It’s not always possible to get to the doctor. There are countless reasons you may not be able to make that appointment and visit a GP, but it’s still important to look after your health. What is the alternative to setting up a GP consultation?


The simplest option is to go with a GP video consultation. Telemedicine has become quite common over the past couple of years and unless you have an emergency, it’s likely your doctor can let you know how to treat your condition.


Book Your GP Consultation Online

Whether you’re going in to see a doctor in person or plan to have an online GP visit, you can make your appointment online. This saves time and lets you see exactly what schedule times are available. If you don’t like speaking on the phone, which many people don’t, then you’ll appreciate the ability to use the NHS app to make your appointment.


Schedule a GP Video Consultation

Video consultations are the easiest way to see your doctor without actually going to see them. In a GP video consultation, you’ll speak with your doctor about your concerns over a video conference call. You may need to show some closer images of rashes, marks, etc. or take your own temperature to give information to the doctor. However, by the end of the call, the doctor will let you know if you can treat the issue at home or if you need to go to the hospital or come into the medical clinic.


If you need to take some sort of medicine, this is also covered by the video call. Your doctor can give you a prescription so that you are able to fill it at your earliest convenience.


Use Your Phone to Manage Repeat Prescriptions

Download the NHS app to make it much simpler to refill your prescription. No one really likes to visit the doctor’s physical clinic just to get a refill and this method is so much simpler. You can usually just set the whole thing up and fill out a form, but if you do need to actually speak to a doctor, that’s quite simple with this method. All you need to do is schedule a GP video consultation and explain your needs to the doctor. However, when it’s something like birth control pills that you need more of, it’s even simpler to refill the prescription.


Get Administrative Help Online

All too often, there is paperwork involved with being sick. If you need a doctor’s note or a form filled out for work or school, it’s easiest to manage it all online. There are plenty of reasons you may need paperwork from your doctor, so if you can manage it without going into the clinic, this can speed the entire process up.

In some cases, you can even do all the paperwork yourself, if a doctor isn’t strictly necessary. For example, you may be able to print out a sick note for yourself or print up a mask exemption card if you qualify.


Have Your Child Seen By an Online GP

Is your child ill? There’s nothing worse than a sick child unless it’s trying to get that sick child into a car or onto public transport to go see a doctor. Fortunately, you have the option of a GP video consultation where a doctor can see your child for a range of possible ailments and get you a prescription if necessary.

It’s far easier to have your child seen at home, where they are comfortable than to take them to a clinic while they feel unwell.


Telemedicine is something of a miracle for parents of small children and the GP may be able to do everything over the video with a little help from you to get temperatures and photos of rashes or skin issues that may be associated with the health problem.


Once a child is signed up under the NHS, they can be seen for well-child check-ups, so be sure to check with the practice about this.


Wellbeing Resources from the NHS

In order to register for NHS online services, you don’t need much time or any paperwork. You can sign up online and fill in a basic form that will permit NHS England to transfer your medical records to the practice you’ll be using. The local doctors in that practice will have access to your medical history.


There are a number of free services available from the NHS, including mental health support, dermatologist access, and sexual health support. While online doctor’s visits are useful, they’re not the only benefits that the NHS offers. You can also find a range of services available to help you stay healthy.


For example, if you need a COVID 19 test, you can find relevant information on the site. You can also self-refer to various specialities, including:


●     Drug and Alcohol Support: If you’re trying to get off substances you can auto-refer yourself to a helpful clinic for this.

●     Abortion: Do you need an abortion? You don’t need to talk to a doctor, as you can self-refer to a clinic for the procedure.

●     Weight Management: Looking to lose some weight? You’ll find resources on the NHS site, including advice on nutrition and losing weight healthily.

●     Sexual Health: Everything from STI screening to contraception is available to you and you can go straight to the source, rather than asking a doctor for everything.

●     Physiotherapy: If you need physio, you can self-refer to a therapist who can help you recover your mobility to the greatest extent possible.


Registering on the NHS GP site immediately gives you access to far more services than you can imagine. This is a wonderful way to get the help you need, medically and otherwise.


What Should You See Local Doctors For?

Online medicine may seem a little odd at first, but it’s a wonderful way to include the entire population in the medical industry. There are many shut-ins who never go out to the doctor for one reason or another. Some are physically unable to leave their home, while others are mentally unable. Whatever the reason, anyone can now talk to a doctor online and get answers.


Some of the more common issues that you may wish to see a doctor for online include:


●     Flu: If you’re feeling sick, you may need reassurance that you’re going to be okay, as well as instructions on how to get better faster.

●     Athlete’s foot: This common ailment is annoying but can easily be diagnosed and treated via video call.

●     Assorted skin issues: Do you have a rash, odd spots or dry skin? The NHS features dermatologists who are available for video calls. They can often look at what you have on your skin and either recommend further testing or give you medications for the problem.

●     Gastroenteritis: Nearly everyone gets gastro at some point and while it’s not pleasant, it’s usually not deadly. Your online doctor will give you all the information you need to ensure you stay hydrated.

●     Conjunctivitis: Have a case of pinkeye? This painful condition may require antibiotic creams and even oral medications, depending on the severity.

●     Fever: When you or your child has a fever it is a good idea to get checked by a doctor, particularly if it is a persistent one.

●     Diarrhoea: Everyone gets it sometimes, but it’s a real possibility that you will end up dehydrated. This is even more of a concern with a small child, so your doctor will let you know how to treat the issue. They may also issue exam orders to rule out certain diseases.

●     Ear Pain: Pain in the ear or difficulty hearing can be a tough issue to diagnose over the video call, but your doctor is experienced and knows which questions to ask in order to determine the problem and help you solve it.

●     Sore throat: If anyone in your family has a sore throat, it’s usually cause for concern, but your online doctor will soon ease your mind. They can prescribe something to help with the pain and give you ideas on how to treat it.


As you can see, nearly any issue that you would usually go to the doctor for can be seen by a GP online. There’s very little difference and over the past couple of years, doctors have perfected their long-distance delivery skills. They can provide excellent care from a distance and if they are unable to help you, you’ll simply be referred to a physical clinic or the hospital.


Are you ready to receive all the benefits of the NHS online services? Go ahead and sign up here to gain access to everything today. 

How to Tell if You Have Diabetes

by Jahan Mahmoodi • 28 September 2022
Diabetes isn’t an uncommon illness, but it can be serious and result in your having to change your lifestyle. There are two different kinds of diabetes, and the main difference between them is that type 1 is genetic, whereas type 2 diabetes can be down to your lifestyle and will develop over time, rather than showing up in an earlier stage of your life. It is important to know what the symptoms of diabetes are so that you can address the problem sooner rather than later, so below are some of the key things to look out for and when you should see a doctor. What are the Symptoms? If you want to know how to tell if you have diabetes, these are common indicators that you might have developed this problem. The need to urinate frequently, or feeling thirsty and/or hungry a lot. You might also notice that you experience extreme fatigue, weight loss, tingling sensation, or pain in your hands and feet. Cuts and bruises might also take longer to heal than they have done in the past. Some people might also experience blurred vision or find that they are getting thrush in the genital area repeatedly. You may want to refer to a self help service to check symptoms if you are concerned. What Should You Do? If you are concerned that you have diabetes, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your doctor. They can arrange a blood test to check your blood sugar levels, as this can be a great indicator of whether or not you have diabetes and can be one of the first warning signs. High blood sugar can be treated with lifestyle changes, and you may need to take insulin at times too. Your doctor can talk you through how to manage your diabetes more effectively, or look at NHS GP for more information. They may even refer you to specialist centers for disease control for further support and guidance. Who is at a Higher Risk? If you do have a history of type 1 diabetes in your family, then you are more likely to develop this condition, too. However, for type 2 diabetes, those at a higher risk include people who have a diet that is high in fats and sugars and are overweight. Your risk also increases the older you get, with a lot of people developing this when they are over 40. This is why it is important to monitor high levels of blood sugar and get this tested if you are concerned. Lifestyle Changes for Diabetics If you do have type 2 diabetes, there are some things you can do at home to help this. The first step is to look at moving to a healthier lifestyle and eating a more balanced diet with reduced sugar. Remember to be careful with carbs, too, as these can turn into sugar in your body. You might also want to think about getting more exercise to help you lose weight which can be beneficial.  If you are worried about whether or not you have developed diabetes, contact your doctor as soon as possible to take the necessary tests.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

by Jahan Mahmoodi • 25 August 2022
What is PTSD? Learn about the symptoms of PTSD and what to do if you think you or a loved one has this psychiatric disorder. PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, is a psychiatric disorder that occurs after a traumatic event or prolonged trauma over time. Historically, it became known as “shell shock”, which many soldiers experienced after combat in the world wars. However, any kind of trauma can lead to this disorder, such as: Accidents Assault Abuse Illness or injury (either yourself or a loved one) The death of a loved one Going through these experiences does not being you will definitely experience PTSD. A traumatic event or prolonged trauma might trigger the disorder in one person and not another, and it has not been determined exactly why. One suggestion is that those suffering from PTSD have high-stress hormone levels, though this isn’t always the case. If you think you or a loved one might have PTSD, it’s crucial to understand the symptoms and seek medical help to process the memories and reduce symptoms over time. Below are the most common symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder PTSD. Flashbacks of Trauma After experiencing a traumatic event, many people feel sad, scared, and anxious, and these symptoms tend to improve naturally over a few weeks. In people with PTSD, these symptoms last far longer and can produce one of the most common symptoms associated with post traumatic stress disorder: flashbacks. Flashbacks make a person with PTSD experience the traumatic event over and over again in their mind. Often, the flashback is very vivid and causes high levels of panic and anxiety, and can even become debilitating in severe cases. Frequent Nightmares People with PTSD usually experience frequent nightmares, often of the traumatic event or events that they have been through. These nightmares cause elevated stress levels and can lead to further issues, like sleeping difficulties and insomnia. Extreme Anxiety Anxiety is a symptom of multiple mental health issues, including PTSD. After experiencing trauma, a person with PTSD will often feel extreme anxiety in their day-to-day life. They Avoidance It is common for people living with PTSD to avoid anything associated with the traumatic event they experienced, which often includes people, places or activities. It is common for sufferers to even withdraw from their friends and family. Over time, this can make their symptoms even worse as they continue to isolate themselves. Intrusive Thoughts Intrusive thoughts involve upsetting and confusing thoughts that those with PTSD wish would disappear. Typically, these thoughts lead to feelings of guilt and upset. Without treatment, these intrusive thoughts are difficult to manage and might worsen over time in some cases. Irritability or Anger Many people with PTSD become irritable or angry, which can lead to reckless behaviour. This behaviour might cause them to damage their relationships. Extreme anger may also be a sign of complex PTSD, which is caused by long-term trauma rather than a single event. PTSD in Children Children can get PTSD just like adults. The symptoms may look different, though. If you suspect your child has PTSD, here are the signs to look out for: Reliving the traumatic event Angry outbursts Nightmares Fear and/or sadness Seek Help for PTSD When experiencing symptoms like this, it’s important to see mental health specialists in order to determine the cause. Then, these mental health professionals can provide appropriate treatment to help the patient manage and improve their symptoms over time, whether through therapy or medication, or a combination of both. If you think you or your loved one is experiencing PTSD, book an appointment with your NHS GP as soon as possible. Help is available, and nobody has to carry on suffering with their symptoms.

How to Improve Student Mental Health

by Jahan Mahmoodi • 18 August 2022
Student life can be rough. If you feel as though your mental health is beginning to suffer as a result, here are some tips that may be able to help.