Harvard Health Blog

Need an appointment right away? Consider a virtual doctor visit

POSTED SEPTEMBER 16, 2016, 9:30 AM
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter

Thanks to video conferencing apps that download to a smartphone, tablet, or home computer, people of all ages can experience a “virtual” visit with a qualified physician at any time, day or night. Virtual visits aren’t meant to replace every trip to the doctor’s office, but may be a good option for minor, temporary problems such as cold and flu, sinusitis, a sore throat, rashes, diarrhea and vomiting, or conjunctivitis — particularly if you can’t reach your doctor.

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Get your copy of A Plan for Successful Aging

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With this Special Health Report, you will learn the protective steps doctors recommend for keeping your mind and body fit for an active and rewarding life. You’ll get tips for diet and exercise, preventive screenings, reducing the risk of coronary disease, strengthening bones, lessening joint aches, and assuring that your sight, hearing, and memory all stay sharp. Plus, you’ll get authoritative guidance to help you stretch your health care dollar, select a health plan that meets your needs, prepare a health care proxy, and more.

The most important health problems (and why they matter)

POSTED SEPTEMBER 15, 2016, 9:30 AM
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publications

I once took care of an elderly patient who wasn’t particularly interested in some of the preventive measures I was recommending. He liked to say “you gotta die of something.” True enough. But that’s no reason to ignore measures that could prevent deaths. It’s particularly important to recognize diseases that can be prevented, slowed, or even reversed with preventive care, changes in diet, exercise, or medications.

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A Plan for Successful Aging

Featured content:

•	Planning ahead: What’s important to you?
•	Exercising as you age
•	Eating your way to a long, healthy life
•	Keeping your mind healthy
•	Steering clear of serious illnesses
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