Tag Archives: life hacks

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.

Thanks for visiting DocChat!

11 Activities For The Mobility Impaired

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Sticking to regular exercise can be challenging for anyone, let alone those with barriers like mobility impairments, chronic pain, restrictively obesity or being wheelchair bound. Luckily being mobility restricted doesn’t have to mean no exercise. You can still lead a fulfilling active lifestyle by adapting your exercise regimen to best suit your needs.

Exercises for Joint Pain Sufferers

  1. Water aerobics – is one of the best exercises for anyone with limited mobility and can be especially beneficial for those with joint pain because water negates effects of gravity which greatly alleviates pressure on the joints.
  2. Walking – is an excellent and versatile low-impact workout for those suffering with chronic joint or back pain. You can go at your own pace, walk with a buddy or alone, listen to music, and walk inside or outdoors.
  3. Yoga – can be especially beneficial for people with joint problems as it can help increase flexibility and build and tone muscles. The benefits of stretching have been widely acknowledged for chronic pain sufferers and the elderly.
  4. Rowing Machines – are relatively easy on the joints because of the fluid motion. If you have trouble with your lower body joints, you can focus on working out your upper body with these machines.
  5. Ballroom Dancing – is a gentle, graceful workout that is easy on faulty joints so grab a partner and start 1-2 stepping today!
  6. Golf – is another gentle sport. It can help tone the arm and oblique muscles, and if you walk between holes it adds another level of low impact exercise to the day. Be sure to adequately block-up to avoid skin damage from the sun!
  7. Balance Ball Exercises – can be beneficial for those with joint pain, as you can use the ball in whatever way best suits your needs. Do exercises like sit-ups on top of the ball, gently bounce to strengthen your core (be careful of the knees), lie on the floor and use your legs to lift the ball, or you can do arm exercises by raising the ball over your head (this works best with weighted balls).

Exercises for Handicapped People and the Restrictively Obese

  1. Chair Exercises – are a popular method of exercise among the wheelchair bound or restrictively obese as you can gently tone the upper body using weights and other aerobic motions. There are many free instructional videos online to help you get started.
  2. Alternative Workout Machines – Workout machines such as the arm cycle that can be set up on a table and used to tone and strengthen the upper body and to achieve good cardiovascular exercise.
  3. Resistance and weight training – doing arm curls and raises with weights of various sizes is another excellent way to exercise and build muscle while stationary. Resistance band training can help with mobility, muscle strength and flexibility.
  4. Water exercises – are ideal for people with disabilities that restrict or prohibit the use of their legs, as water creates gentle resistance against motion which can help strengthen any working muscles.
  5. Wheelchair Sports – There are leagues and teams for wheelchair basketball, volleyball and other popular sports in most any city, and if it doesn’t exist in your area – start one!

Thanks for visiting DocChat! We hope some of these ideas helped spark some exercise inspiration for those who have been struggling to find the right activity for their needs!

 

 

 

Weight Loss Myths Set Straight (Part 2)

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When you are trying to lose weight it can seem impossible to sort out the “lose weight fast!” scams and schemes from the healthy tricks and tips, so we decided to address some of the most common weight loss myths with the facts to help sort the mess out a little. Check out our “Weight Loss Myths Debunked Part 1” if you haven’t already! Here are a few more we came across:

Myth: You must have a thyroid problem if you have a difficult time losing weight.
Fact: In actuality less than 5% of the American populous have hypothyroidism, so just because you have a hard time losing weight that doesn’t mean a disorder is to blame. However, if you experience many of the other symptoms of hypothyroidism along with inability to easily shed pounds, you should talk to your primary care doctor or one of our highly qualified DocChat physicians today.

Myth: Carbs are bad!
Fact: Not all carbohydrates are evil, simple carbs such as glucose, corn syrup and refined sugar are made of only a couple sugar molecules and are rapidly digested. They don’t provide much nutritional sustenance and usually comprise ‘junk food’ products that can be bad for our health. However, complex (starchy) carbs like pasta, potatoes and whole grains are essential parts of a healthy diet when eaten in the proper proportions. They often contain goodies such as fibre and B vitamins and can provide you with the energy you need to get through your day and your workouts.

Myth: If you just exercise regularly, you can eat what you want and still lose weight.
Fact: Unless you’re an anomaly to the norm, if you are exercising the called for half an hour to an hour a day but still eating a big bag of chips, dessert after every meal and take-out on the regular, chances are you won’t be hitting your target weight loss goal any time soon. You are burning off a normal amount of calories, but taking in an excess of calories because of a lousy diet, your exercising isn’t going to cover all those added calories. It is almost like swimming against a current, all your hard work will likely just be eclipsed by the chip bag or donut box. In order to achieve healthy weight loss, eating a well balanced healthy diet and exercising regularly are both recommended.

Myth: A calorie is a calorie, they are all the same.
Fact: Our bodies metabolize different types of food in different ways. For example, protein can boost your metabolism by making it work harder as well as keep you satiated for a longer period of time, while simple carbs such as refined sugar are zoomed through your metabolism and stored as fat, working against your metabolism. So protein calories are better types to consume more of than simple carb or ‘empty’ calories when you are trying to stay healthy and keep an eye on your waistline.

Myth: Dairy products are too fattening for weight loss
Fact: As long as you make lower fat dairy choices, dairy can be an important part of a healthy diet and can help you stay or become trim. Dairy contains a surplus of protein, which is conducive to weight loss and healthy eating, as well as calcium and vitamin D. If you have trouble consuming dairy, the protein and calcium in soy products can adequately replace dairy products.

We hope our myths and tips helped you. If you have any questions about healthy weight loss, or obesity or other related illnesses don’t hesitate to sign up today and try a video conference with one of our qualified and experienced DocChat physicians. Thanks for visiting, have a great day!

Homemade Haircare For Sensitive Scalps

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Many shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals and unpronounceable ingredients that can be bothersome to sensitive scalps, especially for those who have scalp conditions such as psoriasis. Treating yourself to natural spa-like ingredients every now and then can really help revitalize your hair and scalp. There are plenty of homemade shampoo ingredients just sitting on your pantry shelves waiting to be used – some may seem strange, but your hair will thank you for the break from synthetic concoctions.

Coconut Oil

Just as coconuts contain beneficial fatty acids, vitamins and minerals for your nutrition, they can also help fortify your hair. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help reinvigorate dry hair and has also made headway in reducing discomfort from such scalp and skin disorders as eczema. You should check with your doctor before trying this if you have eczema just to make sure it is right for your particular condition. Massaging some warm liquid coconut oil into your scalp and hair helps those vitamins and minerals penetrate the scalp. You can leave the oil on for however long you wish before rinsing (use caution as it can stain materials and is slippery when spilled on the floor).

Avocado Hair Mask

Avocado is a great natural moisturizer, and can even help prevent or slow hair loss. A suggested method of application to get the full effects of avocados is to make a homemade hair mask. To do this, you can thoroughly mash one peeled avocado with either one egg or 1/4th a cup of olive oil (some squeeze in some citrus for good measure). Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp, and leave it on for 30-60 minutes. Once you wash it out, viola! Shiny, strong, conditioned hair!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar boasts quite an impressive haircare resume. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, it can be used to help ease symptoms of psoriasis such as itching or burning sensations. Apple cider vinegar also acts as a natural disinfectant and helps remove residue left in your hair from years of product use. It is also a natural detangler! Mix equal parts water and vinegar and apply it to your hair and scalp using a spray bottle. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes then rinse it out. For best results, use this treatment every week for shiny, soft, clean hair. Apple cider vinegar works as a natural skincare product as well.

General Haircare Tips:

  • Peppermint and eucalyptis oil are also natural products used for hair health.
  • A list of scalp-friendly haircare products is available here for those who are bothered by standard shampoos and conditioners.
  • Use warm as opposed to hot water to wash your hair. Hot water strips not only your hair’s natural healthy oils, but can also strip color much quicker.
  • Unless your hair is very oily, you don’t need to wash it everyday because over-washing strips your hair of natural, healthy oils as well.
  • Many shampoos have harsh make-ups that gradually sap your hair of its lustre and strength. Tip? The fewer ingredients, the better. Use gentle shampoos such as baby shampoo, which is about as gentle as you can get in stores.
  • Try to refrain from using straighteners and hairdryers too frequently, it is best for your hair to let it dry naturally whenever you can do so.
  • It may seem cliché, but get a trim every month and a half or so.
  • Let your hair breathe, try to resist the urge to always stick it up in a knot as elastics can also damage your hair when used too often. If you have to put it up, use a silk tie.
  • When you swim in chlorinated water, protect your hair with a swimming cap.

We hope you enjoyed our peek into natural haircare. It is always great to catch the occasional break from complex synthetic treatments and do something natural for yourself! Thanks for visiting DocChat.

20 Mini Health Goals

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We can all improve in some areas of life and sometimes it only takes little tweaks to do so. Not all of these will apply to everyone, but if even if you pick out a few to work on, you’ll already be a little closer to better health.

For Your Mental Health

  • Work on your mind as much as you work on your body – research has linked active minds (puzzles, games, reading for pleasure) to Alzheimer’s and dementia prevention.
  • Give a laugh to someone who needs it – making others giggle can lift your spirits as well, laughing is contagious and you’ll feel good for helping perk someone up.
  • Defy Complacency – Give yourself a new kind of challenge. Add to your hobbies, learn a new language or start a new course or a new community activity.
  • Change Your Inner Conversation:
    A) if you tend to be self centered, try to be more self aware and see how your behaviour impacts others.
    B) If you tend to self-depreciate, be kinder to yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others as this can chip away at self esteem. Focus on building yourself up.
  • Set a daily limit on technology in your household – try to use this time to enjoy different types of activities with others
  • Try to curb your worries and replace them with more hopeful inner dialogue. Studies show that actively replacing negative thoughts with positive ones can have all kinds of benefits.

For Your Physical Health

  • If you are carrying it, lose that extra 10 pounds sooner rather than later – your health will surely thank you. Extra weight negatively impacts such existing illnesses as: gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disorder (GERD), asthma and arthritis to name a few. Obesity is directly linked to heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
  • Do little bursts of jumping jacks or sit ups during the commercials.
  • Rest when your body is begging you to. When possible, try not to push on through clear signals that you need to rest such as unusual fatigue or headaches.
  • Hydrate more and add more fibre to your diet.
  • The verdict is still out on cell phones increasing cancer risks but if you are concerned, limit using your cellphone close to your face. Instead, try using the speaker function.
  • Try a different fruit or veggie every week. Who knows, you may find several new favourites!
  • If you suspect you drink too much, start to cut it down for your health. Check out our article on Binge Drinking to read about moderate versus dangerous drinking.
  • Try to buy fresh ingredients and cook healthy everyday – nutritious meals can be just as quick as unhealthy ones.

For Your Emotional Health

  • Allow yourself to do what you’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Did you always want to take up guitar? Do it. Make the time instead of waiting to find the time that may never show up.
  • If you’re not happy with your life story, change the narrative. Go back to school if you dislike your job, make greater efforts in the romance department if you’re not happy with your love life. It is easier said than done, but you’re the only one capable of making those changes.
  • Show others appreciation – tell them or show them with a gesture of love such as a homemade card.
  • Push yourself to diversify your socializing. Add a new friend into the mix, go out a little more, let more people into your world.
  • Evaluate your relationships – work on those that need saving, and allow yourself to close the book on those that cannot be saved.
  • Hug a pet or someone close to you everyday. Enjoyable physical contact releases ‘feel good’ hormones and can literally lift your mood.

We hope you enjoyed our mini health goals! Thanks for visiting DocChat, we hope to see you again soon!

 

Life Hacks For The Highly Sensitive (Part 1)

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In yesterday’s post about highly sensitive people (HSPs), we promised some hints on how to better manage hypersensitive traits for better quality of life. Here are the first batch:

  1. Stop trying to change yourself. Most HSPs spend plenty of time wondering what is wrong with them. Why do you cry during that one commercial? Why can’t you watch violent movies? Why do seemingly insignificant things bother you so much? Hey, you are what you are! Nothing is wrong with you, nothing is broken. You just have to learn to make your HSP-ness work for you! You’re unique, and that is always cool. It is okay to walk against the current. Embrace your hypersensitivity, just learn to train it a little so you have a more comfortable life.
  2. Reacquaint yourself with nature. HSPs are usually pretty in sync with nature. Not all, but many HSPs are spiritual and feel calmer and more comfortable outdoors, so try to get out more. The vitamin D alone is a great reason, but it may also help you regulate your thoughts and emotions.
  3. Reframe your HSP traits. It is easy for us HSPs to pick on ourselves. While we may see positives easily in others, we are our own worst enemies and usually focus too much energy on our own faults and flaws. Instead of berating yourself for letting your thoughts spiral, try to rewrite your internal dialogue to think positively about yourself. Remind yourself of all the awesome traits you possess because of your highly sensitive nature. These may include conscientiousness, social and global awareness, creativity, a curious and inquisitive mind, extra empathy or perhaps altruistic nature.
  1. Learn to corral your natural tendency to be the best. You’re the front line of help for everyone you love, the keenest student in class, the most over-the-top employee. Giving all of yourself to every task you do has consequences. It is good to have that ‘go-getter’ spirit, but if you don’t learn to slow down and moderate it you will burn out, and may even end up with physical health problems from running yourself into the ground.
  2. Tailor your habits to suit your HSP needs. If you find bustling crowds stressful, try running your errands outside ‘normal’ hours, like doing your grocery shopping an hour before the store closes so the store will be much less crowded. Try catching a weekday movie instead of a peak night showing. If you’re more comfortable in smaller groups, factor that into your social plans. It is okay to accommodate yourself.

  3. Pay attention to your body’s unique needs. You should change dietary habits that may be wearing on you such as too much caffeine, artificial colors or additives – HSPs often have allergies and food intolerances because they are generally physically hypersensitive as well as mentally and emotionally. Eat healthy so you will have more energy (HSPs often struggle with fatigue). Also, be sure you don’t overexert yourself and end up needing to spend too much time recovering. HSPs are usually all-or-nothing which can be detrimental when it comes to exercise. Try low-key exercises, such as yoga which will be easier on your body also help to quell your mind a little and center you before or after a long day.
  4. Take time for your favourite small pleasures. Love cuddling? Reading? Coloring? Allow yourself some time each day for the little things that make you happy and get those endorphins flowing. This will help block out stress and negativity that you may gather throughout the day. Hobbies are important outlets for HSPs as many of us are creative and need to purge all the pent up emotion or anxiety. Making art or woodworking are good ways to do that but really, most any productive hobby will do!

Thanks for visiting DocChat! Keep an eye out for HSP Life Hacks Part 2 in the future!

 

 

 

 

Give Your Diet A Makeover!

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We are all guilty of sneaking too many candies or chips from time to time and going through the occaisonal no-veggie stint, but sometimes just a few little things need tweaking to make a nutritious impact. Here are some simple diet changes that can go a long way in helping you feel, live and look healthier:

  1. Up your protein: chicken and turkey are great meat choices for protein, if you are a vegetarian, try chickpeas!
  2. Add more of those leafy greens: spinach is actually amazing. It an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, C and B6, folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium! It looks like Popeye was on to something! Lettuce and kale also throw big nutritious punches with very few calories.
  3. Eat more (of certain) dairy products: skim milk, cottage cheese and low fat, low sugar yogurt. Greek yogurt is a great choice, as it is full of protein and helps balance your gut flora. These foods are great sources of calcium and protein without the extra fat of some other dairy products.
  4. Help eggs recover their good name: Eggs got a bad rep in the 80’s for ‘raising cholesterol’, but it has since been discovered that eggs do not raise plaque-building LDL cholesterol. They are also great sources of helpful tryptophan protein. So start crackin’!
  5. Trade in your white bread for whole grains: Numerous studies have shown that whole grains are so much better for you than starchy white bread and crackers. If you have trouble with gluten, there are even gluten-free whole grain food options available. Brown rice flour is a good source or fibre as well.
  6. Aw, nuts! Nuts are nutritious sources of omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fibre. Measure out ¼ a cup of any kind of nuts you choose for a nice helping of good health.
  7. Don’t party too hardy: Read DocChat’s post about the dangers of binge drinking!
  8. Less salt is best salt: Adults should consume under 6 grams (one teaspoon) of salt a day.
  9. Good nutrition smells fishy: Fish are among some of the best foods you can eat. Many of them are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (good fats) and vitamin D.
  10. Add Antioxidants: Antioxidants remove harmful oxidizing agents that can cause cell damage in the body. Various fruits are good sources of antioxidants such most berries, black plums (over 4800 antioxidants per plum!) and oranges.
  11. Hydrate to feel great: This one is obvious, we’ve all heard the 6-8 glasses of water requirement ad nauseam, but we still let days go by without reaching for the water jug enough. Dehydration can cause serious health issues and unpleasant symptoms, so be sure to give your body what it needs the most and drink plenty of H2O!
  12. Less bad fats: While some fats such as the polyunsaturated variety are essential to good health and great for the heart, saturated fats (in many animal products) should be eaten in moderation as they can cause high cholesterol. It goes without saying that junk food is high in bad fat and should also be reduced to the occasional treat.
  13. Don’t skip out on meal time: It is important to eat at least three balanced meals a day, but some people have more success with 5-6 smaller meals. Either way, you shouldn’t skip meals as they provide necessary energy and nutrients the body needs to get through each day. Check out our blog post about why you especially shouldn’t skip breakfast.
  14. Variety is the spice you need: It is important not to focus on one or two favoured foods, even if they are healthy. A balanced diet is the key to healthful success, so make sure to spice things up. Try different meats and dairy products at the grocery store, and make new recipes.
  15. Fibre gives your food an easier journey: Fibre is essential to good digestion. People who are chronically constipated often aren’t consuming enough dietary fibre and may notice considerable benefits upon increasing it. Beans, dark green veggies and whole grains are all rich sources of fibre.We hope you have fun with these healthy diet tweaks, and thanks for visiting DocChat! We hope to see you again soon.

 

 

“Superfood” – Just A Buzzword?

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The term ‘superfood’ has been hotly contended on the internet and within the medical community. Some sources say these foods are “cure-alls” that will singlehandedly help lower your cancer risks, while others argue that ‘superfood’ is just a marketing term used to hypnotize the general populous by selling certain foods under a guise. But really, the term ‘superfood’ just seems to boil down to very healthy food choices like broccoli or certain berries that are richer in vitamins and other natural goodies than other foods.

Does Science Back Superfoods?

Have such superfoods shown research-backed disease-fighting benefits? When wading through all the pros and cons, it is tricky to find much actual empirical research about superfoods. However, nutritionists and doctors have certainly drawn parallels between nutritional elements like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and issues like cardiovascular health. Basically, science suggests that while certain foods do have more healthful components, certainly no one food can act alone to prevent or battle disease. However, eating more of these heathier choices will better your overall health and may help collectively lower your risks against certain ailments.

What Do We Think About Superfoods?

All in all, who really cares about the controversy over nomenclature if these foods actually do have added health profits, nutrients and are overall simply better choices for your body? ‘Superfoods’ may be less sensational than some claims, but there are certainly health merits to a diet rich in these nutrient-packed foods. So, in that case we say “bring on the “superfoods!” Except – maybe we can dub them something different in light of all the fuss? Let’s just call them Betterfoods!

5 of Our Favourite Betterfoods

We all know diets rich in fruits and veggies are most beneficial, but there are other choices that can really enrich your health as well:

  1. Berries, berries everywhere! People often forget just how valuable berries are. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries are the source of bountiful benefits such as fibre (raspberries have 8 grams per cup!), vitamins and antioxidants such as anthocyanins (great for keeping the mind sharp).
  2. Nuts – packed with fibre, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, nuts are one of the best foods you can consume for your health (unless you are allergic! Then try seeds).
  3. Beans – are truly Betterfoods with their high fibre content, and have cancer-fighting chemicals called isoflavones and phytosterolsvitamins. Soybeans are a matter of debate, some articles claim they are ‘superfoods’ while some studies have shown ill effects of soy on the cardiovascular system. Either way, soy beans certainly have some great traits such as extra protein and vitamins. Moderation is key!
  4. Seeds – many seeds are good for the body – sunflower seeds are rich in vitamins A and E as well as heart healthy fats, flaxseeds are high in fibre and may help reduce cholesterol when eaten routinely, and chia seeds are high in iron, calcium, magnesium, folate and good fats.
  5. Tea – according to WebMD, “A recent Japanese study on green tea found that men who drank green tea regularly had lower cholesterol than those who didn’t. Researchers in Spain and the United Kingdom have also shown that ECGC can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. For a double health whammy, replace sugary sodas with tea.”

So there you have it! DocChat’s favourite Betterfoods! So get to munchin’!

 

The Convenience Of Telemedicine For Particular Groups

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While telemedicine is a convenient and accessible means of treatment for everyone, it provides a little extra help for certain demographics who have trouble with conventional doctor’s appointments such as the mobility impaired, sick, elderly, immunocompromised or busy families.

Telemedicine For Disabled Patients

It goes without saying that if someone is mobility impaired, it would be so much safer and easier for them to receive treatment without having to arrange transport or undergo the difficult process of getting ready and venturing out just for a prescription or medical advice they could receive from home. Telemedicine enables people in wheelchairs, with canes or with other mobility issues to access most of their care from the comfort and safety of their homes. DocChat can even fax prescriptions and arrange to have them delivered directly to the patient’s home.

Telemedicine For The Elderly

Each year over one third of elderly Americans will suffer a fall. Many of those falls take place outdoors in the winter. Over 2,000,000 of these folks end up needing emergency treatment for subsequent injuries. During the winter months especially, using telemedicine would be safer for elderly people who may also be mobilitiy impaired, instead of heading out on the ice and risking a fall, or exposure to harmful germs in a hospital or doctor’s office setting.

Telemedicine For The Immunocompromised

Over 1,200,000 people contract healthcare-related infections each year in United States hospitals. The numbers on how many people contract infections from waiting in doctor’s offices are unclear, but it is safe to say it definitely happens. This is a risk for anyone, let alone someone who has a chronic condition such as AIDS, severe COPD or cancer and has little immunity against such potential infections. When possible, staying home is always a safer option for immunocompromised people, especially during a flare-up when they are even more vulnerable.

Telemedicine For Busy Parents

There are many reasons for busy parents not to want to cart their young kids around town for health matters that could be handled via telemedicine. Some of these include:

  1. Small children have less built up immunity to many colds, flus and infections
  2. It is difficult to keep children’s hands away from their faces in dirty clinic settings
  3. It has hectic to try to get children dressed, ready and keep them preoccupied while waiting in crowded clinics
  4. Busy parents usually have a million things to do and can’t take a whole day off for an appointment when there are other options.

Telemedicine For Everyone!

So maybe you don’t have a compromising chronic illness, disability, or child to protect – maybe you just want to receive high quality medical care from the comfort of your home. Well you’re in luck, as DocChat does not discriminate on delivery of care based on location, condition, financial standing or any other way. We aim to deliver top-quality, cost efficient care to anyone and everyone who desires or requires it!

 

Quick and Nutritious Meal Ideas

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In our fast-paced world it can be hard to carve out two hours everyday to cook a hearty, healthy supper, or to spare more than a few minutes to prepare breakfast or lunch. Luckily, speedy meals don’t always have to skimp on flavour or nutrition. Here are a few of our favourite quick, healthy meal choices:

Healthy, Yummy Breakfast Ideas

  1. A spinach/tomato omelette made with feta cheese and extra virgin olive oil and a cup of mixed berries (frozen berries are delicious too).
  2. Homemade oatmeal and fruit (made from raw oats, not packaged oatmeal which is full of refined sugar) – you can slice in a banana for flavour, or add some cinnamon and stevia to taste
  3. Breadless PB and banana sandwich – for this open-faced delicacy, just cut a banana in half lengthwise, spread your favourite nut-butter on each half and sprinkle homemade granola (combinations of grains, seeds, nuts and dried fruit) on top. Or just some oats and raisons or nuts will do just fine. This sweet treat is nutritious as well, with some added protein from the peanut butter.

Quick and nutritious Lunches

  1. Garlic chicken pizza – take some precooked chicken or quick-fry strips, defrost some garlic bread you have in your freezer (or use slightly toasted normal bread with a quick spread of garlic butter), some cheese of your choice, pizza or tomato sauce and basil. Put it all on the garlic bread and pop it in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted. Voila! A chef-quality lunch in minutes.
  2. Herb and almond salad – clocking in at under 5 minutes of prep time, this nutritious lunch choice has many flavourful elements such as cilantro, chives and nuts. Real Simple has many other delicious, creative salad choices as well.
  3. Chicken and brown rice – make some brown rice, and add precooked, lightly grilled chicken, chives and some low-sodium soy sauce for a super quick, scrumptious meal full of fibre and flavor.

 

Speedy, Beneficial Supper Ideas

  1. Garlic beef and bean stir fry (you can substitute pork for more heart-healthy choice). This quick supper idea has protein, fibre and flavour, and is easy on the clock!
  2. Fresh Salmon and Steamed Broccoli – fresh salmon doesn’t take long to cook, only about half an hour, and steamed broccoli takes mere minutes. For flavouring, you can melt some cream cheese to mix through your broccoli. Salmon usually only needs some pepper or spices of choice. Spicy Thai sauce is delicious on salmon and broccoli as well.
  3. Almost Instant Tuna Casserole – if you like tuna, this will be one of the tastiest meals you’ll eat, and it can be prepared in minutes. To make, start boiling a serving of noodles (or brown rice noodles for a gluten free option). Put a little bit of butter in another pot on medium heat until melted, add a teaspoon of flour (or gluten free flour), turn the burner down a bit and add in you favourite spices like parsley, chives, garlic and pepper. Pour some liquid chicken broth into the mixture and bring to a boil. When boiled, reduce heat and add in a full can of flaked tuna. Once the tuna starts boiling, add some more chicken broth, boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer. Pour the mixture over your strained noodles (or a cup of brown rice) for a lovely, healthy supper in 10 minutes.

Healthy Snack Ideas

Here at DocChat, we like to keep pre-chopped bell peppers, cucumber and celery in the fridge for quick, healthy snacks. We love humus or tzatziki sauce for dipping. Raisons make a yummy afternoon snack when you’re in the mood for something sweet. Cheese strings are a good, quick snack choice as well because they limit the cheese serving to the proper size, instead of cutting off more than you should chew from the cheese block.