Tips for Caring for Individuals with Vision Loss and Dementia Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D. Written by: Kelly Brown What is Dementia? Dementia describes a variety of conditions related to mental impairment. It includes memory loss, inability to think clearly and reason, and decision-making. Alzheimer’s is the most well-known form of dementia but is by no means the only disease under this umbrella. In most cases, dementia interferes with someone’s ability to function day-to-day. It tends to affect older adults. But younger people are not immune to developing dementia. Despite its prevalence in the older community, it is not a normal part of ... June 1, 2022 General, Patient Care Dementia, Vision Care 0 0 Comment Read More »
HEALTH ADVISORY: Update on COVID-19 Therapeutics and Vaccination from SCCPHD DATE: May 27, 2022 TO: All community providers FROM: Sara H. Cody, MD Health Officer George S. Han, MD, MPH Deputy Health Officer Santa Clara County is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, which may be attributed to waning immunity from vaccination and infection, combined with increasingly contagious subvariants. This health advisory outlines ways that providers can improve patient outcomes, reduce stress on healthcare facilities, and save lives by offering early treatment options and preventative measures to eligible patients. Providers are requested to: 1. Stay updated on COVID therapeutics -- There are readily available treatment options that can reduce a patient’s ... May 31, 2022 COVID19, Public Health SCC, Therapeutics, Vaccine 0 0 Comment Read More »
SCCMA President's Statement on Uvalde, Texas Dear Physicians, We are deeply saddened by the events that transpired in Uvalde, Texas on May 24th resulting in the death of 21 innocent lives. The devastation of gun violence places a heavy weight in our hearts and minds. Tuesday’s tragedy marks the 27th school shooting in the United States this year with 213 mass shootings overall for 2022. Many school shooters have had adverse childhood experiences and addressing the role of this in prevention is important along with current gun laws. Firearm violence is a complex legal, political, educational, ... May 27, 2022 Advocacy, Public Health Gun Violence 0 0 Comment Read More »
HEALTH ADVISORY from the Santa Clara County Public Health Officer: Monkeypox Infections in U.S. Residents Without Travel to Endemic Areas DATE: May 25, 2022 TO: All community providers FROM: Sara H. Cody, MD Health Officer George S. Han, MD, MPH Deputy Health Officer The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department (SCCPHD) is monitoring the spread of monkeypox outside of endemic countries in central or western Africa. Currently there are more than a hundred confirmed cases across a dozen countries, mostly in Europe and Canada. As of May 24, 2022, the U.S. has at least one confirmed and eight probable cases, including a probable case in Sacramento County in an individual with international travel. We note that: 1) many cases ... May 25, 2022 Public Health Monkeypox, Public Health, SCC, SCCPHD 0 0 Comment Read More »
Aging and Eyesight Written by Melody Huang, O.D. | Source: Vision Center Updated on May 3, 2022 Many changes take place in our eyes as we get older. Many of these changes are normal, while others are serious eye diseases that require medical attention. While we are not able to stop or reverse the aging process, most of these eye conditions are treatable. Beginning at age 40, ophthalmologists recommend getting regular eye exams every year (even if you have healthy eyes) in order to maintain eye health and detect any age-related vision problems. Presbyopia Presbyopia means losing the ability ... May 16, 2022 General, Patient Care, Public Health Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Aging, Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Eyesight, Glaucoma, Presbyopia, Vision Care 0 0 Comment Read More »
