Health and Wellness 6

Skin Issues How to Treat Today’s Most Common

By d-mars.com News Provider

Spending a lot more time at home indoors these days or adjusting to going back outside? New habits and big lifestyle changes can have an effect on one’s skin.

Here are some of the more common skin care issues associated with life today and their solutions, some of which can be easily found at the drugstore:

• Dry skin: Our new reality of wearing masks can have a drying effect on our skin. But you can easily enhance your skin’s own moisture-retention with a serum-containing dermatologistrecommended hyaluronic acid.

and yes -- all over the face, includes under the mask,” says Dr. Rocio Rivera.

• Light exposure: Spending large portions of the day indoors unfortunately doesn’t eliminate risks associated with light exposure. With more screen time comes increased exposure to blue light. What’s more, you are still susceptible to incidental sun exposure coming in through windows of your home and car.

Refresh and protect your skin with a moisturizer that also has broad spectrum SPF, such as L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple PowerSPF 30, which can be smoothed over the face and neck every morning. Formulated with proretinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, it will make your skin feel smooth, soft and refreshed after use.

“Using gentle and lightweight skincare, especially now that the temperatures are rising, will properly hydrate your skin without clogging the pores, even under a mask. Hyaluronic acid products, such as serums, that are correctly formulated will also help plump the skin and reduce wrinkles,” says Dr. Rocio Rivera, VP of scientific communications, L’Oréal Paris.

For long lasting hydration, apply two to three drops of L’Oréal Paris 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum to the face and neck every morning and evening – its lightweight and fast-absorbing texture works well under a mask.

• Not prioritizing me-time: If you have a lot going on these days, you may forget to take some time for self-care. Beyond your skin care routine -- which you should continue to maintain -- you can also promote a healthy-looking glow by prioritizing sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated and getting regular exercise.

“Sun protection equals skin health and it is the most important age preventive product in your skincare routine. A broad spectrum SPF formula is always a must: Rain or shine, indoors, outdoors,

• Lack of glow: For many, skin glow is a key sign of skin health, and while you may not be catching as many rays outdoors these days to achieve this, there is an aestheticallypleasing and much healthier way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the damage and premature aging caused by UV exposure. Stash your cabinet with the latest innovation from L’Oréal Paris, Sublime Bronze Water Mousse. Its clear liquid formula delivers a seamless, streak-free application and quick absorption for a naturallooking bronze tan that does not transfer. Infused with coconut water and vitamin E, it leaves skin soft and beachy-smelling.

For best results, shake well. Pump into hands and smooth evenly over clean, exfoliated skin. Allow four to eight hours for the color to fully develop before showering. For a longer-lasting tan, apply three times over 12 to 24 hours. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Let skin dry completely before putting on clothes.

More skin and beauty tips can be found by visiting lorealparis.com/ skinhub.

Your new lifestyle means now, more than ever, you should not neglect your skin. A few simple steps can keep your skin refreshed and healthy-looking.

Source: StatePoint

How does telehealth

really compare to in-person health care?

the pandemic.

By d-mars.com

News Provider

F

ollowing 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 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

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. Patients can choose from more than 30 telehealth providers treating over 100 conditions, 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 inperson 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 on a 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

Study: 4.5M

Texans Using Telehealth for First Time

By d-mars.com News Provider

Houston health care experts say telehealth has been crucial in combating COVID-19. A new study finds about 4.5 million Texans have used such a service for the first time since the pandemic began.

Accenture recently released findings of a survey examining Texans’ attitudes towards virtual health care. Nearly 45% of Texans who participated said they trust a virtual health visit as much as, or more than, an inperson visit. That’s 15% higher than a survey Accenture conducted a few months earlier. Additionally, 94% of patients who used virtual care during COVID-19 reported they would be willing to continue using it moving forward.

“A lot of Texans got a taste for what it’s like to see their physicians and specialists from the safety and comfort of their home,” said Mark Olney, a managing director in Accenture’s Health practice and the study’s lead author. “Now patients are eager to get more of that access, convenience and time savings.”

The global strategy and consulting firm surveyed more than 1,000 Texas adults in May and compared those responses to another survey it conducted in OctoberNovember 2019. Researchers also collaborated with the Dallas Forth-Worth Hospital Council and Texas e-Health Alliance to interview 13 major health systems in Texas, which manage hundreds of hospitals.

Roberta Schwartz, executive vice president and chief innovation officer of Houston Methodist Hospital, talked about the importance of telemedicine in response to the pandemic during the Partnership’s virtual Innovation Council meeting in May.

Source: Greater Houston Partnership

“The role of telemedicine is here to stay,” said Schwartz.

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

MYTH #4: Telehealth is too expensive.

MYTH #2: There aren‘t any telehealth providers in the area.

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

from a dermatologist to keep skin protected during backyard summer fun

By d-mars.com News Provider

ummer is here, which means fun outdoor activities for kids will fill the long, sunny days. While the season is typically marked by family vacations and trips to the beach, new memories can be created right in the backyard or driveway! When used to its fullest potential, your outdoor space can very well become one of your child's favorite places to play, explore, create and spend time with the family.

Before heading outside for summertime fun, consider the following from board-certified dermatologist and mom of four, Dr. Nava Greenfield, who has partnered with Coppertone to provide tips to help k eep the little ones and their skin protected as they head outside.

outside are typically the ones that carry the highest risk of sunburn, so it's also great to set up a fun umbrella or even pitch a tent to create a shaded space for breaks from the sun's rays. During the strongest sun hours, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., make sure kids are taking frequent breaks to hydrate and go indoors so they can also avoid constant sun exposure.

injury or health hiccup. Keep a first aid kit easily accessible, either outside with you or right inside and make sure the entire family knows where to locate it. Fill the kit with adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes, tweezers, antibiotic ointments, gauze and gloves. Keep an insect repellent handy too. Also, don't forget your sunscreen!

Make sun protection fun

Establish a post-play routine

Create a safe space

To keep at-home outdoor activities safe, scan the area and remove any large items that can become a potential hazard and safely stow away any gardening or lawn tools before kids head out. The first few days

To protect kids' skin, parents should look for a sunscreen that will keep them protected from the sun's UV rays and that kids will actually want to wear, like new Coppertone Kids Clear or Kids Clear Sparkle. Available with either a blue tint or fun sparkles, the clear, cooling and mess-free formula provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 sun protection and is water resistant (80 minutes). Parents everywhere know how difficult sunscreen application can be, but Coppertone Kids Clear makes the experience easy and fun, and can even be an engaging game, like Simon Says, for parents and kids to apply their sunscreen together!

Keep the essentials close

From scrapes and bumps to bug bites and sunburn, nothing puts a damper on summer fun like a small

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Throughout the day and immediately after outdoor play time concludes, make sure kids are washing their hands with soap. To help calm the skin from time spent outside, have them take a lukewarm shower or bath and use a gentle cleanser to help get rid of any caked-on layers of sweat and dirt. Pat the skin dry and follow up with a kid-friendly all-over moisturizer. While making new memories this summer, having fun is the ultimate goal, but it's just as important to keep kids and their skin protected. With these tips in mind, your backyard, patio, driveway or deck is bound to become both you and your child's new favorite, and safest, play place. For more information on sun protection, visit coppertone.com.

Source: BPT