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.