Staying healthy is getting easier by the minute in St. Pete. From alternative to concierge medicine, easy access and walk-in care clinics to free prescriptions (Publix on certain drugs), you can choose options that fit your needs and your schedule. Check this out!
The Doctor Will See You Now:
In addition to clinics popping up in local drugstores, BayCare and Publix have teamed up for virtual video exams as part of the telehealth revolution. Some conditions that work for an online visit include seasonal allergies, sinus infection, upset stomach, scrape, bruise, even pink eye.
BayCare Anywhere is easy to use. Just find a Walk In Care location near you, tell the pharmacy you would like a visit and they will show you into a private room and help you with your virtual physician visit. You create a secure account with the password of your choice, select your preferred doctor and give some details about your illness/ condition. You pay the initial $45 fee and begin your visit. Your virtual doctor may ask you to use some of the special devices available such as a thermometer, pulse oximeter, otoscope, dermatoscope, blood pressure cuff or stethoscope. The visit is usually 10 minutes and if the doctor prescribes medication, you can have it sent to Publix or your preferred pharmacy.
Health Hub Opens:
BayCare is taking a page from Apple and adding a “genius bar” of health tech gadgets, opening a TechDeck with wellness resources and health devices such as weight scales, Fitbits, blood pressure cuffs and other wearable technology. The first one is now open at 8787 Bryan Dairy Road (Bardmoor) in Largo. More will be opening next year.
Holiday Travel Tips:
Flying home for the holidays? A few precautions work wonders for staying well, especially getting adequate rest pre-trip and staying hydrated before and during your flight. In your carry-on, pack hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, bandages for small cuts and nasal spray and be sure to clean your tray table and armrests before using. Keep your distance from the coughing, sneezing travelers and pack some health snacks (fruits, veggies) to nibble on.
Reduce Holiday Stress:
Give yourself an early holiday gift before you start the whirlwind of cooking, shopping and party hopping with a visit to downtown St. Pete’s new Woodhouse Day Spa (photo above). The benefits of reflexology and massage for the mind, body and soul are amazing and can reduce anxiety, fight insomnia and help reduce aches and pains from long hours working in front of a computer or on your feet.
woodhousespas.com/location/saint-petersburg-fl
Article by Nanette Wiser