|Living in such a fast-paced world can make it difficult to prioritize health goals, let alone find the time to make it to the doctor’s office. Often times, a person’s health needs are put on hold or places at the very bottom of the to-do list until there is an urgency to seek help or advice about a specific concern. Instead of putting off a visit to the clinic, what if there was a simple way of taking charge of your health? Seems too good to be true, right!

Technology has enabled us to make life easier, and online healthcare is proving that it can make us healthier and less stressed, too. Totally a win-win in my book! This article will explore how accessing online healthcare can help empower you to make regular and positive changes for your overall health and well-being.

Please note: This article does not contain healthcare or therapeutic advice. If you are concerned about your health or well-being, speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency. This is a collaborative article and all opinions expressed are my own.

​Let’s first talk about how online healthcare differs from the traditional doctor’s office, and then explore the benefits of having access to a real physician at the click of a button, and finally discuss how it all works.

Why Online Healthcare?

As a mental health professional, I have talked to many clients who admit that it took awhile to reach out and start sharing their concerns within therapy, and healthcare is no different. Seeking help for any reason can be difficult, anxiety-provoking and downright scary. Mustering up the courage to ask others for support with a health issue might seem daunting to you, or perhaps you had an experience of feeling judged or been made to feel as though your concerns were insignificant and unimportant. It’s completely normal to feel apprehensive after these experiences.

I firmly believe that everyone deserves judgment-free support, and accessing healthcare online can provide a sense of safety since you can literally access the platform from anywhere that has an internet connection.. and in an environment that feels comfortable to you, like your home or office. Imagine being able to share your concerns without feeling the stress and urgency that you might feel at a regular doctor’s visit. Ask yourself, how might this change your perception of accessing healthcare for yourself?

Or perhaps you’re the type of person that is always there for others. You stop everything so that you can help a friend, yet put your own needs on the back burner. It might seem impossible to change to the role of now being the one in need.. after all, you need to be there for others, right? Giving yourself permission to put yourself first, and ask for the help that you need, can feel incredibly empowering, and can allow you to let others in, giving you greater peace of mind knowing that your needs are being cared for.

What are the Benefits?

I will confess that as a millennial who was brought up as the internet was invented, I feel at ease going online to research health concerns, book appointments, or even do my banking.. let’s just say if it can be done online, I’m there! So when I found out that accessing healthcare online was an option for Canadians, I was so excited! Gone are the days of going to a clinic on a specific day, at a particular time, and waiting with a sense of dread for hours just for your name to be called.

So clearly, I’m convinced.. But just in case you’re still wondering what the benefits are of accessing online healthcare, let’s recap the mental health benefits:

• less stressful
• judgement free
• reduce the stigma of getting help
• empowers you to put your own needs first

And add to the list of other benefits:

• no more waiting rooms
• convenient and discreet
• easy application process 
• receive the care you deserve

Consider your own situation for a moment.. what benefits might you experience in your life by accessing healthcare online?

​Okay, You Have My Attention... But What Exactly is the Process?

Before we talk about the process, let me first share the company that has made online healthcare a reality - Felix is an online healthcare provider in Canada making it easier to get prescriptions for common personal health medication including acne, birth control, erectile dysfunction, and male hair loss. Their healthcare approach empowers you to take your personal health into your own hands, in a way that feels comfortable to you and meets your schedule demands.

Here’s their incredibly simple process:

• Fill out an online medical assessment, anytime (even at 2am sitting on your couch in your pajamas eating a bag of Cheesies).
• A licensed Canadian doctor will review your assessment and, if they deem that you are eligible, write you a prescription.
• In less than 24 hours your prescription will be filled and shipped to your door by an accredited pharmacy in 2 business days (delivery is free).
• Decide on an auto-refill schedule so you never have to worry about running out of your prescription.

Naturally you might have some questions about accessing healthcare online, like.. is it actually safe to share your personal information? And, who are you actually chatting with? Let’s clear up some concerns you might have with a few Q&A’s...

Q. Are they real doctors? 

Absolutely! The accredited doctors at Felix do not provide prescriptions unless they deem it medically safe and appropriate to write them based on your medical profile and assessment answers. The assessments have been crafted by the specialists on their medical team.

Q. Is my information safe?

Yes! Personal health information provided during your medical assessment is strictly and legally confidential between you and the Felix doctor. Felix is compliant with The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) of Ontario and LegitScript certified.

The days of waiting rooms are over.. set a goal this year to start using technology to your advantage when it comes to taking better care of your health and try out Felix to see how easy and convenient (not to mention way less stressful) it can be to order your prescriptions online.

For $10 off a Felix online visit, use code HEATHER10 at checkout:

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