Virtual health 101: how to take charge of your well-being

What is virtual health?

"Virtual health" refers to managing your health through digital technology instead of traditional in-person visits. It includes everything from video calls with doctors (telehealth) to mobile apps and wearable health devices. Virtual health lets you access healthcare anytime, anywhere, making it easier to stay proactive about your well-being.

As telehealth has grown rapidly over recent years, many people now routinely use apps or online services to manage their healthcare. To learn more about how healthcare is changing with technology, you can check our blog article "Health AI: how smart computers are changing healthcare".

How Slothwise helps you manage your health

Slothwise is a practical example of a virtual health tool. It's an AI-powered companion designed to simplify healthcare tasks for you. Here's what it can do:

• Symptom checking: Instead of randomly searching online when you feel sick, Slothwise can help you figure out what's going on by asking simple questions. For example, if you have a mild fever or headache, Slothwise provides clear, straightforward advice. You can learn more about the risks of searching online in our article "Never google your symptoms again".

• Organizing your health records: Slothwise keeps your medical information, such as lab results and vaccination records, securely in one place. This is especially helpful for appointments or emergencies, ensuring you always have crucial information handy.

• Medication and appointment reminders: You can set Slothwise to remind you about important things like taking your medication, exercising, or upcoming appointments. Research shows consistent medication use significantly improves health outcomes, as discussed in "What is a consumer health app and do they even help?".

• Finding healthcare providers: If you need in-person medical care, Slothwise helps find doctors and clinics nearby and clarifies insurance coverage, saving you the hassle of calling around. Learn how AI makes this process easier in "AI health assistants: helping with insurance, doctors, and staying healthy".

Making the most out of virtual health

To get started with virtual health, consider integrating these tips:

• Start small: Choose one or two digital health tools relevant to your immediate needs, like a symptom checker or medication reminder.

• Stay consistent: Set aside time daily or weekly to check your virtual health apps. Consistency helps catch potential health issues early.

• Know the limits: Virtual tools are excellent for everyday care, but they're not replacements for doctors (yet). Always seek professional help if you have severe symptoms or emergencies.

For additional practical advice on using digital health tools effectively, visit our article "Understanding AI in medicine: the practical, easy guide".

Virtual health for better well-being

By adopting virtual health tools like Slothwise, you're taking proactive steps toward better health management. These tools put reliable medical information at your fingertips, support routine health maintenance, and can significantly reduce stress by organizing your healthcare.

Slothwise is currently available via a closed beta. You can learn more or request access directly through the Slothwise website. As virtual health continues to evolve, tools like Slothwise aim to make quality healthcare simpler, more accessible, and less stressful.

Explore more insights on virtual healthcare in our comprehensive Slothwise blog.