In the recent years, internet has been an accepted way to purchase services or products. On the same line, medicines with verified prescription will be delivered at the doorsteps. However, attitudes of people towards accessing medicines through online is not satisfactory. More than benefits, consumers are worried about safety risks attached to it. So, it’s very necessary for online pharmacy to build a business above all the odds.

1. Pick the social media rhythm

Facebook is the highest used social media application worldwide and especially by old aged people. Create an attractive and professional account. Also, update on your stocks, discounts and services through posts, regularly. Video clips can be added showcasing the safety measures taken by the delivery man or the medicines proof packed against all threats. It is also a medium to connect with your consumers and to add immense value to the experience. Bring a revolution with hashtag trends, create some new ones like #homedeliverymedicineshopnearme and tag your consumers. This will promote the company through fun means.

2. E- mail as well as mail

E- mail is a platform to make your consumers experience personal connect. It is a marketing strategy to promote websites and store policies. Don’t invade too much of their personal space. That might turn to mark the company as spam.

3. Be on the receiving end

Take the feedback and review provided by the consumers seriously to improvise on the faulty sectors. It is necessary to show how grateful you are towards their response. Make them feel their time and words matter. Design your feedback letter thoughtfully.

4. Tabooed product sale

Items like condoms and sanitary napkin are still a tabooed product that few people are not comfortable mentioning of it in an offline store. These individuals opt online purchasing as they don’t want to face the retailer. So, make a special mention of these product stock and sale. Consumers should feel comfortable making such purchase.

5. Respond to rural voice

Some rural regions are devoid of online pharmacy benefits. Medications that require cold storage can’t be delivered to rural as the expenses of cold chain logistics is high. Make arrangements to deliver the same in lower expenses. Figure out ideas to resolve rural issues. This can upgrade your company name as a socially concerned marketing. Also, will level up standards compared to the competitors.

6. Pharmacy team training

Teach your teammates cross- selling and up- selling. Make them understand the importance of relationship building with customers based on which, they can provide suggestions regarding the prescription. For instance, make sure your costumers buy all the required medications from your company only. Through a conversation, push ideas that one can avail all medicines as a package in discount.

7. Mask consumers’ doubts

Provide detailed information about drug and its effect on a patient when you receive a prescription. This way can educate your consumer and develop trust on your service.

8. Newsletter

Create a newsletter and provide health related bulletin. Maintain it on regular basis to convince consumers to subscribe the same.

9. Blog and Vlog

The more creative the company functions the more consumers will be aware your service. Promote the company’s mission and vision through blogs or vlogs. Whichever medium is convenient, invest on it. Hire writers and creators to function on this strategy.

10. Secret Santa

In the earlier stage of business, the company team member himself should pretend to be the consumer to gain trust or attention towards your service. As a costumer, review your own page or site and mention appreciation on the company’s work. Don’t make it look like a fraud work. Keep it limited and stop it after a while, when the business picks up pace.

To buy medicines, health products online is definitely an easier choice and online pharmacies can sure shot flourish. But, it’s a success when the market functions in commitment towards consumer’s wellness and safety.

A pair of fist- sized organs, located at the bottom of the rib cage are the kidneys. Each kidney lay on each side of the spine. They are responsible for filtering waste products, excess water and others impurities out of the blood. They also help make blood cells, help keep bones strong and work to maintain the right amount of minerals in the body.

What is kidney disease?

The gradual loss of kidney function is diagnosed as kidney disease or chronic kidney failure.  Due to the disease, levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes build up in the body. It may not become evident until the kidney’s function is significantly impaired.

Signs & symptoms of kidney disease

As the build- up of toxins and impurities in the blood increase, it may cause a person to feel tired, weak and make it hard to concentrate. Another complication is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue. Since the toxins aren’t leaving the body through urine, a person may have trouble sleeping. It also links between obesity and chronic kidney disease, and so, sleep apnea is more common. Often dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that accompanies with advanced kidney disease. Urge to urinate more often especially at night is of the sign as the kidney filters are damaged. Also, the blood cells start to leak out into the urine. Excessive bubbles in the urine turning it foamy, indicates protein in the urine. And, this can lead to puffiness around the eyes. Decreased kidney function can cause swelling in the feet and ankles due to sodium retention. While, poorly controlled phosphorous may contribute to muscle cramping. One may have poor appetite too.

Causes of kidney disease

Kidney failure can be a result of several causes or conditions. A sudden loss of blood flow to kidneys can prompt kidney failure. Few conditions that cause loss of blood flow to kidneys include, a heart attack or disease, liver failure, dehydration, an allergic reaction and a severe infection such as sepsis. Some cancers can block the urine path way, building toxins and overloading the kidneys. Such cancers of prostate, colon, cervical and bladder. Some of other causes that may lead to kidney failure include, a blood clot in or around the kidneys, an overload of toxins from heavy metals, certain antibiotics, uncontrolled diabetes, drugs and alcohol. It can also be related to lupus, an inflammation of many body organs and glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the small blood vessels of the kidneys.

Diagnosis of kidney disease

The first step of diagnosis of kidney disease is the discussion of personal and family history regarding consumption of medication that might affect kidney, diagnosed with high blood pressure or any family member have kidney disease. Doctor may perform physical exam to check for signs of problems with heart or blood vessel, and conduct a neurological exam. Certain tests and procedures also may be needed like blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests and kidney tissue biopsy.

Treatment for kidney disease

Treatment method vary depending on the cause or reason for the kidney failure. Dialysis, the machine performs the function of the kidneys which doesn’t cure kidney failure but can extend the life expectancy. One may have to follow a low- potassium, low- salt diet along with dialysis. Another treatment option is a kidney transplant though there is a long wait to receive a kidney donor. Immunosuppressive drugs are a must to prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney. Buy medicine online in India, to avail the prescribed drugs for an easier recovery when one has undergone such risked surgery. There is a guideline for what to eat will depend on the stage of kidney disease. Some recommendations include limit phosphorus, sodium and potassium.

Prevention of kidney disease

One can reduce the risk of kidney failure by maintaining a healthy lifestyle by following the doctor’s advice. Take prescribed medicine as directed and preferably purchase them from best medicine app in India. Keep the high blood pressure and diabetes in control to avoid kidney failure.

Avoid factors like smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption to decrease the risk of kidney disease or kidney failure. Complication in the kidneys will eventually complicate the complete lifestyle or living of a person. 

Customer attraction is the primary strategy that every business aims to achieve. Every market has its own competition to make it a reality, be it healthcare too, where there are lot pharmacies. Each drugstore puts their best effort to interest maximum clients. One of the best way to accomplish this, is by using advanced software as like an online pharmacy. A mobile application and a website would be an efficient communication channel to brand about their stores or market. So, how exactly internet medium supports an offline pharmacy?

1. Tech plus

Consumers append about 89% of mobile time on app interaction while on mobiles browsers or web searches account to 11% only. About 55% Healthcare Information system is set up and nearly 6.2 billion health and health care related applications downloads are done. Therefore, medical app development to buy any pharmacy product will be beneficial not only to the consumers but for the business owners too.

2. Customer gain

Digital media is the best medium to communicate easier and faster. The more the online interaction, the closer a store reaches the client. Maximize the interaction of the drugstores through push notifications like medicine reminders, and timely updating about discounts to true users into loyal customers. This platform also gives space to feedback on your service which can help the stores improve for betterment.

3. Develop competitiveness

Pharmacy apps are the best way to increase the competitiveness in the market as the online platform allows the offline store to keep in touch with their client 24 hours regardless of their location. It’s an advantage over the other pharmacy stores who are available at particular area and for specific working hours.

4. Branding

A well designed mobile application and innovation implementation of pharmacy’s thoughts will create a good image on clients. Company’s image as a recognizable brand will help to form a chain of brands in pharmacy market. Being recognised as best medicine app in India, will boost its consumer interests.

5. Improvement hub

 Add an analytical feature tool in the pharmacy app, to help study the user behaviour. This data will help improvise both on the application and the service.

6. Online sales demand

Customers have usually adopted to online shopping and prefer to receive orders at their doorstep. So, bringing the medicine stores online mode will eventually increase the sales and profit their growth.

7. Increase revenue

With advantage on every step and every sector, pharmacy store can increase revenue and customer base. When the store is placed well in the market with features like recognised brand, customer loyalty and more, will generate greater profit and financial up rise. 

8. Necessary app feature

Pharmacy apps will provide high level patient assistance. With personal user account, clients get personalised access to any pharmacy. Detailed catalogue of goods, consumers can refer to prices of each drug specifically and then upload their prescriptions. A number of features like drug reference materials, detailed information of each drug, recommended consultant doctors and discussion with staff remotely. Smart search feature like ‘home delivery medicine shop near me’ will benefit both owner and consumer in helping.

Pharmacy in itself is an essential market like clothing and food. It’s a recession free business as people might cut down on any commodities but will continue to buy medicines to maintain health. So, through pharmacy apps, the retailer can manage to deliver the medicines on time and to any client within its locality. There are definitely more reasons to list that defines the advantage of having a developed application of the offline pharmacy. The benefits of an online application for a pharmacy can be enhanced and extended with different new features as technology evolves.

Prof. Arzu Yorgancioglu, Chair of European Respiratory Society’s (ERS) Advocacy Council, said, “For people who have respiratory conditions such as asthma, the Covid-19 outbreak is understandably a very big cause of concern”. Covid-19 in itself is a respiratory related disease that attacks the lungs and may trigger asthma symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty in breathing. These features tend to have increased the distress and anxiety levels of the asthma patients. But, is it really a matter of concern?

1. No evidence

Currently, there are no evidences that suggest an increased rate of coronavirus infection in asthma patients. Studies from the United States and China have showed that, the proportion of asthma patients visiting hospitals of Covid-19 was less. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that, the moderate to severe asthma patients could be at the higher risk of the SARS- CoV-2 infection, which is the Covid-19 virus. Till recent, risks of Covid-19 depend on lot more than, whether one has asthma or not.

2. Continue medication

Use prescribed medicines as instructed by your healthcare doctor. Inhaled corticosteroids usage can effectively prevent asthma symptoms and reduce the expression of ACE-2. ACE-2 is a type of molecule that sits on the surface of the lung cells which has been identified as the entry point that allows SARS- CoV-2 to entry the cells. Don’t stop any medications without consulting to your healthcare provider. Stopping a controller medication can put the asthmatics at risk of developing an asthma exacerbation. So, if you keep your asthma under control then your lungs will be prepared to defend against any infection or allergen. Buy medicines, health products online, as prescribed by your healthcare providers. One can also search like, ‘medical store near me with home delivery’ and avail their medicines or steroid inhalers.

3. Oral corticosteroids

Jamie Boyce, University of Oxford, has mentioned in an article that, people prescribed with oral corticosteroids, which is a type of asthma medication, have higher risks of Covid-19. But, it doesn’t mean oral corticosteroids themselves increase the risk of Covid-19.

4. Avoid hospital visits

Don’t rush to the hospitals if there is no serious problem. Dial your doctor and update on your condition. Never visit your doctor without prior appointment. Patient might have the chances of infection when provided with nebulizers at the healthcare, through which SARS- CoV-2 can be transmitted.

5. Follow Asthma Action Plan

The Asthma Action Plan recommended by respective doctors should be followed by asthmatics.  Don’t change this plan without talking to your doctor.

6. Keeping clean

Wash your inhalation devices frequently. Inhalers shouldn’t be shared with others. Wash your hands regularly with soap or alcohol- based hand sanitizer. Use warm water to clean your palm.

7. General rule

 It is advisable to minimize face to face interaction. Keep sufficient stock of food, medicines and necessary household essentials.

8. Distancing from sick people

Keep yourself away from people who are sick. Avoid crowds when you move out in public.

9. Emotional control

Be cautious to avoid strong emotions as it can trigger asthma attack. It is very natural and a common tendency to worry about the spread of disease in the pandemic. But, maintain emotional stability and help yourself to cope with stress and anxiety. 

10. Statistics

Nearly 339 million people around the world are living with asthma. In India, chronic respiratory conditions are a serious health problem as, around 37 million are asthmatics. The country alone contributes up to 11.1% of the global asthma, paving way to over 42% related deaths. But, the complete respiratory health sector will support the patients and reassure that there following simple actions of precautions will continue to protect their health conditions.

Stop living by the dilemma of being infected by SARS- CoV-2. The above mentioned facts might help you channelize your routine and provide you some relief over your worries. But, remember that pandemic is an evolving factor and there can be an additional information on the same happening in future. The research study on the relationship between Covid-19 and asthma is still at the naïve stage and no specific data to prove either way of hypothesis is not available. Though, take care of yourself with necessary precautions to further prevent any infections.

Covid-19 begun its wave through the world since mid of February. The pandemic scared the people worldwide with its deadly consequences. Death count was higher than the recovery rate till mid of April in India and same situation still prevails in many countries. Globally, symptoms of the virus infection were listed and briefed. But, coronavirus just not effect a human life physically but it transmitted the fear deeper in minds and hearts of individuals.

Psychological thoughts

Stress and anxiety were the predominant emotions observed throughout the pandemic. In a research article of ‘Asian Journal of Psychiatry’, titled ‘Study of knowledge, attitude, anxiety & perceived mental healthcare need in Indian population during Covid-19 pandemic’, it conducted an online survey with 662 respondents. It showed that more than 80% people were preoccupied with the thoughts of Covid-19 and need of mental healthcare was seen. Also, sleep difficulties, paranoia about acquiring viral infection and distress related to social media were reported 12.5%, 37.8% and 36.4% respectively. Frustration, irritability or anger is the second emotional outbreak noticed in people during lockdown along with restlessness or agitation. According to ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’, old adults and people with disabilities are at higher risk of mental health concerns which can present as physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches or cognitive problems.

Mental breakdown reasoning

People were unware of the concept of quarantine and its sudden imposition confused people over what to think and what to do. The most vulnerable group that deal with emotional imbalance are the people dealing with poverty and unemployment. Lockdown with family has made them suffer through issues of domestic violence and sexual abuse. This has paved way to increase in divorce queries and in China, it has already increased by 25%. The young generation is broken as their future dwells in air because the unemployment rate has spiked to 15% in Urban India. While, the students of class 10 and 12 are in the dilemma regarding the conduction of exams. Most importantly, our warriors including doctors, medical workers, police officials and journalists are in the stress to keep the nation healthy and with the worry that they wouldn’t be infected with the same or transmitting it to their families. A study published in ‘The Lancet’ by Aaron Reeves in 2012 estimated that The United States suffered 4,750 excess suicide deaths after the 2008 recession hit. Similarly, the pandemic conditions have posed higher suicidal pressure among men due to shame of financial problems. Also, the risk of suicide has increased eight fold among those who are suffering from pre-existing depression. In case of living alone away from family and friends then loneliness haunts, feeling socially isolated.

Supportive measures

Virtual communication like video chat, phone calls can keep people connected and cease the feeling of distancing. Strategize your mind to acknowledge its own feeling and maintain a routine lifestyle. Seek accurate information about the pandemic and don’t fall prey for fake news. People with pre-existing health conditions should continue their treatment even through lockdown and keep the doctors updated about their wellbeing. Many online therapies are introduced by private health centres like BetterLYF, Manastha and others to address mental health conditions. Especially, digitally-medicated therapy and tele psychiatry techniques can provide first-aid help to suicide victims and save lives by preventing long-term trauma. Community based interventions like ATMIYATA of Maharastra and Gujarat, Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) of Tamil Nadu and VISHRAM by Sangath, posted community health works for first line treatment which resulted in fall of depression rate by 22% and prevalence of suicidal thoughts by 51%. Old aged and sick people needn’t stress about their medication as they can place the orders for the same at best medicine app in India,  for easy and free delivery. World Health Organisation has released the guidelines title ‘Coping with stress during the 2019-nCov outbreak’ to support psychological aspects of public mental health.

Sometimes too much knowledge about a bad happening can spoil the mental status and even the educated and professional people turn victim to deal with mental health difficulties. There is no accurate evaluated data on the consequences of mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic as it is individual specific which doesn’t have a common medicine unlike physical illness.