Glenn Smits LAc, RN

Hi Everyone. Well, here we are in the midst of round 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic. I thought I'd post some information about the new vaccines that are in the process of being distributed to front line health care workers and the more susceptible members of our community ie: Nursing home residents and the elderly. Hopefully they will be available to all very soon. As an active RN I just received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine this past Friday and am scheduled to receive my... second dose February 5th. I've found a very informative video done by a medical Doctor on YouTube that very succinctly explains just how the vaccines work. Contrary to some things you may have heard the vaccines are not made from the live virus nor do they alter your DNA. Also, any side effects are similar to what you might experience from your annual flu shot. There have been less than a handful of serious side effects so far and that's with several million doses given to date. I experienced nothing but my left arm being a little sore the day after. I'm fine now and feeling very relieved. Here's the video. It's only about 3 minutes long... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7-Prv5M8ME H

I hope this finds everyone well. The COVID situation doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. Fortunately, both the infection and hospitalization rate is staying at a low level. Still, wear your masks in public, practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently. These measures are your best defense. As you may be aware, people with strong immune systems seem unlikely to contract the virus and people are always asking me what can they do to improve theirs? First a...nd foremost, maintain a healthy body weight. Those at highest risk are people who are overweight. Too much weight taxes all of your body's systems and weakens them. Being overweight also causes you to become insulin resistant (primary cause of diabetes type II) and promotes general inflammation. Inflamed tissue not only causes pain but is an open door for many diseases including the COVID 19 virus. Simple things to do are avoid sugar at all costs and stay away from processed food! Do this and you will lose weight. Daily exercise. Do something physical at least 20-30 minutes a day, even if all you do is walk. If you'd like other ideas, talk to me when you come in for a visit. If you have any medical problems like high blood pressure, lung or cardiac issues or are diabetic make sure you are up to date with your check ups and are taking any prescribed medication. Supplements. May help but are not as important as the steps I've listed above. However, I'll share with you my own "cocktail mix" that I take to keep my immune system strong. You can look these up on your own or shoot me a PM if you have questions. Vitamin C 1000mg, Zinc 50mg, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) 1000mg, Vit D3 5000-10000iu, Vit K2 90mcg (Vit D3 without K2 is useless) and magnesium 500mg. Lastly, come in for a treatment. Acupuncture offers great benefits to keep your body in balance and to strengthen your immune system. I have several protocols that I use that can help to keep you healthy. Don't wait until something happens or you don't feel well. A well treatment about every 6-8 weeks is what I suggest for best results. I hope this has been informative and look forward to seeing you at the office soon! Until then be well and stay safe! Glenn

This is to notify all of my patients that I am reopening practice. As usual, treatments will be by appointment only and I need to ask that you follow some simple guidelines. Please wear a mask when entering the office. If there are others present please maintain a six foot distance from them. Please arrive on time. You may be asked to wait in your vehicle a few minutes if I, or one of the other practitioners is finishing up with another patient. This is so I can bring you right into the treatment room and get you started. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Just a reminder. As soon as things change I will let you all know... From our NYS Association; Dear Colleagues:... At 11am, New York Governor Cuomo issued a mandate called NYS on PAUSE ( P olicies A ssure U niform S afety for E veryone.) At this point 100 percent (100%) of the Workforce must work from home excluding essential services (healthcare, grocery, pharmacy, gas, etc.) Currently, Licensed Acupuncturists and Acupuncture Clinics are NOT considered Essential Services. Businesses who stay open WILL BE FINED.