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HEALTHY LIVING

Trends pointing to telehealth as a supplement to in-person health care

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(Family Features) Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, where and how adults in the United States seek and receive health care has evolved. Telehealth went from a novelty to a necessity, and now Americans expect more choices and connection in their health care experiences whether in-person or online.

Data points to a preference (with the exception of mental health care) for in-person care and the use of telehealth as one part of the overall continuity of care. This and more was discovered as part of “The Healthcare Experience: 2022,” a comprehensive report that includes data from patient and provider surveys and an analysis of appointment booking trends from May 2020-May 2022. Conducted by Zocdoc, a digital health care marketplace where people can find and book in-person or virtual health care appointments across more than 200 specialties and 12,000 insurance plans, the report also uncovered these trends:

Telehealth Has Not Replaced In-Person Care
Prior to the pandemic, telehealth represented approximately 1% of care, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. However, amid stay-at-home orders and concerns about contracting COVID-19, many Americans turned to telehealth to safely get the care they needed with 33% of appointments booked conducted via telehealth in May 2020. By May 2022, that number declined to 17%, and excluding mental health, just 9% of appointments were attended virtually. This signals a return to in-person care as Americans adapt to a new normal; in fact, 77% of patient survey respondents indicated they will utilize a combination of telehealth and in-person care in the future.

Mental Health Appointments Remain Primarily Virtual
Mental health is the only specialtywhere there are more virtual bookings now than during the early months of the pandemic. In May 2020, 74% of mental health bookings were virtual. That number rose to 85% in May 2021 and 87% in May 2022. Patients surveyed noted convenience, the comforts of home and a perception of increased intimacy as reasons for virtual visits with mental health providers.

Telehealth Still Has Some Problems to Work Out
Highlighting some of the issues providers have experienced with online appointments, 37% of providers said it was “more difficult” or “much more difficult” to build a relationship with patients via telehealth versus in-person and 58% indicated it was harder to examine patients virtually. Additionally, 58% of providers indicated connectivity issues or trouble with technology negatively impacted their delivery of virtual care.

Patients are Still Catching Up on Care
Since the onset of the pandemic, many Americans delayed or canceled health care appointments. In fact, 63% of patients said they put off preventive care during the early stages of the pandemic and 24% said they have not yet caught up on scheduling those appointments. However, 39% of patients have either caught up or made progress on catching up on preventative care.

Offline Factors Impact Online Care
With 81% of Americans using some form of video calling and conferencing during the pandemic, according to data from Pew Research Center, people have gotten used to distractions and interruptions during these interactions. However, the circumstances of a virtual visit can make it harder to deliver or receive care with providers reporting seeing a patient’s pet (36%), seeing a patient’s family member or roommate (31%) or seeing patients outside their homes (42%) during telehealth appointments.

For more information and to view the full report, visit zocdoc.com.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock


SOURCE:
Zocdoc

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HEALTHY LIVING

Smart starts for a healthy heart

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Improve hydration, skip added sugars with better-for-you beverages

(Family Features) How you start your morning can impact the rest of your day. If you’re looking to incorporate healthier choices into your morning routine, try a concept known as “habit stacking.” Building tiny, healthier habits into routines you already have, like enjoying a morning beverage or breakfast before you check your email instead of jumping right into the day’s tasks, can make it easier to stick to a new habit when it’s built into an existing routine.

If you already enjoy the routine of breakfast to start the day, consider swapping sugary drinks for beverages without added sugars like unsweetened green or black tea. When incorporated as part of an overall healthy diet, unsweetened tea can help support heart health.

If you need help getting started, Lipton, a proud national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, created these easy-to-make, better-for-you tea recipes.

A small handful of ingredients makes a big splash in Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies, ideal for an on-the-go breakfast. For a little refreshment any time of day, simple Sparkling Green Tea Cranberry Spritzers offer a solution with 0 grams of added sugars while non-alcoholic Green Tea Mojito Mocktails provide natural sweetness with 100% fruit juice.

Choosing beverages with no added sugars can contribute to a healthy heart, according to the American Heart Association, making these recipes perfect for daily habit stacking. Water is needed to keep your body running at its best, and because unsweetened tea is 99.5 % water, it provides a delicious way to help hydrate.

Discover more ways to improve daily routines at Heart.org/eatsmart.

Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association
Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving)

  • 3 cups water
  • 8 single-serving green tea bags
  • 16 ounces frozen mixed berries (about 3 cups)
  • 2 medium bananas, peeled, cut in half and frozen
  • 1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons fresh-grated peeled gingerroot (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons chia or flax seeds (optional)
  1. In small saucepan over high heat, bring water to boil. Remove pan from heat. Submerge tea bags. Steep 4 minutes. Discard tea bags. Let tea mixture cool 30 minutes. Pour into pitcher. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until chilled.
  2. In food processor or blender, process tea, berries, bananas and yogurt until smooth. Add gingerroot and vanilla, if desired, and process until smooth. Pour into four glasses. Sprinkle with chia seeds, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving (without optional ingredients): 136 calories; 1 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, trans fat, polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat); 3 mg cholesterol; 23 mg sodium; 29 g carbohydrates; 5 g fiber; 18 g total sugars (0 g added sugars); 8 g protein.

Green Tea Mojito Mocktails

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association
Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving)

  • 4 cups water
  • 4 single-serving green tea bags
  • 32-40 sprigs fresh mint, plus additional for garnish, divided
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 1 cup 100% white grape juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 medium limes)
  • 1 medium lime, cut into four wedges or lime zest twists (optional)
  1. In small saucepan over high heat, bring water to boil. Remove pan from heat. Submerge tea bags. Steep 4 minutes. Discard tea bags. Let tea mixture cool 30 minutes. Pour into pitcher. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until chilled.
  2. At serving time, add mint leaves to four glasses. Using muddler or wooden spoon, mash mint leaves several times to release juices. Don’t mash into pulp. Add ice.
  3. Stir white grape juice and lime juice into tea mixture. Pour into glasses. Garnish each with lime wedge and mint leaf.

Tip: To get more juice from citrus, before slicing, microwave fruit on high 30 seconds, or until warm. When cool enough to handle, use citrus reamer or handheld juice press to juice citrus.

Nutritional information per serving: 45 calories; 0 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, trans fat, polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 7 mg sodium; 13 g carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 10 g total sugars (0 g added sugars); 1 g protein.

Sparkling Green Tea Cranberry Spritzers

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association
Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving)

  • 4 cups water
  • 4 single-serving green tea bags
  • 1 cup 100% cranberry juice or 100% cranberry-pomegranate juice
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 1/2 cup seltzer (flavored or plain) or low-sodium club soda, chilled
  • 4 orange slices or lime wedges (optional)
  1. In small saucepan over high heat, bring water to boil. Remove pan from heat. Submerge tea bags. Steep 4 minutes. Discard tea bags. Let tea mixture cool 30 minutes. Pour into pitcher. Stir in cranberry juice. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until chilled.
  2. At serving time, put ice cubes in four glasses. Pour tea mixture into glasses. Top each serving with seltzer. Garnish with orange slices.

Tip: To create cranberry-flavored ice cubes, fill ice cube tray with 100% cranberry juice and freeze.

Nutritional information per serving: 32 calories: 0 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, trans fat, polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 4 mg sodium; 8 mg carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 8 g total sugars (0 g added sugars); 1 g protein.


SOURCE:
American Heart Association

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Tips to be prepared for cooler weather

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(Family Features) Although cold weather isn’t directly to blame when you get sick, it creates an environment that makes it easier for germs and illnesses to thrive. In fact, understanding how cooler temperatures affect your chances of getting sick may be your best approach for preventive care.

Despite the old adage that “you’ll catch your death of cold,” the cold itself doesn’t cause illness. More accurately, the cold is more hospitable to viruses, making it easier for them to spread. While you can’t control Mother Nature, you can take steps to protect your health when temperatures drop.

Protect Your Immune System
A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to ward off intrusive germs. If you’re otherwise healthy, protecting your immune system can be as simple as stepping up typical healthy habits, like eating plenty of nutrient-rich produce, getting enough sleep and exercising. Managing stress and limiting alcohol consumption are also helpful in managing your body’s immune response.

If your immune system is compromised by an underlying condition, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about what you can do to add an extra layer of protection during the cooler months, including any vaccines that may help boost immunity.

Combat Congestion
Cool, dry conditions can wreak havoc on your nasal passages, drying them out and reducing the protective layer of mucus that helps fight infection. Sinus pressure and congestion are often some of the first warning signs you’re coming down with something.

To treat your congestion symptoms, you can use a non-medicated option like Mucinex Sinus Saline Nasal Spray. This is the first-ever saline product with a nozzle that lets you switch between two spray pressures. The “gentle mist” helps clear everyday congestion and soothes the nose while the “power jet” helps clear tough nasal congestion often associated with colds. An added benefit is that the product can be used for children 2 years of age and older on the gentle mist setting and children 6 years of age and older on the power jet mode.

Spend Time Outdoors
People naturally spend more time indoors when temperatures drop, but there are some benefits to getting outdoors. One is the natural exposure to vitamin D. Sunlight is a natural source of this important vitamin, which plays a pivotal role in immunity. Sunlight also triggers the body to produce serotonin, which boosts your mood, and multiple studies show a strong correlation between mental and physical health.

Fresh air and exercise are also good for your overall health, and exposure to daylight can help keep your circadian rhythms regulated, which in turn promotes better sleep. What’s more, acute exposure to cold can trigger your body to produce infection-fighting cells, so you’re less prone to illness.

Practice Good Hygiene
It may seem overly simple, but the everyday act of washing your hands can play a big role in preventing illness, especially after you spend time in public places. While out and about, you likely come in contact with many surfaces others may have touched, including door handles, shopping carts, touch screens and menus.

Washing your hands frequently can help prevent you from transferring germs to your body when you touch your eyes, mouth or nose. Also make a habit of wiping down surfaces you touch frequently, such as your keyboard and phone, with disinfectant wipes.

Stay Hydrated
Keeping your body well-hydrated throughout the day can help ensure all your body’s systems are functioning as they should. If you’re dehydrated, your body can’t use the nutrients you consume properly, which affects your immunity. In addition, drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins out of the body before they can cause an infection.

Find more practical tips and products to help manage your health during the colder months at Mucinex.com.

How to Relieve Nasal Congestion

Normally your sinuses are empty except for a thin layer of mucus. When you’re exposed to irritating triggers, like bacteria, a cold or flu virus, allergies or environmental triggers like tobacco smoke and dry air, your body responds by mounting an immune response.

The delicate tissues lining your sinuses start to swell, and this, in turn, puts pressure on the underlying tissues in your face, causing painful sinus pressure.

You can relieve sinus pressure symptoms in several different ways, including:

  • Using a humidifier or vaporizer.
  • Taking a long, hot shower; it may have the same effect as using a humidifier if one is not available.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Using a warm compress on your face; resting a warm towel over your sinuses may provide relief.
  • Irrigating your sinuses. Using a neti pot; saline nasal spray, such as Mucinex Sinus Saline Nasal Spray; or syringe with salt water may help flush debris from your sinuses to relieve sinus congestion.
  • Sleeping with your head elevated.

If these steps don’t work, the next approach is typically over-the-counter medicine. When trying to relieve sinus pressure and nasal congestion, look for a decongestant. A decongestant can help shrink mucus membranes that have swollen in your sinuses, allowing the trapped mucus to drain.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock


SOURCE:
Mucinex

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Have a heart for caregivers: 8 expert tips for volunteers to care for themselves, too

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(Family Features) Survivors of heart attacks or strokes may have additional health and personal care needs, often relying on a family member or close friend to help. While caregivers take on a valuable role, they also pay unique physical and emotional tolls.

In fact, a growing body of scientific research shows people who serve as unpaid caregivers may not get the care they need to live longer, healthier lives, according to the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service.

Caregiving typically involves a range of duties from providing health care services, such as changing bandages and giving medications, to helping with personal needs like bathing, dressing and meal preparation. Administrative tasks like scheduling medical appointments, filing insurance claims and paying household bills may also be necessary.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1 in 5 U.S. adults provides some form of regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with a health problem or disability; 58% are women and nearly one-third provide care for at least 20 hours per week.

“The typical caregiver likely has an ever-growing and changing to-do list and most of them probably do not add ‘take care of myself’ to that list,” said American Heart Association volunteer Lisa Kitko, Ph.D., R.N., FAHA, dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing and vice president of the University of Rochester Medical Center. “While caregiving can be a very rewarding experience, it can also take a huge physical and mental toll on even the strongest person.”

Prioritizing your own physical, mental and emotional health allows you to better help your loved one, Kitko said. Consider her tips for caregivers to care for themselves:

  • Knowledge is power. Learn everything you can about your loved one’s condition.
  • Set boundaries. Say “no” when it’s appropriate, don’t dwell on what you can’t change and recognize you’re trying your best.
  • Maintain a healthy diet, limit caffeine and get adequate rest.
  • Stay current with your own medical and dental appointments. Inform your health care provider if you’re experiencing any signs of depression.
  • Find a support system. Share your feelings with someone who wants to listen or understands what you’re feeling, like the American Heart Association’s online Support Network, which includes a section just for caregivers.
  • Nurture your spiritual life and focus on things you’re grateful for each day.
  • Make time for yourself and friends. Participate in activities you enjoy, including regular physical activity.
  • Be prepared for possible medical emergencies. If you’re caring for someone at risk for heart attack or stroke, recognize the warning signs and call 9-1-1 if he or she experience any. Learn Hands-Only CPR; research shows most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home. Be ready to save a life by calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.

“‘Take care of yourself so you can take care of others,’ are definitely words to live by for caregivers – everyone tells you that and it certainly makes sense, but it’s hard,” Kitko said. “There is a lot of stress associated with knowing someone is depending on you … That is why taking care of yourself really should be the first item on your caregiver checklist.”

Learn more about caregiving and cardiovascular disease at heart.org.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock


SOURCE:
American Heart Association

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