For many people, the idea of Virtual consultations can be uncomfortable, unsettling, impersonal, awkward and foreign. It is not something that many people had engaged in before the lockdown and anything that is new – is often seen as being strange and foreign.
As the saying goes –
“All new things are difficult, until you start them for the first time. The second time is a lot easier”
As the Level 5 Lockdown ended, it is projected that the number of CoVid-19 cases in South Africa will rise. We are committed to everyone’s health and safely and therefore we encourage to continue to practice social distancing as much as possible.
Therefore Virtual Consultations is a much safer and wiser option for everyone.
But how do they work?
Our primary goal is to Encourage, Motivate, give Support and offer Suggestions and Advice as to how to stick to your meal plan during the lockdown period. If you are struggled during this time – it is important to start again, this month so that we can focus on regaining health as soon as possible.
Online Consultations focus on:
– Check in: How the eating has been over this time period.
– Accountability: What to focus on, regarding how to start focusing on eating healthy again. Having someone the check on you plays a big role.
– Tips and Suggestions: How to make the eating periods as healthy as possible
– Weight Monitoring: if you have a home scale – it will be recorded and checked each follow up.
What Online Consultation Options do you have?
1. TeleHealth:
If you would prefer a telephone conversation – this can be arranged. You will then schedule your appointment and we shall give you a call within 5 minutes of your appointment starting. Everything will be discussed. Telephone conversation can either be held on WhatsApp Call or Cell Phone Call.
2. Email/ Message Correspondence:
If you would prefer not to speak, you are able to engage in an Instant Messaging conversation with your Dietician. This will be scheduled as usual – please be available up to 5 mins into the start of your appointment for the Dietician to contact you. You will have the duration of the appointment to message the Dietician. This can be done via WhatsApp Messaging, Emails, or Google Hangouts
– no signup or download required.
3. Virtual Meeting Platforms – not needing Downloaded App:
If you would prefer to have video call, this will be done with your dietician. Your appointment will be scheduled as usual. Please be available for the video call and allow for 5 minutes for the dietician to contact you.
– If you do not have access to a computer: WhatsApp video call can be used from your cell phone. It is done in the same way as a WhatsApp call.
– if you have access to a computer: Google Hangouts
is accessed from your browser (Google) and does not need to be downloaded and/or create an account. You will receive an email with a link, please click on the link and you will be directed to the Web Page for your Hangouts Meeting.
4. Virtual Meeting Platforms – Needing to Download an App
– if you have access to a computer or Cellphone with PlayStore or AppStore:
Zoom
is a platform with free Meetings. You need to signin with your email address. You can also download an App that will allow you to access the meeting from your computer, cellphone or Tablet. You will receive an email with a link, please click on the link and you will be directed to the Zoom Meeting
Skype is an App,
You will need to create an Account with Skype and then send us your Profile details.
Alternatively you can Search for myself:
Name: Shana Terhart
Email: shanaterhart@gmail.com
Skype Name: live:shanaterhart
Should you wish to contact Andrea, you are welcome to search for:
Name: Andrea Jacobs
Email: Andrea.j.c@icloud.com
Skype Name: live:e37eab0abb95dce1
Once this is set up, your appointment will be start within 5 minutes of the starting time.
We realise that these times are difficult and can take a toll on our health and wellbeing. So if you have postponed your appointments from the beginning of Level 5 lockdown, over 1 month ago, we encourage that you do not postpone much further. We will be able to accommodate appointments in a way that best makes sense for you.