Telemedicine: A Revolutionary Step in Healthcare

As technology advances at exponential levels, innovative technologies are hitting the market at a break-neck speed. Over the last decade, the healthcare domain has witnessed gigantic transformation by embracing trending technologies, improvising patient amenities, exploring new dimensions in medical research to name a few. The medical fraternity has unearthed new opportunities that continue to streamline and minimize the challenges faced by the patients as well as the doctors.

With the abundance of healthcare providers in the industry, players are now concentrating on developing new delivery models that help to improve medical care facilities. Among the various trending business models that are shaping the current healthcare industry, ‘Telemedicine’stands tall among making a lasting impression and bringing about a break-through change. It comes with a promise of eradicating healthcare’s last mile issue. Although it has been in the industry for quite a while, it has seen a remarkable growth in the past two decades.

An interesting analysis by experts reveals that the ‘doctor-patient’ ratio in India is around 1:921. If compared over the last few decades, this data is actually impressive. However, as a populous nation, several patients living in tier II and III towns along with the people living in rural areas still don’t have the access to quality medical facilities. Inspite of all the advancement in the medical sector, a majority of the people cannot utilize the benefits or fall short of the best medical solutions. This blockade is primarily due to the physical distance from a city along with the unawareness among the rural and underserved population.

This is where telemedicine technology evolves as a boon for the patients living in far-off areas. This technology is the amalgamation of state-of-the-art electronics, ICT, and associated applications that assist in providing education to healthcare professionals.  By connecting the doctors together with the patients, telemedicine is changing the dynamics of the sector at a rapid pace. Simplifying the interaction, this technology bridges the existing gaps and diminishes the obstacle to avail optimum medical facilities – even while staying at any remotest corner of the country!  Right from having a medical consultation, complex ailments, medication reminders, tracking health parameters, transmission of medical records – telemedicine does it all! In general, there are three versions of this technology that can be used as per requirement:

• Collaborative medicine: real-time communication with physicians
• Store & Forward: sharing patient information
• Remote Monitoring: done through mobile monitoring devices

Along with the private players, the Government is providing assistance in the form of initiatives, reforms, unified platform and reliefs. Since 2000, the Government of India has taken various measures to implement this technology at the remote ground levels. This technology is gaining momentum as there is a huge surge in the Indian tech industry. 

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Indian Tempering – There’s more to it than Just Flavors and Aroma

Indian food has a tantalizing aroma and specific mouth-watering taste, take it any kind of dish- from north Indian to south Indian. Ever wondered what the secret behind their distinctive flavor is? Well, the answer is the ‘Indian Tempering’, widely known as tadka. Go anywhere in India, the technique of tempering remains the same and it is used in almost every recipe.

In this technique, several spices and herbs are tempered in hot oil or clarified butter (ghee). The process unlocks the nutritional and medicinal values of these elements. The hot fat also has the ability to extract the aroma and essence of the spices to add a delicious flavor to the food. The commonly used spices and herbs in the Indian tempering are mustard seeds, asafoetida, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Depending on the type of dishes, some other spices are added as well. All of these herbs and values have amazing benefits. As can be incurred for this, the tadka is not just to add the taste value, but it actually has various nutritional benefits as well.

Let’s look into what healthy values these elements have to offer.

Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds have high nutritional values, high antiseptic and antibacterial qualities, and are low in calories. They increase metabolism rate and hence, are good for digestion. Mustard seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, protein, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, and dietary fibers. It is also provides a nutrient called selenium, which is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities. There are various other health benefits that mustard seeds bring to a human body.

Cumin Seeds: For long, cumin has been used as traditional medicine. The element offers a basket of health benefits including promoting digestion, reducing blood-sugar and cholesterol, preventing food-borne diseases, aiding in fat reduction and weight loss. It is a rich source of iron, and hence possesses digestive and anti-carcinogenic properties as well as boosts immune system. It also offers benefits to skin and hair, like anti-aging, treatment of skin disorders and boils, preventing hair loss, and so on. Cumin having high medicinal values provides many more benefits than just this.

Asafoetida: Also known as Food of Gods due to its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, carminative, and sedative properties, asafetida has a lot to offer to our health. It can be used to reduce bloating, stomach problems, headache, menstrual pains, and so on. The element also has some beauty enhancing properties, especially related to skin and hair.

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Never Miss a Dose: Medication Apps

Mobile phones, especially smartphones, are doing more than what they were intended to do. Thanks to all the apps that developers around the world are busy making to simplify the lives. These mobile apps come in all shapes and sizes and do a myriad of things for smartphone users. While gaming, social media, and retail apps continue to rule the charts, health apps are surely catching up. With people becoming more health conscious than ever, these apps are also making their mark.

Good health is attributed to many factors.  One needs to have a proper diet, exercise, routine checkups, and the likes. What most people tend to neglect intentionally or unintentionally is the medication routine. Medicines, be it a lifesaving drug or just a vitamin pill, is also essential for good health. Unfortunately, most people tend to forget taking their pills on time. Some blame it on their schedule, some don’t find the time, some are too busy to remember, and some, like the elderly, just forget to take it. According to a report published in Annals of Internal Medicine, September 2012, America loses $100 – $289 billion in a year due to medication non-adherence. The situation is graver in case of chronic illnesses. Treatment of such disease requires long-term use of medicines. But patients are seen not adhering to it due to various reasons. A study from Mayo Clinic states “approximately 50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed.”  This amounts to not only monetary loss but also health issues. Some patients end up in emergency rooms because they did take medicines on time.  Even small issues turn into serious ones if not treated properly. Doctors have long been advising people to take their medicines as prescribed. But the results just don’t match up.

Keeping a digital eye on health

Mobile apps are now being used to fight this underrated health concern. A huge population of these patients uses smartphones. Mobile apps are now being recommended by doctors and other patients alike to tackle this menace. These apps are easy to use, mostly free, and are designed to perform a lot of things for the patients. These apps have a number of features to assist patients with drug adherence. The process is simple and starts with the patient uploading their prescription or filling in the drugs that they are on. They can then customize alarms, set up emergency numbers, put a tracker, and other such features. Some apps even use games to help patients understand the importance of taking medication on time.

Apps full of features

Different apps offer different features and sometimes address only a particular concern. Some apps are free of cost while some are premium and offer much-advanced features. But most apps do the following:

Set up reminders — Easiest way to get your dose on time is to set up alarms. The apps set off alarms at a definitive time and some even light up the screen with particular colors to remind the patients of their pending dose. Some even auto-adjust to the time zones, so that the patients do not mess up their dosage when traveling to different parts of the world.

Send messages to caregiver — Some apps send messages to the patient’s caregiver (mostly family member) and doctor when they miss a dose. They can then remind the patient to take their medicine.

Manage family health — Some apps can help patients deal with multiple profiles. This allows one member track the medicine habits of the entire family.

Drug Interaction – Few apps have the feature to let patients know about drug interactions i.e. if any two or more of one’s medicines can react and cause issues to his/her wellbeing. This feature can really help if one takes over-the-counter drugs with prescribed medicine.

Medical Jargons – Mobile apps can let patients understand medical terms too. Terms like CR (Controlled Release) printed on the medicine can often be confusing for patients. These apps help them crack such codes.

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Balancing Health and Fitness at Workplace

The modern corporate life is very challenging and hectic. Due to the highly competitive business environment, employees have to give their 100% at work, at times even more than that. They have to deal with a variety of issues at the same time in the office including client meetings, deadlines, weekly and monthly goals, and so on. As a result, most of their time is spent either in the office premises or in front of laptops or computers. Employees get very little time because of which indulging in healthy activities like exercise, going to the gym, or other similar institutions often becomes difficult.

Maintaining a Healthy Routine is the Biggest Challenge

These days, employees get very little time to engage in healthy activities. They spend almost 9-10 hours in office. After this hectic office routine, employees find it lazy to go to gym or attend dance or yoga classes. Moreover, many also engage into unhealthy snacking considering it as a stress buster. Also, stress of office work prevents them from enjoying quality time with friends and family.

For many, the prime challenge is not only to meet the deadlines, deal with client demands, and upcoming performance reviews. In fact, for them, maintaining a healthy diet and accomplishing their fitness goals amidst team lunches, short snack breaks, month-end, and birthday celebrations with cakes and fried food is also a big pressure. Being a part of the office fun is essential for building a team atmosphere. But, it creates hindrances for one to accomplish their fitness goals.

Setting Desired Objectives

In order to remain healthy and fit, individuals can set certain goals which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. They can create a specified framework which can be followed for better health-oriented results. For example, an individual can set a certain time limit within which they intend to shed/gain weight. Following small routine activities like reducing sugar intake or a short walk after lunch can be very helpful.

Steps to Accomplish Health Goals

Maintaining a healthy routine isn’t very difficult and can work wonders if followed properly. Individuals can follow the below mentioned steps to meet their health objectives.

Constant Reminder

Individuals should always remind themselves of why they started following a healthy regimen. People should understand the importance of the goal. Subtle reminders at workplace will help them to stay focused. For extra attention, people can put a sticky note on their desk or on their computer screens. These reminders will help them in controlling their cravings for a pastry or a take-out.

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