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Medical marijuana and CBD sales rise sharply during COVID-19 pandemic

Medical marijuana and CBD sales rise sharply during COVID-19 pandemic

Florida is seeing a surge in sales of medical marijuana and CBD hemp products as more people turn to them to treat their anxiety, insomnia and pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rise in demand, wait times at dispensaries in some instances rose from what used to take only 10 to 15 minutes — even without an appointment — to backlogs of dozens of patients at any given time, potentially lasting hours. Sales have risen significantly when compared with last year. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Testing requirement dropped for disability facilities

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration on Friday announced it is backing off a requirement that facilities for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities test staff members for COVID-19 every two weeks. The move followed the administration’s decision this month to no longer require assisted living facilities and nursing homes to test staff members. [Source: News Service of Florida]

Flu shots in high demand as COVID-19 makes them even more important this year

Chances are if you’ve been to the grocery store or drugstore lately, you’ve seen signs pushing for everyone to get a flu shot — particularly because of COVID-19. From fevers and chills to fatigue and body aches, “flu is pretty miserable,” said T.J. DePaola, the pharmacist in charge at Cypress Pharmacy. That’s why he encourages his patients to get the flu shot. But this year, that’s not necessary. “This year is probably the highest that we’ve ever seen – there’s much more demand,” DePaola said. [Source: WINK News]

Tips to help maintain your mental health during the stress of the pandemic

You can no longer hang out with friends at a coffee shop, spend the day at your condominium’s community pool, or volunteer at the local hospital. The weekly card game has been canceled, as have your family get-togethers. These are challenges of navigating the new realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, or fear and dread about what’s to come. But even with all the stress and sadness, mental health experts believe you can stay hopeful during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Health agency partners with JU for nurse practitioner incentives

Availity is partnering with Jacksonville University to set up a scholarship fund for nurse practitioners who could practice independently under a new state law. It also addresses Florida's shortage of primary care physicians. “Forty-eight percent of physicians in Florida are expected to retire in the next 10 years," according to the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners. "Florida needs an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 primary care providers over the next five to 10 years. Medical schools cannot graduate enough physicians to meet the need." [Source: ]

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