Tag Archives: health issues

Tips for Managing Asthma in Winter

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Winter can be a tumultuous time for asthmatics. Between the cold air, Christmas trees and backed-up dust, many asthmatics experience a noticeable spike in symptoms this time of year. So, what can be done?

Have Your Puffer Handy

This one sounds obvious, but many moderate-to-severe asthmatics let themselves become a little forgetful sometimes about medications and that is not ideal. Asthma can be a life-threatening condition, claiming over 4,000 American lives annually, so the condition is not one to trifle with. Just the same as an anaphylactic person would always carry their EpiPen, an asthmatic should never go anywhere without their puffer. A good rule of thumb is to put a rescue inhaler in each purse or bag you use regularly, another in your car, as well as having a few around the house.

Avoid Sub-Zero Workouts

The cold, dry air of winter can wreak havoc on hypersensitive lungs. Cold air acts as a trigger for asthma or COPD by causing the airways to narrow (bronchial constriction), which makes it much more difficult to breathe. Exercising outdoors in cold temperatures increases this risk twofold by adding the already-present dangers of physical exertion on asthmatic lungs to the constriction caused by the cold. It is not a good idea for asthmatics to exercise in cold weather, but if you must, wear a scarf over your face and take your puffer beforehand (and take it along with you while you exercise, in case of an attack).

Avoid Winter Triggers

It goes without saying that you’ll have an easier season if you do your best to avoid triggers that usually cause attacks for you. While summer poses more dangers for many asthmatics such as pollen and humidity, winter carries its own respiratory risks. Aside from cold air, some common winter asthmatic triggers include:

  • Wood burning stoves – Not all asthmatics react to smoke, but many do. Wood smoke is thick and can be a major trigger for an asthmatic enclosed in a home with a wood-burning stove going.
  • Christmas trees – it usually isn’t the tree itself that causes any problems, but the types of mold growing on them. Mold is a common trigger for those with asthma or allergies.
  • Forced air heating – forced air heating can cause problems for asthmatics because it can create issues with mold as well as constantly stir up dust mites.

Rework Your Management Plan

Sometimes attempting to avoid potential triggers isn’t enough to keep your asthma under control in the winter. If you are finding more wheeziness, coughing or chest tightness than usual, talk to your doctor (or one of ours!) today to look at readjusting your asthma management plan for the season.

Thanks for visiting DocChat! Stay happy and healthy.

Should You Cut Down on Your Meat Intake?

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Recent research suggests most Americans double the daily recommended intake of meat. Should we be eating less? There has been an ongoing debate within the medical and holistic wellness communities on the benefits verses the downfalls of eliminating (or at least drastically reducing) meat intake. On one hand, organizations like the American Heart Association says that getting your share (less than 6oz daily) of fish and lean meat can help maintain proper nutrition, while others argue meat only increases the risk of diseases and unhealthful effects. More specifically, there have been significant links established between positive health effects and drastically reducing red meat consumption. Some of these benefits include weight loss, disease prevention and a longer lifespan.

Health Risks of Eating Red Meat

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine asserts that cutting down on, or eliminating meat from your diet can significantly reduce your risks of developing such serious conditions as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney complications, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis. That alone seems like enough to give it a try, but there is more. There’s also been research conducted establishing the connection between too much meat ingestion and excess iron levels in the brain which can contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease. Red meat is the primary culprit for these issues and many others, including triggering asthma attacks in some people.

Antibiotic Resistance

Another benefit to eating less meat is a decreased risk of contracting an antimicrobial-resistant infection. Animals bred for consumption are often pumped full of antibiotics to encourage growth and cut down on infections caused by unsanitary living conditions. Unfortunately, this leads to antibiotic resistant cells to grow in the animals that can then be passed to humans who later eat the animals. This leads to the growing and scary problem of antibiotic-resistant infection.

Nix Meat To Lose Weight

Another sought-after benefit of keeping meat to a minimum is the increased potential for weight-loss. Nutritional specialist and medical writer L.Bellows asserts that vegetarians tend to have lower caloric consumption, less fat (as most meats and dairy products are high in fat), and lower overall Body Mass Indexes (BMIs). He says that people who shy away from red meat also have lower cholesterol levels and a higher chance of living longer, healthier lives. As long as people who give up eating meat don’t replace those forsaken calories with other fatty foods, they should see weight-loss results.

Making the Tricky Transition

Laura Barton, vegetarian and writer for the Guardian has several tips on how to help ease the lifestyle transition for prospective meat-shunners. She advises people who wish to decrease their meat consumption to do so gradually, as giving up something immediately often doesn’t stick. Laura also advises people not to think of their new diet staples as substitutes for meat, but just as new foods, “If someone replaced my tofu with some tofu-flavoured chicken, I too would be upset. So likewise, it’s best not to try directly replacing a meat you love with a vegetarian alternative – a craving for pork chops will never be met by a slab of tempeh, and vice versa.”

(Non-Carnivorous) Food for Thought

We aren’t saying you should go full-on vegetarian, but there are some sure-fire health benefits to cutting down on your meat intake, specifically red meat. There are many health benefits associated with eating fish, so that is not a food group you should cut out (unless you are a vegetarian for ethical reasons). Similarly, lean white meats can also provide many health benefits, but as with everything, moderation is the key. It is worth a try to cut back on red meat at least, hey? Thanks for visiting DocChat!

 

 

5 Less Common Types Of Arthritis

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According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis encompasses over 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, affecting nearly 1 in 5 American adults. The three most prevalent types of arthritis that account for most cases are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Some of the less common, but equally as troublesome forms of arthritic conditions are:

         1. Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that predominantly affects the vertebrae of the spine, sometimes fusing them together creating chronic pain and swelling. The condition usually comes on in early adulthood and is more prevalent among males. It can also affect the hips, ribcage, breastbone, tendons in shoulders or heels, and the eyes. Medical science has discovered that people with the HLA-B27 gene may have a genetic vulnerability to developing the disease. If symptoms are present, doctors often do bloodwork and x-rays to help diagnose the condition.

  1. Palindromic Rheumatism

Palindromic rheumatism (PR) is a rare type of cyclical inflammatory arthritis (symptoms come and go) that often turns into rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both conditions have many similarities, but RA causes lasting joint damage, whereas PR does not. It is equally as prevalent between males and females, and usually starts in early to mid adulthood. PR consists of periods of symptom-free lulls, and periods of days, weeks or months where 2-3 joints will become inflamed and painful, as well as the surrounding connective tissue. No one laboratory test can diagnose this condition, but may help rule out others. Treatment usually consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) or antimalarials.

  1. Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is usually the result of an infection that changes the body’s ability to defend itself against other infections or environmental factors. It can be a one-time occurrence causing joint inflammation for a period of days or weeks before subsiding organically, or it can become a chronic form of arthritis that may require treatment and managing by a rheumatologist or another arthritis specialist. Reactive arthritis can affect multiple joints, causing significant pain and swelling.

  1. Scleroderma

Scleroderma is another disease that crosses over between an arthritic condition and autoimmune disease. It works by hardening the skin and the organs, which creates many inflammatory and pain problems within the body. Scleroderma affects the skin, connective tissue and organs and can be quite debilitating and pervasive. As with many autoimmune diseases, there is no cure but different medications are available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Only about 500,000 American people are afflicted by Scleroderma, and while it isn’t technically a genetic disease, it tends to be more prevalent within certain family pools.

There you have a few lesser known arthritic conditions! Keep and eye out for more less known types of arthritis in the future. If you suffer from these diseases or have any questions about arthritis in general feel free to sign up to DocChat today to begin a video consultation with one of our highly qualified physicians! Thanks for visiting, we hope you’ll be back soon.

 

10 Stress Busters To Help You Reclaim Your Smile

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One of the biggest reasons people are highly stressed is because they don’t look at stress management as an important priority on par with getting enough sleep, eating right, or going to work. In reality, stress management should be among one of the most important things on our list of ‘to do’s because without setting aside time each day to destress, it compounds until you are ready to tear out your hair. Stress also exasperates many health conditions. So here are some activities you should be carving some daily time out for to help bring the cortisol levels down:

  1. Walk it off – exercise has proven itself to be an invaluable stress reduction tool. When you exercise, your body releases mood lifting chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are natural stress-busters. So if you’re feeling particularly stressed, hit the road for a walk or jog.
  2. Breathe away the stress of the day – meditation and deep breathing exercises can be extremely beneficial for lowering anxiety and nixing the physiological effects of stress.
  3. Color the blues away – Yes, this is a real thing. While some contend the trend, many psychologists countrywide are suggesting coloring to some of their patients as a viable stress management technique.
  4. Chat it out – calling up an uplifting buddy for a coffee date when you are feeling the crunch can also help alleviate the stresses of the daily grind. It really does help to get things off your chest. Bottling it all up can lead to your emotions coming out in unwanted ways like flipping at your spouse over something minor just because of your pent up stress.
  5. Progressive muscle relaxation – this is a favorite stress management technique of mine because it can also help with chronic pain. It is all about concentrating on the stress in your limbs and progressively letting it go one muscle at a time. Check out the process here.
  6. Music or art therapy – Creative therapy has made great strides over the years in stress and anxiety management. Creative activities like painting or listening to or playing music can be calming, soothing, inspiring and invigorating.
  7. Giggle up a storm – Similar to positive physical contact and exercise, laughing also triggers the release of happy chemicals in the brain which can boost your mood and help you forget your woes. Getting into a good old fashioned belly laugh may be just what the doc ordered. So turn on your favorite comedy or call your funniest friend and let the chuckles begin.
  8. Grab a cuddle buddy – whether it is your pet, your spouse, your friend or your child, take some time to get some hugs or cuddles. That kind of contact releases feel-good chemical oxytocin which can almost obliterate negative feelings and give your mood a complete 180’.
  1. Take time for something you love – Do you like leisure drives? Or playing guitar? It is likely you don’t get to partake in enjoyable activities as often as you like – so make the time. Each day, set some time aside to do something that totally destresses you.
  2. Therapeutic Writing – Many find journaling or other forms of daily writing to be beneficial for managing stress. This process can help vent your frustrations so you can forget about them and move on with your day. Writing daily positive notes and affirmations can help lift your mood as well.

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Fast Facts About Cholesterol

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  • Over 73 million Americans have high LDL cholesterol
  • High cholesterol can manifest itself physically, causing ‘xanthomas’ (discolored fatty growths) on the skin.
  • Not all cholesterol is ‘bad’ for your heart. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the dangerous kind, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is beneficial for your body.
  • Cholesterol climbs with age, especially in women. It can significantly rise with menopause.
  • Even children and teens can have high cholesterol. There is nothing wrong with getting your child checked, especially if there are genetic risk factors present.
  • If you could take a look at cholesterol-clogged arteries, you would see that they are lined with a thick yellow substance that highly resembles butter!
  • Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, eating foods with ‘good’ HDL cholesterol just adds extra.
  • While high levels of LDL cholesterol produce dangerous plaque buildups in the arteries, target levels of HDL cholesterol can actually lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • If you have high cholesterol and are also obese or overweight, losing just 5-10% of your overall weight can potentially make a significant difference in your cholesterol levels.
  • 1 in 500 people are afflicted by a genetic disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia, marked by a defect on the 19th chromosome. FH causes dangerously high LDL cholesterol levels, even in young children with the mutation.
  • Ingesting more soluble fibre (such as that found in oatmeal, legumes and vegetables) can help lower your cholesterol.
  • Having high cholesterol (especially if it goes untreated) can nearly double your risk of developing heart disease.
  • Nearly half of people with high cholesterol are not taking medications as prescribed, which significantly increases their risk of heart disease.
  • Losing weight, taking prescribed medications and taking dietary changes such as limiting meat intake (choose protein rich alternatives like beans instead) and increasing your intake of fatty fish high in omega fatty acids can help control your cholesterol and keep it from climbing any higher.

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Testicular Cancer Awareness

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Testicular cancer can affect males of any age, but most commonly strikes those between 15 and 34. The American Cancer Society projects 8,720 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, resulting in approximately 380 cancer or surgery related deaths. However, most cases of testicular cancer are curable. The key to a positive outcome is early detection and treatment. The survival rate for testicular cancer is very high as many cases are caught and treated before the cancer spreads to surrounding areas.

Types Of Testicular Cancer

There are different types of testicular cancer based on the type of malignant cells. The most common type is germ cell testicular cancer. Approximately 95% of testicular cancer sufferers develop this type. The two main subtypes of germ cell testicular cancer are seminomas and non-seminomas, both of which respond well to chemotherapy.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

  • A bump or bulge in either testicle
  • Testicular enlargement or swelling
  • Low back pain
  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • Groin pain

Risk Factors

Testicular cancer is a relatively uncommon affliction, affecting an estimated 1 in 263 men so having these risk factors does not mean you will likely develop the condition, some men have several of these and never get TC, while others don’t have any risk factors and still get the disease. Some of the risk factors for testicular cancer include:

  • Family history of testicular cancer
  • Ethnicity: white males are more likely to get the disease
  • Cryptorchidism, an undescended testicle, puts men at higher risk
  • HIV: males who have the HIV virus or AIDS are at increased risk
  • Age: testicular cancer mainly affects young to middle aged men

Prevention

As with most diseases, there are no sure-fire ways to prevent testicular cancer but there are some measures you can take that may help decrease your odds. The Canadian Cancer Society suggests reducing long term exposure to pesticides as they have been loosely linked to testicular cancer, “More research into the role of pesticide exposure in testicular cancer is needed. However, you should try to avoid or reduce long-term exposure and follow safety rules when working with chemicals such as pesticides.” Avoiding or quitting smoking may help lower your risk as well. Lastly, as men who still have an undescended testicle are at much higher risk of contracting testicular cancer, they should get an orchiopexy (surgical removal of an undescended testicle) to greatly decrease their odds of developing TC.

Detection

The foremost defensive measure all males should take against testicular cancer is to perform a routine self-examination which will help you detect any differences in the area that may be problematic. If you perform this examination weekly, you will certainly catch anything at the onset. If you detect any anomalies when performing a self-exam, be sure to contact your primary care physician right away. Often testicular symptoms can be attributed to less threatening conditions, but your doctor will perform the necessary tests to determine if cancer is present. Early detection almost always ensures a positive and treatable outcome.

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STI Prevention And Awareness

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It is becoming increasingly important to promote awareness and become educated about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as the numbers are steadily rising around the country and will only continue to climb if we don’t take preventative measures. Simple choices like not having unprotected or intoxicated sex may mean the difference between being healthy or HIV positive. Untreated STIs can have devastating reproductive consequences if left undetected for years.

STI Statistics:

  1. Over 110 million American men and women have Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  2. Of the 8 most common STIs only: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis are treatable. The other 4: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus, HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are incurable (however there are medications available to help minimize symptoms).
  3. Gonorrhea is progressively developing resistance to common antibacterial treatments making it harder to treat effectively. If this continues, gonorrhea may become one of the incurable ones, therefore it is important to contain the spread of this STI.
  4. Many STIs are transferrable from mother to baby through birth including herpes and HIV. STIs can cause stillbirth, birth defects such as missing limbs, blindness, prematurity, or ailments such as pneumonia.
  5. Undetected or untreated syphilis causes more than 300,000 fetal fatalities annually, and leads to birth defects, congenital conditions and other health complications in 215,000 babies.
  6. Untreated STIs can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.
  7. Approximately 290 million women across the world have HPV.
  8. Each year HPV leads to over 520,000 cases of cervical cancer, 266,000 of which are deadly.
  9. Having certain STIs like herpes or syphilis can triple your risk of contracting HIV, so you should use extreme caution if you are already infected with an STI.
  10. Many STIs such as syphilis or gonorrhea can have few-to-no symptoms and may go undetected until they resurface to cause pregnancy complications or other issues years later. It is important to get checked for STIs when you first become pregnant so your doctor can take measures to protect your unborn baby in the presence of an STI such as to arrange a caesarian section birth.

STI Prevention

  • Avoid engaging in risky behaviors, such as: unprotected sex of any kind (unless you are in a committed monogamous relationship and were both tested); sex with multiple partners; sexual encounters with anonymous people; receiving unsterile or dangerous tattoos or injections; engaging in sexual behavior while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (your judgement may be impaired).
  • Females should be vaccinated with the HPV vaccination.
  • Use condoms properly every time you engage in sexual behaviour.
  • If you have multiple sexual partners (or one that you suspect may have an infection) get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections.
  • If you are engaging in sexual activity with a partner who is HIV positive, ask your doctor about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to see if it is a viable option for you.
  • Have open an discussion with your partners about if they were recently tested or have any existing STIs.
  • Talk to your doctor about your sexual habits and lifestyle to see what preventative measures he or she would suggest to help you lower your risk of contracting STIs, or prevent spreading STIs to others if you already have them.
  • Abstinence until you find a desired life partner is another preventative measure some wish to partake in.
  • It is also important to talk to your children when they are old enough about the importance of practicing abstinence or safe sex.

More Information

For more information about STIs or about how to talk to young people about STI prevention, visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s comprehensive database on sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases. If you already have an STI, there are resources available that can help with management and providing support, such as the American Sexual Health Association. For more information on these topics, you can talk to your doctor or one of our highly skilled DocChat physicians about STI prevention, treatment, management, or how to get tested today.

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IBS Symptoms, Triggers And Management

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a troublesome condition of the large intestine that causes a variety of unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. IBS sufferers have disrupted digestive rhythms, tending to move food through the tract either too slowly or too quickly resulting in chronic constipation or diarrhea. IBS sufferers experience a range of symptom severity, some with only the occasions stomach upset while others live a more restricted life, always having to know where the nearest washroom is. Fortunately, there are things IBS sufferers can do to better manage their condition and minimize discomfort.

Common Symptoms Of IBS

  • Bloating
  • Bouts of diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain or cramps (that are relieved by using the washroom)
  • Mucus in the stool
  • Gas
  • Upper GI tract discomfort (such as heartburn)
  • Frequent urgent need to use washroom
  • Worsening of symptoms with stress
  • Worsening of symptoms with certain foods

Risk Factors of IBS

Some people may have all these risk factors and never develop irritable bowels while others may fit none of the criteria but still develop the condition. However, those that fall into the following categories are at a higher risk of developing IBS:

  • Age: young people are most often affected by IBS.
  • Gender: IBS is much more prevalent among women.
  • Family history: research points to increased risk if a close family member has IBS.
  • Mental health: those with such conditions as anxiety or depression are at a higher risk for IBS as the stomach and brain are highly connected.

Common IBS Triggers

  1. Stress and anxiety
  2. Certain beverages: alcohol, carbonated and caffeinated drinks
  3. Fatty, fried or processed foods
  4. Dairy products
  5. Spicy foods
  6. Wheat and gluten may be IBS triggers for certain people
  7. Medications such as antibiotics or antidepressants may effect the bowels
  8. Not getting enough exercise

Lifestyle IBS Management Tips

Get Moving

To help control your IBS through diet and lifestyle, be sure to start exercising more if you are sedentary. Regular exercise can help ease some of the symptoms of IBS. Yoga, routine walking and swimming can be especially good activities to try if you have IBS as they are not too strenuous.

Stress Management

With most IBS sufferers high stress levels can lead to flare-ups, so it would certainly be in your best interest to keep your cortisol levels in-check. Try to set aside some time each morning (or when you feel stress rising) to do something you find relaxing such as journeling or going for a little drive with relaxing music. Some IBS sufferers experience some success practicing relaxation techniques.

Diet Modification

Try to follow a healthy diet which works in high fibre fruits and veggies while limiting intake of junk food, dairy, take out, greasy or spicy food. Drink more water (especially to replenish your fluids if you tend toward loose bowel movements regularly).

Probiotics or Medication

Some people with IBS find success with probiotics; taking certain kinds daily may help replenish beneficial gut flora that can be out of balance from irregular washroom habits. Talk to your healthcare professional before beginning probiotics to make sure they are right for you. You should also consult your doctor (or one of our highly qualified DocChat physicians) if your IBS is still uncontrolled after modifying your diet and lifestyle as you may need to look into other treatment options.

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Spice Up Your Health With These 13 Nutritious Seasonings

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  1. Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory and fat-suppressing properties. It is also associated with helping lower the risk of metabolic conditions such as obesity.
  2. Cinnamon boasts healthy helpings of iron, calcium and antioxidants. It has shown promise in helping stabilize blood glucose and blood pressure.
  3. Cardamom works as a gastrointestinal soother and contains a natural antiseptic called cineole.
  4. Sage has proven effective to help with cognitive function. In a particular study, sage helped increase memory in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s patients. It has also been used in traditional medicine throughout history for a variety of reasons.
  5. Ginger is also a natural anti-inflammatory which, as you may know, is known for its gastrointestinal benefits. It has even been used in pill form by popular pharmaceutical companies as a stomach soothing medication. Research has also linked ginger with appetite suppression.
  6. Peppermint helps reduce irritable bowel symptoms by relaxing the stomach muscles to allow easier food passage as well as reducing bloating. When used in steam form, peppermint can also help decongest people with post nasal drip, sinusitis or rhinitis. When combined with hot water, peppermint helps open the airways and drain blocked nasal passages (breathe in 3-4 drops of pure peppermint oil in a cut of boiling water).
  7. Cayenne is often used to help cold and flu symptoms and works as a natural decongestant. Research suggests it may also help stabilize the metabolism, blood pressure and cholesterol.
  8. Oregano has natural antimicrobial properties and has traditionally been used to help such conditions as dandruff, UTIs, lung conditions and menstrual symptoms. It is also a rich source of vitamin K.
  9. Chili flakes contain an anti-inflammatory compound called capsaicin. Chili pepper flakes have quite a powerful analgesic (pain reducing) effect when enough are consumed.
  10. Chives contain allicin which may help control LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels as well as possibly aid in reducing high blood pressure, thus contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
  11. Thyme is a spice powerhouse. It brags natural antiseptic and antifungal characteristics and contains pyridoxine (also known as vitamin B-6) which helps lower stress levels. Thyme is also rich in antioxidants, potassium, iron, folic acid and vitamins A, B, K, E and C. Can a garnish get any healthier than that?
  12. Garlic is another spice superstar. It contains even more allicin than chives, as well as antifungal and antibacterial components. Research proposes that when consumed regularly, garlic may help lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and shows potential anti-carcinogenic properties as well.
  13. Cocoa may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. There have been several studies done on the effects of cocoa on the heart, many of which have resulted in positive findings that dark chocolate can help the heart when consumed regularly. The anti-inflammatory compound flavanol may be to thank for cocoa’s heart healthy quality.

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5 Ways Telemedicine Helps You Take Control Of Your Care

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  1. You Are More Of a Valued Customer Than A Patient

Telemedicine breaks down traditional “doctor/patient” barriers by viewing the procurer less as a number and more as an essential client who is entitled to satisfaction. For example, DocChat’s customer-centric approach places utmost importance on the client’s experience, the patient always comes first. Customer satisfaction at all costs beats walking away from a disappointing or rushed clinic appointment feeling shortchanged.

  1. Care When And Where You Choose

Instead of waiting for appointments, and waiting around clinics, you get to decide the time and place of your care. This helps you take the reins as opposed to just being a passenger waiting on a doctor’s convenience. If you want to set up an appointment at work on your lunch break, nothing is stopping you. Telemedicine services give you complete control over the circumstances surrounding your care.

  1. More Accessible Continuum of Care

Telemedicine makes it much easier to follow up with your doctor than having to attempt to book a whole other appointment shortly after (which often isn’t possible for weeks). You can follow up with your telemedicine doctor with the click of a button via instant chat message or video conference. This enables everyone, especially those with chronic conditions that need managing, to take better control over their continuing healthcare.

  1. Your Time Is Your Own

Scheduling, waiting for and arranging necessary accommodations such as travel or childcare before a doctor’s appointment can all be very time consuming. Waiting an hour in a clinic or several in the ER for concerns that can be handled via telemedicine can be big a waste of your time. Since up to 78% of medical concerns can be dealt with through telemedicine, it seems the option that will enable you to take better control over your healthcare and valuable time is obvious.

  1. Telemedicine Services Answer To You

Quality control is often very high with telemedicine companies because they want you to return as a customer. A good telemedicine provider will always treat you competitively well to keep you whereas if you go to the ER, they don’t want you to return, so you are just treated and sent on your way (happy or not) to make room for the next group of people filing in. You can usually bank on satisfaction with telemedicine videoconferences. DocChat doctors for example are extensively vetted and trained to ensure a companywide standard of excellence. Some companies don’t have as strict standards with their doctors, so it is best to do your research first to make sure a company is intensive about qualifications and training before entrusting them with your care.

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