Community Connection
I am overwhelmed by the support I receive each day in clinic. It is so humbling to receive a referral from a patient. It is the highest compliment I could receive when someone sends a friend, family member or loved one to see me to help with their health challenges. This support feeds me in many ways, and I don't mean the food it puts on the table.
Let me explain...
One of my closest friends here in Bellingham and I were having a conversation last week about "self-care". She noted that the idea of self-care is high on the social consciousness at the moment, "what should I be doing to take care of myself during this challenging time?" It is a topic I discuss daily with patients - Movement Hygiene, Exercise, Meditation and Breathing Techniques, and Nutrition - these are all aspects of our life important to our overall health and well-being. We need to cultivate the optimal environment for our mind, body and spirit to survive -- to thrive.
With that said, my friend brought up an equally (if not more important) point - the benefit of helping others. There is an undeniable importance in 'giving', providing support outside of ourselves, that feeds the health of us all. This idea of 'collective well-being' -- of family, community, country and world -- has never been more important than it is today.
The current health crisis has forced each of us to retreat into our homes and to physically distance. This is unfortunately not only true from the perspective of physical isolation, but from emotional and social connection as well. The opportunities to provide social support for those in need is also significantly limited. One example is the closure of our schools. This system impacts our collective community in such a complex way, many of which I admittedly don't understand completely.
The school system provides is a social "net" beyond a place for children to go to learn. It provides access to more obvious programs such as after-school programs, sports, and technology. But more significantly it provides access to essential programs, such as, food availability, housing and shelter, clothing, child support, and family planning services to name a few. (Visit: https://bellinghamschools.org/families/family-support-services/homeless-support-program/community-resources/ for more information). It provides connection.
Our schools connect children with their friends. It connects children with teachers, teachers and parents, and so on and so forth. But it also connects members of the community with a channel to give back to their community. People have a system to share and donate time, experience and skills. This opportunity to invest emotionally and "connect" with their community provides a feeling of fulfillment and belonging imperative to our health and well-being.
There are many searching for new channels to connect, contribute and give back. The reality is it has become more challenging to do so, however there are opportunities when the proper precautions are followed.
I spent some time compiling some resource links which may assist in this process should you be seeking a new outlet to connect.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. I invite you to share your experience with creative ways you are connecting with our community. I am continually impressed with the strength and resiliency of our community.
We are all in this together. As a business owner I understand the need for support. I appreciate and value your support. It fills my heart and soul to serve my community. I am honored and humbled to assist in the health and well-being of the Bellingham community.
In the meantime, please do continue to connect with friends, family, and neighbors to check in and offer your love and support frequently.
-- Warren Schick
Move. Live. Be Well.
COVID-19 UPDATE - POLICIES & PROCEDURES (8/2020)
CLINIC & OFFICE PROCEDURES
The following are MANDATORY Patient and Clinic office procedures. These procedures will be updated based on available guidelines from the CDC and Washington Department of Health.
A Patient should NOT schedule an appointment if they or someone in their household has been exhibiting any of the following symptoms over the past 14 days. These symptoms include:
Fever
Chills, or shaking with chills
Coughing or wheezing
Sore throat
Recent loss of taste or smell
Shortness of Breath
Sputum/phlegm Production
Sneezing
Fatigue or malaise
Muscle aches or muscle pain
Headache
Patient & Clinic Procedures (MANDATORY)
1. Contact me directly via text, phone or email PRIOR to scheduling any appointment in order to discuss your situation.
2. WAIT OUTSIDE the building in your vehicle or other safe location until appointment time. Please DO NOT use public waiting area on the second floor.
3. TEXT or PHONE 360-788-5866 to let me know you have arrived.
4. I will meet you outside the building ENTRANCE to take your temperature.
5. Wear a FACE MASK upon entering the building and during the entirety of your time in the building, including during your treatment.
6. WASH HANDS upon arriving on the second floor (Executive office suites).
7. WASH HANDS upon departure.
Additional Clinic Procedures
· Please understand there is limited appointment availability.
· Patients will be scheduled on the hour.
· Clinic reserves 15 minutes between each appointment to allow for appropriate cleaning/sanitizing time of all surfaces.
· No sheets or linens will be used to allow for appropriate cleaning and disinfecting.
· Provider will be wearing a face mask throughout all treatments.
· ADHERE to respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette (use tissue or sleeve of clothing).
***Clean Needle Technique (CNT) standards are always employed at Active Points Wellness.
The health of our patients, clinicians and community is our highest priority. Active Points Wellness meets strict criteria for resuming non-urgent care procedures.
Disclaimer: this information does not replace medical advice. Consult your Physician when making any decisions regarding your health and well-being.
CONTACT: (360) 788-5866 or contact@activepointswellness.com to request an appointment.