There are 93 total COVID patients being treated at The University of Kansas Health System today, down from 110 yesterday. Other significant numbers:
- 38 with the active virus, same as yesterday
- 5 in ICU, same as yesterday
- 2 on ventilators, 1 yesterday
- 55 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 72 yesterday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Stephen Lassen, Child Psychologist
- Kids want comfort and reassurance
- Avoiding kids’ questions sends the wrong message
- When they ask questions, be ready with age appropriate answers
- Parents should not be anxious but be honest, accurate and direct without opinion
- It’s important for parents to ask what their kids already know
- Parents need to create an environment in their family that allows them to address the “problem of the day” with their kids
Dr. Greg Nawalanic, Adult Psychologist
- Pandemic is different from war in Ukraine. Even though both are stressful, the pandemic affects everyone’s daily life
- Stress and anxiety are up in adults. Best to avoid constant barrage of news. Get outside and be active to reduce stress
- Cut out alcohol during stressful times. It does not provide comfort or a social lubricant but makes things worse
- Don’t panic about rising prices and falling retirement funds. Don’t dwell on negative because everything goes in cycles
- Don’t hyper focus on darkness. Put your faith in the human spirit
Dr. Augustina Boehringer (bear-ringer), Chief Medical Officer, Heart To Heart International
- Heart to Heart International has been helping Ukraine since 1994
- Currently assembling hygiene kits and medical supplies to send to residents and refugees
- Volunteers ten and older welcome to help with the kits starting next week
- Great way for kids to feel like they’re helping with a crisis
- See Heart to Heart International website to donate and find other ways to help.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director, Infection Prevention and Control
- Believes Paxlovid will eventually be given to treat both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients
- Boosters for kids 5-11 needed to give best protection
- No indication yet for a fourth COVID shot
- Even without mandates, never hesitate to wear a mask, especially to keep your family or social bubble safe.
Friday, March 4 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. How far would you go to help a complete stranger? You’ll meet a man who traveled all the way from Chicago to Kansas City and answered the call, made a match, and saved a life. We’ll show you how you can do the same thing.
ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:
Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628
Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628
TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI
Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital
YouTube.com/kuhospital
Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.
