“Google it” is never a good advice when you are ill at home and don’t have a clue about what is going on with your body. Most of us look for information about symptoms online and this is a terrible mistake if the source is not reliable. The truth is there are several ways to treat those simple conditions before reaching the doctors.
In the winter in the UK, that is lasting longer than expected this year, is pretty common to see people heading to their GPs as soon as the first symptoms of cold and flu shows up. Most of these cases are self-treatable but the panic and struggle are real.
There are estimative of 57 million GP appointments and 3.7 million A&E visits each year for self-treatable conditions, it would appear that this lack of information is driving people to seek advice from doctors unnecessarily.
This winter, the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) is urging the public to follow the “three before GP” mantra, to avoid unnecessary GP visits:
- Check if the problem could be treated through self-care
- Seek help from the reputable online resource
- Get assistance from a pharmacist
Situations that could be easily avoided using an app such as Caidr®.
But what if I say to you that it already exists an app that helps you to access common medical illnesses?
Yep. Caidr® was developed by Clinova with a team of UK -based healthcare professionals. It’s an innovative app that can distinguish minor ailments from more serious problems. Exactly what we need to avoid the “google it” temptation or the unnecessary visit to the GP when we don’t feel well.
How does it work?
Caidr® is a free user-friendly smartphone app available on both Google Play and Apple Store. It works based on the information provided by you when answering simple questions about possible illness.
It’s quite straightforward. You have the list of possible medical conditions from sore throats to muscle bone and muscle problems.
Besides the information given at the end of each consultation, the app will also provide suggestions around self-care and advice on referral to a pharmacist, optician or doctor when necessary.
The benefits are numerous:
- Accurate and straightforward information about minor illnesses
- User convenience
- Easier access to healthcare advice and information
How to keep hydrated after exercise or illness
Did you know that oral rehydration solutions are on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines needed in a basic health system? It should be included in every family’s first aid kit.
Our body sends the message quite clearly: you are working hard and when you start losing fluids, the dehydration shows its effects that might happen after exercise or illness, on holiday and during spells of hot weather and even after consuming alcohol.
This is a common problem that doesn’t bring major concerns if treated correctly.
The most effective treatment is taking oral rehydration salts such as O.R. S® Hydration Tablets, dissolved in water. It is suitable for both adults and children.
They are available in 12 and 24 tablet tubes at RRP – £3.50 and £4.99 respectively from Amazon, Asda, Tesco, Boots, and chemists and supermarkets nationwide. Further information on O.R.S Hydration Tablets can be found at www.ors.uk.com.
