Everyone occasionally comes down with a small medical issue that either requires discretion or isn’t worth taking to the doctor. Short-term woes like nausea, headaches, and acne don’t require immediate medical attention. Minor, long-term ones like STIs can often be managed with an online visit. So next time you feel sick or break out in pimples, you can often look there for help. Here are some examples of common minor health woes with convenient solutions available via the internet.
1. Minor STIs
Minor STIs can happen to anyone. There is no reason to be embarrassed, but they can still be (understandably) difficult to bring up to your doctor. The good news is, you can now find discreet treatment options online and avoid an in-person visit altogether. With just a few clicks, you can have meds delivered straight to your door.
You can get gonorrhea or genital herpes treatment shipped to your home after answering a few simple questions online. Don’t forget that there are options for STI prevention as well, like standard condoms, internal condoms, and dental dams. You can browse through other people’s experiences on discussion forums for an idea of what to expect.
2. Nausea and Motion Sickness
Remedies for intense nausea and motion sickness are readily available online, too. Look up “nausea remedy,” and you’ll likely find a list of tips and tricks to help curb your stomach ache. From teas and spices to pressure points and over-the-counter medications, there is no lack of support for those in need. Informational websites are helpful for these tried-and-true fixes, but public forums and discussions are also valuable for outside-the-box solutions.
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Nausea itself is often an easy fix, but like STIs should be brought to a doctor if genuinely concerning or persistent. And if your motion sickness lasts longer than a car ride, you may need to seek additional remedies. Ginger may calm you after a bumpy car ride, but if your nausea lasts days, you should seek professional help.
3. Headaches and Migraines
A migraine can easily ruin your whole day and prevent you from functioning at your normal levels. You will definitely want a fix, but the possibility of leaving your home is probably out of the question when you feel horrible. Luckily you’ve got all the resources you need — starting with your phone (at a low brightness level!). You’ll find common remedies such as massage therapy, staying hydrated, and turning off the lights, alongside less conventional methods.
Some people have their own useful processes for relieving headaches that they created themselves. Medical professionals may provide insight into the body’s inner workings that can be used to figure out a fix. Wherever you look, you’re sure to find a solution — even if that means ordering ibuprofen for delivery!
4. Temporary Heartburn
A big pasta meal is a great way to end the week — at least until it bites back. As the internet will tell you, tomatoes and other acidic foods are the most likely to cause that burning feeling. Heartburn can be quite strong, and chewing on an antacid tablet can only do so much. If your acidic or spicy meal doesn’t sit well, or if you don’t have any antacids, you can research other relief methods online.
There are many lesser-known heartburn solutions that people swear by. In the age of the internet, familial remedies passed down through the generations often find their way into virtual discussions. So keep an open mind and see what you can learn. Elimination diets, herbal solutions, and tracking your eating habits can all help curb those painful after-dinner belches.
5. Skin Problems
Soft but also resilient, skin is our body’s first and primary contact with the world around us. Because of this, it’s important to take care of it as best you can. There is a lot of information out there regarding skin care. From excessively dry or oily skin to sunburn and cystic acne, you’ll find both remedies and advice online.
You can jump online to find out about the best moisturizing agents and treatments for your skin type. Many beauty stores like Sephora or Ulta Beauty offer a personalized online quiz to help you find products for your particular skin issues. You’ll be amazed by just how much personalized advice you can find without discussing directly with a doctor.
6. Anxiety and Stress
Many people wouldn’t consider mental health issues a “health woe,” but the truth is that it most certainly is. After all, your mind controls your body, and poor mental health has a negative effect on how it operates. Everyone likes and deserves to feel good, and the amount of information available online makes this very clear. From affirmations and assurances to mindfulness techniques and mantras, odds are that you’ll find something that resonates with you.
The pandemic has accelerated the use of telehealth, and most patients and providers think it’s the new normal. Online counseling has been a game-changer, allowing anyone with an internet connection the ability to visit a therapist without leaving home. Sessions are typically 45-50 minutes long, just like an in-person session, and are billed similarly. Talking through your stressors with a qualified professional from the comfort of home may be a great fit.
The internet cannot replace the advice of a trained medical professional, but it’s a great resource for handling many everyday health challenges. If you sense that an issue might be more consequential, don’t hesitate to seek out additional interventions. But for a minor STI or headache, you can get treatment and relief with much less hassle. Put on a cup of ginger tea, dim the lights, and massage your temples — the web has you covered.
