Month: May 2021

Telehealth is Transforming the Healthcare Industry

Virtual health is changing the way healthcare practitioners provide medical care. The healthcare industry is transforming right before our eyes, transitioning from in-person care to telehealth visits at rapid speed.

The recent explosion of telemedicine may have been fueled by the pandemic, but these practices are here to stay. Patients and healthcare facilities are realizing the benefits of virtual health care.

How Healthcare has Transitioned from Doctor Visits to Telehealth

Healthcare has always been a very hands-on practice. If patients were sick or wanted a wellness exam, they had to schedule appointments and visit the doctor’s office in person. Advancements in technology have changed the way doctors and patients view healthcare. The internet, smartphones, video calling, and other technologies have made it easier for healthcare practitioners to provide basic care without the patient having to leave home.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine had made some headway in the healthcare industry. Between 2015 and 2019, the number of healthcare practitioners offering virtual health services jumped from 5% to 22%, according to Ziegler .

The need for social distancing in 2020 propelled telehealth services forward, forcing many clinics, hospitals and doctor’s offices to adopt virtual appointments.

Thanks to technologies like video calling, image sharing, teleconferencing and remote patient monitoring, patients can get the care they need without having to visit the doctor’s office or compromise on quality of care. In fact, up to 89% of patients accept telemedicine as a sufficient form of care.

The explosion of telemedicine has led to healthcare practitioners providing up to 175 times more telehealth visits in 2020 than in previous years.

Of course, the transition hasn’t been an easy one, and many healthcare facilities still face challenges. Lack of equipment and training have been the biggest barriers for clinics. Funding and education can help clinics overcome these barriers.

The Benefits of a Telehealth Visit

Telemedicine benefits both patients and healthcare facilities. Some of the many benefits of telehealth services include:

Telehealth is Convenient and Affordable

Many patients find that telehealth is more convenient and affordable. Patients can see a doctor through video calls on their smartphones or computers, which eliminates the need to travel to the doctor’s office. Money is saved on gas, parking and public transportation.

Video or virtual doctor visits also eliminate the need to take off of work. Patients can schedule their appointments during lunch hour or breaks. Visits can be performed anywhere that offers privacy, including work offices.

Telemedicine also makes healthcare more accessible, especially for those who have trouble finding transportation to their appointments.

Patient Compliance Improves

Telemedicine makes it easier and more convenient for everyone to get care, but at the same time, it also opens communication channels between doctors and patients.

Many patients say that telehealth services help them stick to their appointments, manage their prescriptions and follow their doctor’s wellness recommendations.

Stops the Spread of Illness

Another great advantage of telemedicine is that it helps slow or stop the spread of illness. Patients can see a doctor from the comfort of home instead of sitting in a waiting room with other sick patients.

Telehealth will continue to transform the healthcare industry as we move forward. Eventually, virtual visits will become the norm as more healthcare facilities adopt and adapt to telemedicine.

Acne 

Acne affects more than 9% of the world’s population. It’s the eighth most common disease in the world, and it’s one of the top reasons people visit dermatologists.

Although common and treatable, acne still causes embarrassment and, in some cases, pain and discomfort. Understanding its root cause can help you prevent it and take better care of your skin.

What Causes Acne?

Acne develops when sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin clog your pores. Doctors still don’t know why this happens, but there are many theories. Diet, lifestyle, and hormones are believed to be big contributors.

Diet and Lifestyle

For many people, the root cause of their acne is an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Many foods can contribute to acne, including:

Refined Carbohydrates

Research shows that people with acne tend to eat more refined carbohydrates than those who don’t have acne. One study also found that people who regularly eat foods with added sugars had a 30% higher risk of developing acne.

Refined carbohydrates can include:

• Cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, and other sweeteners
• White rice
• Pasta made with white flour
• White bread and crackers
• Sugary drinks, like soda

Researchers believe that the link between acne and refined carbohydrates has to do with their effects on blood sugar and insulin. Refined carbohydrates are easily absorbed by the body, which causes blood sugar and insulin levels to rise.

Insulin also produces androgen hormones, which boost sebum production and increases the risk of acne.

More research is needed, but there’s evidence that low-glycemic diets are associated with less severe acne.

Dairy Products

Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products have long been linked to acne, and there is evidence that milk products can make acne more severe.

Researchers are still unsure why dairy products would cause acne, but it’s believed that milk increases insulin levels, which can make acne more severe.

Fast Food and Processed Food

Fast and processed foods are usually high in fat and contain refined carbohydrates that can cause acne.

These foods are also high in sodium. One study found that participants with acne consumed higher amounts of salt daily compared to the control group.

Fast and processed foods can include:

• Hot dogs
• Hamburgers
• French fries
• Frozen meals and dinners
• Prepared entrees
• Packages snacks
• Junk food

Following a healthy diet and staying active can help keep acne at bay.

Hormones

Acne can also be caused by hormones, and it can affect anyone of any age, although it’s most commonly associated with puberty. This type of acne tends to be most common in women.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, up to 50% of women between 20-29 have acne and 25% of women between 40 and 49 have acne.

During puberty, the body produces more androgens or male hormones. Androgens cause the body to produce more sebum, which can clog pores and lead to acne.

In adult females, hormonal acne may be attributed to some medical conditions that affect hormone balance. Progesterone may also play a role in acne, although researchers are still unclear about its role.

Acne can be caused by many things, but an unhealthy lifestyle is the root cause for many people. Taking steps to eat a healthy diet and stay active can help prevent and even treat acne.

If you’re dealing with acne and breakouts, don’t hesitate to consult with a dermatologist for professional guidance and treatment.