Each year, the Birmingham lifestyle magazine B-Metro compiles its list of the top women in medicine in the Birmingham area. Included in the 2020 list are UAB Callahan Eye Hospital & Clinics ophthalmologists Virginia R. Lolley, MD, and Ann Marie Arciniegas-Bernal, MD. 

This week is National Pharmacy Week, making it a perfect time to acknowledge the excellent work and dedication of our UAB Medicine pharmacy staff. This annual observation celebrates the accomplishments of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians around the country by recognizing their contributions to health care and the many services they provide for their communities.

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Clinics is expanding to Trussville, where it will open its 14th location in early 2021 on U.S. Highway 11.

Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions that people with diabetes can develop. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely it is that they will get an eye disease.

We are pleased to announce this month’s UAB Medicine DAISY Award, recognizing the extraordinary care and compassion that nurses provide for patients and families every day. Submissions and stories are reviewed each month, and then the winner is surprised at a special ceremony.

There is no data to suggest that the prescription medication RhoGAM is safe or effective for treating COVID-19.

COVID-19 is primarily transmitted person to person via respiratory droplets. A few studies have isolated viral RNA in both stool and urine of a small number of severely ill patients with COVID-19. It is less clear whether this represents viral shedding or infectious virus in these samples. Proper hand hygiene should be used at all times when changing diapers or any other time that you may come in contact with stool or urine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently sent warning letters to companies selling essential oils that are marketed specifically with misleading claims offering COVID-19 protection. There is no evidence that essential oils are safe or effective for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.

It is not recommended to wipe hand sanitizer underneath your nose. Commercially purchased alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used only as directed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Being in well-ventilated spaces, like outdoor areas, as well as physically distancing and wearing face coverings reduces your risk of acquiring COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) indoor spaces – especially crowded areas with less ventilation – carry a higher risk. While indoors, maintaining at least 6 feet of space between people and wearing a face covering are recommended.

It is important to continue taking care of your health and medical conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please do not delay getting emergency care for any health condition. For specific medical concerns, we recommend calling and discussing them with your health care provider. Additionally, one may ask about alternative ways to access medical care during this time, such as telehealth visits.

The risk of acquiring COVID-19 through playing recreational sports depends on the type of activity. Lower risk activities include performing skill-building drills alone or with members of your household. The risk increases with team-based practice and competition to higher risk activities such as community or regional/national competitions.