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With September in full swing, it’s hard to believe we’ve been entrenched in the COVID pandemic environment for almost two years now. On top of that, we are now in the fourth wave with a risk of it getting a lot worse.

How are you holding up, you being the care giver? Are you remembering to take care of yourself? That’s not easy, is it?

Recently, Deloitte released an article analysis about the “enormous strain on the global health care sector’s workforce”. Having had to adapt to incredibly demanding schedules has often resulted in you, the “carers” devoting so much time to patients and others that you’ve had  no time for yourself and for essential self-care. It is one of the most important things a person can master. And we’re not talking about the obvious, like showering and brushing your teeth. It’s so much more than that.

So, what is self-care? Self-Care is using techniques and methods for Mental, Emotional, and Physical Well Being. Such as doing things to keep yourself mentally healthy which influences your psychological well-being. It’s also important to have healthy conversations and dialogue about your emotions, making sure you can talk to a partner or close friend about your feelings. Taking care of your body to make sure it runs efficiently. Caring for your body will make your mind feel better too, this includes physical activity, attending appointments, taking medications that are prescribed etc.

Why is it important? Newswire posted an article advising that almost 79% of Canadians are practising self-care because it has helped them to manage their overall well-being throughout the pandemic. Self-care is essential to keeping you in check with the day-to-day hustle of a busy work schedule. Self-care checklists should include investing in yourself; spending on what is worthwhile and beneficial for you, healthy work-life balance; setting boundaries at work and making sure you are taking the time for you. Your life is your responsibility as well. While you are spending so much time making sure you do your regular tasks and chores, don’t forget that you have a responsibility for you!

In addition to those self-care examples, it’s also important that you take care of your medical and physical health. Telemedicine is a great option to quickly address concerns without having to leave the comfort of your home or workplace.

Although telehealth and telemedicine have been around for quite a while, for years, it took a backseat with the traditional health care practice of face-to-face interactions being the norm and the preferred. In the past year and half though, with the pressures of the pandemic and the need to reduce unnecessary exposure to anyone who may be sick, telemedicine has taken a quick and dominant rise to be the health care service of choice whenever at all possible. Telemedicine has helped people get some of the necessary care while minimizing risk. Telemedicine providers have also worked hard and fast to expand their service and introduce benefits such as Mental Wellness to include Psychology and Mental Health Therapy, as well as Physical Wellness to include Primary Care, Diet & Nutrition, and Physiotherapy.

Many group benefit plans now include telemedicine. Check with your HR Department to confirm if you have it.

Some examples of great telemedicine apps and services are Maple & Akira by TELUS Health.

Maple provides instant online consultations with Canadian-based doctors, medical advice, and treatment. They specialize in dermatology, mole mapping, mental health physicians, psychotherapy, endocrinology, naturopathy, allergy & immunology, pediatrics, speech therapy, addiction management and more.

Another great example is Akira by TELUS Health which is an on-demand virtual health care solution that gives members and their immediate family direct access to medical consultants, Mental Wellness, Physical Wellness and having access to EMRs and PopRx.

If you are a part-time, casual, or temporary hospital employee (or a retiree) you may not have group benefits. Health Care Providers Group Insurance (HCP) plans was designed specifically for you. If you want to learn more, you can check out our website at healthcareproviders.ca or call us toll free at 1-866-768-1477.