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Dr. Mona Jhaveri Explains The Future of Telemedicine: Benefits, Challenges, and Growth Potential

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The scourge of cancer continues to affect people in the United States, with an estimated 19 million new diagnoses in 2022 alone. Over the past century, countless people have believed that medical research would help drive the search for new treatments and the hope for an eventual cure for cancer. And while this belief does hold some truth, there has been a renewed focus on the role of health technology in discovering treatments and eventual cures. 

One of the most significant tech moves in the healthcare space — particularly in the last few years — has been telemedicine. Its efficacy and popularity ballooned during the pandemic, with telehealth encounters growing over 700% in the first three months. 

Now, there is growing support for the benefits of telemedicine for those experiencing a cancer diagnosis as well. Dr. Mona Jhaveri, founder and director of Music Beats Cancer, a non-profit cancer research funding organization, believes the current labyrinthian process that patients must undergo to receive a referral, see a doctor, and have their prescriptions filled is one that is long overdue for change. 

“With telemedicine, it’s easier than ever to get access to help and medications,” Dr. Jhaveri explains. “Telemedicine has made the entire process faster and more affordable for millions of people.”

The benefits of telemedicine 

When one receives a new cancer diagnosis, time is often of the essence. Depending on what stage they may be experiencing — and if the cancer has spread — patients may only have a matter of days or weeks to arrange comprehensive care and prescription delivery, but the referral and scheduling process can be frustratingly complex and time-consuming. In addition, waiting weeks to see a specialist is something most cancer patients cannot afford. 

With telemedicine, patients can gain faster and more efficient access to the referrals and specialists they need, especially those living in rural or remote areas. Through teleconferencing, patients do not need to leave their homes in order to speak to doctors, attend appointments, or receive referrals. Instead, the patient’s team of specialists can often be one click away, saving precious time and upwards of thousands of dollars over the course of one’s cancer treatment. 

In a recent study, it was shown that the average telemedicine visit saves patients between $147 to $186 per incident. Telemedicine also provides patients with significant savings in regard to travel costs, medical visit expenses, and lost income from having to miss work. 

According to Dr. Jhaveri, telemedicine is also remarkably beneficial for pharmaceutical services. “While prescription deliveries have been a standard in cancer care for some time,” she says, “advances in telemedicine have allowed physicians to better virtually monitor progress and quickly change prescriptions that may not be effective for a patient.” She adds that, with telemedicine, pharmacists can also take a larger role on a patient’s cancer care team, gaining virtual access to patients in order to answer questions and monitor their use of medications. 

Dr. Jhaveri and Music Beats Cancer recently joined forces with TeleMedicX to raise funds for their HIPPA-compliant telemedicine platform VirtualCliniX, with the aim to provide faster access referrals for cancer patients on the islands of Hawaii. Because many areas of Hawaii are remote, the capabilities of telemedicine are especially welcomed. With Music Beats Cancer, Dr. Jhaveri has been able to find potential solutions to funding issues for telemedicine technologies like what TeleMedicX is offering to the islands’ residents. 

“For cancer patients living far from state-of-the-art medical hubs, locating and transferring medical records to healthcare specialists is daunting, so half of all patients simply discontinue the care they need,” Dr. Jhaveri stated in a recent press release about Music Beats Cancer’s partnership.  

For patients with cancer, healing cannot possibly come without access. This is the cause Music Beats Cancer is hoping to shed light on. 

Breaking through the funding bottleneck

Though telemedicine lends itself to cost savings in the long run, there is an upfront cost for providers who wish to implement the technology for their patients — one of the major hurdles that telemedicine implementation must overcome. Because the widespread use of telemedicine is still in its relative infancy, insurance companies have been slow to adapt their coverage policies, while some have even rolled back coverage after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Dr. Jhaveri is no stranger to having run into funding bottlenecks, herself. In fact, those bottlenecks are the entire reason why she first founded Music Beats Cancer. 

As Dr. Jhaveri told Entrepreneur’s Break, “Before I started a crowdfunding charity, I launched a biotech to produce a cure for ovarian cancer. A funding bottleneck stood between academic research and real-world innovation, and I experienced it first-hand,” she says. “I knew we faced a systemic problem in funding the war on cancer, and everyone in the industry knew it as well. I had a gut feeling things would change if the public became aware.

The public became acutely aware of the life-saving impact telemedicine had during the pandemic. Now that its benefits have been so heavily publicized, Dr. Jhaveri is hopeful that funding efforts will be well-received — especially for cancer patients who stand to most benefit from the time and money savings that telemedicine provides. 

Growth potential

Even though the pandemic has waned, those in the cancer treatment space have continued to recognize and champion the benefits of continued telemedicine use. Dr. Jhaveri began Music Beats Cancer as a way to increase cancer treatment accessibility and transform funding, and the incredible growth potential of telemedicine for cancer care is a core focus of hers going into 2024. 

“It’s going to be a field that expands and will have its place in medicine,” Dr. Jhaveri explains. “It has been especially fruitful in areas where people are underserved or for people at or below the poverty line.” 

Indeed, poverty has been shown to be a risk factor for certain cancers, making accessible and affordable access to one’s medical team and prescriptions even more important. 

Music Beats Cancer has made tremendous strides in platforming innovation, revolutionizing cancer screening, and raising awareness. Those who are fighting cancer, be they patients or providers, cannot afford to weather the funding gaps that stand in the way of innovation. Through strategic partnerships and continued support from independent music artists, Dr. Jhaveri and Music Beats Cancer will continue to champion and fund technology that can truly enhance access to treatment and the betterment of the quality of life for cancer patients.

Rosario is from New York and has worked with leading companies like Microsoft as a copy-writer in the past. Now he spends his time writing for readers of BigtimeDaily.com

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Lifestyle

Hardwood Floors Refinishing: Top Care Tips for a Lasting Shine

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Revamping your hardwood floors requires both a time and financial investment, yet the returns are evident in the enhanced aesthetics and functionality of your residential or commercial area. However, the longevity and durability of these newly refinished floors are contingent upon proper maintenance. This detailed guide is designed to offer expert guidance on how to preserve the quality and look of your newly refinished hardwood floors. We’ll cover a variety of subjects, from the science of wood aging and types of wood that need more frequent treatment, to top tips for floor upkeep. Your investment in hardwood floor refinishing need not be short-lived; with the correct care, it can be a long-term enhancement to your property.

Tips for Ensuring Durability in Your Newly Refinished Floors

After you have spent money on hardwood floor refinishing, maintaining their condition becomes a top priority. Here are strategies to prolong the lifespan and appearance of your updated flooring.

1. Regular Cleaning

A clean floor is a happy floor. Use a microfiber mop or cloth to pick up dust, dirt, and grime daily if possible. For a deeper clean, opt for cleaning products specifically designed for hardwood floors. Make sure to read the labels and opt for pH-neutral cleaners that are free from abrasives or harsh chemicals. Weekly or bi-weekly, consider a gentle vacuuming with a hardwood-friendly vacuum cleaner to remove debris that may have settled between the wood planks.

2. Use Protective Pads

One of the most effective ways to prevent scratches and dents on your hardwood floors is to place felt pads under the legs of furniture. This simple step can go a long way in preserving the smooth finish of your floor. You should also replace these pads every few months, as they can wear down or accumulate grime, reducing their effectiveness.

3. Control Humidity

Fluctuating indoor humidity levels can wreak havoc on hardwood floors. Excessive moisture can cause the wood to swell, leading to issues like cupping or buckling, while too little moisture can cause wood to shrink, leading to gaps between planks. Invest in a quality hygrometer to measure your home’s humidity level, and aim to keep it between 30% and 50%. Use a humidifier during dry months and a dehumidifier during humid months to maintain optimal conditions.

4. Proper Spill Management

Accidents are inevitable, but the way you handle them can make all the difference. Whether it’s water, juice, or wine, if you spill liquid on your hardwood floor, wipe it up immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid using paper towels as they can disintegrate and get stuck in the crevices of the wood. Also, never let liquids sit on the wood, as they can seep in and cause staining or warping.

5. No Shoes Policy

Implement a ‘no shoes’ policy to preserve your floors. Shoes can bring in dirt, gravel, and other harmful debris from outside. If a full-blown ‘no shoes’ policy isn’t realistic for your household, at least insist on no high heels or sports cleats, which can cause dents and scratches. You might also consider placing a high-quality doormat at entrances to trap dirt before it gets to your floor.

6. Regular Inspections

Every three to six months, set aside time to inspect your hardwood floors meticulously. Use natural light or a bright lamp to look for scratches, dents, or areas where the finish might be wearing off. If you catch these issues early, you may be able to address them with a simple touch-up rather than a full refinishing job.

7. Refresher Coats

Although your newly refinished floors look amazing now, they won’t stay that way forever without some upkeep. Consider applying a ‘refresher’ coat of finish every two to three years. This isn’t as invasive or time-consuming as a full refinishing project. Instead, it’s more like a topcoat that adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your floors looking vibrant and shiny.

8. Scheduled Expert Cleaning

A yearly cleaning session by professionals can dramatically enhance the condition of your hardwood floors. Specialized machinery and products are used to eliminate tough dirt, renew the wood’s natural shine, and smooth out minor imperfections. This process not only rejuvenates your flooring but also prolongs its lifespan, maintaining its fresh appearance for an extended time.

Advantages of Consistent Upkeep

Routine care for your restored hardwood floors does more than maintain their visual appeal; it also prolongs their durability, augmenting the long-term value of your property. Floors that are regularly cared for can endure for many years, negating the need for frequent, costly refinishing. In addition, a structured care regimen lessens the likelihood that small defects will escalate into serious issues, thus promoting a cleaner and more healthful living area. In summary, regular maintenance serves as a long-term financial benefit and a means of sustaining your home’s elegance.

When To Seek Professional Help

If you notice persistent issues like deep scratches, stubborn stains, or any form of water damage, it’s best to seek professional help. Specialists in hardwood floors refinishing can assess the situation and provide targeted solutions. Companies like 1DayRefinishing offer an extensive range of services that can effectively address these problems. Notably, the company specializes in a one-day turnaround, making them a convenient option for those in need of quick yet high-quality refinishing solutions.

Finding Trustworthy Services for Floor Refinishing

If you’re in a location with scarce local options, consider exploring 1 DAY Refinishing. Their seasoned experts offer complete solutions for maintaining and refinishing hardwood floors, helping to keep them pristine for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

The decision to invest in refinishing your hardwood floors is a significant commitment to enhancing your home’s aesthetics and overall value. By diligently following proper maintenance routines, your refinished floors can continue to elevate your home’s ambience. Every effort, from regular cleaning, to hiring professionals, adds to the resilience and visual allure of your hardwood floors. Stick to these essential care guidelines, and your floors will maintain their lustre for an extended period.

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