Everybody, no matter what their current level of fitness may be, can improve their cardiovascular health. Whether you are overweight and out of shape, or an “exercise junkie” who hits the gym daily and enters bodybuilding contests, it is always possible to find ways to improve your cardiovascular health with gradual, incremental, worthwhile changes.

Improvements in cardio health, from whatever your starting point, will always lead to massive improvements in your quality of life. With better cardio you will be healthier, more energetic, happier and more emotionally stable, and your quality of sleep will improve. If you are at the high end of the fitness and mobility spectrum, improved cardio may mean the difference between a silver and a gold medal. If you are currently at the lower end of the spectrum, improved cardiovascular health might eventually mean you can retire your Zimmer frame or afford to use your disabled driving permit a little less.

No matter what your current level of health and fitness may be, making improvements in your cardio capability is guaranteed to bring huge benefits to your life. Here are six ways to improve your cardiovascular health.

Quit Smoking

This one seems (and is) so very obvious. But unfortunately there are still a great many people who succumb to puffing on “cancer sticks” on a regular basis. Nicotine is highly addictive, as anybody who has ever had a smoking habit can attest. Whether you smoke a whole pack a day, or only “the odd one or two” after meals or when relaxing with friends or a drink, every cigarette is making painful disease more likely, and ravaging your cardiovascular health. Smoking is heinous for your health and it destroys your quality of life. If you smoke, even “one or two,” quitting is one of the most beneficial ways to improve your cardiovascular health. It’s difficult, but you CAN do it!

Yoga is a low-impact form of exercise that has a huge range of health benefits, including cardiovascular ones.

Take Up Yoga

Hitting the yoga mat is brilliant for stamina and flexibility, and is another of the most effective ways to improve your cardiovascular health. Holding a yoga pose – whether it’s something simple and basic that a beginner can do, or some bizarre contortion that only the bendiest of human beings can even begin to manage – builds strength and endurance. There is a big focus on deliberate, controlled, deep nose breathing in yoga, and this mixture of physical work and concentrated breathing is wonderful for cardiovascular health. Yoga is suitable for the very fit or the very unfit, and can bring a world of difference to your overall health.

Run

The beauty of running is that you can do it at any level of intensity and it will always be of benefit to you. Running is excellent cardiovascular training. Whether you take a slow, relaxing jog or embark on an epic marathon peppered with hill sprints, running at a level that feels appropriate and healthy for you will always be one of the best ways to improve your cardiovascular health. So don your running shoes and hop to it!

Go Walkies

A simple walk – whether a brisk march or a slow stroll – will work wonders for your cardiovascular health. Putting one foot in front of the other again and again and again for an extended period of time is one of the best things you can do for your heart, lungs, and entire cardio system. Get walking, folks!

Cycling, whether outdoors or at the gym, is one of the most effective ways to improve your cardiovascular health.

Pedal Cycling

Whether on a regular bicycle outdoors, or on a stationary bike in your home or local health club, cycling is one of the most epically effective ways to improve your cardiovascular health. Cycling at a decent clip puts just the right amount of strain on your heart and lungs, helping them to grow stronger and more functional. The beauty of cycling is that it is very low-impact, meaning your joints are put under little or no strain when you do it, so it is well-suited as a form of cardiovascular exercise to people of any age and fitness level. Even if you are relatively immobile, you can still drive to the gym or park and get some great cardio done on a stationary bike or hired bike.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat (or Rowing Machine)

Rowing is another low-impact exercise that is excellent for the cardiovascular system. Like cycling, rowing is very easy on the joints and so can be done by people of any age or fitness level. Even if you have no access to a lake or pond, you can always take a trip to your local gym and spend some time on their rowing machine – you won’t be accompanied by the delightful sound of oars on water, but you will be accompanied by the delightful sound of yourself panting… Which is always a sure sign that you are improving your cardiovascular system!

These days, more and more people are choosing to use telemedicine instead of visiting their doctor’s office in person. Telemedicine has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially since the use of smartphones became widespread. Now that almost everybody has an ultra-smart, internet-connected mobile device close to hand, consulting with a medical professional effectively, in high-fidelity, and with complete privacy from any distance has become remarkably easy.

For those of you who are new to the conversation, “telemedicine” is the name for any medical health care provided at a distance using information technology such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Modern communications technology has made it possible for patients to communicate with their doctors over long distances, and now that even the most basic smart-devices can transmit images, health informatics data, and live video links across any distance, telemedicine is becoming a viable option for patients with more and more complex medical conditions.

As the rapidly growing number of patients who are now using mobile technology to get their health care needs met quickly and efficiently will attest, there are numerous advantages to joining the telemedicine revolution. Here are seven reasons why using telemedicine is better than sitting in a doctor’s office.

Is there anything worse than spending hours in a doctor’s waiting room?!

Telemedicine Affords You More Choice

If you are visiting a health care professional in person, you are necessarily limited in who you can choose based on the area you live in and what doctors operate in your locality. This is not a problem if you have a local doctor who you enjoy visiting. But if none of the health care professionals in your locality particularly float your boat, then you may be forced into the awkward situation of having to spend time with a doctor you do not particularly feel comfortable with. One of the great things about telemedicine is that it opens up a whole world of options to you. Using telemedicine, you can literally consult with a medical professional on the other side of the world if that’s what you want. Telemedicine affords you a ton more choice than regular, face-to-face medical treatment.

Telemedicine is Excellent if You Struggle With Mobility

For patients with chronic diseases and medical conditions that curtail mobility and require the use of a disabled parking permit, telemedicine is a huge help. Even with a parking permit, getting from A to B can be very difficult for people with chronic mobility issues, and so being able to communicate with a medical professional from their own home using telemedicine makes life a great deal easier for these people.

Using Telemedicine Saves a Lot of Time

Getting to a doctor’s surgery can take time. Driving time, finding a parking space (especially a handicap parking space), waiting in line… It all adds up! In the modern world most people live busy lives in which free time is at a premium, so any time-saving device is most welcome. Book an appointment online, and then simply make the phone call or log online at the allotted time. Telemedicine is quick, easy, and massively time saving.

Telemedicine is Ideal if You Need Medical Advice in a Hurry

At many doctor’s surgeries there tends to be a waiting list of several hours at the least, but often several days. This is no good if you need medical advice pronto. This issue does not arise with telemedicine. Because telemedicine is so much more time-efficient, waiting times tend to be very short. Using telemedicine, you can always communicate with a medical professional very quickly. If you need medical advice in a hurry, telemedicine tends to be a much better option than an old-fashioned face-to-face medical consultation.

Telemedicine is particularly useful for people who have to travel a long way to a physical doctor’s office.

Telemedicine is a Lifesaver if You Live in a Remote Location

One of the most obvious ways in which telemedicine is better than visiting a doctor’s office is that for some people who live in very remote locations, the nearest doctor’s office is a prohibitively far distance away! If you live in the middle of nowhere, getting to a doctor’s office can be a major chore, perhaps taking many hours, or even days. For people who live in a remote location, telemedicine is often a much better option than visiting a doctor’s office in person.

Telemedicine Allows You to Avoid the Plethora of Nasty Viruses and Germs That Live in Doctor’s Waiting Rooms

Doctor’s waiting rooms are often hotbeds of novel and exciting (to doctors, at least!) viruses and germs. And while the biologist in you might find these rapidly evolving species rather fascinating, they are usually best studied from afar, and in the abstract. A few hours in a doctor’s surgery can leave you sicker than when you entered. This is not a concern when you use telemedicine.

Telemedicine Makes Communicating With a Doctor Easier For People Who Require Medical Marijuana

Many patients who suffer with conditions that involve chronic pain require treatment with medical cannabis. If the patient is using a strong indica strain, then they may be quite lethargic and dozy. This can make getting to a doctor’s surgery somewhat difficult, and so for patients in this situation, telemedicine can be a very helpful alternative option.

Telemedicine has played a major role in the care of our astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) since 2001, but the first pioneering telemedicine initiatives relating to space travel actually occurred in the 60s and 70s with the Mercury missions. The technology existed even back then to communicate an astronaut’s medical status, X-rays, and ECGs to a crew of professionals at the home base, ensuring that their health could be checked and monitored remotely.

2001 saw the first lengthy stay on the ISS and, since then, a new team of astronauts and cosmonauts has been dispatched to the Station four times a year. The duration of their stay can be anything from six months to a year, during which time they are required to perform engineering tasks, maintenance and upgrades, and so on. Access to medical care would be important for any group of people not within easy reach of physicians and specialists, but with astronauts in space, it’s even more vital that they are monitored regularly. The weightlessness that a lack of gravity causes can have demobilizing effects on the astronauts’ bodies – affecting in particular their immune system, fluid distribution, and the condition of their bones and muscles. The advancement of telemedicine technology means that the crew can be monitored and cared for throughout their stay. To help maximize the resources, a degree of training for medical emergencies and simple procedures is undergone by one or more of the astronauts during their pre-launch instruction period.

Advances in telemedicine mean that astronauts hundreds of miles into space can receive medical monitoring and treatment.

One thing that the Mission Control staff have learned over the years is that good communication is crucial during situations involving telemedicine. All professionals involved in ISS expeditions – medical personnel, the astronauts, and Mission Control staff – undergo training in order to acquire excellent communication skills. In an emergency situation, the astronaut needs to convey clear and precise information on what is taking place, and the medical professional needs to be able to give definitive and speedy instructions on how to proceed.

There’s a story relating to an astronaut who had a history of a knee injury prior to his launch to the ISS. He’d been symptom-free throughout the training period before the launch, but, during his time at the station, his knee started to present with some problems. Spacecrafts are equipped with ultrasound imaging – a form of technology which is radiation-free, cost-effective, and reliable, and which requires less expertise from the operator than some other forms of technology. Perfect for use in space! An ultrasound NASA specialist on the ground guided the nominated crew member through the procedure of taking some X-rays of the offending knee. They were joined by a remotely located radiologist who was able to view the images and diagnose the problem. Treatment was prescribed and the astronaut went on to continue his stint in space without a further hitch. A perfect example of telemedicine working to its full potential.

It’s been proven that a lot of planning and training is required prior to any NASA launch and also, as previously mentioned, that good communication – along with the ability to learn essentials quickly – is vital in the use of telemedicine. This has had a positive impact on the potential for telemedicine’s role in care and treatment in other remote or extreme environments. And some of those remote and extreme environments exist on terra firma! It’s possible to be connected quickly and cheaply with health care providers without the need for travel. You save time and money – as does the health service, as they are able to treat more patients – and you’re in the hands of someone who not only has the necessary medical expertise but also appropriate communication skills. Just one more example of how you could benefit from telemedicine.

X-ray images can be taken on-board the International Space Station and transferred to Earth for examination.

Another clear result that has come from the NASA ventures is that shared knowledge and shared input work well in the diagnosing and treatment of conditions. Videoconferencing is used between an astronaut and a physician, either for a specific problem or for the general monitoring of health, and often a specialist will be called in to join the conference when further expertise is required. This communal meeting is beneficial to all concerned as it brings the top brains together simultaneously, thus saving time and money and giving the best odds for a positive outcome. It’s easy to see how this translates into everyday telemedicine, which can benefit us all.

A further vital point learned from NASA’s use of telemedicine is that a strong and secure communication link is essential. You wouldn’t want to lose connectivity in the middle of a consultation or the briefing of a minor procedure. The provision of better broadband facilities in rural areas is currently under discussion, thanks to a representation that has been made to the House Energy and Commerce Committee on behalf of a coalition of health care providers, schools, libraries, and health centers.

Ultrasound, as detailed above in the example of the astronaut’s knee problem, is currently still the most used and the most developed telemedicine procedure, but other “guidable” procedures – minor surgery being one of them – are in the process of being developed. Imagine how this will not only help people in remote areas, but will also reduce waiting times for minor operations anywhere in the States, thereby cutting down on time taken off work and the use of pain relief while waiting for the procedure. Health costs will be slashed and so too will insurance premiums. Ultimately, we will all be beneficiaries of the continued advancement and development of telemedicine, and NASA is playing an important role in showcasing exactly what can be achieved via telemedicine.

It wasn’t that long ago that if you’d said the words “emotional support animal” to someone, they might have given you an odd kind of look. Nowadays, though, a lot of people have not only heard of emotional support animals – they actually own one. With recognized qualifying conditions – such as depression, autism, anxiety, and panic attacks – unfortunately on the increase, it’s no small wonder that folk are turning to companion pet certification instead of medication as an alternative to alleviating their condition. An emotional support animal is not just any old pet; it’s one that specifically helps you cope with your psychological or emotional disorder.

If a furry friend helps to relax you, or aids your confidence in social situations, or is simply a much-needed companion because you find it hard to leave the house – then what’s not to like about him or her? It’s easy to see why more and more people are turning to emotional support animals. In the past, it was believed that only a dog could fulfill the function of an ESA, but now it’s well-documented that more or less any type of animal can become an ESA. The choice is yours! So if you don’t like big animals, you could choose a rabbit maybe, or even a mouse. If you don’t like dogs or cats, then how about a pig! It’s not unheard of. Providing you qualify for and obtain your emotional support animal letter, you get to select your ESA.

An emotional support animal doesn’t have to be a cat or dog – it can be virtually any type of pet!

With the advent of specific laws relating to emotional support animals, and the adaption of existing laws in favor of people with a recognized disability, it’s now even possible to take your ESA on a flight in the cabin with you – providing you have the correct emotional support animal letter that is. It’s also possible to have your pet live with you in rented accommodation, without paying extra for the privilege. Landlords are required to make “reasonable accommodations” for their tenants so that they can live comfortably with their companion pet. The same applies to students in university accommodation, thanks to a 2013 amendment to the Housing Act. Your emotional support animal letter also allows you access to certain public areas where regular pets are not allowed. Be wise with your choice of pet, though, if you want to take advantage of all or any of the above!

It’s easy to see why and how emotional support animals are continually growing in popularity. There is no doubt that they are helping many people who, without them, could not cope with the normal pressures of daily life and living. Also, as referred to above, the introduction and adaptation of various laws are making it less complicated for these people to lead more regular lives with the help of their pet.

So how does telemedicine fit in with emotional support animals, and what part does it have to play in its continuing growth?

It’s probably fair to say that without telemedicine; a lot of people wouldn’t have their emotional support animal today. Most of the conditions which lead to folk benefiting from an ESA are to do with anxiety, panic attacks, fear of public places, fear of social situations, and so on. Imagine, then, if you had to firstly make an appointment with a licensed mental health expert; go to said expert’s office for the appointment; sit in a waiting room alongside other people; and then finally go through a face-to-face assessment about your condition with the specialist. You might think twice about doing all of that, wouldn’t you? Or maybe you live in a rural area where access to any kind of medical personnel means a long journey – something you simply can’t undertake.

Advances in telemedicine have been crucial to the widespread awareness and popularity of emotional support animals.

Well, thanks to telemedicine, you don’t have to do any of these things. You can apply for your emotional support animal letter online. You don’t need to leave the house and you don’t need an “in-person” chat. The assessment can be done fully in writing, or via a telephone or video call. There’s an initial questionnaire to complete, which outlines your own particular requirements. The specialist will then consult with you about your condition. The deciding factor on whether or not your application is successful is if the specialist believes that an emotional support animal in your life would help alleviate your symptoms. You will be told the outcome of your application at the end of the consultation. Once approved, your ESA letter will be mailed to you. No in-person contact is needed at all!

Once you have your letter, you will have access to the benefits listed above. Telemedicine will help you in these areas too. If you want to take your ESA on the plane with you, no problem: just contact the airline and fax or scan your letter across to them. Same with applying to have your pet in your rented accommodation – you don’t need to speak to the landlord in person about this. Just send them a copy of your ESA letter electronically. As you can see, we’ve actually been using telemedicine for some time without realizing it!

It’s vital that the developments in telemedicine continue apace and that it becomes more mainstream and generally more accessible. Without it, a lot of people’s conditions would be undocumented and therefore unresolved. Telepyschiatry is an area of telemedicine that is rapidly becoming popular and widespread. This is exactly the sort of thing that is crucial to diagnosing patients who might not be able to travel to see an expert in person and would therefore go undiagnosed. The recommendation to apply for emotional support animal registration is just one of several solutions that the specialist may come up with, and it turns out to be absolutely the right solution for many people.

Telemedicine might seem like a relatively recent phenomenon in health care, but in actual fact, the idea has been around since the 1950s. Back in those days, of course, digital technology didn’t exist; the only mode that existed for housebound or rural patients to access continued health care resources was the telephone, hence the name. When it was first introduced, telemedicine was regarded as a fringe service for the next few decades, albeit one with huge benefits for patients living in remote areas. However, in 2018, telemedicine is being regarded as the next progressive enhancement to sweep through the American health care system.

The reason of this is all down to digital technology. Telemedicine, though it retains the analog name, is no longer an archaic technology benefitting only a few remote patients. With the advent and continued prevalence of the smartphone, it’s becoming so much more than that, and experts forecast that the telemedicine revolution will grow exponentially in 2018 and beyond. It’s no longer just beneficial to patients who have trouble getting to their doctor, either; while it still remains that, it’s so much more simultaneously. Telemedicine is making health care cheaper and faster for everyone involved, including patients, doctors, and specialists. The former can see a medical professional on their own terms, when and where they need to, while the latter can get through more patients in a day and provide better quality care for less cost.

Patients can experience many benefits from telemedicine, and it can help doctors do their job more efficiently too.

So which areas of health care actually use telemedicine? A better way to phrase the question might be, which areas of health care don’t use telemedicine? The prevalence of smartphones and digital technology means that many areas of the expansive network that is the American health care system can benefit from the positives of telemedicine, regardless of whether they adopted telemedicine before. Here are a few of the areas that are receiving major boosts from telemedicine.

1. Mental health

According to statistics, a quarter of adults will battle a mental disorder of some type or another during their life, yet only fifty percent of these people will seek treatment. The reason for these low figures has a lot to do with the stigma surrounding mental health, and how some people who suffer from it spend their time in denial without ever actually acknowledging their issue. Mental illness is also more prevalent in isolated areas, which makes it harder for people to seek out proper care. Another barrier is the cost of mental health treatment, which usually involves a committed treatment program that some potential patients might be scared of committing to for whatever reason.

Telemedicine provides a remedy to many of these barriers, with the practice already having a successful track record in the mental health field over the last twenty years. As telemedicine becomes more widespread, mental health care is set to benefit even further, with the potential to be completely revolutionized by the nationwide adoption of telemedicine. Patients in remote areas will have the constant access to specialists that they require, while sufferers who feel shame and anxiety about stepping foot in a real-life doctor’s office can be eased into treatment from the comfort and security of their own home.

Getting medication and treatments has been made a lot easier for some people through the advent of telemedicine.

2. Prescription services

Going to retrieve a prescription has always been a bit of a drag for most people, but for some, it’s a relative impossibility. Those who are disabled or housebound can’t always make it to a doctor to receive the prescriptions they need. Telemedicine makes it possible for any patient to easily avail of their required prescriptions, as well as making the whole process easier for everyone who takes medication. All you need to do in most cases is download a relative app that you use to keep in touch with your doctor or order your medicine, or alternatively you can order up your prescription from the internet.

“And when talking about “prescriptions,” don’t just think pills, either; prescriptions come in all shapes and sizes, and cover many different varieties of illnesses or conditions. Telemedicine can help with all of them. If you require medical marijuana, you can sign up for an MMJ card at MMJ Recs. If you suffer from a mental condition and think you’d benefit from an emotional support animal, you can get yourself verified at Moosh. Or if you’re disabled or handicapped in any way, and unable to reach a doctor, you can retrieve a disabled parking permit at Dr Handicap.

3. Specialists

Everyone knows that for any condition causing serious worry, your family doctor is merely a gateway to a specialist. Previously, if you lived in a rural or remote area, you’d have to be referred to the nearest specialist to your local area, who might not always be your preferred choice, or even the best option for your condition. With telemedicine, you can choose from a wide range of specialists and not get tied down to one just because they’re convenient. Telemedicine also reduces waiting times, which were previously inordinate, and helps patients see the specialist they require and want in much shorter order.

Nowadays, superfoods are everywhere and growing in popularity with more and more people becoming conscious of their health. Not only this, if you want to ensure your health is in top form you can also carry your doctor around in your pocket. With telemedicine in the U.S. becoming more popular, you can have access to health advice through your phone as well as your laptop/computer. The potential of illness prevention by consuming superfoods and expertise advice via telemedicine means that more people could be healthier and happier much more easily.

What exactly classifies as a superfood, and do they really make any real difference to one’s health? Or is it all a dieting myth in the name of getting us to dig deeper into our wallets? Most of us know that fruits and vegetables are good for us. Superfoods, however, are types of food that are supposedly more nutrient-dense than your average apple and banana, and can provide various health benefits such as lowering the risk of cancer, shielding our bodies from cell damage, and removing toxins. Kale, blueberries, and avocados are examples of superfoods you can easily find in the supermarket. While these are more common and well-known, there are an increasing number of more exotic superfoods that are becoming something of a trend.

For example, chia seeds, which are native to Mexico, have been one of the most popular superfoods in recent times. At first glance, they may not seem like anything special, but looks can be deceiving as chia seeds actually hold great nutritional benefits. Chia just so happens to mean “strength” in the Mayan language and this is exactly the reason why Aztec warriors would consume the seeds before a battle. Furthermore, research has shown that chia seeds help promote a healthy heart and digestive system in addition to being a good source of omega 3, which we all need for good sleep, skin, and cognitive function. Moreover, chia seeds are a good substitute for ingredients such as eggs in baking, and as they can absorb up to 30 times their weight in water, they are excellent for hydration and maintaining electrolyte balance.

Superfoods can be a great addition to your regular healthy diet.

Quinoa is actually a type of seed and, just like chia, it comes from South America and was eaten by the Incas. It was known as the mother of grains and its great benefits explain why. It is a good source of plant-based protein and holds all of the essential amino acids our bodies need. Quinoa is also high in fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium, and folate, to name a few. If you’re following the trend of going gluten-free then quinoa is a good alternative to wheat, barley, and rye. On top of this, other proven health benefits include helping with blood sugar control as it is a low GI food, and being high in antioxidants, which neutralizes free radical damage and fights ageing – something that most people desire.

The mighty acai berry is known to have more antioxidants than blueberries and can boost the immune system as well as give you clear glowing skin by slowing the damage caused by free radicals. Acai has become somewhat the queen of berries, especially in the beauty industry, and not just because of the benefits it provides to the skin; it can also boost weight loss by suppressing the appetite and controlling blood sugar levels. It can also cleanse your digestive system and help your liver and kidneys remove waste and toxins from the body.

Spirulina may not be as popular as the other superfoods we’ve mentioned, but this blue-green algae is not something new to the scene of superfoods. In fact, it has been around for an estimated 3.5 billion years and is known for its amazing nutritional profile. Various studies have proved that spirulina increases the production of antibodies and other cells to help with immunity and therefore the prevention of certain diseases and illnesses, including cancer. If this wasn’t enough, this freshwater plant also helps to detoxify the body of metals, reduces cholesterol, and lowers blood pressure, too. Spirulina is also high in protein, making it a great option for vegans or vegetarians.

Check with your telemedical professional to find out which superfoods could benefit your health.

The coconut oil craze has been around for a while and people are still obsessed with this superfood. The reason behind its popularity is due to its many diverse uses. Not only can you consume it by using it as cooking oil, in place of butter in baking recipes, or for your bulletproof coffee, you can also use it externally as a natural alternative for hair and skincare. The surprising benefits of coconut oil include reducing hunger, improving blood cholesterol levels, and killing harmful microorganisms.

There is no doubt that these superfoods can give your health that extra boost. However, it is possible that the dramatic increase in attention and sales of these superfoods are also likely linked to the fact that they are not only marketed as miracle foods, but also as exotic and luxurious – meaning retailers can charge that bit extra. Furthermore, it is not always necessarily the case that the more expensive the fruit, the healthier it is for us, although the nutritional profiles of these superfoods are very impressive. It is worth noting that just like other “domestic” foods, superfoods are not all made equal and checking the source and growing practices is a good idea. Ultimately, the legitimacy of superfoods may be questioned, but if you are curious as to whether they can truly improve your health, the only sure way is to try for yourself.

Twenty years after California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, a further vote was passed that permits the recreational use of marijuana in the state for any adult over the age of 21. Proposition 64 comes into effect from January 2018.

People currently in possession of a cannabis card are genuinely concerned that their own particular needs might now be overlooked and that the recreational use of marijuana will give it a bad name, thereby making it more difficult for patients to access and consume. They wonder how their rights will be affected and if, indeed, they will still need a California medical marijuana card. There is still a lot of uncertainty as to how this new law will play out – especially as each locality has the right to set its own rules.

We firmly believe that medical marijuana is here to stay and that it’s vital that you hang on to your cannabis card and renew it annually as required. With your card, you will always have access to the marijuana that helps your own particular condition, and access also to help and advice. Recreational use of the drug is something entirely different.

Even with recreational marijuana legalized in California, medical marijuana is here to stay.

Another reason why we believe it’s essential for you to hold onto your card, or to apply for a medical marijuana card online if you don’t already have one, is that recreational use will not be allowed in public. Card-carrying medical marijuana patients, however, are currently permitted and will continue to be permitted to smoke medical marijuana in most places where tobacco smoking is allowed. Furthermore, recreational users will be limited to growing just six marijuana plants at a time on their property, whereas cannabis card holders will still be able to cultivate up to 100 square feet of the plant.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, if you’re a card holder, you will always have access to medical experts to discuss the best dosage and strain for you and to contact for advice.

This is where telemedicine really comes into its own for medical marijuana patients. You may not realize that you’re actually using telemedicine in your lives at the moment! A short chat with your doctor or specialist on the phone, or your X-rays or scans being transmitted from the hospital to your doctor, are just two examples of how telemedicine is being used today.

If you are already in possession of a medical marijuana card, then one way that advances in telemedicine could work for you is that you could arrange a Skype call with your doctor rather than seeing him or her in person. You might not feel like leaving the house, or maybe the thought of sitting in a waiting room with a lot of people freaks you out – so to be able to speak to your doctor privately, but still face-to-face, without leaving your home has got to be attractive. If your doctor is flexible, he/she can schedule this call at a time to suit you.

Another obvious way you could use telemedicine is simply by phoning in your medical marijuana order to your local registered dispensary and arranging to pick it up at your convenience. It will be ready for you, so there’ll be no hanging around or waiting in line.

Telemedicine can help you procure a medical marijuana card stress-free.

If you don’t already possess a cannabis card and feel that you would qualify for one, then the best way to acquire one is to apply for a medical marijuana card online, via MMJ Recs. Application is made easy, thanks to telemedicine! You simply have to complete a standard medical form online and upload your relevant medical documents. You will then be contacted by a medical marijuana specialist, who will carry out an evaluation – either over the phone or via Skype. The physician will ask you questions about your condition and medical history and will also want to know why you think taking medical marijuana will help you. You will be advised as to the best strain and the appropriate amount for your condition and all benefits and associated risks will be made clear to you. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you wish. This private, one-to-one consultation is very reassuring and non-threatening. Once approved, your medical marijuana card will be sent to you in the mail. No doubt, in the not-too-distant future, such will be the advances in telemedicine that a card will be dispatched to you electronically!

It’s clear to the relevant experts that medical marijuana is definitely here to stay, despite the new legislation. It is to your advantage to have and to hold onto your cannabis card. Telemedicine plays a vital role in the application mechanism, streamlining the process and making it easier for you to deal with if you can’t face leaving the house or being in a public area with other people. Once you have your card, you can still access the various professionals via phone or Skype for advice or to place an order.

The rapid and on-going advances in telemedicine are only going to help medical marijuana card holders further, as they enable more and more things to be done remotely rather than in a person-to-person situation. Watch this space!

The advent of hormonal contraception completely revolutionized the lives of women in the Western world. No longer reliant on unpredictable forms of natural birth control, women were able to take control of their families, lives, and careers by using hormones to instill formal family planning. While the types of birth control have become more numerous as time has progressed, the contraceptive pill is still the most popular form of hormonal birth control in the United States. So how do contraception and telemedicine go together?

As birth control has modernized, so have the methods that women use to obtain it. Telemedicine has truly revolutionized patient care in general, but for people who are looking for contraception, it’s the perfect method. Telemedicine can be defined as the usage of telecommunications technology to deliver medical or diagnostic advice. It has been around since telecommunications technology was invented, but is experiencing a huge surge since the introduction of smartphones. New technology means that it’s easier than ever for patients to access healthcare.

Obtaining the contraceptive pill can be a drawn-out and inconvenient process for a lot of women. Firstly, you need to visit your doctor and answer a lot of questions, then you get your blood pressure taken and you get your prescription. The kicker is that you have to go back to the doctor every time for a repeat prescription, shelling out the extra money just for a five-minute blood pressure check and a new piece of paper.

The combination of contraception and telemedicine is perfect for busy women.

This just isn’t the case when it comes to the contraception and telemedicine combination. All of the hassle is taken away for patients. Instead of waiting and paying top dollar, you simply log on via your phone and the rest is taken care of. Usually, you will make an appointment or simply “walk in” to an online clinic. When you get through to a doctor, you’ll speak to them via the camera on your phone. If it’s your first time getting the contraceptive pill, they’ll ask you some questions about your medical history and if any women in your family have suffered from certain illnesses. If you’re deemed suitable, your prescription can be sent to your pharmacy, where they’ll take your blood pressure. When you need a repeat script, just log back on, request one, and then go to the pharmacy for the script.

The pairing of contraception and telemedicine is beneficial for many reasons. Firstly, you’re saving money, as most telemedical patients do. As telemedical doctors don’t have the same overheads as traditional doctors, their appointments are usually far cheaper. As well as that, telemedical doctors do not expect you to be beholden to traditional appointment times. If you’re a busy, professional woman, it’s unlikely that you’ll have the time to take to go to a doctor’s appointment for contraception. Telemedicine is actively putting the power back in your hands by allowing you to access health care at a time and place that suits you.

Usually, you can attend an appointment from any location, once you have privacy. The only place that you’ll need to travel to is your pharmacy. This is another bonus in getting contraception via a telemedical doctor. If you have a spare moment while you’re catching up on your favorite Netflix show, you can log on and renew your contraceptive prescription. It’s the easiest thing in the world and way more convenient than schlepping across town to visit your doctor. Who has time to see a doctor in-person when you can do it from your couch?

Your telemedical professional and pharmacist can work closely together to deliver your contraception.

One of the best things about this method is the way in which your telemedical doctor and your in-person pharmacist can work together. While your doctor will give you all of the advice that you need and will send your prescription straight to your pharmacist, your pharmacist is there to answer any questions that you may have about the medication itself, as well as administer your blood pressure test. Pharmacists are highly trained individuals and are used to helping patients ask questions about their medication. If you have any concerns about the medication you’ve been prescribed, you can speak to your pharmacist and then go back to your doctor for a different prescription and to ask further questions if you need.

All this considered, it’s clear that contraception and telemedicine are the perfect pairing. Where else will you be able to access life-changing medication from the comfort of your own home, while also being able to ask all of the relevant questions of a qualified medical professional? Everything about modern technology serves to make our lives easier, so why not bring that philosophy into your medical life? Empower yourself and make your life more convenient by pairing contraception and telemedicine. You won’t regret it for a minute!

During the festive season, mince pies are everywhere and the mulled wine is flowing. Everybody loves to indulge over Christmas time, and why not? This is the time of year where we get to eat endless amounts of delicious treats and then relax on the sofa with a few buttons undone without feeling guilty. Once this period is over, people tend to all have the same goal, which is to lose weight. This is not surprising. Many problems come with being overweight, to the point it can be difficult to travel to medical care. In this case, telemedicine can come to the rescue. Telemedicine, where you can access a doctor for advice online through your laptop or phone, is taking off in the U.S. Of course, prevention is better than cure, so the other option is to try to lose weight yourself first. While some are successful, others struggle to fulfil their resolution and revert to old habits. Here, we will list some useful ways to help you get on track and see your weight loss goals to the end.

Preparation is key

As the saying goes, if you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail! Stay organized and create a workout plan for yourself so you know what kind of exercises to do and when, or even better, invest in the help of a personal trainer if your wallet allows it. They can give professional advice and help you create a plan while also providing that motivation most of us need.

Diet as well as exercise is important in achieving your weight loss goals.

You are what you eat

Most of us know that nutrition goes hand-in-hand with exercising when it comes to weight loss. You could be sweating it out at the gym for hours a day, but if you’re reaching for the takeaway menu after each session, then it will most likely hinder your ability to shed weight. Moral of the story: you can’t outrun a bad diet. A good idea if you have the time is to do meal preparations. Not only will this save you time and money, it will help you stay on track with your new diet because if you know you already have food ready to eat, you’ll be less tempted to order that pizza.

Stay hydrated

Water not only keeps us alive and hydrated, it’s also great for our metabolism and can help curb cravings. You may have heard before that a lot of the time when we feel hungry, we are in actual fact just thirsty. Furthermore, if you’re working out a lot, it’s important to replenish the fluids lost. Being dehydrated can also affect your exercise performance, so it’s ideal to keep a water bottle at hand before, during, and after your workouts.

Don’t be too hard on yourself

It’s normal to relapse and go back to old ways. This is extremely common, so try not to be so hard on yourself! You may have one bad day where you’ve perhaps missed a gym session or eaten a hamburger instead of a salad. The important thing is to allow yourself a cheat meal at least once a week and have a rest day from working out. Not only will this ensure you stay on track, but having a break from exercising will allow your body and muscles to recover, therefore making your next session more effective. It’s all about balance and moderation.

Don’t beat yourself up if you have a weight loss setback – just keep going with your plan!

Spread the word

If you are living with other people, whether it be your family or friends, it could be a good idea to tell them about your goals. This way, you can gain some support and consideration when it comes to meal times and keeping snacks in the house. Who knows, you may also inspire others to join you in leading a healthier lifestyle. If you live with others who are not as health-minded, there’s always the option of using social media and joining support groups with likeminded people who are on the same path.

Drink less or no alcohol

It’s all good and plentiful during the festive period or even just on the weekends, but alcohol is actually foe, not friend, when it comes to weight loss. Alcohol slows down the fat-burning process because, once consumed, it is the first fuel to be burned, and fat has to wait and take a backseat. Not only this, alcohol contains empty calories, meaning there are not many nutritional benefits at all. All this being said, remember that everything in moderation is okay, and having that one glass of wine at the end of the week as part of a cheat meal shouldn’t send all your progress downhill. However, many diet gurus recommend refraining from alcohol altogether when it comes to losing weight, so it is perhaps best to wait until you have reached your goal.

Achieving weight loss goals is no easy task. You may hit plateaus, the struggle will be real, and it may seem like you are making no progress at all. Remember to give yourself credit and record your progress in a diary so you can see how far you’ve come. Having a positive and determined mindset, staying organized, and seeking that extra support where you can will ensure that you will finally reach your News Year’s weight loss goals.

Over recent years, the service known as telemedicine has grown exponentially and it is now very much an accepted part of modern-day medicine. For some folk, it’s probably crept up on you and perhaps taken you by surprise; for others, telemedicine may have been part of your life for some time now. But what is the history of telemedicine?

Let’s look at the definition of telemedicine first up. Succinctly put, it’s the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients via telecommunication technology. So we know that telemedicine delivers healthcare services remotely via telecommunications. But what are these services exactly, and what is the purpose? They include assessments, consultations, scans, results, etc. and allow healthcare professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients without actually seeing them in person.

Telecommunication, also known as telecom, simply means the exchange of information by electronic means. These electronic means – or information transmitting technologies – include telephones, fiber optics, satellites, microwave communications, radio, TV, the internet, and telegraphs.

Quite a lot to digest and understand if you’re not familiar with telemedicine! So let’s now take a look at the full history of telemedicine that has led to these fascinating developments.

The history of telemedicine has encompassed many advancements in technology, communications and medicine.

In the early 1900s, a little invention known as the radio was gaining prominence in many different fields, ranging from the obvious one – entertainment – to the perhaps less self-evident one of national defense. In 1924, a Radio News magazine published a sketch showing a doctor speaking with a patient via a video call, under the headline “The Radio Doctor – Maybe!” An incredible vision from a journalist about future technology, which would take another 90 years to be realized!

The world’s first use of electronic transfer for medical purposes took place in Pennsylvania in the 1940s. Radiology images were sent 24 miles from one town to another via the telephone line. A Canadian doctor took this a step further in the 1950s, building what was known as a teleradiology system, which was used in and around Montreal.

With the advent of motion pictures and the advancement of film technology, it wasn’t long before people started talking about introducing video medicine. It came about in 1959, at the University of Nebraska, where a two-way television was set up so that information could be transmitted to medical students around the campus. A short five years later, they actually linked with a hospital and carried out video consultations.

As you might imagine, telemedicine was initially considered important mainly for rural communities without any direct access to local medics. But by the early 1960s, it was being used in urban communities also, and to great effect. In 1967, in a pioneering move, The University of Miami School of Medicine partnered with their local fire department and set up a system where they could transmit electrocardiographic rhythms via radio to the Jackson Memorial Hospital so that they were able to give and receive advice during rescue situations. This innovation paved the way for further research into the possibilities of telemedicine.

One lot of professionals who were surprisingly able to benefit from these advances in telemedicine were astronauts! Yep – the technology even reached outer space as far back as the 60s/70s! X-rays, ECGs, and other medical information could be transmitted to a hospital for analysis, meaning the astronauts had access to medical care while in orbit.

Projects like this spawned an even bigger interest in telemedicine, resulting in further research and development over the following decades.

These days, many medical services are just a phone call, message or teleconference away.

It’s interesting to note that the world and history of telemedicine encompasses a large spectrum. On the obvious, and least technological, end of this spectrum is the familiar telephone consultation between a patient and a medic. You could include here also the basic radio communication between emergency medical professionals and hospitals. At the far end of the spectrum, then, you have amazing things such as telesurgery, where a surgeon is able to guide robotic instruments in the performance of surgery at a remote site. Sounds pretty mind-blowing, doesn’t it? It’s still largely experimental at this stage, but surely not that far off becoming commonplace.

In between these two extremes of telemedicine, you have a bundle of other functions, such as video conferencing for diagnostic purposes and a whole array of data transmission possibilities between medical professionals and hospitals.

Two things propelling the ongoing research and advancement of telemedicine are concerns about access to health care and advice in remote locations, and the ever-increasing cost of medicine. Currently, many of our medical centers are looking at reduced revenues, coupled with exclusion from locally managed care networks, so they are very keen to explore the multi-faceted world of telemedicine to see how it might reduce their costs at the same time as advancing their services.

Telemedicine is becoming widely accepted by patients and professionals alike. Today, more than half of all U.S. hospitals have a telemedicine program, and research shows that most patients are happy to use it. Insurance companies, too, are coming on board with the concept. Over the last few years, more companies have started to offer telemedicine as an option on health plans, and people are beginning to use this service in their droves.

So although telemedicine appears to be a relatively new concept, it has actually been around for nearly 100 years now, albeit in a very basic form initially. There’s a way to go with it yet, as the potential is huge, but it’s obvious that telemedicine already has many uses, is here to stay, and could be the answer to many a problem.