Dr. Thompson's Blog

Why are so Many People not Getting the Vaccine?

I do not understand how anyone could be so selfish and misinformed that he or she would not get the Covid vaccination. Children are being hospitalized and dying because some adult has exposed them to the virus. If as an individual you want your freedom to not get the vaccine and then die, that is your right, but what about family members, kids, and friends? That is just selfish and makes no sense. The last I heard there were about 90 million adults in the U.S. who were not vaccinated. I would require anyone who worked for me to have had  the vaccine. If they did not want to do so then that is their right, but as an employer, I certainly would have the right to say "Sorry, you cannot work for me." I know some stores and big corporations are doing this, but what about teachers, school personnel etc. I am so glad I don't have little children that want to go to school. I would have great reservations about sending a child to school today.

I don't understand how this country has become so selfish and now it is all about "My rights and my freedom." We used to be a caring, concerned country. What has happened to us?

Update on the Covid Virus

There are now 700 million vaccinated  people around the world.  Sadly, there are still a lot of false messages being given by people like Tucker Carlson and many on social media. The Pfizer vaccine has finally been given full approval which is great. Now hopefully some of the about 90 million people in the U.S. will get vaccinated. I had to change dentists because my dentist, who was also a friend, will not get vaccinated. I was appalled. Now there is the scary account in the news that some people are taking the deworming medicine which is for big animals. It can hurt people, not help, against the virus. 

The only way we are going to defeat this virus is by people getting vaccinated. If they want to die by not getting vaccinated, I guess that is their choice, but it is a selfish one because it can hurt their family members, friends, and children. Even little children are now dying or ending up in the hospital because someone spread the virus to them.

I am often the only one I see in this small beach town wearing a mask. I stay away from any gatherings because I know there are a lot of  unvaccinated  people in this community. I loved seeing everyone wearing a mask when I recently went to San Francisco on a business trip. I would not let anyone work for me who was not vaccinated. I hope many more people will insist on that in stores, offices, and big corporations. 

Resources for Children and Adults with Disabilities

There are some excellent resources for both children and adults with disabilities. If a child is found to have a disability early on, it is important for parents to get in touch right away with their state's program for these kids. I list them all  in my book, Raising a Handicapped Child, and I am sure you can find the telephone number for your state's program on the Internet. Each state offers special help such as special school exams, speech therapy, PT and OT. The earlier help is  given the better a child's life will be.

One of my favorite programs is Protection and Advocacy. They have lawyers who will answer questions about problems for those with disabilities. They have helped my patients many times and there is no charge. Their number is 1-800-776-5746. 

It is also important for parents to find a medical doctor who has training or interest in disabilities. The usual 15 minutes that most doctors seem to spend these days is not what you want. I always spent whatever was needed to help my patients. Not only are medical examinations important but there are also many forms that need to be filled out and calls to make if a child or adult has a disability.

Many adults seek help from sports' doctors. They do not have the needed training. A doctor who specializes in rehab medicine may be a good choice but you should check the doctor's training and reviews. Nurse practitioners, osteopaths, and chiropractors do not have the training you need. Many big hospitals have specialists who can be helpful.  Agencies connected with the type of disability a child or adult has can often be helpful. Some are not because they refer to doctors who are not qualified. 

I  have found two hospitals in the U.S. that do a wonderful job with patients with disabilities. One is Los Angeles Children's Hospital and the other is Cincinnati Children's Hospital. For children or adults with muscle weakness I use Dr. Selcen at the Mayo Clinic. She is outstanding.

 

 

Concern about Covid 19 Cases in Children

Covid 19 cases in children had risen 84% this last week in kids. Yet I still see many parents with children and most are not wearing masks. If they don't care about themselves, what about their defenseless children?  I had a pharmacist tell me today that she is appalled at the selfishness she sees in the U.S. A grandparent just sent me an e-mail saying she had looked up Governor de Santis and he has 3 small children. Yet he talks against vaccines and masks. What is wrong  with the man? Florida is teeming with new Covid cases and their health system and hospitals are overwhelmed. The latest statistics I  have seen are that 17,726 children are now infected in the U.S.

I do not understand the statement by anti-vacers that they want the freedom do to as they please and no person in authority is going to tell them how to live their lives.  But what about their families, older members and friends?  I certainly would not  have an employee or a parent of children I cared for who refused to get the vaccine against the Covid virus. That is selfish and ignorant. We were formerly a caring, concerned nation. Certainly during the wars and after 9/11 our nation seemed to care about all of us and not just themselves. I wonder if we will ever get back to that state or will our children and grandchildren live in a self-centered, uncaring country?