1/4/2020 

"With all the news about Coronavirus, it is worth examining where the island stands today with on-island medical services"
 
The island now has two clinics: the SPI Clinic, and the Healthcare and Wellness Clinic.

Healthcare and Wellness Clinic

Healthcare Clinic and Wellness was opened recently by Dr. Joe Ybarra to develop a primary care practice to be here for the island, so there's no need to travel to Brownsville or Harlingen.
 
"During our community health assessment here on South Padre, we found out there's a lot of diabetes, hypertension and a lot of chronic diseases.  I can treat all of those on a regular basis and be the doctor for the island," reported Ybarra.
 
Upon its recent opening, Ybarra was determined to invest in various options for island residents. "I don't want citizens to be taxed, and I don't want people to feel isolated from medical care," insisted Ybarra.  He followed by expressing that he aims to have a fixed focus of keeping island locals healthy by encouraging his patients to practice good exercise, eat better, and make lifestyle changes.
 
Apart from being on his way to building a primary care community practice, Dr. Ybarra is also board certified in family practice, sports medicine, emergency medicine, tropical and travel medicine.  With those credentials, Ybarra added, "We can also take care of people from the hotels, in case someone steps on a seashell, or dislocates their elbow.  We can take care of them after hours."
 
Previously, the building that Dr. Ybarra took over was the Wellness/Med-Spa Center.  The Healthcare and Wellness Clinic retained the services from the Wellness/Med-Spa, including massages, IV vitamin infusions, and much more. "Sarah Reyes has a premier laser for laser hair removal, Botox, fillers, and different med-spa things.  She does that with us on a case by case basis.  An HCG dietician and the masseuse come in as needed," says Ybarra.

The SPI Clinic
The SPI Clinic did not reply to a request for an interview, but it does offer its share of medical care. The SPI Clinic under Dr. Guevara, (who is an internal medicine physician) deals more with complex chronic illnesses like complicated high blood pressure and complicated diabetes control. They respond to routine situations that are usual for family physicians to deal with, then they use their consultants as necessary.

Dr. Ybarra on COVID-19
Pointing out that this is a unique virus because it causes a reaction in the lungs. Ybarra explained that it is a novel (new) virus, and there is no defense against it. In times like these, it's good to have a positive outlook. Dr. Ybarra introduced an alternative perspective on the common term "social distancing" and suggested looking at it more like "physical distancing."

"Stay connected with your friends and family, please, because physiologically, it will take its toll," urged Ybarra. "Every day, people are confusing social distancing with isolation. That is what's taking its toll, mentally, on the community."

Click here to unsubscribe. | Click here to forward
View this email as a web page
Message sent by Island Matters , news@powc-spi.org
Island Matters | P.O. Box 2778 | South Padre Island, TX 78597