Thanks to digital innovations and the Internet, people can access health and wellness solutions more efficiently today. The use of digital health services has become more and more relevant for people around the world, and study results suggest that the definition of digital health has also evolved over time. Initially considered in terms of Internet-based functions, researchers propose that digital health — or eHealth — also impacts the development of concepts such as efficiency, evidence-based, empowerment, and ethics within health care.

Today, various digital health services and solutions allow individuals and families to manage their health and overall well-being, facilitating shared decision-making between patient and provider and improving health literacy skills. In this post, we'll look at four ways the Internet can help support your health and wellness:

Access medical and dental care

One of the main ways the Internet is used for health is by providing patients with information and awareness on specific health conditions and practices. In a previous post on diseases and symptoms, we highlighted insights on health conditions such as Hand Foot and Mouth disease, as well as treatment for specific issues like gastro-intestinal delivery oral immunotherapy. As mentioned in our introduction, the proliferation of eHealth is crucial to improving patients' health literacy at their convenience.

Aside from informational purposes, the Internet can help patients connect with doctors, dentists, and other healthcare practitioners near them or virtually. Telehealth platforms have become helpful for people needing specialized medical care such as dental work, plastic surgery, or joint replacement. These platforms serve as a database of doctors, hospitals, and clinics to ensure patients can access necessary health care.

Find wellness solutions

At the same time, the Internet has done wonders for people needing general wellness solutions to help themselves stay healthy or fit. A simple search for "weight loss workshops near me" will connect you to virtual and in-person workshops in your area. This allows individuals to access personalized workshops and coaching styles that fit them best, and virtual workshops via video conference platforms are an excellent alternative for people who may find it challenging to leave the house.

Other wellness solutions you can easily find online include gym memberships and wellness retreats. These are also a great way to make new friends who share similar health and wellness goals for more accountability. Look for online testimonies and referrals from others to make the most of these online wellness solutions. For in-person workshops and retreats, you can bring your friends and loved ones with you as a fun bonding activity.

Track personal health and wellness

Another critical element of eHealth is the rise of digital health tracking apps. Digital health tracking apps allow users to manage aspects of their own health and wellness, such as symptoms of chronic illnesses, sleep patterns, or regular exercise routines. They have become increasingly popular due to accessibility and ease of use.

By using health tracking apps, you can control your health and wellness more. These apps can also help you build and maintain healthier lifestyle habits, such as eating healthier, exercising more regularly, or tracking your daily steps. These apps can be accessed through smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable technologies such as smartwatches.

Get mental health support

Finally, a crucial benefit of digital health is the increased accessibility to mental health support and services. Over the years, digital mental health care provision has evolved from web-based and mobile-based platforms to audio or video conferencing. Additionally, the rise of AI-based platforms and applications has paved innovative ways for people to manage their mental health.

For many, telehealth has become a crucial means of accessing mental health care, helping overcome the usual restrictions in traditional face-to-face interactions such as transportation and physical accessibility. Researchers also found that mobile-based mental health interventions have helped scale up follow-up procedures for mental health services regardless of time and location. Communities online also offer safe spaces for those seeking support with mental health struggles.

While it may sometimes feel like the Internet does nothing for human wellness, it is a space where we can cultivate better access to health resources — if we do so intentionally.