PCR test collects a sample (via saliva or nose swab) to test if you currently have COVID-19. This is the gold standard testing meaning that it affirms if you have the virus that causes covid-19. This test is done on-site in a clinic or at home.  It can be expedited and return in less than 24 hours from a partner lab or the results return in 2-5 days if not expedited. 
 
Rapid testing is a type of COVID test that can be processed on-site in less than one hour.
 
Antibody testing analyzes your blood to determine if you have developed antibodies against the virus.
 
Antigen Testing is a rapid screening test that can determine if you have the virus that causes COVID-19.
 
If you are sure you were exposed or you work in a high risk of being exposed to the public such as in  a restaurant, or work on the frontline in a variety of ways, an Antigen test is a rapid option to determine if you have the covid 19 virus. If the Antigen is positive for the virus and you have a high risk of exposure, then one can assume you have the covid 19 infection. Next, a confirmatory test such as the PCR test can be done to confirm infection. While you are waiting for the test results, one can be at home isolating form family and friends. If the PCR test is positive after 3-5 days, you can continue to isolate and monitor your signs and symptoms daily. Always inform your doctor or provider if you have any concerns about your health during your time at home.
 
Your body forms antibodies against the covid 19 virus from obtaining the infection or obtaining a FDA approved vaccine, The amount of antibodies produced by the body from the actual infection may not provide enough protection to determine that you are protected from future severe infections from the covid19 virus. It has been recommended by CDC and WHO to get a covid19 vaccine  when available even though you have had the actual infection. For further information please do not hesitate to refer to the CDC website or your healthcare provider for any questions about testing and the covid19 infection.

Testing is covered most of the time by insurance or by the government if you were exposed or have symptoms. If you need clearance for school work or travel it may not be covered but there are places to get the testing done in your area for a fee. 

I hope this is a simple clear explanation of covid19 testing !!
 

 

That's me , I got my second dose of a covid-19 vaccine. I did well with both injections. I did not get sick after the first injection. The night after the second injection, I had a mild headache and felt tired the next day.  On the third day after the injection, I returned to feeling like my normal self. I continue to be well today. 

​​Summary of COVID-19 VIRUS
Sars Cov-2 Virus is a new virus which causes the covid-19 infection. This virus has spread throughout the entire world causing it to be considered a pandemic. This new viral infection is spread as respiratory droplets. The droplets infect the lungs of those exposed.  There is no known cure for the virus. Initially social distancing, wearing of a mask, hand washing, and quarantining have been the only measures to decrease the overall rates of infection in many communities.  Persons with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness and death due to covid-19 include cancer, chronic kidney disease, down syndrome, heart conditions, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, type 2 diabetes, and sickle cell.  Risk for covid-19 also increases steadily as one ages over the age of 65 years of age. In addition, due to poor access to healthcare and social inequities, racial and ethnic minority groups are at increased risk of getting severe illness and dying from covid-19. Currently, Black and Brown people and people of color of a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences have been disproportionately affected due to the virus with increase illness and death rates although they make up small portion of the population of the US.  Factors that contribute to this increased risk are due to discrimination, poor healthcare access, occupations as frontline workers, income inequities, and for some the likelihood of more likely living in crowded conditions.  Scientists all over the world have been working to create a vaccine to promote immunity to the virus because there is no cure for the virus. There are FDA approved vaccines available in the US now and the distribution process is ongoing. The vaccines are approved for adults and teens above the age of 16.

Summary of COVID-19 VIRUS
Sars Cov-2 Virus is a new virus which causes the covid-19 infection. This virus has spread throughout the entire world causing it to be considered a pandemic. This new viral infection is spread as respiratory droplets. The droplets infect the lungs of those exposed.  There is no known cure for the virus. Initially social distancing, wearing of a mask, hand washing, and quarantining have been the only measures to decrease the overall rates of infection in many communities.  Persons with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness and death due to covid-19 include cancer, chronic kidney disease, down syndrome, heart conditions, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, type 2 diabetes, and sickle cell.  Risk for covid-19 also increases steadily as one ages over the age of 65 years of age. In addition, due to poor access to healthcare and social inequities, racial and ethnic minority groups are at increased risk of getting severe illness and dying from covid-19. Currently, Black and Brown people and people of color of a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences have been disproportionately affected due to the virus with increase illness and death rates although they make up small portion of the population of the US.  Factors that contribute to this increased risk are due to discrimination, poor healthcare access, occupations as frontline workers, income inequities, and for some the likelihood of more likely living in crowded conditions.  Scientists all over the world have been working to create a vaccine to promote immunity to the virus because there is no cure for the virus. There are FDA approved vaccines available in the US now and the distribution process is ongoing. The vaccines are approved for adults and teens above the age of 16.
Summary of COVID-19 VIRUS
Sars Cov-2 Virus is a new virus which causes the covid-19 infection. This virus has spread throughout the entire world causing it to be considered a pandemic. This new viral infection is spread as respiratory droplets. The droplets infect the lungs of those exposed.  There is no known cure for the virus. Initially social distancing, wearing of a mask, hand washing, and quarantining have been the only measures to decrease the overall rates of infection in many communities.  Persons with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness and death due to covid-19 include cancer, chronic kidney disease, down syndrome, heart conditions, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, type 2 diabetes, and sickle cell.  Risk for covid-19 also increases steadily as one ages over the age of 65 years of age. In addition, due to poor access to healthcare and social inequities, racial and ethnic minority groups are at increased risk of getting severe illness and dying from covid-19. Currently, Black and Brown people and people of color of a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences have been disproportionately affected due to the virus with increase illness and death rates although they make up small portion of the population of the US.  Factors that contribute to this increased risk are due to discrimination, poor healthcare access, occupations as frontline workers, income inequities, and for some the likelihood of more likely living in crowded conditions.  Scientists all over the world have been working to create a vaccine to promote immunity to the virus because there is no cure for the virus. There are FDA approved vaccines available in the US now and the distribution process is ongoing. The vaccines are approved for adults and teens above the age of 16.

Summary of COVID-19 VIRUS
Sars Cov-2 Virus is a new virus which causes the covid-19 infection. This virus has spread throughout the entire world causing it to be considered a pandemic. This new viral infection is spread as respiratory droplets. The droplets infect the lungs of those exposed.  There is no known cure for the virus. Initially social distancing, wearing of a mask, hand washing, and quarantining have been the only measures to decrease the overall rates of infection in many communities.  Persons with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness and death due to covid-19 include cancer, chronic kidney disease, down syndrome, heart conditions, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, type 2 diabetes, and sickle cell.  Risk for covid-19 also increases steadily as one ages over the age of 65 years of age. In addition, due to poor access to healthcare and social inequities, racial and ethnic minority groups are at increased risk of getting severe illness and dying from covid-19. Currently, Black and Brown people and people of color of a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences have been disproportionately affected due to the virus with increase illness and death rates although they make up small portion of the population of the US.  Factors that contribute to this increased risk are due to discrimination, poor healthcare access, occupations as frontline workers, income inequities, and for some the likelihood of more likely living in crowded conditions.  Scientists all over the world have been working to create a vaccine to promote immunity to the virus because there is no cure for the virus. There are FDA approved vaccines available in the US now and the distribution process is ongoing. The vaccines are approved for adults and teens above the age of 16.
Symptoms of covid-19 infection:
fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body, headache, new loss of taste, or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
 
How were the FDA approved Covid-19 vaccinations been developed so fast and are they safe?

1.  The genetic code of the Covid-19 was determined very early on in the investigation period of the novel virus. 
2. We had relatively new technology the mRNA process to obtain a portion of the genetic code to copy, mass produce from the genetic code of the covid-19 virus.  The usual process of making a vaccine includes inactivating the virus and use portions of it to introduce to our system, weaken the virus so it is not infective or using another virus that does not harm us as a carrier for the weakened virus. These methods have been used to introduce a protein particle into the body and the body makes antibodies against it. The production of antibodies allows the body t have immunity for at this point an unknown amount of time.
3. Funding was available and collaboration occurred nationally and internationally.
4. Phased trials (1,2,3) took place in the usual timing and fashion. No short cuts were taken throughout the clinical trials for the EUA FDA approved vaccines.
5. Regulatory red tape was avoided to allow the vaccines to get Emergency Use authorization and proceed forward to allow for mass production.
6. Money was available at all levels. 

Due to collaboration of labs, scientists, and companies, with no issue to find money to bill roll the development, production and clinical trials, the development of the vaccines took 10 months versus usual 3-10 years. The usual lengthy duration to create a vaccine in the past was due to the search for funding for each step of development and to find volunteers to become participants in the clinical trials. The vaccines are considered safe because they all went through 3 phases of trials on 40,000 plus participants.  They were both found to be 95% and 94% effective, respectively. The benefits associated with the clinical trials of many of the new covid-19 vaccines include broad testing on a wider demographic of volunteer participants, and large participant size.
 
How do the vaccinations work to allow a person to be immune to the covid-19 virus ? What are the contents of the vaccines?
The first two vaccines being provided in the US are Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. They are both messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccinations. This technology is not new, but it has never been used in any FDA approved licensed preventative vaccine. The process has gone through clinical trials for pervious investigational studies and found to be useful. It is 15-year-old process of taking a snippet of the DNA code for the spike protein of the coronavirus surface.  This mRNA data when introduced to human cells, our body can produce antibodies to the spike protein, which allows our immune system to recognize the virus if it ever knocks on our door in the future.  This technology does not change or disturb our genetic code.
The contents of the Moderna vaccine include the mRNA, lipids(fat), polyethylene glycol, sucrose, cholesterol, acetic acid, sodium acetate.
The contents of the Pfizer vaccine include mRNA, lipid, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sucrose, and phosphates.
 
The vaccinations are given in a 2-dose series 21 days or 28 days apart. The new vaccine on the rise may be a 1 dose series. Be aware that once vaccinated you may still possibly get the infection and be an asymptomatic carrier. It is important to still wear a mask and continue preventative measures. 
The vaccines are considered safe due to the rigorous clinical trials, it is highly efficacious, and the risk of taking the vaccine is less than getting the covid-19 infection which has significant risk for severe illness, long-term co-morbidities, and death.
 
Children are not approved for the vaccine at this time. The initial clinical trials did not include children. Once the vaccines were EUA FDA approved plans to do trials on children have begun. Moderna is approved for 18 years of age and above and Pfizer is approved for 16 years of age and above to date.
How will everyone in the world obtain a vaccine?
  Countries are purchasing vaccines for their individual populations in parcels.  Developing nations are also purchasing vaccines for their citizens. The rates thus far vary . Many small countries  have received donations of vaccines from other countries. The  WHO (world health organization) and COVAX groups are lobbying for developing nations to buy approved vaccines collectively at a lower cost. The WHO has made a call for vaccine equity and vaccine sharing from developed nations to developing nations. This effort is meant to help stem the tide of the worldwide covid=19 pandemic quicker. 
What is heard immunity and why is this so important?
Heard immunity is a collective benefit achieved when 60-80% of one population in one region is vaccinated. This provides protection for the rest of the population who are unable to receive the vaccine due to their own inherent poor immunity.
 
What are the new Covid-10 virus variants and are they of concern?
The new Covid-19 variants are from the UK, Brazil, and South Africa. All viruses from time to time mutate to survive and avoid being destroyed.  These variants are of concern because they are 1 & ½ times more virulent and infectious than the current strain of covid-19. The vaccination rollout needs to be as fast as possible before the new variants take hold of a large portion of the population.  The variants of COVID 19 all have the same spike protein on the surface. Thus far the current vaccines are found to provide some immunity most likely against these variants.

How does covid-19 virus affect children? 
Most children have not found to be affected by the virus. They may be asymptomatic carriers. Children are often exposed to the common cold which is a mild type of coronavirus. For that reason, children may have some immunity to covid-19 coronavirus.   There have been a few cases of a rare complication of covid-19 found in children only, called Multi-syndrome inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). It looks like a common disorder found in children called Kawasaki syndrome except the children have a mild covid-19 viral illness or exposure to a person with covid-19. This syndrome can be serious or deadly, but most children get better with medical care.
MIS-C signs and symptoms:
Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash (petechial), bloodshot eyes, or feeling extra tired.

A side note, since many children have pets, thus far there have been no studies to show that pets can infect the family with covid-19, but pets can become infected form family members who are ill at home.
 
 Children are not approved for the covid-19 vaccine at this time. The initial clinical trials did not include children. Once the vaccines were EUA FDA approved plans to do trials on children have begun. Moderna is approved for 18 years of age and above and Pfizer is approved for 16-year-old and above to date.
 
 
Best practices to prevent infection of covid-19 no matter if a person is fully vaccinated include:

• Wearing single or double mask, it must cover the nose
• Handwashing 20 seconds or more
• Use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol or more if not able to wash hands
• Social distance when in crowds, remain 6 ft apart or two arm’s length away from persons in crowds
• Avoid crowds
• Eat a diet that includes fruit and vegetables with each meal
• Get un exposure to increase vitamin D
• Keep hydrated with water
• Get good sleep 7-8 hour for adults 10-12 hours for kid less than 17 years of age
• Keep chronic medical diseases controlled

 
Can complementary and alternative medicine prevent covid-19 infection?
The NCCIH, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports there is no complementary or alternative medicine or supplement that can prevent or cure COVID-19.  Prevention of excess inflammation, and excess  stress hormones and healthy diet always help keep our immune system supported but they do not prevent covid-19 infection.  Proper sleep, a healthy diet full of variety, and supplements if your diet is not optimal such as vitamin D, vitamin C, and a multivitamin once a day are good options.  Please consult with your doctor before using any supplement, vitamin, or herb.
 
 
 
 
 
 

https://www.yourhealthmagazine.net/article/weight-control-nutrition-exercise/weight-loss-tap-into-your-mind-body-connection/

​How many times have we said, "I will start my new diet on Monday ? "  I will be ready, eat perfect, no sugar, no treats. Or I will do the latest fast and lose 15 pounds in one month. I will only have smoothies, eats lots of greens to make the weight go away faster. 

How has that been working for you ?  The commercials on TV and social media continually tell you their plan is the best and only costs little money.  The science is out - there are some programs that work better than others, but which one is best for you ? Following an influencer on social media may not be the best option because each person must find what works for them. If you are vegan or whole food plant based, will certain diets work for you when they do not have dairy free, organic options ? 

Find your way to losing weight by strengthening your mindset using the tool of mindfulness to help you.  While you are exercising your body learn how to exercise your mind- this may give you the fortitude to say no to that cake when you are not hungry. Behavior modification a major portion of the weight management cycle that is often not addressed..

If you need help on how and which lifestyle plan may be best for you a doctor's office can help you guide you in the right direction. Look for a program that does not just prescribe diet pills , look for one that helps you find natural, safe methods to be your best.  A mindful eating program should include educational instruction, weekly coaching , and supplement recommendations to help boost your energy levels . We have all that covered here at FFWC. 

 I had the pleasure of interviewing a Master herbalist who hails form the beautiful island nation of Grenada. I visited Grenada last year for Christmas.  I reconnected with my colleague and physician sister friend Dr. Edwards. She introduced me to Dr. Delves. I was so impressed by how the community continually stopped by to honor him and wish him well because his dedication to help his community use food as medicine has helped so many . I had to get to know more. When he visited Washington, D.C. , I finally got to sit down and learn about his journey. Dr. Delves believes people are bombarded with different sicknesses because of lack of knowledge and they are slaves to pharmaceuticals which can be overwhelming the body depending on their illness. He promotes attention to nutrition because what we eat can prevent illness and often times heal. Check out the video from Carib Nation TV and myself Dr. Sindass. Please like and share with friends.

We multi-task, take on another job, go to school, all at the expense of our sleep. We are doing our best to get ahead and do what we need for ourselves and our family.  We have so much to do and so many things wearing on our minds that our sleep quality suffers . Let's look at what is optimal sleep to allow our brain to rest, heal and develop our body to get the real rest we need. 

We are seeing that about 35 % of Americans have sleep deprivation defined as continuous nocturnal sleep, less than 7 hours. 10% of Americans with poor sleep also have daytime dysfunction which is consistent with the diagnosis of insomnia. Sleep deprivation and insomnia can lead to increased risk of many issues such as headaches/migraines, obesity, increased aging of the skin, increased risk for Alzheimer's, less focus, mental strain, cravings, poor pain control, hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Optimal sleep by age:
Ages 3-5 years of age  Require 10-13 hours of sleep
Ages 6-12 years of age Require 9-12 hours of sleep
Ages 13-25 years of age Require 8-10 hours of sleep
Ages 26-64 years of age Require 7-9 hours of sleep
Ages 65 years of age and beyond Require 7-8 hours of sleep

Optimal sleep can help with the following
1. Lose weight by revving up your metabolism 
2. Improve fertility by balancing hormones and allowing normal production of reproductive hormones.
3. Rest the brain and lower the risk of forming amyloid plaques in the brain thus reducing the risk for Alzheimer's.  Better sleep can delay or prevent dementia related issues and actually be anti-aging .
4. Increase development and growth of bones, skin and tissue. 
5. Increase emotional well being and mental performance. Sleep can promote mental rest and healing due to stress and burnout.
6. It may help support pain control. Control of chronic pain with medication, herbs, massage, or therapies with optimal sleep promote healing and eventual resolution of some chronic pain issues. 

Sleep is so important for our mental health, emotional health and well-being. Firefly Wellness Center can help you address your sleep patterns to help you be well. 

Cannabidiol, aka CBD, is extracted from hemp, which is a plant grown for industrial use. CBD is the second most prevalent active ingredient of cannabis. It is a major component, but it does not have any psychoactive effect and thus does not cause one to feel a “high” effect. The psychoactive property found in marijuana is due to the component delta-9 Teterahydrocannabinoid, also known as THC.

CBD is a holistic healing solution with a host of proposed benefits. It has become immensely popular due to growing interest because of its low side effect profile which may help many with acute or chronic conditions.

Facts About CBD
​
1. CBD is not illegal.
CBD oils are federally legal, however, distribution and sales differ in each state.

2. CBD does not make you high.
The psychoactive properties of marijuana are only found in THC, not CBD.

3. CBD is not addictive.
According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), in humans, CBD exhibits no effects of any abuse or dependence potential and there is no evidence of public health problems associated with use of pure CBD.

4. CBD can help with diseases.
Studies show that CBD can provide benefits and relief for these conditions: Alzheimer’s, OCD & PTSD, Insomnia, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Sclerosis.

For more detailed information on what is best for you, please talk to a medical cannabis physician.

​Signs of hormone imbalance, such as not being able to lose weight, may seem normal because so many of us complain about this problem--however, it's not normal! You may be able to help your body move into balance with a few changes.

Signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance include:

• Weight gain / weight loss
• Infertility
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Constipation or more frequent bowel movements
• Heavy irregular periods
• Night sweats

 
3 Natural Ways to Get in Balance
 
1. Decrease Carbohydrate
Try replacing carbohydrate portions with healthy fats such as walnuts, avocado, healthy cooking oils (olive/avocado), chia seeds, fish. The healthy fats are the building blocks of hormones. Also, the fats will not spike your blood sugar levels.

2. Incorporate Adaptogens into Your Lifestyle
Adaptogens are a select group of herbs, and some mushrooms, that support the body’s ability to take on stress. The correct response is depending on the needs of the body. A few examples include Tulsi and Holy Basil, which are said to help balance cortisol and help with heavy metal toxicity. Fennel dried and chewed after a meal can be beneficial for gut health. Thyme made as a tea or incorporated into a meal is good for balancing progesterone. Ashwagandha has the potential to protect the body against stress and anxiety. All adaptogens, although considered safer than traditional medicines, can still pose risks. For example, anyone pregnant, or with thyroid issues, should avoid use of ashwagandha.

3. Avoid Certain Foods 
There are certain food types that you can consider removing from your diet such as:

Dairy: The cows may be exposed to antibiotics and injected with hormones, even if they're organic. If a cow is slaughtered while pregnant, we end up consuming all of the hormones.

Gluten: Is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. 6% of people have gluten intolerance or sensitivity which may cause pain and bloating after eating certain foods. This recurrent issue may cause leaky gut and increased inflammation.

When it comes to your health, take time to pay attention to how your body functions and feels when consuming certain foods. If you have concerns, make time to see your doctor and get advice from a Holistic physician.

We've all experienced cravings. Whether salty, crunchy, or sugary, there's a reason for our unhealthy cravings. Read below for my Top 5 Tips to Stop Cravings. Let me know in the comments if you're tried any of these and how they work for you!

1. Hit It, Don't Wait!
Once you feel the hunch of cravings, drink water within 10 minutes. Take 5-10 large sips of water, unsweetened fruit water, lemon/lime water, or seltzer water like LaCroix.

2. Craving Salty or Crunchy
If you are craving salty crunchy items like chips, fries, or pizza, try eating 4 whole grain crackers with regular block of cheese, or hummus. The World health Organization (WHO) suggests intake of less than 50g/day of salt and for maximal health benefit one should ingest less than 25 g/day of salt.

3. Craving Sugar
If you are having cravings for sugary sweets this may be due to lack of sleep. Even 1 hour of less sleep can cause this annoying craving. Your goal should be to sleep average about 7 hours per night. I personally store grapes in my freezer, so that when the moment strikes, I can reach for these cool treats. You can also whip up this yummy shake:
• 2 squares of dark chocolate
• 1 date
• ½ a frozen banana
Blend with a splash of milk of your choice. Enjoy!

4. Craving Soda
If you're craving soda, one of two things can be happening. 1. You may have an addiction to the caffeine content or 2. you're lacking calcium. Try to get more vitamin C in your diet from fruits, and Calcium rich vegetables like broccoli and kale. Rather than reaching for a soda for your next caffeine hit, try caffeine from green tea, matcha and cold brewed coffee. This will provide around 35-100 mg of caffeine versus 300 mg of caffeine per serving of some sodas or dressed up coffees.

5. Stress Cravings
Your cravings could be due to added stress! This is a sign that you may need a mini vacation.  A weekend getaway far or near is always a good idea. A hike in your local park to bond with nature by yourself or with friends. Or just change the seen, get more organized, give away unwanted and unworn clothes, donate to charity, rearrange your closet and get more organized. It really frees your mind and brings calm into your life.

Wellness comes in so many ways, take one moment at a time each day to achieve your goals!