately one week after your period.  You probably will not feel or find any lumps, bumps or indentations.  This is a normal exam.  You are becoming familiar with your body.  However one day you may just see or feel something there that was not there the month before.  This is the time you now need to follow up with your Primary Care Provider.
 
Mammogram Screening
Mammograms are the preferred method of finding breast cancer.  Your clinician may order an ultrasound to see if a breast mass is solid or a cyst.  Ultrasound of the breast is not usually done to screen for breast cancer because it may miss some early signs of a cancer.
 
For early detection of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms.  If a patient in my practice has a family history of breast cancer, meaning her mother or grandmother had breast cancer, then I begin screening at age 35.  The ACS then recommends women 45 to 54 should get their mammograms every year.  Women 55 and older should get their mammograms every 2 years.  Finally, women with no history of breast cancer with negative mammograms can stop having these examinations at age 75.  
 
So there you have it.  It’s your body given by God to keep healthy. Take care of it and you will have a long life.
​

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8/17/2021

COVID-19 Update

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7/27/2021

The delta variant

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Yale Medicine and the CDC reports:
For the first time in more than a year, we’re feeling some hope—or at least cautious optimism—that the pandemic could recede to the background. But experts want us to know that there is still a concern that new mutations of the virus could bring it back, and it might be even stronger. A major concern right now is Delta Variant, a highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus strain. From what we know so far, people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus appear to have protection against Delta, but anyone who is unvaccinated and not practicing preventive strategies is at risk for infection by the new variant, the doctors say.

Here are five things you need to know about the Delta variant.
1. Delta is more contagious than the other virus strains.
2. Unvaccinated people are at risk.
3. Delta could lead to 'hyperlocal outbreaks.'
4. There is still more to learn about Delta.
5. Vaccination is the best protection against Delta.


Protect yourself from COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to spread in the United States and variants are circulating. Take steps to protect yourself from the virus.
  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
  • Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.


For this and more information please visit yalemedicine.org and cdc.gov

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4/8/2021

Boosting your immune system

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By Dr. Richard G. Berry MD, FACP

A healthy immune system is one of the ways we can protect ourselves against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Now It cannot prevent you from getting infected, but a strengthened immune system, especially in an individual that has not as yet been immunized, helps defend yourself from disease causing invaders.
A Harvard study recently showed that apart from not smoking or drinking alcohol, these three habits will increase your immune response to invaders. They are;
1. A Vegetarian diet
2. Exercise
3. Decreasing stress.

A strong immune system will not only help to protect us from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it will also help us live a more balanced life.

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3/12/2021

“How to approach covid-19” Lecture

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Dr. Richard Berry will be lecturing on “How to Approach Covid-19”
Saturday, March 13 at 4:00pm
Hosted by the health department of the South Atlantic Conference.


This event is for all Hispanics in Georgia and the Carolinas.
​For more information please follow the link (in red) to the website.

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2/22/2021

Best PRACTICES to keep from catching Covid-19

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Article by: Dr. Richard G. Berry MD, FACP

​Last week I did something I have not done in the past ten months. I hugged my very special 84 year old mother in law, Bettye Mills and kissed her on her cheek. You may wonder how I can justify doing this since this article is supposed to deal with living with COVID and best practices to prevent catching the virus. You see both of us had been vaccinated with the last of the two doses of the Moderna vaccine two weeks prior. We had reached the 95% protection and, with her permission, I felt safe doing this.

Let me be clear. If you have not received the vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna, you are at a high risk of catching the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 disease. So if you want the joy that I had in showing affection to a loved one, this is the article for you.

So here we go. Let us begin unpacking the very important subject of not only surviving COVID, but also lowering your risks on a daily basis. Four important things we can do immediately to live with COVID now and protect ourselves from this deadly virus and it’s variant.

First the reality is that for the foreseeable future masks will be in vogue in this country. The N95 mask is the gold standard. Double masking with a surgical mask although not as yet recommended by the CDC, is more protective.

Secondly, since people can spread the virus before they know that they are sick, physical distancing of at least six feet is very important.

I cannot over stress this third one. Get the vaccine as soon as it is available for you. Yes, you will still have to follow the above two recommendations, but you will still feel a sense of protection and relief.

Finally, a healthy immune system is essential for survival. Please consider a vegan or at least a vegetarian diet. Supplements with Vitamins C, D and Zinc are also recommended by many medical professionals.

Recent publications from the CDC, show the number of new COVID-19 cases in the US declining to levels last seen before the Thanksgiving and Christmas 2020 holidays. This is a long awaited trend. However some in the medical community have voiced a warning that COVID may really never go away. We may have to get yearly vaccines like we do with the Flu vaccine. Therefore it is important to know these best practices and more importantly follow them.



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1/8/2021

Covid-19 vaccines: what you need to know

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12/28/2020

A needle in time saves lives

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​A Needle in Time Saves Lives
By
Dr. Richard G. Berry, MD, FACP.

I have been asked by a number of patients and family members what I will do when the COCID-19 vaccine is available. I have taken the time to think about it and research the literature available at this time. Well they, the vaccines, have arrived. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is here and the Moderna’s vaccine just got approval by the FDA and CDC. I have made the decision to take the COVID-19 vaccine in a few days when my hospital receives the doses.

There are three options for you to consider. Just three.
Option 1. This option is to disregard all the scientific research and recommendations about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and refuse to take it.
Option 2. The second option is to wait till some have taken the vaccine and see if there are any unknown side effects. (See if Dr. Berry begins to glow in the dark after receiving the injection, and then decide whether to take it or not.)
Option 3. The third option is the option I chose. To review the reputable scientific information, seek counsel from a physician you trust, pray about it, and get the vaccine when it becomes available.

If you choose option one, you are at a high risk of becoming infected by the virus, especially if you have a number of risk factors like obesity, diabetes and chronic medical problems. Over 300,000 souls have been lost so far because they did not have the antibodies to help their immune system fight off the infection. Option 1 is still your choice.

If you choose option two, wait and see, you are still as vulnerable to the deadly consequences of the infection as option one. Option 2 is however still your choice.

Option three is the only option I believe is available now for our survival. Like the Polio vaccine, MMR and Flu vaccines, mankind has been saved from many deadly infections. Literally millions of us have been protected by these inoculations.

The same is now true for the COVID-19 vaccine. Now to be completely transparent, as of the publication of this article, there are individuals who should NOT get the vaccine. In researching the literature, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are not approved (at this time) for people aged below 16, or those with severe allergies (make sure the clinic that administers the vaccine has the resources to correct any adverse reaction to the injection, like an Epipen. They must also observe you for at least 20 minutes after the injection). Also pregnant women are not eligible for the vaccines. Ongoing research by these companies, I believe, will eventually clear for pediatric and pregnancy use, but at this time, these three are not eligible.

Well how does the vaccine work? Prophecy states that in the last days knowledge shall increase. The production of this vaccine with mRNA technology (messenger Ribonucleic acid) has been a miracle in the making. As of February 2020 when the Chinese disclosed the virus, they had already deciphered the genetic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus ( Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2). This sequence was shared with American scientists who were especially interested in the part of the virus that attaches to the human cells and facilitates injection of the viral RNA into these cells. These “protrusions” on the surface of the virus, or the clusters of red triangular projections we have seen in pictures, are called Spike proteins or S proteins. If an antibody could be developed to attack the S proteins, the virus could not penetrate the human cells and therefore would die. This is exactly what was done.

The mRNA protein sequence of the S protein is encircled in a lipid Nano molecule (because of the length of this article I will explain this at a future time) that allows this S protein to enter the cell. It never goes into the nucleus of the cell where the DNA is found. In the cytoplasm the mRNA is used to form S proteins that are eventually expressed on the surface of the cells. Your immune system sees these S proteins and produces antibodies to them. The research shows that to be 95% effective, the body needs a second injection of the Pfizer vaccine 21 days after the first.

It is important to note that after you are immunized you can still become infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The difference is that you would have developed antibodies to the S protein of the virus. These antibodies would effectively prevent the virus from attaching to your cells, and therefore, you would not get very sick or die. You still however need to protect yourself by wearing an appropriate mask and physical distancing.

So there you have it. Information to aid with your decision making. Pray about it and as you have in the past, and be guided by the Holy Spirit.


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