Basic Computer Information

Things You Need to Know

When working with computers, it is important to have some basic computer literacy. This can help you understand the terms you may come across as you purchase, set up, or use a computer. If you are looking to purchase a computer, a store like Best Buy can educate you about the different computers available. Decide if you would like to purchase a laptop or a desktop. You cannot take a desktop with you, or move it about your house, but it may have a larger screen and the mouse may be easier to use.

You will want to find an internet service provider (ISP) who is available in your area. You can find this information by googling it. There are two types of internet access, broadband and dial-up. Broadband is wireless, it is always on and available. You will want to look for a provider who offers cable, satellite, DSL (digital subscriber line), or fiber optic services when looking for a broadband connection. Broadband is faster than dial-up which is slow and unreliable. Dial-up is also not wireless so you are tied to a phone line when using dial-up internet. Only go with a dial-up internet service if you have no other options. Try to get the fastest speed available at a price you are willing to pay.

There are a number of different web browsers available. A web browser allows you to access information on the internet, particularly the world wide web. Some of the most popular ones are Internet Explorer, this is good for a pc; Google Chrome, which is good for a pc or an Apple product; or Safari which is only for Apple products. You will use a search engine through your browser to search for information. Some examples of search engines are Yahoo, Google, and Bing.

It is important to have plenty of RAM (Random Access Memory) on your computer. RAM is the main memory your computer programs can use. When the computer doesn't have enough RAM, it runs slowly. Often we try to run multiple programs on our computers at once, this also takes more RAM and causes our computers to run more slowly.

One amazing thing about computers of today is their ability to store things on the cloud. The cloud gives you the ability to store something on an internet server rather than on your computer hard drive. It is like having an additional hard drive. Using the cloud makes it easy for your care provider to look at your information in your health portal. You can pull up the information for him on your phone or tablet in his office rather than just having it at home on your computer.

What About Virtual Support Groups?

Would Joining One Help Me?

Joining a virtual support group when you or your loved one is suffering from a chronic disease can help you heal and to realize you are not alone in what you are experiencing. As a caregiver, it can help you know where you can find help. Virtual support groups are great for people who are unable to physically go to a support group or who does not want to go to one. Virtual support groups have been shown to increase quality of life, improve decision making and increase survival times.

There are many great virtual support groups available. On the American Heart Association website, you can find an entire link dedicated to supporting those who suffer from, or care for those with cardiovascular disease. Following this link, Support Network, will connect you to support groups for heart attacks, strokes, pediatric strokes, congenital heart defects, chronic heart conditions, rehab and recovery and support for caregivers. It is filled with resources and gives you the ability to talk to others who are experiencing something similar to you.

The American Cancer Association also has a link where you can connect with those currently fighting cancer or cancer survivors. The name of the link is, Cancer Survivors Network. By following this link, you can participate in chat rooms, make friends, learn more about cancer and find people to help you in finding wigs, getting rides to treatments, etc. There is also a place where caregivers can connect with other caregivers. 

There are also virtual support groups for diabetes Diabetes Support Community, diseases of the lungs American Lung Association and more. To make sure that these support groups are secure and confidential, only access them through sites you can trust. To determine which sites are trustworthy, see the previous post, "Where Can I find Health Information I Trust".

Is it good to look up my own health records?

There are Benefits to Accessing and Maintaining Personal Health Records and Using Patient Portals.

Most hospitals and physician's offices will tell you how you can access your own health records using a patient portal.  It is easy. You can do it on a smart phone, a tablet or a computer. You can also download apps that will allow you to manage your own health records. These personal health records can help you better manage your own care. You can have access to your immunization records, lab results, screening due dates, diet plans, patient contact information, diagnosis list, medication list, allergy list, and more.

A personal health record will:

-Keep more engaged in your own health care. 

-Help your different care providers communicate better and coordinate your care.

-Post medical information online in case of an emergency.

-Save time and hassle. You can request medication refills and schedule appointments on line.

-Increase provider-patient communication and help you stay better informed.

-Encourage family health management which makes it easier for your caregivers.

Personal health records are private, secure, and confidential as long as you take steps to protect yourself. You should always have a username and password that you use each time you log in through your patient portal. Always use a secure wi-fi network, not a public network. If you lose you device, or it is stolen, be sure to report it so that the service to the device can be stopped. If you are downloading any mobile apps be sure to research them well before downloading them to ensure their security.

Where Can I Find Health Information I Can Trust?

There is a LOT of health information on the internet. How can you tell which sites you can trust?

One way is by checking the "about us" link on the website. This should let you know who runs the site and why it was created. Is the site trying to make money from you? If the main purpose of the site is to make money, you might not be able to trust the information it shows. Does the site have a seal of approval? This is one way of knowing that the information on the site should be trustworthy. Make sure the information on the site has been recently reviewed and updated by checking the dates on the articles. If the site makes claims that are too good to be true, then it is probably not a site you can trust. Check and see what the purpose of the site is? Does it stick to its' purpose? There should be a place on the website that tells you how they will use your information. Make sure you read this before signing up, giving your e-mail address or phone number to protect your privacy.

There are a number of health related websites that you can trust. Here are a few of my favorites: American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, American Diabetes Association, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic, and National Institute of Health.

There are also many apps that you can use to track your health. Care Zone is a great app for tracking your medications. Many pharmacies have apps that will send you reminders when it is time to refill your medications. My Fitness Pal is an app where you can track what you eat, and what exercise you  have done. This app even has the ability to send that information to your doctor. HeartWise Blood Pressure Tracker is a good way to track your blood pressure. Substitutions can help you modify your diet if you are diabetic or need a low sodium diet. Many physician's offices have apps where you can check for the results of tests you have had done. Ask the doctor for apps he may recommend. You can find these apps by searching in the App Store on an Apple device and in the Play Store on a Google device.