Globe-Trotting and Urgent Care

“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!

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

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!

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.