Category: Health & Fitness

In 2018, there were a total of 4.19 billion retail prescriptions filled in the United States. Come 2024, experts forecast this’ll grow to a whopping 4.57 billion.

We (especially our wallets) all feel the impact of this growing need for and cost of prescription meds. Last year, U.S. consumers spent an estimated average of $472 billion buying these drugs.

That doesn’t even include the $$$ we spend on gas or commute to see our doctors to get a written prescription.

Lucky for you, there are now ways on how to get a prescription without a doctor.

You read that right! Today, you can skip the long queues at emergency departments or clinics to see a doctor. But still, secure that prescription.

Ready to learn how? Then let’s get right into it!

Through Telemedicine: Today’s Way of “Visiting the Doctor”

You may have heard of telemedicine as “telehealth” or “digital health”. This medical practice uses telecommunications technology to assess, diagnose, and treat patients. It was born from the need to give patients in remote areas quicker access to medical services.

Today, the global telemedicine technology market is worth $31.8 billion. Experts say this will grow almost 2.5 times to $77.2 billion in 2022.

And for many good reasons. First, it’s the most convenient way for patients to get professional medical help. They can have a doctor give them a “check-up” without them even leaving their homes! This is especially helpful for those with limited mobility or is in isolation.

A Quick Look at How Telemedicine Works

Say you have back pain, the reason behind the loss of 264 million work days every year. You’re in so much pain you can’t move a muscle and get out of bed. If you can’t even stand up, there’s no way you’ll be able to visit the doctor.

But you want to relieve your low back pain ASAP because it’s already meddling with your affairs. OTC pain relievers may not be that much help, so you need something stronger, like NSAIDs. The problem is, these are prescription medications.

Enter telemedicine, your virtual doctor’s visit.

The doctor, through a video call, will assess your condition. But first, they’ll check your family and medical history and ask for your vitals. From there, you should share all the details about your back pain, like when it started and your symptoms.

After evaluating you, the doctor can then determine if you need stronger medications. If so, then you get a prescription written online. The doctor can send this through various ways, from emailing it to you or sending it via the video platform.

Note that telemedicine doctors provide urgent care health services. Meaning, they can treat all common, but non-life-threatening conditions and injuries. If you need to, you can get a prescription online from these virtual doctor’s visits.

You can even set an appointment with an online dermatologist for your skin issues! That way, you won’t put your skin at even more risk by exposing it to pollution or the sun’s harmful rays.

If you think you have an emergency health condition, dial 911! Especially if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with heart attacks or strokes. Telemedicine is convenient, but it can only help with urgent and not emergency care.

How to Get a Prescription Without a Doctor: Online Pharmacies Can Help

There are many health problems we’d like to keep between ourselves and our doctors. Sexual dysfunction in women is one such problem many feel embarrassed to talk about. If you’re one of the 40% of U.S. women who suffer from SD, you likely don’t want to get your meds from your local pharmacy.

You can turn to legitimate online pharmacies in such cases. But they still need to see your prescription, which a U.S.-based and -licensed doctor should have issued. If you can’t give them a copy right away, then all you need is to leave your doctor’s contact info with them.

They’ll be the one to ring up your doctor to request for the copy of your prescription. Your doctor can then email or fax the prescription to the pharmacy. Once the pharmacy has it, they can start processing your order and have it delivered to your doorstep.

To save even more money, consider working with a reputable canadian pharmacy. The best Canadian e-pharmacies offer huge discounts, which can save you 50% to 80% on your drugs! They can issue up to 90-days’ worth of supply, so best to take advantage of that to pay only one shipping fee.

Prescription Refills Over the Phone

In the U.S., doctors can refill most prescriptions for drugs without having to see their patients. They can do this over the phone, which means you don’t have to go see your doctor in person!

There are some drugs that they can’t refill over a phone call though, so make sure yours aren’t one of them.

Electronic Prescriptions

Electronic prescriptions, such as those produced by computer, are also legal. You don’t have to go on an actual doctor’s visit, but the physician should hand sign the prescription. Or, they can affix an electronic signature on the document.

So, if you’re wondering how to get amoxicillin without seeing a doctor, this is one way to do it. You can also have your doctor fax it to your pharmacy of choice and then have the pharmacy ship it to you.

Ordering Prescription Drugs Now Made Simpler

Thanks to technology, you now have several ways on how to get a prescription without a doctor. You no longer have to spend an average of two hours in the ED in the hopes of getting a prescription. You also don’t have to force your sick and tired body to visit your doctor in person.

So, the next time you need a prescription but can’t see your doctor, follow our tips above! They’re the fastest (and safest) way to getting the medicines you need to get back on your feet.

Looking for more time- and money-tips to keep your health in check? Then check out this guide we have on making healthy, money-saving choices!

At the last count, there were more than three hundred thousand fitness apps available to choose from. They’re great motivators and the ultimate ‘grab and go’ accessory for busy people on the move.

Let your fitness app become your new gym buddy. Think of the amount of time you’ll save by not having to travel to a health club to do your workout. And no more expensive monthly fees either.

Spoilt for choice? On your marks. We’re here to give you the lowdown on ten of the best workout apps for women over fifty.

1. My Fitness Pal

Two things are going to help you lose weight and keep trimmer for longer. Firstly you need to exercise several times a week. Next count the number of calories you eat and keep a record of them.

This app has a food database that holds more than 5 million items. It also has a bar code scanner. That makes it simple to keep a food diary whether you’re in the supermarket or at home or in a restaurant.

You can also import healthy and creative recipes. You can sync the app with other tools like the Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale or the Fitbit Aris smart Scale. These will measure your weight loss and body mass index too.

2. Map My Walk 

Walking at a brisk pace is a great way to keep in shape. This app uses the GPS in your smartphone. It’ll then work out routes for you and keep a record of the ones you choose.

As well as telling you how fast you walked and for how long, it’ll also let you know how many calories you’ve used. Your history is safely stored so you can measure your progress. Other variations are Map My Run and Map My Ride for cyclists.

3. Fitbit

This is another multiplatform app that lets you track the exercise you take, your diet and weight. It has a great extra feature that monitors your sleeping habits. That helps build a complete picture of your fitness level.

There are add-on Fitbit devices you can buy to track all your movements. You can also sync all your data with other computers. There’s even a way to compete with friends who have Fitbit accounts too. 

4. Yoga Poses

This app will show you two hundred and fifty different yoga poses. They all come with video demonstrations. You can modify some of them if you’re just starting out. The app gives you details on how each pose can benefit you.  

It’s a great app if you prefer learning by yourself and in the comfort of your own home.

Learn more here about another great yoga app as well as more apps that are going to teach you new skills and fitness techniques. 

5. Endomondo

This is a great social fitness app and will let you monitor your fitness and health stats. It’ll track your running routes, the distances, durations as well as your calorie intake. It can also monitor your favorite activities from kayaking to hiking.

The app can help to analyze your current performance and give you recommendations to help you improve. Let your phone become your personal trainer. You can connect with other users with instant messaging too.

6. 7 Minute Workout

This fitness app is incredibly popular. You can lose weight and keep fit with quick workouts that are easy to follow.

You have a choice of twelve high-intensity bodyweight exercises. Each takes thirty seconds and there’s then 10 seconds of rest time in between. It combines cardio and strength training but you won’t need any special equipment. 

7. Pilates Anytime

This is great if you’re new to pilates and want to really drill down into the moves.  A series of videos carefully explains things. It gives you that bit of extra time that you might not get in a group setting.

If you’re already a Pilates genius, then you can select one of two and a half thousand classes. Firm favorites like foam roller workouts and basic mat routines are included.

8. GymGoal

If you bring weights into your workout you can help to retain and build muscle, flexibility, and strength. These are real benefits as we begin to age. Adding extra protein to your diet will help your muscle develop with this type of exercise.

This app is going to teach you the correct form for lifting weights. That’s going to decrease the likelihood of injury. A library of workouts can also be accessed. These can be modified to suit your ability and aims.  

9. Couch to 5K Running App

This is a great app for people who want to start running at a gentle pace. There’s a nine-week program that includes three thirty minute sessions each week. There are four different virtual coaches to choose from. 

The app alternates running, walking and resting. As you progress, the exercise periods increase and the resting time decreases. It’s a really effective way to develop a passion for running.

Remember to pack in the carbs early on the day. You’ll need them when you progress to a half marathon or marathon!

10. You Are Your Own Gym

The best selling book by Mark Lauren forms the basis for this app. His bodyweight exercises were used by him to train the most elite levels of the U.S. Special Operations. 

There are over two hundred bodyweight exercises to choose from. You can get into great shape with as little as thirty minutes of training a day.  You will be guided you every step of the way. There are high-quality demonstration videos.

The warm-up and cool down videos come free. You can purchase the circuits, timed sets and ladders packs separately. They’re available at three different difficulty levels.

Our 10 Best Workout Apps for Women over 50

It’s no time for excuses. You’ve now got some of the best workout apps for women over fifty on the market. It’s time to start building up a sweat the easy way and without those expensive gym fees.

Visit us here for more money saving health and fitness tips. You’ll soon be looking and feeling great without breaking the bank. 

It’s a discouraging fact for moms to face: most women who have given birth never return to their pre-pregnancy weight.

It’s easy to understand how this happens when moms are simply too busy to squeeze a workout into their hectic schedule. Your child’s needs come first and you may find yourself too pooped towards the end of the day to exercise.

However, with a little planning, it’s possible for even the busiest moms to sneak in ways of getting fit after childbirth. Here are some tips on weight loss for moms.

Walk or Run With a Stroller

There’s a reason why jogging strollers are a popular baby shower registry gift. They give a chance for busy parents to burn some calories while also taking the baby for a walk or run.

Jogging strollers are built to glide easily over bumpy surfaces versus a traditional stroller. They also make the ride more comfortable for your baby.

Keep in mind that physicians advise against taking a baby out in a jogging stroller until they’re at least eight months old. Their neck is still getting strong enough to support their head when they’re younger.

Work Out While You Wait

The luxury of having a solid half hour or hour to yourself devoted to exercise goes out the window when you become a mom. Let go of the idea that all physical activity must be done in so many minutes to be effective.

Instead, take advantage of daily moments where you can squeeze in bursts of exercise. When the baby is secure in their highchair and you’re waiting for their food to heat up, do several jumping jacks in the kitchen. Or squeeze in some squats while you brush your teeth at the end of the day.

They may seem like small actions, but they still contribute towards cardio health and working your muscles. When your kids are older and in school, you may find you have time again for a full workout.

Work Out With the Kids

Once your kids have learned to walk and run, you can squeeze in exercise by chasing them around the yard and playing simple physical games with them.

If your kids are older, consider taking up a physical activity you can share with them such as martial arts. Many schools offer classes both parents and children to take together, helping you get the heart pumping while spending quality time with your kids.

Bike riding, hiking, and roller skating are also fun activities to try out with your kids once they’re old enough.

If you’re trying to maintain a fitness routine when the kids are younger, then you may want to consider hiring a babysitter. Moms shouldn’t feel ashamed to hire help around the house to free up more time for themselves.

Resist Finishing Your Kids’ Meals

One of the sneaky ways weight can creep up is when moms finish their kids’ meals, particularly if their children are picky eaters. While this helps save food waste, it, unfortunately, creates mindless eating and putting food in our mouths when we’re not even hungry.

It’s important to stick to full, healthy meals regardless of how much food children leave behind to lose weight.

Stock Up On Healthy Snacks

Resist grabbing chips, cupcakes, and other calorie bombs by storing plenty of healthy snacks in case you get hungry in between meals. Eating healthy food sets a positive example for your kids as well.

Choose protein and fiber packed snacks low in sugar as these will satisfy you and help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Roasted chickpeas, nuts, cheese, jerky, peanut butter, and unsweetened oatmeal are all great options.

Get Enough Sleep

We know this one is tough, especially for new moms. How can anyone get enough sleep when there’s a newborn in the home?

But studies show there’s a connection between weight gain and sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep increases a hormone that causes food cravings. We also get hungry when we don’t sleep enough because our body is looking for an energy source.

This creates an unhealthy cycle where we may resort to coffee and other caffeine-fueled drinks to keep awake. If it’s possible to take advantage of your child’s nap time to grab a few zzzz’s yourself, then do so.

If your toddler or young child refuses to settle down at bedtime, it may be necessary to create a nighttime routine and enforce rules with them so you can get to sleep as well.

Watch Your Sugar Intake

Cutting added sugar from your diet helps stabilize your blood sugar and energy levels, and it eliminates empty calories. Adding a teaspoon of the sweet stuff to your morning cup of Joe won’t do much harm, but pay attention to food labels. A lot of packaged and processed food including yogurt and ketchup can hide excess amounts of sugar.

This doesn’t mean you should eliminate desserts and other treats from your diet. You should, however, watch your portion sizes and how much sugar you’re consuming the rest of the day.

Swap soda and other sweetened beverages for water. Dehydration can make you feel hungry when what you really need is refreshment.

If drinking plain water is a turn-off, add sliced citrus fruit, cucumber, and mint to your water to create a mocktail. You can also get a water bottle with a built-in fruit infuser to give your water flavor.

Try Condensed Workouts

Not every workout routine is an hour long. Many fitness instructors have created 10, 15, and 20 minute long workouts for anyone pressed for time and space who still wants to get into shape. A search on YouTube will turn up several mini workouts that you can try.

Many online body transformation programs recognize that moms are pressed for time and stressed out. Here’s more information from a body transformation coach on how to lose weight after pregnancy.

Weight Loss For Moms Takes Time and Discipline

Above all, don’t get down on yourself if you can’t stick to these weight loss and exercise tips every day. Weight loss for moms takes time, patience, and discipline. Stick with it and over time you should see the pounds begin to drop away.

Here at Thrifty Momma Ramblings, we love helping moms make the most of their busy lives while saving money at the same time. Read our other health and fitness posts for more tips on maintaining a healthy weight.

If you’re pregnant, or you’ve been pregnant in the past, you don’t need any further convincing when it comes to the aches and pains that you experience while you’re pregnant. Unless you’ve been there before, there’s no way to fully understand the pregnancy pains. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t help!

If you’re not sure how to give your pregnant partner a hand during this difficult time, keep reading. We’re going to give you the lowdown on prenatal massage, how it helps, and how to do it so you can at least help relieve some of that pre-baby stress!

The Dangers of Stress on Pregnancy

The first thing we’re going to talk about is what kind of toll stress takes on a pregnant woman. Because, while it’s an age-old adage that a “happy wife means a happy life” that is true on more than one level when it comes to pregnancy.

Your partner is going through changes you can’t imagine during this time of her life. Not only is her whole world about to change, but her body is doing things that she can’t control. Its bound to be a stressful time.

However, it’s important that she manages stress. Because some of the hormones produced by stress can cause complications during pregnancy. There is also some evidence that suggests that high stress during pregnancy can cause issues for the baby during childhood.

What is Prenatal Massage?

There are a ton of ways that your pregnant partner can try to reduce stress during pregnancy, but our personal favorite is prenatal massage. That’s because it only benefits mom and baby, but if you choose to do it at home it also provides you two with some quiet time together before the baby arrives.

Prenatal massage is similar to a typical massage. It’s a method of massage that’s used to help tense muscles relax as well as get rid of sore spots. Massage increases circulation and movement of the massaged area, as well.

It also feels nice, which is the best part!

What sets prenatal massage apart from regular massage is the way it’s tailored. It’s designed to target the popular pain points that pregnant women experience.

Being pregnant means that your center of gravity, something you’ve lived with your entire life, changes. All of a sudden your body has to get used to this shift and it can put a lot of pain and pressure on places that aren’t used to or designed for it.

Pregnancy also makes your ligaments weaker and less stable. It makes your posture contort and you put on some extra weight which doesn’t help anything either.

The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

While there isn’t a ton of scientific research out there that explains the benefits of prenatal massage, there are small studies and a ton of anecdotal evidence that shows what kinds of benefits this massage can have.

Better Mood = Lower Stress Levels

The first and most basic way that prenatal massage can benefit your partner is the fact that it will put her in a better mood and lower her stress levels. Pregnant women these days live busy lives. They work and take care of the house as well as manage any extra activities in their personal lives.

At the end of the day, pregnant women are exhausted. There’s also the added stress of growing a life inside of her to consider. Pregnant women have a lot on their minds, and they often feel like they don’t have enough time for themselves!

Prenatal massage can help change that. Not only does it target specific areas that hurt and feel good, but it also is time just for her. The attention is on her and her body, she’s focusing on herself, and that’s enough to put anyone in a good mood.

And with better mood comes lower stress levels! If you want to learn more about how a happy mom makes a happy baby, you can read more here.

Relieve Depression and Anxiety

Prenatal depression is a real problem that many women don’t like to talk about. If you notice that your partner is losing interest in her daily activities, cries a lot, or feels anxious for extended periods of time, it might be a sign that they’re depressed.

There’s no shame in visiting a counselor during this time. But if you want to take matters into your own hands and help to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression, a prenatal massage could be a great start.

Massages lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the brain, meaning that it can help ease both of these issues!

Reduced Swelling in Massaged Areas

When a woman is pregnant, their bodies hold more fluid all around. They have to carry more blood and other body fluids in order to ensure that the baby gets all of the necessary things they need to develop.

It’s a normal part of pregnancy, called edema, and it’s common in the hands, feet, legs, ankles, and even the face.

It also serves a purpose. The extra fluid makes space for a growing baby and can even help prep the joints and tissues involved in delivery.

However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t painful. Swelling in the hands, feet, and legs can be especially painful.

As we mentioned before, massage can help bring improved circulation to targeted areas of the body, meaning that it can help ease some of the issues associated with swelling.

Is a Massage Therapist a Good Idea?

For many people, a massage therapist is a great idea. If you have the time or the money to spend at the office, there is no better way to treat yourself and your growing baby to a treat that will help to improve everyone’s quality of life.

If you want to go the route of a trained massage therapist, make sure you get a good recommendation from somewhere you trust. Some great places to look for recommendations are the hospital, your OBGYN, or a friend.

If you have a massage therapist you love already, ask them if they are trained in prenatal massage. If not, they can usually recommend someone who is.

The Cost of a Prenatal Massage

Depending on the kind of service provided, the training of the massage therapist, and the area you live in, a massage can run anywhere from $40 to over $150. Some insurance plans cover massage as long as your doctor prescribes it as a part of your treatment plan.

But a good massage from a professional isn’t always available to everyone. That’s why we’re dishing out the details on how to give your partner the best massage you can at home!

Giving a Prenatal Massage at Home

Giving a prenatal massage at home isn’t difficult. It just relies on knowing how to read your partner’s body so you know where to press and how hard.

The first thing you want to do when you’re trying to give a massage is to have your partner lie down in a position that is comfortable for her. For a typical massage, you’d lie down on your back or your belly, but both of these positions aren’t ideal for a pregnant woman.

The best way to lie down when pregnant is to lie on the left side. Use pillows and blankets to help support her belly, if needed, and to prop up her back so she can relax.

From there, put on some calming music, light a few candles, and dim the lights a little. If your loved one doesn’t have sensitivities to massage oils or lotions, pick one with a relaxing scent and warm it up in your hands a little before you start.

Start with her neck, shoulders, and arms. These are the areas that we tend to tense up when we’re stressed. Increased pressure from clenching the jaw while stressed makes the jaw area a nice place to put some gentle pressure on as well.

Next, move to the belly. It’s easy to imagine how tight and stretched out this area can feel during pregnancy, so paying extra, gentle attention to her pregnant belly can feel nice. Don’t put pressure here, just a gentle rub will be enough.

The lower back is another place to pay attention to. Gentle pressure is perfect for this area because it can withstand a lot of weight during the day and is usually the part that is the most sensitive for pregnant women.

You don’t want to ignore the legs or ankles, either. This is another important area because of the sometimes extreme edema women deal with during pregnancy.

When to Avoid Prenatal Massage

In a typical situation, there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to prenatal massage. However, if your partner has one of the following issues, you should avoid prenatal massage before talking to your healthcare provider:

• Has a blood clot or bone injury
• Has an open wound, eczema, or skin infection
• Has an allergy to massage oils

But, for the most part, there’s nothing unsafe about giving a prenatal massage, provided it’s done with a careful touch.

Relax With Prenatal Massage Today!

There is a lot about pregnancy that you can’t control. Aches, pains, random fake contractions, nausea, and a widening waistband all come on all at once. And while prenatal massage won’t fix all of your problems, it certainly goes a long way towards making them a little bit better!

If you liked this article about getting a top-notch prenatal massage without breaking the bank, check out this article next!

Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular choice for people with tooth loss, and with good reason!

They look great, are long-lasting and protect the bone and teeth that are already there. The only drawback is, they can be taxing on the wallet.

But you know, there are some ways around that. We’re here to help you get the smile you want, but make sure your bank statement doesn’t wipe it off your face.

Read on for 5 ways to save money on dental implants.

1. Check Your Insurance

OK, this may seem like an obvious one. But there are lots of insurers who will meet you part way on the cost of dental implants, and it’s well worth checking out your options.

Sometimes they will have a recommended dentist they prefer you to go to. They may even be willing to cover a larger amount of the cost if you go this way.

2. Work With Your Dentist

Dentists understand that needed dental work can be costly. Most are willing to discuss options that will help you get the dental implants you need and not go bankrupt in the process.

Ask them whether there are discount programs available. Are they willing to offer a payment plan?

Rest assured, you won’t be the first to ask! They may have a few options available that can help to make your surgery more affordable.

3. Shop Around

It’s always possible that your regular dentist is not the cheapest option for this procedure.

Armed with complete information about exactly what procedure you need, you’re in a position to visit or call other local dentists to see what they can do for you.

4. Check Out Dental Schools

If you’d like cheaper dental care and to contribute something to the next generation of dental professionals then using a dental school can be a great route to affordable dental implants.

The best thing is that they always have a professional dentist on hand. Although the students perform the procedures they are fully supervised and well trained.

5. Consider Dental Tourism

This might seem like an extreme option, but there are many countries overseas that offer high-quality dental work at much lower prices than back home.

As with all things, do your research. If you’re making it part of a vacation, then you may be able to combine it with your vacation budget. If not, make sure the cost of travel and hotels doesn’t outweigh the benefits.

Also, undertake thorough research into the dental clinic you’re thinking of using. Make personal contact with former patients from your country who had similar procedures if possible.

The Takeaway: How to Save Money on Dental Implants

Dental implants can make a huge difference in your quality of life. Don’t miss out because of fear of the cost!

Just follow our 5 simple tips and you’ll be able to find an option that’s right for you – whether it means a couple of weeks in Mexico or a trip down the road to a dental school!

For more great tips on saving money at the dentist, click here to read our blog on 5 Tips for finding affordable dental care for you and your family.