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Closing the Gap in Healthcare


The mission of Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc. (CGHC, Inc.) is to decrease health disparities by providing information to under-served populations.

Closing the Gap in Healthcare

4 days 13 hours ago

Telling the truth.
Watching the daily news conferences given by the President is difficult for me.
If you pay attention to the body language of the medical professionals present they are often uncomfortable indeed.
I am reminded when I started closing the gap I was criticized frequently for telling the truth to patients, and the medical community regarding health issues of African Americans and the underserved. Telling the truth while uncomfortable, it is the best medicine when dealing with public health issues.
It now been reaffirmed that the truth leads to trust which in the end makes us all feel better. People can deal with the truth.

I had a very difficult time watching the President on television this am. The way he conducted himself trying to explain medical principles without a basic knowledge of medicine is unacceptable to me as a medical scientist, clinician, and public health educator.

It is very confusing and alarming to the public.
Note that there still is no cure but treatment research is moving ahead with speed but data from clinical trails is required before a medication, or vaccine is given to the public.

The president gave the impression that chloroquine or hydro chloroquine could be the drug that gives us a cure. There have not been enough studies done by U.S. medical scientists to make such a bold statement. The information that is know is anecdotal, at best. You are not likely to be given this drug by a trained physician without more information from the FDA.

The most common question I am getting is how long this is going to last. The answer is not know.
The severity of infection in South Carolina is still largely unknown but from current observational data, the infection will get worse before it gets better. Continue to do what you have been taught thus far.

Finally, this is not a time to not be fully transparent regarding symptoms, if you should have them. Let your family and medical professionals know if you have symptoms. Remember, the health of others depends upon your truful behavior.

We are still learning a lot about this coronavirus, so stay tuned.

Stay safe, don't panic and stay healthy my friends.
I am Dr.tjb CTGIHD for African Americans and the underserved.

Facts to be considered

I'm going to share that I use toilet paper rolls to hold up my camera

Good am. New studies are showing that people who thought they did not have the infection have been passing it to others. This makes social distancing even more important.
Young folk please stay home.
Washing your hands and social distancing are strong preventive measures.
I am Dr. tjb CTGIHD in health disparities for African Americans and the underserved.

Closing the Gap in Healthcare

1 week 4 days ago

So glad the AME Church step up and did the right thing regarding suspending Worship related services for the next 2 weeks. Amen. Tjbmd

Closing the Gap in Healthcare

Closing the Gap in Healthcare

1 week 6 days ago

Talking to children about coronavirus.

I have 3 grandchildren and their level of interest in the coronavirus is different. I have talked recently with all three of my grandchildren regarding the coronavirus.

My youngest Grandson, EJ (7), only knows he is out of school for the next 2 weeks. He understands it has something to do with keeping his hands clean. My older grandson, KT (10), is only interested in if his Mom and Corey are going to get it. Otherwise he doesn't want to say much more. Julia, who is 11, made me aware that they had plenty of sanitizer to keep their hands clean and lots of good food - otherwise they are all good.
None seemed to have any major concerns.
It's being recommended that we talk with our children about their concerns. Let them tell you instead of you giving them lots information. Give them age appropriate information, let them know that no matter what they hear or see they are safe with you.

I am Papa talking to my grandchildren about the coronavirus.

Closing the Gap in Healthcare

2 weeks 13 hours ago

I can't help but being reminded that the President refusal to get tested is familiar behavior from men. In view of his exposure x two to possible exposure is just ridiculous. It like many Brothers who refuse to see a physician to stay alive regarding health issues that are so common to us.
This behavior is familiar to me.
I Dr. Tjb CTGIHD for African Americans and the underserved.

Closing the Gap in Healthcare

Closing the Gap in Healthcare

2 weeks 2 days ago

Hypertension and diabetes
The 2 most common health issues that affect African Americans are high blood pressure and diabetes. We have been hearing a lot about the two since the coronavirus outbreak. They are Risk factors elderly people have for the coronavirus.
The two are partners and show up in most cases together.
The single point I want to make is that control of both conditions requires not only taking the medication(s) but appropriate lifestyle changes as well. As Walker Cronkite would say "and that's the way it is".
I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell Closing the gap in health disparities for African Americans and the underserved.

Closing the Gap in Healthcare

2 weeks 2 days ago

Taking time to talk
With everything that happening in the world of health it is difficult to be a great physician and not talk to the patient.
This is evident as I recently have seen two new patients who said their previous physician did not discuss with them their health issues in a way they could understand.
If your physician is not talking to you in a way you can't understand maybe time to switch to someone else.
I am Dr.Tjb CTGIHD for African Americans and the underserved.

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