Self-care at your fingertips

Hey guys, so something a bit different for you today, and it’s my first post since the re-brand and move over to WordPress! I’ll go more into it in a separate post! So, I was contacted by a lovely PR asking if I could talk about one amazing service and one useful product, and I was more than happy to since they both are brilliant and more people need to know about them!

Tip #1

The following post is sponsored

Do you sometimes wish you would get a tiny bit sick just so you can have a day off? But then there’s also those days when getting sick is a MASSIVE inconvenience, such as on holiday; when you’ve got an awesome day planned; a ton of work to do etc etc. Getting something as small as a cold during any of those times can really get you down. I know it does for me. I’d much rather be outside, enjoying the sun, sipping on a pina colada…

I’m working on making lifestyle choices that can minimise getting sick but as we all know, even the fittest people can get a cold or the flu, which is why when I was offered the chance to do a post about this new app, I thought YES; us hypochondriacs millennials will love this!

The new healthcare app in question is called Caidr, by a company called Clinova. The great thing about Caidr is that it can detect minor ailments such as a cold, flu or ear infections from the comfort of your sofa; perfect if you’re not feeling too well, and especially if you’re one of those people like me who hates wasting GP’s valuable time (of course unless there’s a major problem going on!) It will tell you if a Doctor referral is really needed or if a rest-up at home is the answer. Don’t worry, the app has been produced in consultation with a group of UK healthcare professionals.

Caidr’s main aim is to reduce wasted appointments. Did you know that the Royal College of GP’s are urging people to use the ‘three before GP’ mantra. I’d never heard of this before but I totally agree with it. It goes like this –

Check if the problem can be treated via self-care
Seek help from a reputable online source
Get assistance from a pharmacist

Survey results by Caidr showed that a lack of knowledge of symptoms of self-treatable ailments meant that 57 million GP appointments were not all necessary, as well as 3.7 million A&E visits.

I thought i’d give the app a try myself, pretending I had the average runny nose, feeling groggy-style cold.

I first downloaded the app for free from the App Store (also available from Google Play).
Once set-up, I was asked where the problem is: eye, ear, mouth, sore throat, cough, cold, headaches, sleep, nausea, vomiting, stomach problems, bladder problems and women’s health, bone, joint, muscle problems and injuries.
I chose sore throat, coughs and colds. I was then asked which area my symptoms relate to: cough, cold/flu, irritated and/or congested nose or sore throat. I chose cold/flu.
How long had I had the symptoms for: less than or more than 3 weeks. I chose less than.
Is a cough my main symptom? No.
Do I have asthma? In representation of most people, even though I do, I chose no.
Do I have diabetes? No.
Am I over 65? No.
Do I have a heart condition? No.
Do I have a weak immune system or am I taking immunosuppressant drugs? No.
Do I have a runny nose? Yes!
What does the mucus from my nose look like? Cloudy, green and/or yellow or clear and watery. I went for the standard clear and watery.
Am I sneezing in bouts? No.
Do I have a runny and/or blocked nose? Yes.
Do I have rhinitis? No.
Do I have pain under my ear and/or jawline? No.
Do I have a sore throat? No.
Am I clearing my throat more often than usual? No.

The app’s diagnosis was that I had a ‘general viral upper respiratory tract infection associated with a common cold’ – CORRECT! It went on to advise me that it will resolve within 3 weeks without any additional treatment. It also gave some useful advice on how to prevent catching and passing on colds, as well as a range of different types of medicines I could seek from a pharmacist (such as types of medicines to look out for).

I did it a second time, but this time pretending I had the symptoms of the tonsillitis I had last year and ended up in hospital, and it said that I should seek medical advice. This just shows the knowledge and usefulness of the app. I’m certainly going to be using it (touch wood not anytime soon) in the future to avoid seeing a GP unnecessarily.

Tip #2

I’ve taken the vow SO many times to drink more water but I just can’t get into the habit! Anyone else the same?`I actually tend to drink more in the evenings which is strange.

I’m also really bad whilst on holiday. Probably because I’m too busy sightseeing to remember to pick up a bottle of water, and this often results in me feeling dizzy and lightheaded. It used to happen a lot when visiting my husband’s family in Italy. I’d often find that I’d stand up and momentarily feel dizzy probably due to the heat and more than likely, dehydration.

According to the company O.R.S, our body loses fluids and electrolytes when it’s working hard. Concentration and energy levels will drop due to an upset in fluid-salt balance. I’m thinking back to all those times I’ve attempted walks in the searing heat without a water bottle – so careless!

The World Health Organisation have recommended oral rehydration solutions as an essential when travelling, and should also be in every basic first aid kit at home.

O.R.S have created hydration tablets in a soluble form, for both adults and children. They contain a balanced combination of electrolytes, glucose and minerals to replenish the body’s fluids and salts whilst also maintaining a healthy fluid balance.

Now since they’ve been recommended by the WHO (No, not the band…) I’m definitely going to be adding them to my packing list for my next hols! They come in some cool flavours too, like lemon, blackcurrant and strawberry, and are packed in a handy 12 or 24 tablet tube to avoid tablet spillages in your bag!

O.R.S Hydration Tablets are available for £6.99 from Asda, Amazon, Tesco, Boots, as well as other various chemists and supermarkets nationwide.