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Nov 09, 2022

Health and Purpose

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Finding true happiness is no easy task. All of us are searching for a healthy and proactive way to feel fulfilled whether that be through love, art, friendship, or what we believe to be our true purpose in life. The lucky ones may figure this out at an early age but most of us need to stumble a few times before discovering the path we are meant for. Life is hard and filled with mistakes and experimentation, but those little misfortunes and unexpected injuries are what define us and help pave the way for a healthy rebirth.

Finding Your Way

For years I traveled to other countries thinking that I wanted to see the world. I longed to meet new people, visit places I only read about or had seen in movies, and explore the globe like Indiana Jones. I was virtuous and bold which lead to many injuries and illnesses because I was too busy trying to be brave but really, I was being foolish.

It wasn’t until I found myself alone in a small village in Vietnam desperately needing a friend and medical attention for a brutal intestinal parasite but unfortunately for me, there were no reliable urgent care facilities for me to get a checkup. I had very little money left, all my travel buddies were in far-off countries, I was exhausted and malnourished, and had convinced myself that if I went back to the States, I was somehow a failure. I was completely and utterly lost and in need of newfound wisdom.

The constant pain I was feeling and my lack of knowledge on how to treat myself was a life-saving wake-up call. I had done virtually no research before leaving the country and my body was taking a serious toll. Due to the language barrier, little to no medical facilities, and my own ignorance, it was time to wave the white flag and head home.

Second Life

That old Confucius proverb, “every man has two lives, and the second starts when he realizes he has just one, ” has really stuck with me. All that traveling, partying, and lack of attention put severe stress on my body and overall health. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change a thing, however, in this second life of mine, exercise, nutrition, and mental health have become major characteristics that keep me sharp and engaged with myself and others.

For so long I was avoiding happiness and even my own health because I had some misguided sense of reality. See, as someone who loves fiction and wild stories, I always found myself searching for those adventures. In these fantastical tales, the hero is always getting banged up, only to slap on an ace bandage followed by a shot of whiskey but that’s just not how things really work. I had to learn to listen to my body and read the signs that they were showing me. It’s a skill that doesn’t come overnight which is why it is crucial to do research on what works best for you.

When I arrived back in the States, I finally knew my purpose. I wanted to share my insights on how to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Every day someone is going to take a leap of faith and travel to places they have never been. Most people are so excited to party and explore that they don’t strategize about diet, exercise, rest, or key travel points that can literally save their lives. Even though fiction writing was my bread and butter, I felt that from all my years of neglecting my body I learned great methods and techniques on how to live a proactive life on the road.

Then reality hits. I had no writing degree and spoiler alert; every writing job I applied to wanted a college degree and experience of some sort. I had neither. I could feel my old self whispering words of doubt and negativity into my soul, claiming this to be just another mistake I was making. That I should quit and be realistic.

I was tired of that version of me, sick of the pessimism and cynicism that had always consumed me. This was my one life to live.

Bet on Yourself

It took some time to get my bearings, but after a few years of odd jobs and freelance writing gigs, I finally found steady work as a writer. A small media company hired me to write for their lifestyle department—healthy living, tips on exercises, and different kinds of dieting. Even now with this newfound wisdom I still would say to anyone they should explore and be adventurous but do so with caution. Don’t be like me and just run off. Go to your local urgent care, get a quick checkup and necessary vaccines, ask questions, and make sure you are healthy enough for the journey. Most importantly don’t be afraid. Take great risks because that’s what makes all this so special, the wild gamble to bet on yourself and whether you win or lose, at least you tried.  

* Legal disclaimer: The content of this article and the entire Chai Care blog is for educational purposes only; it does NOT constitute medical advice and must not be considered as such. Please consult a medical professional regarding any symptoms or health concerns you or your loved ones.

Nov 02, 2022

The Healing Power of Apology

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For most people, apologizing is no easy task. Sometimes you may not even feel that you are wrong but choose to apologize just to keep the peace. The truth is telling someone that you are sorry is healthy for the mind, body, and soul. It’s a way to cleanse yourself of ego and self-manufactured pride and can literally make you a healthier person!

Don’t Run Away

We’ve all had a huge fight with a friend. Whether you’re right or they are, no one feels good. Then comes the waiting game. Who is going to apologize to who? You find yourself in a game of chicken, anticipating a long, heartfelt apology but it never comes. The more you wait, the more tension builds.

And builds…

And builds…

If you’re like me, you start to begin feeling ill. This tension takes a toll not just on your mental health but on your physical health too.

It’s been weeks since the two of you have spoken and this pointless fight is now beginning to have real-world consequences. You’re having a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning, your old habits are now pointless and maybe even are abusing drugs and alcohol. That tension you originally felt has mutated into a rage monster and an apology will no longer suffice. All over what? A stupid little argument that you can’t even remember.

Yes, this is a situation that I went through years ago and deeply regret but was also an amazing learning experience. Even though that friend and I never forgave one another, I made a personal vow to myself that I would never do anything like that ever again. Not a single positive thing came from not apologizing and in fact, only made me worse for it. It may sound crazy but learning the ability to admit guilt and apologize for my wrongdoings has not only made me a happier person but a healthier one too.

Forgive and Forget

There’s nothing worse than a disingenuous apology. These empty words feel more like a slap in the face than an admission of guilt and it is crucial to mean what you say and say what you mean. This person that you’re trying to make up with is a friend or a loved one which means they know when you are BS’ing them or not. If they get even a whiff of sarcasm or that you are in some way patronizing them, good luck because you’ll be sleeping on the couch that night.

Before you rush to apologize, a lazy way to get yourself off the hook, really listen to what the person is telling you. More likely than not, what they are saying can really benefit you. Whether they don’t appreciate your sudden burst of anger or your unhealthy lifestyle, this is a moment to not only say sorry but have a moment of reflection. This person cares and wants the best for you so don’t neglect their advice.

Outside of apologizing to others, many people (including myself) have a hard time absorbing an apology. Whether this is from childhood trauma or a manipulative relationship, it’s crucial to understand that this incident took place in the past and this person really cares about you. It’s extremely unhealthy for not just the relationship but your own mental health to let past experiences trickle into your current life. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t use past events to help navigate you through current situations, it just means you can’t let them control you.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Sometimes it really isn’t your fault. You make a genuine apology and listen to what the other person has to say and for some unexplainable reason, they don’t accept your words to be true. There’s no rhyme or reason to it so there’s no need to try and make sense of it because this person had already made up their mind before a single word left your mouth. Even though it’ll sting, this is another important lesson—how not to handle an apology. If someone isn’t emotionally mature enough to care when someone is being vulnerable and really trying to make amends, maybe it’s time to cut ties.

At the end of the day, no one likes to fight. Well, maybe the people who compete in the UFC do but that’s a different story. When you truly care about someone, expressing how you feel and swallowing your pride is worth it and will only make you an overall better person. Even those times when you feel that you have done nothing wrong, listen to what is being said to you because there will most likely be some wisdom to gain.

* Legal disclaimer: The content of this article and the entire Chai Care blog is for educational purposes only; it does NOT constitute medical advice and must not be considered as such. Please consult a medical professional regarding any symptoms or health concerns you or your loved ones.

Your Health and The Pursuit of Money

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The rush I received when my mother handed me my first dollar was unlike anything I had ever felt before.

To paint the picture, I was a pest as a kid. I loved getting on people’s nerves and unfortunately for my poor mother, my sights were usually set on her. I would play this game where essentially; I would repeatedly make high-pitched, excruciatingly loud bird-like sounds while running around our two-family duplex. Imagine the most obnoxious sound in the world and I’m sure mine was worse. Finally, my mom had enough. She told me, “For every five minutes you don’t make that sound I will pay you a dollar.” I wasn’t sure if this was a trick or not, but I decided to give it a shot. When the five minutes were up, she held her end of the bargain and handed me a crisp dollar and the rush I got was better than any sugar high I had previously received. “Again!” I yelled. I shut up for the rest of the day.

How Much Does a Dollar Cost?

Human civilization has always had some sort of currency. Bartering goods transformed into exchanging gold which ultimately led to paper money and cryptocurrency. These forms of payment could buy us anything from an apple to a helicopter but why? How did these coins and pieces of paper become so valuable? How come when I was just a little kid, I received a surge of happiness from just a single dollar bill?

Money & Happiness

Can money buy happiness? The obvious answer is no, however, healthcare does cost money and if you want to be truly happy the key is to keep your body and mind in good shape. You might be saying to yourself, “Didn’t you just say that when your mother gave you a dollar to shut up, you instantly became happy?” Yes, but she didn’t buy it. All human beings have a dopamine release when they are in pursuit of some sort of reward. In this case, a dollar. What was really happening was that I was chasing something. Not necessarily the dollar but the game. Think of the classic children’s show Tom & Jerry. Tom the cat is always chasing Jerry the mouse but when he does finally catch Jerry, what does he do? Chases him again. Yes, this is a show for kids but look around at all the millionaires and billionaires doing the same exact thing.

Of course, having a little extra cash in your pocket will put a smile on our faces but do me a favor and think about a negative memory. Let’s say one where you injured yourself. For example, a few years ago I had one too many cocktails and when I was walking to the subway station, I took a nasty spill down a flight of stairs. An hour later the medics cast my broken wrist and diagnosed me with a concussion. The part I didn’t mention is that I was out celebrating a new job I just landed, a position that was paying significantly more than my previous role. All the happiness that I was feeling from the dollar signs floating around my head had suddenly disappeared. Lying in bed, body aching, disoriented, and swollen, all I could think to myself is how much I wanted to be healthy and that there was no amount of money that could purchase it.

Is Wealthy Healthy?

Wealth can solve many problems but is it actually healthy to be wealthy? It’s a complicated question but let’s explore the pros and cons.

Wealth vs Health: Pros

You’re rich! That’s awesome for you and now you can live the life you’ve always dreamed of. Fancy cars, expensive clothing, and lavish vacations to Ibiza. For the first year, you party your ass off like the rock stars and movie gods you’ve always worshiped, burning through your money because, well… you have so much of it that spending it in bulk amounts has become a new sport for you. Congrats, you are officially part of the 1%, and all of us peasants working our nine-to-five jobs are watching from the sidelines, drooling with envy.

Wealth vs Health: Cons

Let’s rewind back to reality. You aren’t filthy rich, don’t drive a Rolls Royce, and unfortunately can’t afford that island off the coast of Milan. So what? You have a great group of friends, a tight-knit family, and a job with a decent salary. There’s nothing wrong with that in fact, you should be proud of yourself! But let’s say you get fired. You’re completely blind-sided and have not saved up nearly enough to afford unemployment. You soon find your life beginning to spiral along with your health.

Many studies have shown that unemployment or lack of savings can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, weight gain, and more. Most of us are not egregiously wealthy which is why it’s significantly more important to pay attention to the cons and how they may affect you. It’s easy to compare ourselves to those we are jealous of but don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of the never-ending game of Look at What They Have and What I Don’t. This is a recipe for disaster and is only going to make your mental health worse.

A Dollar Well Spent

So, what do you do? Think back to Tom & Jerry. The game is what filled Tom with joy. The chase. It’s not the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that we truly seek but the adventure that takes us there. In life what matters most is our health and the health of our loved ones. Yes, obviously being filthy rich, flying in Jet planes, and popping bottles of Dom Perignon sounds exciting but at the end of the day, we know that the best things in life are free. At the end of the day if you are going to spend your money on something, invest in your health so you can outlive the rich and create your own wealth through love and human connection.

Health is the True Money

I suppose it’s a platitude to say that health is the best wealth, but think of this: The only true currency (besides the secret currency of dopamine which makes us go chasing ghosts) is – time. Time, as we know, is relative: It shrinks and expands, depending on the observer. Time is subjective, and time is limited. How much time each of us has left on this planet? We can’t know that, but we can estimate that, all other things being equal, our longevity (our remaining time to enjoy life) is directly proportionate to our health. If we keep ourselves healthy, enjoy good food and active lifestyle, we may expect to live longer than if we ruin our health with bad habits and poor choices. And even though contemporary medicine can extend life, we would probably prefer to be strong, robust and of clear mind well into our eighties or nineties, rather than exist in misery and pain for decades thanks to medication.

Taking care of our health (and therefore, of our ability to enjoy life and, ultimately, of our time) is the matter of now. Improve just one thing about your lifestyle today, take it even slightly in the direction of healthier living – and you will become objectively richer, because your “money in the bank” (the time you have left in this world) will increase. And I implore you, please don’t forget to get your health checked at regular intervals. Do it today. Remember: What will be, already is. You want to get your possible health issues of the future taken care of today, before then even happen.

Here’s a link to Chai Care’s list of urgent care locations – pick the one closest to you and go get your health screening! You’ll thank me later for giving you the best investment advice!

* Legal disclaimer: The content of this article and the entire Chai Care blog is for educational purposes only; it does NOT constitute medical advice and must not be considered as such. Please consult a medical professional regarding any symptoms or health concerns you or your loved ones.

Jobs Do Things to Your Body

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I’ll lead in with a personal story.

I landed my first job at the age of sixteen docking and fueling boats at a small little marina in Southern Connecticut. It’s hard to remember the name, this was going back over 20 years now. The gig was a dream. Pretty girls, cash tips, and during my lunch break I’d fish from the peer at the corner of the boating yard. I imagined myself working there forever. I didn’t have much desire to attend college or travel, I had no plans or reservations to go anywhere but sometimes life makes decisions for us.

I was in the middle of pumping gas, probably flirting with one of the boat owner’s daughters when two police officers walked my way. I didn’t think much of it because the Stratford water police docked their boat at our marina. Once the officers came a little closer, I didn’t recognize them. They were from a different town, Bridgeport. My town. “Are you Harrison Todd?” the officer asked me. I told him yes and he told me that my father was in a construction accident. I never saw my father again.

I know this personal example is extreme. But please hear me out: Whatever job you do, it has a repeated pattern of day-to-day activities, and that pattern molds your body in a certain way. Whether you’re an office worker, a truck driver or an airline pilot, you’re exposed to consistent amount of stress combined with immobility, too much caffeine, sleep deprivation and below-average food. If you work with your hands for a living, you get your share of small or medium traumas, or, as was the case with my father, you may lose your life at work.

Your Job Affects Your Health

Soon afterwards, I moved to upstate New York to live with my grandparents. They were nice people, but I absolutely hated the town and most of the people in it. I was angry, depressed, and had no sense of direction. It wasn’t until I attended a small rock concert that I felt a spark again. I befriended one of the guitarists after the show where he told me about their adventures. Traveling all over the country, drinking, doing drugs, endless parties, and sleepless nights. It was the thrill I was so desperately craving and when he offered me a job to be the band’s driver I accepted on the spot.

Being a road dog (that’s what we called ourselves), took a massive toll on my body. The band never reached A-list status but for over fifteen years we toured all over the country playing at small clubs, pubs, festivals, and even a few gigs overseas. During the years I broke both of my legs, had multiple concussions, stitches, and fractures, and avoided treatment at all costs. The bandmates who are now my best friends fired me. Not because I was doing a poor job but because they love me. My body simply couldn’t take any more damage, if it weren’t for them, I’d be dead.

Check In On Yourself

It’s easy to ignore the pain when you’re having a great time. Although I was working, life felt more like a vacation which is why I never checked in on myself. I was younger, dumber, and my body was more physically capable and at times would heal itself without me having to put in any effort. After a while, this stops but the pain stays. At first, it was confusing. It’s a new experience and you literally don’t understand what is happening. I was too young to have a limp and chronic pain in my back. Although I was hurt and even angry at the band for forcing me out, deep down I knew they were right. I sought medical attention – I received a much-needed wake-up call.

After several surgeries and physical therapy, it was time to get back to work. Sitting around knowing the band was still partying and living the dream while I was doing calisthenics in a facility that smelt like dirty feet was driving me nuts. Of course, I still had pain throughout my body, and I was warned to not go back to my old lifestyle, but I was too hard-headed to listen. They claimed that old life was behind me, but I figured what momma don’t know, won’t hurt her.

We had been on the road for a week and when we landed in Brooklyn my body simply couldn’t take it. The pain was immense and if I was in a car for longer than an hour I would silently suffer so as not to draw attention to myself. When the band went out for drinks, I brought myself to a nearby urgent care facility where two things happened: a) their incredible team treated me with care and meticulous attention; and b) I also met my future wife. 

Choose Wisely

Most of us value our lives based on our jobs, status, power, and other frivolous pursuits. I loved my job and truly had the experience of a lifetime which ultimately led to meeting the woman that I would marry and raise three beautiful children with however, my body will also never forget. After only minutes of playing with my children, I have to sit down because my knee needs a rest. Traveling is brutal on my back and because of the many bar fights, the band would get into I now have panic attacks in crowded spaces. My family and friends mean everything to me, and the sad truth is I can’t give them all of me because of the years of neglect and choosing work over me.

Believe me when I say take care of your body. No matter what your job is and how much it means to you, value yourself first. You only have one life, and that job will be here long after you.

* Legal disclaimer: The content of this article and the entire Chai Care blog is for educational purposes only; it does NOT constitute medical advice and must not be considered as such. Please consult a medical professional regarding any symptoms or health concerns you or your loved ones.

Nov 01, 2022

Globe-Trotting and Urgent Care

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“You Americans wanna do something dangerous?” Felix asked in his French accent, one hand steering the boat and the other pushing back his thick dreadlocks.

(This happened to me not too long ago, and before I proceed to writing a regular medical blog article, I want to share with you my adventure. Soon enough you’ll see why!)

Take A Chance

The high noon heat, homemade RumChata, and the lack of fish we were trying to catch on the Caribbean Sea had me and my four best friends ready for something more exciting. “What do you have in mind?” Ryan asked. Felix lit himself a hand-rolled cigarette before he told us, “There’s this cliff, not too far from here. We can jump off. Maybe thirty feet high.” We all looked at each other, drunk, bored, and in need of an adrenaline rush. “Hell yeah,” I told Felix. “We’re in.” As the hand-rolled dangled from the side of Felix’s mouth he jerked the boat around and headed north toward huge a huge cuesta in the distance.

Right off the bat, we noticed this bluff was not thirty feet but more like fifty, possibly higher. Felix knew it too and laughed at us as we silently gazed at the precipice. “Listen, this is very important. We swim to the edge of the rock and then climb. But when we get there, you must follow what I do exactly. There is poisonous reef and coral all over there. I will point it out and you cannot touch it. OK?” “What if we do,” Joe asked. As Felix tied his dreads, he told us with a big smile, “just don’t.”

We all trailed a few feet behind Felix, doing our best to keep up with whom we believed to be Aquaman. By the time we got to the entrance, we were all out of breath, barely able to tread water and Matt was doing his best not to puke. I was the best swimmer out of our crew, so I went first. Felix and I sunk into the water where he pointed out the lethal reef and coral. At this point, I was already seeing double thanks to the strong RumChata, but I figured if there was one way to go out, this was it. I carefully swam over the death zone, doggy paddling and hoping that I would live to see another day.

One by one I waited for my friends to meet me, praying that we wouldn’t need to rush to the hospital. Step one was complete, and we followed Felix up a steep cliff, at points on our hands and knees doing our best not to fall off the narrow path. At the top, we looked down, and yeah, this wasn’t fifty feet. “Listen, when you jump make sure to get running start. Like this!” Before we could ask any questions, Felix was falling from the sky. When we studied the water below it was clear what he meant. Directly below us were dozens of sharp jagged rocks sticking out from the water. “See? Easy!” Felix yelled from the sea, safe and sound. We all looked at each other. I walked to where stone met grass and took a deep breath. I confidently gestured for my friends to move to the side, a brave attempt to look calm and cool even though I was anything but. After a few deep breaths, I jolted forward and flew through the sky with the birds before I was swimming with the fish.

Be Responsible

We all made it back in one piece, but it was clear when I arrived at my apartment in Brooklyn that I needed to get a check-up. The combination of cliff jumping, hiking up an active volcano, beach parties, excessive drinking, and lack of sleep had proved to take a massive toll on my body. Body parts ached that hadn’t before, and my sore throat wouldn’t go away. It’s safe to say that a much-needed visit to an urgent care facility was in my future. It didn’t take long for the professionals at a neighborhood urgent care to diagnose me with bronchitis and a minor fracture in my elbow. News you never want to hear but a reminder of a trip I’ll never forget.

Yes, I was in rough shape, and I had to begin nursing my body back to health immediately. Was it worth it? Hell yeah, it was worth it! We don’t get many exciting opportunities in life which is why we must create them for ourselves. Any chance you get, travel, embark on an adventure with your friends and take a risk. Go for it and don’t look back. With that being said, be safe. We all want to be the bold badass that everyone admires but we also don’t want to be buried six feet under.

Smart Traveling

After I had fully recovered from my trip to Martinique, I still had the travel bug. I didn’t know where I wanted to go or whom to go with, all I knew was that there was more world to see, and I didn’t want to wait. All my friends were busy with work and personal obligations, so I decided to stay in America and drive cross-country by myself. I had no plan. I didn’t write an itinerary or create a travel guide for myself. I would rent a car and start in Brooklyn and finish in Los Angeles. I only told a handful of people of my not-very-thought-out plan and before I knew it, I was on the road.

The trip was a perfect disaster. Or was it? I did zero preparation, packed terribly, and thought it would be “cool” to not use a map and get to California only by street signs and asking for directions from locals. It didn’t take long for me to get completely lost in the boondocks of Pennsylvania. Adding insult to injury, I got caught in a terrible storm where I swerved my car off the road and hit a tree. I sustained only minor injuries but thanks to my lack of planning I was in an area with terrible reception and had no idea where I was.

Finally, once the rain stopped the next morning, I was able to walk a few miles where sure enough I ended up in a small town called Warminster where I wandered into, you guessed it, a local urgent care clinic, needing assistance. (This happened to be a Chai Care location, if you must know. True story! Of course, back then, I didn’t know I’d end up writing blog posts for the very same venerable medical organization!) They supplied me with a few stitches on my chin and a splint for my swollen finger. When they asked me how this all happened, I felt too stupid to tell them the truth, so I lied and told them I got jumped.

By the way, here’s a handy link, should you ever want urgent care in Warminster, Pennsylvania.

And just so that everybody else don’t feel left out, here’s a link to all Chai Urgent Care locations. Find the nearest one, if you’re traveling through New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania, and happen to be in need of patching up!

Moral of the story: Don’t be dumb like me and plan your traveling. It’s easy to romanticize “the road” and want to live on the edge but take it from personal experience, and plan for the unexpected. It’s the least you can do, and I’ll be expecting a thank you when you arrive home safely.

* Legal disclaimer: The content of this article and the entire Chai Care blog is for educational purposes only; it does NOT constitute medical advice and must not be considered as such. Please consult a medical professional regarding any symptoms or health concerns you or your loved ones.

Cowardice Will Cost You!

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Okay, let’s face it: No one like seeking medical attention. And this includes you. Right? Chances are when you do visit your local urgent care facility you receive bad news, being told that you need to lose weight, have high blood pressure, or contracted some sort of illness or disease. It would be great to be presented with positive news that you are perfectly healthy, but the truth is getting this much-needed medical information is crucial to proactive living and can maybe even save your life. Still, we rebel against the seemingly dreadful visit because changing your lifestyle is no easy task, however, it does not need to be so difficult.

Sounds like you? Yeah, that’s what I thought. What do you do about it?

Don’t Be That Person

You’ve got to quit being lazy! Trust me when I say you can’t rely on cough drops and quick-fix over-the-counter drugs to solve all your problems forever. Your car breaks, what do you do? You go to a mechanic, right? Same thing with your body, you should see a professional, and don’t procrastinate. Procrastination is cowardice, and if there’s one thing, I want you to get out of this article, it’s this: Cowardice always ends up costing ya!

Yes, these things can help you but what they can’t do is provide the necessary information on how to be your most healthy self. It’s like putting a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches, an insignificant attempt at a potentially life-threatening problem. Seeking this information could be intimidating but don’t be the unfortunate person who finds out too late.

Are You Due for a Check-Up?

If I had to guess, I’d say you are not an Olympic athlete or an absolute health freak. Sorry but chances are you need to change some lifestyle choices. Even if you are feeling tip-top and have been exercising and watching what you eat, going in for a routine check-up or yearly physical is always beneficial. But for those who do struggle to live a healthy lifestyle, luckily our bodies are constantly informing us about what needs to be looked at. It’s time to shut up and listen!

The signs are simple and most of us already know what they are. A sore throat isn’t going away, shortness of breath, unusual bowel movement or constant urination, and unexpected weight loss are important messages from your body that something isn’t right. But for some unexplainable reason, we still ignore these signals, convincing ourselves that we will be fine and that going for a check-up is waste of time. Why are you trying to tough it out? We are surrounded by trained professionals at your local urgent care facility who contain the knowledge and a dummy-proof blueprint on easy steps to live proactively.

Even if you are not feeling unwell it’s still important to get looked at least once a year. Whether for a routine check-up or you’re curious about improving your lifestyle, visiting your local urgent care establishment is never a bad idea. It’s important to note that when you do decide to go that you should come prepared with any questions that you have and most importantly, be honest about any issues or injuries that you are experiencing. Getting the hard truth can be difficult so many people decide not to be honest because of fear of a bad diagnosis or much need for a lifestyle change. Remember, these medical professionals are here to help and the best way they can do this is by you giving them full transparency!

It doesn’t take a ton of courage to do the right thing for yourself. If I may make a suggestion – just visit the nearest Chai Care clinic and get a checkup.

All right, there’s a flip side to it  – but it’s all connected, as you’re about to see.

Misguided Bravery

About a year ago a few friends and I were playing a pick-up game of basketball. My friend Joe, a former D-1 college basketball player who was clearly the best player on the court, was driving to the rim and made a sharp side-step against a defender, me when he felt something tweak in his knee. Even with the immediate pain, he still managed to score and continued to finish the game. For the rest of the day, he limped around, squinting with pain, and denied all our suggestions of him going down the street to the closest urgent care. After all, he played in college, none of us did, and he claimed he would be fine in the morning. Nearly two weeks later after more swelling and bruising he finally visited an urgent care when after an X-ray he was given the unfortunate news that he tore a ligament in his knee and would need surgery. That wasn’t the worst part. If he had just gone to an urgent care facility weeks ago the injury would be that much closer to healing. Instead, he walked around every day, even exercised, and continued to play basketball, only making the issue worse. Of course, I felt bad for Joe, he couldn’t play the game he loved for months, not to mention a grueling recovery process and expensive rehab, but all of that could have been avoided if he put his ego on the back burner and made the smart decision.

At the end of the day, it’s important to know that living a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about you. We all have family and friends that love and support us. People who deeply care about our well-being and want the best for us. If seeking medical assistance is something you absolutely hate, think about those who are closest to you. Your children, partner, or friend. Maybe even your dog, who’s going to feed Rex if you’re not there? We all must make sacrifices for the people we care about, at least you can make a choice that not only makes them happy but also created a healthier life for you!

* Legal disclaimer: The content of this article and the entire Chai Care blog is for educational purposes only; it does NOT constitute medical advice and must not be considered as such. Please consult a medical professional regarding any symptoms or health concerns you or your loved ones.

Oct 31, 2022

Friendship & Healthy Living

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We all know that eating lean protein and organic fruits and veggies, intense weightlifting, and cycling are great ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but diet and nutrition aren’t everything. Our peers, colleagues, and classmates have huge roles in how we manage our health. A strong family is important too, but our friends, the ones that you can count on to always have your back and hold you accountable for your wrongdoings, who are there for the good, the bad, and the ugly, are the people who can help us be our best selves and living a pro-active life.

These deep bonds we have with our closest mates are more important than most of us know. Many studies have shown that people who have strong relationships and social support in their lives actually live longer than those who don’t. In other words, your friends can literally save your life just by emotionally supporting you. Of course, medicine, routine check-ups, and all sorts of surgery are what we need to heal our bodies, however, we can all remember a time when we were down, sick even, and our pal came through telling us a joke, putting a smile on our faces, healing us in a way that a doctor never could. There is a true power in friendship, an incredible energy surge that we receive from these positive experiences that are crucial to know and practice so we are our best selves.

You haven’t seen your best friend in a few months due to your high-demanding job, family responsibilities, and personal reasons. Finally, you both set a dinner date and when you see them you immediately notice they are highly stressed, gained weight, and their cigarette habit has developed into a full-blown addiction. They have become a shell of themselves, and it is obvious that your friend, the person who is supposed to be your best friend, really needs some help. Not from their doctor, brother, or lover, but from you. The more you sit and talk, exchanging stories, laughing and being silly, and falling back into your old rhythm, your friend becomes more positive, filled with hope, and glows with a new-found optimism that wasn’t there at the beginning of the evening. This is no coincidence but a form of medication that you supplied them with. Connection, communication, and listening are all proven ways that greatly help improve our mental health and overall well-being.

Be A Good Friend:

I have been in one of these situations because of my best friend Tyler who struggles with depression. He’s gone so far down the rabbit hole that he has had drastic weight changes and even issues with narcotics. Worst of all Tyler isn’t someone you’d expect to have these problems. He’s always cracking jokes, gregarious and flirtatious, and liked by everyone. However, I have seen the other side, the deeply sad guy doesn’t know how to ask for help because he doesn’t want to burden anyone. Finally, when things were getting very dark for Tyler, I decided enough was enough, sat him down, and flat-out told him that he needed to seek help. I wouldn’t let him hurt himself any longer because there are too many people who love, support, and cherish him to let this happen. He didn’t want to listen and even got upset at me but after a long, emotional discussion he finally said he would do something about it. He now regularly sees a therapist, takes anti-depressants, and is learning to navigate his mental health issues proactively rather than abusing drugs. Tyler has put in serious work to get to where he is and not to take any credit, helping him is one of the highlights of my life.

Every now and again we must push those we care about. If you start seeing one of your friends making poor decisions regarding their lifestyle choices, nutrition, or diet, be the one who rises to the occasion and suggests them to get a medical check-up. This conversion may be awkward and difficult but at the end of the day, they will know you are right and only looking out for them. Just by demonstrating that you do care for them and are genuinely concerned about their well-being will make a huge impact.

The Power of Connection:

Not everyone is good at communicating their feelings and has a difficult time opening up, even to their closest friends. This is especially true if someone is experiencing some sort of trauma. Loss of a loved one, divorce, mental illness, and losing employment can have serious impacts on the way someone will take care of themselves, and even if they may not reach out and ask for help, this is your time to step in and be there for them. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. We all experience dark moments and by being a good friend you can really make a positive impact on their lives and help them stay healthy. The sad truth is there are many people in this world who would love to have more friends in their lives and people who support and champion them but don’t know where to look. If you have a hard time staying in contact with your old friends or making new ones, maybe it’s time to consider joining a recreational sports team or social club. These are great places to make everlasting relationships that can truly benefit your health and well-being.

Hey, just pay attention to what signs you read about your friend’s health and well being, and if you’re seeing something worrying, why not bring them to a nearest urgent care clinic for a quick basic health checkup?

Here’s a handy list of Chai Care medical center locations – you can book an appointment or just bring your friend there without any preliminaries, because walk-ins are always welcome here!

A Helping Hand:

Chai Care is an urgent care facility that not only treats our patient’s everyday medical needs but also provides advice and support on how to live a proactive lifestyle. We understand that living a healthy life is more than just dieting and exercising which is why we offer information regarding nearby events, parties, and social clubs in the neighborhood because we want you not only to be physically healthy but mentally fit too!

* Legal disclaimer: The content of this article and the entire Chai Care blog is for educational purposes only; it does NOT constitute medical advice and must not be considered as such. Please consult a medical professional regarding any symptoms or health concerns you or your loved ones.

Oct 28, 2022

Healthcare Tech is Adventure!

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Merging Technology and Healthcare

The time has finally come when science fiction meets reality. We are now living in a world so advanced that past writers, explorers, and historians wouldn’t believe or even think it to be possible, especially in the world of medical tech. Now our wildest ideas, dreams, and experiments are possible, all thanks to the new innovative technology that is constantly being created. This new technology in the medical industry has completely revolutionized the way we live our lives and has given us the ability to be bigger risk-takers, embark on dangerous conquests, and live a more exciting life because fortunately if we do face some sort of imminent threat, disease, or major injury, our high-tech equipment will protect us.

So, what exactly has technology done to benefit our healthcare industry? Are these new technologies actually game changers or can we still rely on our college graduate physicians to supply us with all the answers we need? The answer is simple: Welcome the tech.

The Future of Diagnosis

Think back to when you were a teenager. While horsing around with your friends, you fall on your knee and it becomes inflamed and swollen, causing you difficulty walking so you go to see your primary physician. The doctor does their run-of-the-mill observation, but he seems to be paying more attention to the clock on the wall and your mother’s blouse rather than the symptoms you list. He tells you it’s nothing to lose sleep over, and that you will be back to messing around with your pals in no time. Three days later your knee is not only still in pain but also feels worse. You take a trip to the ER where you receive an X-ray only to discover you have a fracture and a minor tear of the tissue surrounding the bone. Naturally, you want to kill your physician for misdiagnosing you, but was it really his fault? He is only flesh and blood after all, and his facility wasn’t up to date with the newest equipment that could’ve supplied the correct information.

Fortunately, we now live in a world where most, if not all medical practices have the latest equipment because of how important and common it is. If you do happen to find yourself in an urgent care or a medical room that doesn’t have an X-ray EKG, ECG, or Hematology equipment pack your things and leave because they are living in the stone age. But receiving a proper diagnosis isn’t the only benefit from this profound gear, so how else do we benefit from this advanced tech?

Saving Time, Advanced Efficiency & Artificial Intelligence

We’ve all been the person in the waiting room watching patient after patient being taken before us even though they just entered the building. Doesn’t the doctor know that you need to pick up your kids from school in an hour? That you have a date you can’t be late for? How does this happen? Why me? Why?! Well, all that waiting around is a thing of the past because of telehealth and artificial intelligence. We’re talking genius robots that can give us a reliable diagnosis within minutes, in some cases from your own home. No more sitting in traffic, reading outdated waiting room magazines and evil glares from the receptionist who doubles as the crypt keeper. Thanks to this exciting technology you can receive this very personal information from the comfort of your computer or mobile device.

Another great aspect of this technology is the ability to help urgent care facilities and hospitals that are understaffed. We now have such advanced software and computers that can provide the same aid as a nurse, PA, MA, or even a doctor. Of course, nothing will top the human connection, but the fact that we have ultra-precise robotics that can perform brain surgery and software that can predict the probability of contracting a disease through advanced genetic analytics is a monumental achievement for mankind.

Chai Care is Changing the Game

Chai Care is proud to be a company that not only has these advanced pieces of medical technology but a place where we continue to look ahead for the next best thing. We don’t want to settle and practice whatever everyone else does because we’re thinking about the future rather than the past. Chai Care discovers ground-breaking new options so we can treat as many patients as possible and be an urgent care facility of not only healing but exploration. Medical science is the final frontier for man, a never-ending journey of searching for life-changing medicine and ways to live as healthy as possible so we can continue innovating and creating, in hopes to build a better world.

Let’s have this adventure together! Schedule a virtual visit!

* Legal disclaimer: The content of this article and the entire Chai Care blog is for educational purposes only; it does NOT constitute medical advice and must not be considered as such. Please consult a medical professional regarding any symptoms or health concerns you or your loved ones.