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Intro

No meat. No eggs. No milk. Such has been the way at many groceries stores across our nation during the Coronavirus pandemic. The virus which causes COVID-19 has exposed the underbelly of our food system. Is our nation doing its best to promote an ecological and sustain food system? Let's dive deeper.

Ecology

Ecology is a science that explores the mutual relationships of varying organisms and their interactions with their environment. In a way it is like studying the interactions between humans, animals, and the various weather, plants, and natural disasters that can occur. Organisms interact with each and the environment in a sort of three-way interaction. Importantly ecology can and does impact human health, which should obviously be concerning for physical therapists (PTs) and other healthcare providers.

Most PTs are aware of the biopsychosocial model as a great template for delivery care. Another more advanced model known as the biopsychosocial...

Nutrition Guidelines for Corona Virus

The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, also known as ESPEN, have released pre-published guidelines for clinicians to consider for patients with COVID-19 (novel Corona virus). The guidelines offer a great breakdown of evidenced-based statements related to managing patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), outpatient and those in quarantine.

Relevance to PT Practice

Physical therapists (PTs) are considered essential during the COVID-19 crisis. Physical therapists are being utilized in ICUs to help position patients, particularly in prone, which helps to improve lung perfusion. Moreover, PTs are helping mobilize and get those stronger after being infected. Let's look at the ESPEN Statements and see how they impact PT practice.

One of the first pieces of guidance ESPEN offers is that patients with COVID-19 should be screened for malnutrition. Some PTs are trained in nutritional screening, which will facilitate the immediate co...