Health and Wellness 5

A guide to virtual health care: 4common

telehealth myths debunked

By d-mars.com News Provider

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the adoption of telehealth services has been on the rise and people are turning to digital technology more than ever to address their personal health care needs without having to leave their homes.

But while many have begun to embrace telehealth offerings as a new way to connect to care and address their personal health needs, myths surrounding what telehealth services are intended for and how they compare to in-office visits continue to prevail.

To help determine how digital care can best meet health care needs during quarantine and beyond, here are the facts behind four common misconceptions about telehealth:

MYTH #1: Telehealth is only for basic or urgent care needs.

FACT: Telehealth can often be the first stop for preventive, primary care and other health and wellness needs. Patients can connect with a doctor or nurse practitioner to receive care for a range of acute, preventive and chronic care needs, including illness and injury, mental health services, and management of conditions like asthma, diabetes and more. Whether patients live in a rural area or simply want an easier way to manage their health, telehealth can adapt to their needs.

MYTH #2: There aren't any telehealth providers in the area.

FACT: Many trusted local and national health care systems provide telehealth services across the nation. Today, more than half of providers in the United States currently offer some form of telehealth service, according to an April 22, 2020 Merritt Hawkins survey, "Physician Practice Patterns Changing as a Result of COVID-19." Additionally, recent government, health system and reimbursement policy changes have improved patient access to telehealth services and are encouraging use as a safe way to access care during the pandemic.

In fact, locating telehealth providers is easier than ever before with platforms like Walgreens.com/FindCareServices which helps patients access care when and how they need it from providers they know and trust. Patients can choose from more than 30 telehealth providers treating over 100 conditions in one place, while searching from the comfort of their own home. Available through an app and online, the platform makes it easy to find and compare available providers by

location, preference, insurance coverage, services and price.

MYTH #3: Virtual care isn't as good as in-person care.

FACT: Telehealth services can offer high-quality, convenient access to care. Much like face-to-face office visits, telehealth visits can facilitate a trusting, open dialogue with a doctor or nurse practitioner. Most providers have a web-based interface or mobile app, making it easy to log onto and use secure, quality video for consultations and to visually help communicate about injuries or conditions.

Telehealth also reduces time spent in waiting rooms and commuting to appointments, putting more power in the hands of patients. It can be particularly valuable for enabling remote monitoring and regular check-ins for patients with chronic conditions.

While telehealth can be a convenient alternative to in-person care, there are still instances where in-person appointments are recommended, such as in the case of a medical emergency. To consider the best option for care needs, check with a doctor.

MYTH #4:

Telehealth is too expensive.

FACT: Telehealth and other services can help save money while expanding access to care. When looking for a telehealth provider, it can prove cost-effective to compare options based on pricing, insurance coverage, preferences and services provided. Look for telehealth options that list transparent pricing information to help guide the search.

If a consultation requires a prescription, Walgreens also has 24/7 pharmacy chat capabilities through its app and Walgreens.com/SaveOnRX with discounted pricing to help save money on a wide range of medications.

Telehealth is more accessible than ever as more providers evolve and adapt technologies to meet patient needs at a safe distance. But even as social distancing constrictions lift, digital wellness offerings will present greater flexibility and convenience in meeting individual health care needs.

Source: BPT

MYTH #1: Telehealth is only for basic or urgent care needs.

MYTH #3: Virtual care isn‘t as good as in-person care.

MYTH #2: There aren‘t any telehealth providers in the area. MYTH #4: Telehealth is too expensive.

A Journey Through

COVID TESTING

By d-mars.com News Provider

OVID testing is one of the main tracking tools in place to monitor the spread and infection rate of the disease. Testing is done for free but will cost you time to schedule the appointment and get assigned a personal testing ID number and wait in line to be tested. This article takes you through the testing process for Harris County and Fort Bend County testing sites and dismantles many of the false ideas associated with the process. The testing details provided observed and reported on Saturday, June 13, 2020.

Go to your local county COVID Self-Assessment

Tool website to schedule a test. The questionnaire is brief and asks for information about exposure to the virus and any symptoms you have. Do not be alarmed if you are not an immediate testing concern. Depending on the current COVID environment in your county, healthcare workers, first responders, citizens caring for the elderly or sick, and those with active symptoms are a greater testing priority. If you are determined ineligible, try the Self-Assessment Tool again- at a later date or go to your primary caregiver to get a “referral” for testing. If you do not have a healthcare provider, dial 4-1-1 and ask for free COVID health care options in your zip code. When testing is scheduled, the appointment may be available for scheduling 3-14 days from the date you visit the site. A drive though testing date and time frame will be

issued once testing is confirmed. Sites include drug stores, schools and sports area parking lots.

Print the unique ID code or save an electronic version to your device. Testing site personnel may ask for other identifiers such as car model and type. Multiple testers are allowed in one vehicle as long as each person completed the Self-Assessment Tool and was issued a unique ID number.

Plan 60-90 minutes for the entire process on a weekend although there are reports that weekday testing has a much shorter wait time. Be punctual to help expedite the process. Keep windows rolled up until the medical staff asks for access to your vehicle.

When you arrive be prepared to show your ID, the unique code, and some testing site personnel may ask for insurance information even though there is no charge to your insurance. Staff will confirm your information several times so do not be annoyed. This is to ensure accurate specimen testing. Pictures and recordings are not allowed to keep the process confidential. Some sites may take your nasal samples while others will require you to collect the sample yourself.

The cotton swab is inserted into each nostril, rotate the swab for 15-20 seconds to get a good collection. Next the handle of the swab is separated, and the cotton tip is placed in a plastic specimen container and given to the medical staff.

Results can take up to a week. Notifications are made by phone calls, so be sure to answer unfamiliar phone numbers while you are waiting for test results. Follow after testing instructions. Stay Safe & Healthy.

DIFFERENCES IN PROCESS BY LOCATIONS: Harris County Public Health testing site @ Pridgeon Stadium

Immediate Auto generated appointment within 3 days of online assessment completed

Busy but organized testing site 90 minutes from start to finish

Display state issued ID and unique code without rolling window down t station one

Leading By Example During COVID-19

By Rhonda Dallas Contributing Writer

Where has all the time gone? We all started out in February 2020 with plans on how March would look in our lives and even our summer and where we would go and who we would go with. But an unfortunate Pandemic hit us and hit us hard at the end of February 2020 and now we find ourselves still processing it as well as some of us being shelter in place. And who would have thought that a mask and or face covering would be part of our day to day wardrobe? I don’t know about you, but I didn’t.

So, the question is how do we lead our people by example? How do we keep pushing through during a Pandemic? These questions for me lie within myself. How do I keep people motivated by staying healthy and fit? I mean mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Fort Bend Accesshealth COVID-19 public testing @ Marshall High School

Staff calls to make appointment with 21-72 hours after online assessment completed and appointment with 3-5days after call

Slow & friendly testing site 10 minutes start to finish

Staff in PPE at station one takes state issued ID and scans unique code through lowered window

Lab slip and specimen placed in plastic lab bag and secured under windshield wiper, then drive to station two ID info written on car window for medical tester at next station, tester signs consent forms

Contactless process- self swab with guidance from medical professional outside car with window rolled up

Remove after care instructions from plastic bag

Once complete put testing items back in the plastic bag and place all items in small bin on a table outside of vehicle.

Medical staff takes the sample through the widow after explaining procedure.

Tester observes medical staff seal nasal sample in lab bag

Envelope with after testing instruction given to tester.

COVID testing is an excellent way to determine if you have been exposed to the virus and if you are contagious even if there are no symptoms. Get tested if you haven’t already. Knowledge can be power when used to protect yourself and your loved ones. For more information visit: www. readyharris.org or www.fortbendcountytx.gov

First of all, maintaining a routine is very important. I have found this to be very vital in my physical, mental and spiritual health even if I am going to my home office to work. Secondly, reading is so soothing and great for your mental health. I regained my love and passion for reading more than ever during this Pandemic. It helps to stimulate the mind and stirs up juices in the brain. Next, I found an awesome park to exercise at. Walking, running or jogging is a real game changer to the physical self, and it helps excrete hormones and helps with depression. Lastly and most important is my spiritual Health. I am a church member. I go to church during the week and on Sundays, and I am involved in various ministries. Now this one took me some time to watch church service on-line, and oh how I miss the fellowship. I discovered that I can still call members and check on them, I can use ZOOM and Facetime to see people I miss seeing every Sunday, and I get up on Sunday and get dressed and I go to church in my living room.

Having Trouble

getting back on Track,

Contact Rhonda Dallas Coaching and Personal Development at 832-429-8479 and if you need a great All Natural Vitamin Company, visit us at www.d3health.net and order from the comfort of your home.

Certified Nutritional Counselor

Certified Health and Wellness Life Coach

Source: Xxxxx

Fuel your fitness at home: 5 tips and tricks

By d-mars.com News Provider

Face it, finding time to achieve your fitness goals while balancing work and home life can be a struggle. However, while many people are spending more time at home, here's a great opportunity to start fresh with a new fitness routine.

Here are some helpful tips for helping you live your best, healthiest life:

enough space for a yoga mat, whereas a cardio workout may need a larger area or harder surface. Consider your preferred activities before you set up your space and try to set up camp somewhere quiet with few distractions.

EB Fish Taco Bowl

Time: 25 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients:

2 tilapia fish fillets

Stay hydrated

2 tablespoons olive oil

Create a realistic schedule

It's a lot easier to blow off your at-home workout than a one-on-one training session or group class. What's the secret to success? Put your fitness routine on your calendar! Instead of telling yourself, "I'll exercise after I'm done with work," switch your thinking to, "I'll exercise at 6 p.m," that way you're more likely to hold yourself accountable. Pro-tip: Make sure it's actually written in your calendar and set an alarm to remind you.

Prioritize sleep

To maximize the work you put in during exercise, be sure to get enough rest every night. A full night's sleep aids your muscle growth, enhances muscle recovery, regulates weight management and can help boost your metabolism. Turning off electronics and other distractions at least 30 minutes before bed helps you fall asleep faster and achieve a higher quality sleep.

Designate a fitness space

You don't need a full in-house gym to have a successful workout, but it is important to think about what you'll be doing. Yoga, core exercises or Pilates only require

1. 2. 3.

Caffeinated energy drinks are a trendy pre-workout beverage, but they can lead to negative side effects like jitters and energy crashes. The best way to avoid cramps and fatigue is to drink water before, during and after a workout. Sports drinks with electrolytes are a good option for high-intensity exercise, but be mind ful of their sugar content.

Add fueling ingredients to your diet

4. 5.

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Dawn Jackson Blatner recommends incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet that support your fitness goals.

"It's important to fuel your body with high-quality ingredients all the time, but especially when you are being more active," said Blatner. "For example, Eggland's Best (EB) eggs make a perfect pre- or post-workout snack or meal because they offer superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs at the grocery store. EB eggs contain six times more vitamin D and double the omega-3s compared to other eggs, which aid in muscle recovery and strengthening bones. Plus, they contain double the vitamin B12, which can help boost energy and keep you fueled throughout the day."

If you're looking for a tasty and nutritious meal that will help keep your fitness goals on track, try the Fish Taco Bowl from Eggland's Best:

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup kale

1/2 cup corn

1 cup black beans

1/2 avocado, sliced

2 cups cooked white rice

4 Eggland's Best Eggs (large), scrambled

Preparation:

Cook 1 1/2 cups of white rice as directed.

Mix cumin, cayenne pepper and chili powder in small bowl. Rub generously over tilapia fillets on both sides.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add fish and cook about 3 minutes each side until almost blackened and fish is cooked through. Remove from skillet and shred with fork.

In same skillet, add garlic, corn and kale. Stir and cook until kale is wilted. Add beans and cook until heated through.

Crack 4 eggs into bowl and whisk. Pour eggs into kale, corn and bean mixture and allow to sit for a minute until they begin to cook through. Then scramble everything together.

To serve: Layer rice, egg, corn, kale and bean mixture, fish and avocados.