March 25, 2024
Virtual primary care platforms offer discreet convenient care, especially for weight loss journeys. If there’s a waiting period for a prescription, patients can use that time for education, preparing questions for their provider, and more. This blog post will keep you plenty busy with ideas until you can get your hands on your medication.
In the realm of modern healthcare, virtual primary care like Hello Alpha has become a convenient and accessible option for many. Whether it's managing chronic conditions or embarking on a weight loss journey, virtual care provides timely, discreet consultations and prescriptions without the hassle of traditional clinic visits. However, even online, there's often a waiting period between your visit and receiving your prescription. So, what can you do while you wait? Here are 11 ideas to keep you moving forward.
Ground yourself in your health goals. Any health journey can be an overwhelming and stressful undertaking. One step that often goes overlooked but can provide an essential foundation for long-term success is to be crystal clear about your goals. Take this time to reflect on why you’re pursuing this journey and sought out medical support in the first place. How will you celebrate your successes? How can you leverage the support of your family and friends? Are you ready to make lasting changes? If you’ve tried losing weight in the past, what challenges have you encountered before and what can be done differently this time? How will you monitor your progress? Use this time while you’re waiting for your prescription to reaffirm your commitment to your health goals.
Start a free nutrition visit. One of the cornerstones of successful weight loss and overall health is your diet. Your Hello Alpha Plus Membership includes free visits with registered dietitians who can help you evaluate your current diet and make small changes to support weight loss. Remember to start slowly and focus on adding healthy foods, rather than restricting or just taking unhealthy foods away. You can start that visit here right now!
Confirm your prescription coverage options. While you’re waiting for your prescription, it’s a good idea to check into your coverage. Every insurance plan is different. If you’re using insurance, please check your plan’s formulary to see what medications are covered. A copay may be required. Your insurance company may have lower copay pricing at different pharmacies. To learn more about cost and coverage, call the number on the back of your insurance card or visit your health plan’s website. You can find a list of specific questions you might consider asking your insurance company here. You can also reach out to your preferred pharmacy. The demand for certain types of medication is high, and supply can vary from location to location.
Stay active. Physical activity plays a crucial role in weight management and overall health so it’s important to engage in activities that keep you moving. Whether it's going for a walk, doing yoga at home, or trying out a new workout routine, staying active can boost your mood and energy levels. You don’t need to dive into 10,000 steps per day if you’ve been more of a couch potato recently, but starting small with just a few minutes of stretching or taking the stairs one flight can help put you on the right track while waiting for your prescription.
Get set up with a weight loss journal. Keeping tabs on your progress is a proven way to stay motivated on a weight loss journey and one of the great tools offered by Hello Alpha to enable just that is our weight loss journal. It allows patients to track their weight, waist circumference and BMI and trend that information over time and against a standard scale. The weight loss journal also allows patients to track their medication and, if you choose, you can use this as a tool to discuss your progress and results with your Hello Alpha care team.
Practice mindfulness. Managing stress and emotional eating is essential for sustainable weight loss. Take this opportunity to practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling. These “mental health snacks” are examples that can help you stay grounded, reduce stress, and cultivate a healthier relationship with food.
Consider health coaching. Hello Alpha is proud to partner with TrestleTree’s Weight Management Coaching Program to provide support and resources throughout your weight loss journey. Coaching can give you an extra boost, help guide positive change, and attain long-lasting results. Checking into this resource is an excellent way to spend the time you’re waiting on prescriptions.
Complete a health check-in. Hello Alpha offers health check-ins to make getting care for your *whole* self easier—because the healthcare system often treats your health like a problem to be fixed. These are free questionnaires that ask about your lifestyle and daily habits, and they take just a few minutes to complete. You’ll receive a health action plan to help guide you on next steps, even recommending other visits that might make sense. It’s a perfect use of your time while waiting for a prescription.
Educate yourself. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. Use this time to educate yourself about weight loss strategies, healthy eating habits, and the importance of physical activity. Health is more than just a number, and losing weight is intertwined with other aspects of your health. Hello Alpha has a number of helpful, educational blog posts about weight loss, nutrition, weight loss medication, and your health:
Prepare questions for your provider. As you wait for your prescription, jot down any questions or concerns you may have for your healthcare provider. Whether it's about medication side effects, dietary recommendations, or exercise guidelines, being prepared for your next consultation can ensure that you make the most out of your virtual healthcare experience.
Stay motivated. It doesn’t matter your reasons for wanting to lose weight and get healthy, or where you are in your journey, inspiring weight loss success stories prove that it’s possible. Sustain your motivation while you wait for your prescriptions and remember: you can do it, too! Here are some stories of Hello Alpha patients that may inspire you:
Remember, the waiting period between your consultation and receiving your prescription is an opportunity to actively engage in your health journey. By taking proactive steps and staying committed to your goals, you can make meaningful progress towards achieving your desired outcomes. So, embrace this time as an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-improvement on your path to a healthier, happier you.
About Hello Alpha
Hello Alpha is a virtual primary care platform that specializes in inclusive, expert care for all by bridging the gaps in women’s health. With a personalized approach catering to an individual’s unique health goals, Hello Alpha can treat more than 100 conditions ranging from allergies to eczema and diabetes to menopause. Additionally, Alpha providers will proactively help identify and manage underdiagnosed conditions while connecting patients to labs, specialists, and other essential resources. The aim is to ensure that patients feel as healthy and vibrant as possible.
You can start a visit right now.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational/educational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A patient-client relationship will only be formed after you enter into a written agreement with an Alpha provider. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs before undertaking any new healthcare regimen.
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