Dr. Francis Martin Responds to Diabetics’ Frequently Asked Questions About COVID

In recognition of November being Diabetes Awareness Month, the St. David’s Branch of the Grenada Diabetes Association, in conjunction with Central Health – Grenada, presents a discourse by Dr. Francis Martin on the topic, “Diabetics & COVID: Frequently Asked Questions.”

Dr. Martin, a Grenadian public health physician, covers the following:

• COVID-19’s Interference with Diabetes - click here. 

• Misunderstandings: Diabetics & the COVID Vax  -  click here.

• Post COVID Syndrome: Diabetics at Great Risk   - click here.

• Erectile dysfunction (ED): Diabetes & COVID - click here.

• Protection from COVID – For Diabetics – click here.

To learn more about the Grenada Diabetes Association, contact 473-440-0888.

Sudden Grief Can Cause PTSD

In Grenada, every evening on local television, the obituaries are read. Each name represents not only their death but also people touched by their lives. During the first surge of COVID cases, many people died. Grief, especially sudden, can cause Post Traumatic Stress.

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a term commonly attached to some soldiers who, after returning home from being deployed, experience intense feelings and experiences. These range from flashbacks, distressing memories, ongoing fear, feelings of shame, angry outbursts to deep sadness. A person experiencing loss can be impacted the same way. Additionally, the need to adhere to protocols impacted cultural and traditional grieving rituals, such as the prohibited church services, visiting the bereaved, to not being permitted to be with them in their final moments.

 

Central Health-Grenada interviewed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Augustine Panchoo on the matter of grief and PTSD as part of its October series entitled, “Grief, Grenada & COVID.” During the interview, Dr. Panchoo’s discourse unpacked startling facts about death’s effects on the human mind. To view the first half of the interview with Dr. Panchoo –click here.

 

 Central Health – Grenada extends condolences to families who have lost someone due to COVID or other causes. It is the hope this October series can help someone.

Central Health-Grenada is a grassroots initiative. Its purpose is to educate nationals about chronic non-communicable diseases. As Covid-19 has devastating effects on persons with pre-existing conditions, Central Health-Grenada felt it important to highlight its impact on those most at risk

Grief, Grenada & COVID (October Series)

 

Grenada's Ministry of Health has implemented specific measures to keep citizens safe before, during, and after funerals. 

The first part of memorial service within churches is not permitted. Health Protocols also prohibit burials having more than 20 people in attendance. Only a minimum of two people can officially identify the remains of the deceased before the coffin is sealed. Gatherings of persons from different households are discouraged, disrupting traditions such as third-night prayers and visits to the homes of the bereaved to console. 

 

Because of these repercussions and more, Central Health – Grenada is highlighting how these multiple layers cause trauma through a new October Series entitled “Grief, Grenada & COVID,” as the death of a loved one during these ‘covidious’ times can cause additional levels of emotional stress.

 

The first two installments of Grief, Grenada & COVID lean on Bishop Clyde Harvey Roman Catholic Diocese of St. George's in Grenada and Rev. Gerard Keens-Douglas, Senior Pastor of St. George’s Evangelical Church and Moderator for ECWI – Grenada, for advice. Spiritual leaders play a significant role in helping persons cope during types of crises. This strategy is recognized and encouraged by the World Health Organization. 

 

In a 2020 Interim Guidance entitled, Practical considerations and recommendations for religious leaders and faith-based communities in the context of COVID-19: interim guidance, 7 April 2020 (who.int), there is a subsection that focuses on safe burial practices. Within that portion, it states, “Faith leaders can help grieving families to ensure that their departed loved ones receive respectful, appropriate funerals and burial rites, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The document not only recognizes that mourners should be shown respect but also included, “If the family of the deceased wishes to view the body after its removal from the medical facility where the family member has died, they may be allowed to do so, in accordance with local physical distancing restriction, with no touching or kissing of the body and thorough handwashing before and after viewing.”

 

BishopClyde Harvey answers to questions:

1. How is a person supposed to wrap their mind around what has happened, plus missing the usual funeral process?
2. Any final words of comfort for those who are experiencing loss?

Rev. Gerard Keens-Douglas responds to: 

1. The impact of the protocols on the grieving process.
2. Request for words of comfort for those who are grieving.

 

Central Health – Grenada extends condolences to families who have lost someone due to COVID or other causes. It is the hope this October series can help someone.

Sick with COVID? Know when to go to the hospital

 

There is a concern that patients passing away from COVID-19 at the hospital may have taken too long to arrive for advanced care – perhaps due to fear.

 

During a recent post-cabinet briefing, Dr. Tyhiesia Donald - (Ag.) Director of Medical Services stated, “A lot of our cases that are coming in and passing away within 24-48 hours, they were ill at home for at least one to two weeks. So, we just want to appeal to you to seek care.” This suggests the public may be unaware of what severe symptoms look like.

 

Due to this comment, Central Health – Grenada sought to get two questions answered:

1. At what point is at-home care not enough?
2. What symptoms, signs, or indications would indicate a person is entering a stage of distress?

 

Dr. L. N Amechi, Managing Director and Resident Physician of St. Augustine Medical Services, provided answers to those questions and more during another installment of COVID-19 & Those Most at Risk. 

Within the interview, the medical doctor unpacked the range of severe symptoms a person should not endure at home. He also candidly stated that there is an irrational fear associated with going to the hospital and thus encourages the public to look at the recovery numbers, ”There are many people who have been admitted, who are being discharged. Look at the figures. There are a lot more people who are surviving and coming home than are dying. And the people who get their early are ones who stand a better change or walking out of hospital.” 

 

To view the interview with Central Health – Grenada and Dr. L. N. Amechi  - click here.

Central Health – Grenada is a grassroots initiative. Its purpose is to educate nationals about chronic non-communicable diseases. As Covid-19 has devastating effects on persons with pre-existing conditions, Central Health – Grenada felt it important to highlight its impact on those most at risk.

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Permission is required before re-publishing.

A Wife's Journey: Battling COVID to Save Her Husband

 

Mrs. Helen Batson shared her journey, with Central Health – Grenada, about caring for her spouse who was diagnosed with COVID-19 in April 2020. During that time, the virus was new and raging throughout the world.

Shortly after her husband was instructed to stay at home because he was exposed to the virus at work, he started developing symptoms quickly. Mrs. Batson, who migrated to the USA several years ago, is a former police officer. She utilized every home remedy imaginable to assist her husband. He endured a lengthy raging fever, severe weakness, and an ongoing cough. Following an almost two-week battle, he pulled through.

A Wife's Journey: Battling COVID to Save Her Husband is another installment of Central Health- Grenada’s COVID-19 & Those Most at Risk series.

 

To watch Mrs. Batson’s testimony, click here. 

The Silent Danger: Asymptomatic Patients

 

The Silent Danger: Asymptomatic Patients - Dr. Hosten of Fit for Life Medical Services Explains

Click Here

Hefty Sanctions for Non-Compliant Tourists

Written By: Central Health - Grenada

Grenada’s boarders, through a phased process, are opening. A legitimate concern for many would be non-compliant tourists.  Non-compliance in this instance could range from breaking quarantine to not wearing masks. Although, our visitors must be welcomed as they escape to relax and explore our beautiful island,  they must comply with our laws. According to Dr. George Mitchell, head of the National COVID-19 Response Team, via actions through parliament, the current monetary sanctions for non-compliance will increase.

This revelation occurred on Friday July 17, 2020, when Central Health – Grenada interviewed the Coordinator of the National COVID-19 Response Team as part of its online series entitled, COVID-19 & Those Most At Risk. “The sanctions that that have been on the books for many, many years were deemed inadequate. Just not enough to deter persons and so this is going to be brought to Parliament,” said Dr. Mitchell. He went onto say, “I suspect that very early next week the fines surrounding breaking quarantine etcetera will be revised and will be implemented upwards.” 

Grenada has to take steps to move on.  The way our world economics is designed, we have to smartly create a new normal. COVID-19 will be around for a while and so the process of welcoming tourists to our island is part and parcel of the overall process. Having said that, as far as Dr. Mitchell and his team are concerned, if you are coming from what they have deemed as Yellow or Red Zones, meaning that there is active transmissions there, expect to be quarantined for a certain period of time. “Unlike the St. Vincent experience, where people were allowed to go home, and they have their peculiarities about them - that they were allowed to go home, Grenada is not about to take that kind of chance. I’m sorry - no. We are not about to take that kind of chance. If you are coming from an area where there is active transmission, and you want to come and have fun, then your fun of course would be enjoying our beautiful island - but from your secured location.”

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health outlined its phased approach for opening the Boarders - Low Risk(OECS Countries), Medium(CARICOM, UK, Canada) and High(US or visited the USA 14 days prior to arrival) arrivals would be permitted during different time periods. Our visitors or those returning home, would have to bear additional costs, outside of their airfare, and adhere to strict procedures. In fact, traveling via aircraft requires serious planning. Everyone entering Grenada must have certain things and accept our laws and procedures:

1. Download key forms - https://covid19.gov.gd/required-incoming-passenger-forms/

(a) Incoming Passenger Home Quarantine Application

(b) International Passenger Health Declaration Form (must sign)

2. Negative PCR Test (Yellow Zone - 7 days prior & Red Zone - just before arrival)

3. Prepare to be tested upon arrival (Yellow Zone - rapid test & Red Zone PCR Test)

4. Pay to reserve quarantine location (government approved sites only) - meals not included.

5. Download Grenada's Contract Tracing App

6. If positive upon arrival, expect to cover all costs for retaking tests - first testing is free.

To watch Central Health – Grenada’s interview with Dr. Michell – click here.

For a full recap travel protocols – click here.