Covid-19: Unique Prevention and Treatment Advice from my Preferred Doctor

Over the past several years I have seen many doctors to resolve health issues.. I’ve found that the doctors available on my medical insurance were limited to the tests they could order resulting in an inability to resolve my complicated illnesses as I described on January 26th.

Over a year ago I reported on finding an incredible doctor who I’ve now seen twice and paid out of pocket for information that has greatly improved my health! Guarneri Integratve Health at Pacific Pearl in La Jolla, CA, founded by Dr. G. who began as a New York cardiologist, expanded to integrative eastern and western medical treatments focusing on prevention of diseases.

Here is news shared by email to their patients that is newsworthy consisting of a letter from Dr. Guarneri, on March 12th, additional information the next day, and ideas for being home sent on March 16th :

March 12, 2020

Dear Patients,

At Pacific Pearl La Jolla we believe that a healthy immune system is the key to preventing viruses and infections and chronic diseases such as cancer. In light of concerns regarding the Coronavirus we recommend the following:

  1. If you are not feeling well, please call the office and speak with a team member as soon as possible. You have your private access via your VIP membership to utilize phone, email and text to your Pacific Pearl Provider team.  

  2. If you are feeling well, you have the option of doing your follow-up routine appointments, lab and testing review by phone. Since we are a Membership Medicine practice, our priority is to meet your health care needs. 

  3. Non-members who have had appointments with our providers will be accommodated if possible. We are encouraging you to consider becoming a VIP Member for ease of access to our health care team.

  4. You are welcome to come in for a preventative IV immune-boosting infusion, especially if you are planning to travel. I do those myself routinely and strongly recommend them.

  5. You are welcome to sit in our infrared sauna for about 15-30 minutes. Coronavirus dies in high heat. We have other therapies, such as acupuncture, naturopathic treatments and Healing Touch.

  6. Please pick up or have us send you our viral prevention nutraceutical package which includes nutrients, essential oils and two face masks (as available). 

  7. Remember, love is greater than fear. Wash your hands, watch funny movies to boost your immune system and know your team at Pacific Pearl La Jolla is here for you.

March 13, 2020

Dear Patients and Friends,

Many of you have reached out asking additional questions about coronavirus prevention, symptoms and more. We are committed to keeping you informed.

The information we provide comes from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and UCSD molecular virologist James Robb, M.D. Of course, we are all learning about this new virus, and facts change quickly. This email covers the best, most recent information available. To keep up with day-to-day changes in coronavirus information, please go to the Centers for Disease Control website.

Some Coronavirus Facts

  • If you have a runny nose, you may have a simple common cold.

  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Coronavirus starts with a dry cough and sore throat, followed by fever and possibly pneumonia. 

  • It seems that the virus is less harmful to children and young adults.

  • Older adults with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and cancer are at higher risk.

  • It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

The Symptoms

  • Coronavirus first infects the throat. You'll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 days.

  • The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.

  • With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing. 

If you develop any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you seek immediate attention.

Steps to Take If You Are Feeling Ill

  • Call your healthcare provider. Follow their instructions.

  • Separate yourself from other household members, including pets.

  • Wear a face mask.

  • Cover sneezes and coughs.

  • Don't share personal household items like dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. If another uses these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before you use them.

  • Clean hard surfaces (such as counter-tops) daily.

  • Monitor your symptoms closely.

  • If the doctor asks you to come in or if you go to the hospital, wear a face mask to protect others. Let them know when you will arrive in advance so they can prepare.

  • The decision to discontinue self-isolation should be carried out with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments.

Mind Body Spirit Approaches to Staying Healthy

  • Do your best to avoid crowds and sick people.

  • Travel only if you absolutely must. Avoid non-essential travel.

  • Stay hydrated and gargle with a simple solution of salt and water daily.

  • Can't emphasize enough - drink plenty of water and wash hands frequently!  

  • Prioritize foods with phytonutrients, such as dark berries and leafy greens.

  • Get a good night's sleep.

  • Watch funny movies and limit your news consumption.

  • Practice favorite mind-body exercises such as meditation and yoga.

  • Remember to take a deep breath. Breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 2 seconds and out for 7 seconds will put your body into a state of relaxation.

Those concerned may want to consider a preventative IV immune-boosting infusion, our viral prevention nutraceutical package or time in our infra-red sauna.

As mentioned in our email from yesterday, if you are not feeling well, please call the office at 858-459-6919 and speak with a team member as soon as possible. VIP members are utilizing phone, email and text to connect with the Pacific Pearl provider team.  Non-members who have had appointments with our providers will be accommodated if possible. We are encouraging you to consider becoming a VIP Member for ease of access to our health care team.

March 16, 2020

Dear Patients and Friends,

COVID 19 is probably going to be with us for some time. Unfortunately, we do not know for how long. Additionally, it is unclear how severe an outbreak might be in the United States.  

Thankfully, there are many things we can do as individuals and communities that may be helpful. It is important to remain calm and think clearly. Remember that our positive attitudes go a long way in protecting health, enriching our daily lives, and supporting the ones we love.   

Here is a list of things one can do at home to help in these uncertain times:

  • Meet with household members, other relatives, friends and neighbors to discuss what role each individual might take should there be a COVID 19 outbreak in your own community. 

  • Plan ways to care for those who are perceived at greatest risk.

  • Know your neighbors and come up with a neighborhood plan.

  • Identify aid organizations in your community i.e. Scripps Hospital, UCSD, and The Red Cross. San Diego Department of Public Health, San Diego Center for Stress and Anxiety, supermarkets.

  • Create an emergency contact list i.e. of family, friends, neighbors, doctors, carpool drivers and teachers.

  • Designate a “sick” room in your home should someone become ill.

If you have been diagnosed with Covid 19, you must SELF QUARANTINE for 14 DAYS. 

In addition, if you are around or have been around someone who is ill or traveled from a high-risk location where Covid 19 is prevalent, you also must SELF QUARANTINE for 14 DAYS from last known contact with the sick individual or location even if you have no symptoms.

Good things to have at home regardless of this crisis: (dose and amount of any medicine or supplement listed below as recommended by your doctor):

  • Thermometer

  • Aspirin

  • Ibuprofen or Naproxen (do not use if you have high blood pressure)

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 

  • Over the counter cold medicine of your choice; if you have high blood pressure Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold or Flu per package labeling directions

  • Herbal Teas, (Yogi- throat comfort, breathe deep, cold season, immune support)

  • Consider an air purifier

  • Supplements that support immune function

  • Vitamins that support immune function

  • Probiotics 

  • Gastro ULC or Pepto-Bismol

  • Imodium A-D 

  • Stay hydrated, use electrolyte tablets (NUUN, Liquid IV, or Vitalyte) added to 8-12 oz of water, Pedialyte or Gatorade zero as needed

  • Any Cleaning Product known to kill COVID 19 on Surfaces Such As:

  • Clorox Brand Regular Bleach and Cleaners (any bleach product should be diluted 1/3 cup in 1 gallon water of 4 teaspoons bleach in 1 quart water)

  • Purell Cleaners and hand sanitizers

  • Lysol Brand cleaners

  • Micro-Kill Bleach Germicidal Bleach Solution (Medline Industries)

  • Micro-Kill Bleach Germicidal Bleach Wipes (Medline Industries)

  • CaviCide Bleach (Metrex) 

  • CaviCide1 (Metrex )

  • Disposable Gloves 

  • Face Masks

Please remember that there are only shortages that we create. There is no worldwide shortage of toilet paper or paper goods unless we create it. Buy in the amounts that you would as if shopping for the week. 

Positive ways to say entertained:

  • Read a good book

  • Exercise

  • Call friends and family

  • Take a walk

  • Meditate

  • Pray

  • Breathwork

  • Do Sudoku

  • Do a jigsaw puzzle

  • Play cards

  • Do a crossword puzzle

  • Watch a funny movie

  • Play a board game 

  • Play charades

Remember to practice good personal hygiene:

  • Avoid close contact with sick people.

  • Stay home if you are sick.

  • Wear a mask if you are sick.

  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow.

  • Keep your hands away from your face.

  • Clean surfaces and objects daily.

  • Use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.

  • Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds frequently throughout the day especially after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, or being out in public.

  • Socially Distance yourself from others, stay 6 feet away from your neighbor, avoid handshaking and crowds.

Helpful Websites:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV.html