Health

What to Do If You Are a High-Risk Woman

Published

4 years ago

July 10, 2021

It is the desire of every woman to become pregnant and give birth without complications. However, your pregnancy can be considered high-risk when difficulties arise, posing a threat to your health or your baby’s. Although this can happen to any pregnancy at any time, certain complications or risk factors can be present, telling you that you are a high-risk woman. This can help your OBGYN in Trinity Florida, at Suncoast Women’s Care to offer high-risk obstetric care to help you through your pregnancy. If you learn you are high-risk, the following can minimize your health risks and put your mind at ease.

Know Your Risks

As mentioned earlier, several factors and complications increasing your chances of issues during your pregnancy can already be known. It can be a lifestyle issue that you already know or a genetic factor you are not aware of. That is why it is crucial to explore expert care during pregnancy, as your provider can help you detect the factors raising your risks. You can review your family history and pinpoint some concerns that your provider will help you understand and know.

Manage Your Weight

One of the common factors that contribute to high-risk pregnancy is obesity. It can cause several complications during your pregnancy period and birth. Therefore, it would help to maintain a healthy weight before or during your pregnancy. Speak to your provider about your weight maintenance goals, and they will guide you accordingly. Eating a healthy diet and being physically active, particularly during pregnancy, can help you avoid complications resulting from obesity.

Quit Smoking and Drinking

It would be good if you realized you have to stop smoking and drinking before getting pregnant. This would make it easy for you to quit smoking and alcohol consumption entirely during your pregnancy. Nevertheless, you have to avoid such behaviors to safeguard your baby’s health and lower your chances of complications. Also, it would be fit to limit your caffeine intake as it can increase your risk for complications.

Never Miss Your Prenatal Appointments

Depending on your particular risks, you might often require visits to your doctor. It would be good to ensure that you do not miss even one, as you might need several additional lab tests or checkups during certain stages of your pregnancy. Also, it would be best to follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully between your appointments to ensure the effectiveness of the efforts to minimize your risks. Your provider may ask you to look out for specific symptoms you need to be keen on and contact them immediately after experiencing them.

Manage Stress

Although learning that you are high-risk may concern you, it is critical to minimize your stress levels during such a time. It is normal to be anxious or scared about your pregnancy, but it can hurt you and your baby if you can not sleep at night. Recent studies have found that stress during pregnancy can impact your baby’s nervous system development during your pregnancy or after birth. You can try adopting self-relaxation techniques such as listening to music or meditating. You can also communicate to your doctor if you feel that your stress is unmanageable.

You surely can do a lot to minimize your risks of complications during pregnancy. But it will begin by identifying those risk factors, and your providers at Suncoast Women’s Care can help you. Book an appointment today and learn how you can safeguard your health and that of your child.

Health

How Telehealth Works for Addicts in Recovery

Published

7 days ago

March 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Technology has been shaping healthcare for decades, and these days, tech advancements for the health sector are happening faster than ever before. Telehealth has emerged as one advancement that has touched every healthcare discipline, from cancer care to pediatrics. The innovative approach of telehealth is breaking down barriers to care and even reaching those who are struggling with substance abuse.

By leveraging digital platforms, recovery specialists can offer better access to therapy sessions, support groups, and medical consultations. These breakthroughs in accessibility are significant for people in healthcare deserts who are languishing under increased addiction rates and a lack of reliable treatment options.

Nick Padlo, founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery in Florida, has seen the benefit of telehealth for recovering addicts firsthand. “Individuals struggling with addiction can now find support and guidance if they do not have access to a treatment center near their home,” he explains. “These virtual programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, similar to traditional in-person treatment, but with the added convenience of digital accessibility.”

Here, we explore the benefits of telehealth for recovery and how clinicians and other professionals in the field can best utilize it for better outcomes.

An increased need for comprehensive recovery

The United States saw over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023. This was a notable increase from previous numbers. The emergence of fentanyl as the drug of choice for many and the perpetuation of alcohol and other drug abuses have made access to comprehensive recovery even more important than ever.

“Understanding the options available can be the first step to recovery,” says Padlo. When people have easier access to help, they may be more apt to seek sobriety.

The pandemic saw a marked increase in substance abuse, laying bare the need for digital access to recovery resources. During the COVID shutdown, the crucial need for an alternative to in-person treatment was evident, and the benefits of such treatment options allowed clinicians and other professionals to carry this digital access to recovery care through the pandemic and into the post-COVID world.

In addition, those living in rural areas or areas with a lack of access to comprehensive recovery care often have needs on par with those in larger urban areas. Telehealth allows people to access the same professionals that those in big cities rely upon.

Studies have shown that continuity of care is critical to the success of addiction recovery. Telehealth can facilitate ongoing engagement with those in recovery, securing continuity of care and leading to better recovery outcomes.

A modern approach

“Online addiction recovery typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, and support groups, all conducted via video conferencing or other online tools,” explains Padlo. The flexibility of these programs allows participants to schedule them around their availability and considering their other commitments.

“We aim to mirror the effectiveness of traditional methods,” says Padlo. “We are providing the same level of care and support through a virtual format.”

Padlo stresses that online recovery can also reduce stigmas that are associated with seeking help for one’s addictions. When those in recovery can participate from the comfort of their own home, they may be more apt to commit to the recovery process.

People will need to consider their personal circumstances when determining if telehealth for addiction recovery is right for them. They may want to evaluate how comfortable they are with technology and whether they have a stable internet connection. Also, it helps to have a strong support system to keep one accountable since it can sometimes be easier to ignore digital meeting commitments.

However, Padlo cautions that those with severe addiction issues or co-occurring addictions may fare better with in-person detox and recovery.

Telehealth can be a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. The option offers a range of benefits, including easier access, privacy, and even savings for some. According to a recent study by the Oregon Health and Science University, telehealth may be just the solution to overcoming the stigma of rehab and recovery and radically reducing barriers for people who need it the most.

While telehealth for addiction recovery may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and some people may require more intensive care and medical intervention, it has broken barriers for those in areas of limited access to recovery or seeking an option that offers more privacy.

As the field of virtual health delivery continues to evolve, the benefits of telehealth for addiction recovery will become clear. Telehealth provides comprehensive, discrete, and effective care for those starting or continuing their recovery journey.