Connected health: Online consultations would make half of adults more likely to take concerns to GP

Pure Telecom, Ireland’s high-speed broadband and telecoms provider, today announces the latest results from its inaugural Connected Lives survey, which show a strong appetite among Ireland’s adult population for more accessible online healthcare. The research found that nearly half (49%) of the population said they would be more likely to bring a health concern to their GP if they offered online consultations, yet just 29% said that this is a service their GP currently offers.

The nationally representative survey of 1,004 adults in Ireland was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom. It explored public sentiments about connected healthcare, which is expected to become an integral part of healthcare systems around the world in the coming years.

Pure Telecom’s research shows that 64% of adults would be willing to have online consultations with all types of healthcare providers, where appropriate, if it meant they could help to reduce waiting times. Recent research from McKinsey shows that online consultations reduce hospital wait times by unlocking bed capacity. Moreover, the Government highlights in its 2023 Waiting List Action Plan that virtual patient engagement can be an effective tool in helping to reduce waiting times.

Showing the potential benefits of connected healthcare, more than half of adults believe that it could improve the accessibility (57%) and quality (55%) of healthcare available to them. People living in Louth were the most likely to say that connected healthcare would improve the accessibility of healthcare to them (73%), followed by those in Carlow (71%) and Kilkenny and Kerry (65%).

Not everyone is convinced by the benefits of connected healthcare, however, with almost a third (32%) saying they do not have faith that telemedicine and online consultations enable accurate diagnoses.

Often, early detection can be a deciding factor in the outcome of health issues. Pure Telecom’s research found that 58% of adults would be willing to have their health tracking device’s data monitored and shared to catch potential health issues. Over half of the population (52%) used a mobile app to manage their health symptoms or appointments in the last 12 months.

Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: “Often, it is important that we see a healthcare professional in-person to receive the appropriate care or treatment. There are other times when healthcare visits feel like they could have been more time-efficient – both for the patient and health professional – by being done online.

“Our research shows that there is an appetite among adults in Ireland for our healthcare providers to embrace connected medicine where it is appropriate. We found that a significant proportion of the adult population – 63% – have had an online consultation with a healthcare professional in the last 12 months, rising to 71% for those aged 34 and under, and falling to 53% for those aged 35 and over. On average, 36% of adults have had online consultations with a GP. Interestingly, however, only 29% of respondents reported that their own GP offers online consultations. This suggests that people may be actively searching for GPs, other than their own, who will give them online appointments as an alternative to going in-person.

“Judging from the proportion of people who are managing aspects of their health using mobile apps, and those who are willing to have their health tracking device’s data shared with their healthcare provider, we can also see that Irish adults are taking charge of their healthcare and putting more faith in technology.

“Whether it’s via an app or an online consultation, connectivity is everything when it comes to remote healthcare. Patients and medical professionals need to be able to connect as seamlessly as possible and Pure Telecom is playing a role in facilitating this through reliable, high-speed broadband. We are committed to ensuring that as connected healthcare grows, our customers can access the services they need at all times.”

HCS to increase revenues by €2.5 million through Fortinet partnership

HCS, a leading IT services, cybersecurity and digital transformation company, is today announcing that it expects to increase revenues by €2.5 million in the next two years through its enhanced partnership with Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions and services. HCS has been awarded Expert level partnership with Fortinet, one of only a handful of Irish companies to achieve this status.

HCS was recognised as its Fortinet team has achieved the highest level of technical certification and has a proven track record in delivering innovative Fortinet security solutions to customers through professional and managed services. To support the expected growth in demand for these services, HCS will create 15 jobs across its security managed and professional services teams.

As a Fortinet Expert partner, HCS will provide specialist managed offerings to customers across cloud security, network security, firewalls, security fabric, Zero Trust network access, and SD-WAN. The company expects to see the biggest growth in SOCaaS (security operations centre as-a-service) and SASE (secure access service edge) over the next 12 months. The enhanced Fortinet partnership will enable HCS to add endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities to its managed services portfolio.

The partnership is also enabling HCS to expand its customer base into the financial and government sectors. Customers will have increased access to cybersecurity skills and resources, enabling them to maximise their business performance.

Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS: “We are delighted to have achieved Expert level partnership with Fortinet. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and a strong validation of our Fortinet offering. It cements our position in the security solutions and services marketplace and will enable us to provide an enhanced offering to our customers.

“We build security into every solution we manage. Customers’ security needs are evolving and implementations based on standards such as the Public Sector Cybersecurity Baseline Standards and those required by cybersecurity insurance companies are gathering pace. We look forward to working with both new and existing customers to build out their security architectures and further developing our strong relationship with Fortinet.”

Paul Donegan, Country Manager Ireland, Fortinet: “We are thrilled to name HCS as a Fortinet Expert partner. The team has a depth of expertise in cybersecurity and providing innovative and transformative Fortinet security solutions to customers. With this achievement HCS now join a select number of Irish companies to have reached this partnership level which cements their position and recognises the ongoing commitment and investment across the business. We are excited to continue to work closely with HCS and build on our valued partnership.”

Tech Review – Benks MagClap ArmorPro Case built with Kevlar 600D for iPhone 15 Pro

The Benks MagClap ArmorPro Case is one that not only looks good, it feels good with a soft finish on the sides and rear giving it additional grip, Made with 600D DuPont and Kevlar fiber, Benks ArmorPro Case offers robust protection and minimalistic style for your iPhone 15 Pro.

The case is full MagSafe compatible and has a raised metal camera protection on the rear with a small lip on the front giving the device plenty of protection and allowing you to place it face down.

The ArmorPro case is made with aerospace-grade 600D Dupont Kevlar fiber, with 5 times the strength of steel based on an equal weight basis. The case is Equipped with Neodymium magnets that are strategically placed to optimize MagSafe functionality. The ArmorPro case provides 3X military standard (certified MIL-STD-810H) protection.

Check out the video review below for a closer look.

 

  • MagSafe Compatible
  • Ultra-Slim, Minimalist Design
  • Easily Detachable
  • Durable and Robust
  • Minimalist Style

BUY 

Video Review

Tech Review – Benks MagClap Mist Phone Case for iPhone 15 Pro

Benks is a brand that has plenty of tech accessories for your iPhone and much more which we have reviewed over the last few years and now we have some cases in for the all new iPhone 15 pro which we are now checking out along with the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

The Mist phone cases is one of the cases now in and a nice one too offering great protection for your device all round with MagClap and works with compatible wireless charging, the case gives additional grip  and has metal buttons giving it a premium look. These buttons are tactile and work well and are comfortable on the fingers and also comes in three different colours. The raising lens bezel design acts as a vigilant guard, ready to shield the lens from the unforeseen accidents of daily life and there is a lip on the front of the case allowing you to place it face down.

Check out the video review below for a closer look.

 

Features 

  • Fully MagSafe® Compatible
  • Slim Profile & Fit Perfectly
  • Full Body Protection
  • Clicky Metal Button
  • Sleek Design
  • Free Replacement Guaranteed if Not Compatible

BUY 

Video Review

Tech Review – CASEKOO Magic Stand Series CloudCush Version Cases for iPhone 15 Pro

CASEKOO hace sent over some of their latest cases on offer for the iPhone 15 pro and have a wide variety of cases on offer, these cases come in a range of colours and look well and have a new layer of protection added in the form of and airbag which is new to me on cases but it works well and feels good and your device will certainly be better protected.

The Koo Air Cushioning Technology with an air-layered airbag structure enhances shock absorption effectiveness by 120%.
Highly elastic airbags for shock absorption, providing stringent military-grade standards for 3-meter drop protection. The case offers extra gripping power too and really comfortable in the hand.

The adjustable stand offers versatile angles ranging from 40° to 120°. This feature ensures an optimal perspective for both portrait mode(productive video calls during work) and landscape mode(immersive movie-watching sessions).This also can add a layer of security to your phone if you put your finger through it as you will see in the video review below.

The cases also come with advanced Magsafe technology and the magnet on board is super strong unlike some cases out there. Also noted is that these cases have Anti-Yellowing technology.

10% off coupon code: 10JimOBrien

BUY

Video Review

Apple Watch Ultra 2 and iPhone 15 Pro first look

The latest and greatest from Apple is now here and in short what he have is some slight speck bumps and some new features, the new iPhone 15 pro is the phone of choice for us and the devices are now made with titanium and the feel of the phone in hand is much better than last years iteration and feels much lighter to hold in the nad and has a nice feel to the rear of the device.

The Watch 2 however was said to come in a Black colour this year which I would have preferred and there is literally no difference to the look of the device this year and there is some new features to arrive on it soon which is an odd move from Apple.

We will be doing many reviews in the coming weeks for cases and accessories for both the Watch and Phone and have many in the works now so if you have any accessories and cases etc do let us know and if you have any questions on the products themselves do get in touch.

Watch Ultra 2 link  Apple iPhone 15 Pro link

Barnardos calls on the public to support its Giving Day on Friday 22nd September

Barnardos children’s charity is calling on the public to donate what they can this Giving Day on Friday 22nd September, kindly supported by Dell Technologies.

Barnardos has supported children at the heart of disadvantaged communities across Ireland for over 60 years. They know that the longer a child spends living in deprivation and coping with childhood trauma, the greater an impact it can have on the child’s future. The team at Barnardos have seen first-hand how families are struggling to cope, with many cutting back or going without heat, electricity, food and medicine. Demand for Barnardos’ services has never been greater, and the acute need for support is growing every week.

Barnardos works with children affected by childhood trauma such as domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, children whose parents are suffering from mental health issues; separation; bereavement and the impact of parental addiction. They provide both practical support such as food and fuel vouchers and basic essentials, as well as vital emotional and therapeutic family support. Barnardos are asking for public donations today Barnardos Giving Day, to enable them to be there for every child and family that needs help.

How donations help

  • €10 provides a child with a nutritious breakfast for one week at a Barnardos Breakfast Club
  • €30 helps children and families attending Barnardos’ services to have access to all the basic essentials and toiletries they need to stay clean and healthy
  • €100 provides 10 hours learning support for a child to help their reading, writing and communication as they start school

Mary Gamble Barnardos Director of Fundraising said: “Barnardos is concerned that cost of living increases is putting more children at risk of deprivation and negatively affecting their health, wellbeing and development. Our staff across the country are reporting a substantial increase in demand as a result.  The public’s support on our Giving Day helps ensure Barnardos can be there for vulnerable children to help them achieve their full potential. At Barnardos we believe childhood lasts a lifetime, so please click and donate what you can today at www.barnardos.ie “.

Sharon Woodcock, Vice President EMEA Real Estate & Facilities and Cherrywood Co-Site Leader, Dell Technologies, said: “Since first joining forces in 2017, we have been amazed by Barnardos’s life changing impact on children and families in communities across Ireland. It has inspired our team members at Dell Technologies, who have used their skills and expertise in the past six years to enhance the charity’s reach. We’re proud to be once again supporting the Barnardos Giving Day. By coming together on Barnardos Giving Day, we want to play our part in helping the children’s charity to continue transforming lives in the communities where we live and work.”

To mark the day itself, Barnardos has teamed up with Ireland’s Classic Hits to spread the word of the children’s charity work and garner support.

Barnardos Giving Day, kindly supported by Dell Technologies, takes place on Friday, 22nd September. Please donate what you can at Barnardos.ie to help ensure that Barnardos can be there for children when they need us most, because childhood lasts a lifetime.

How to support Barnardos Giving Day, kindly supported by Dell Technologies – Friday 22nd September:

Make Your Working Time In The Office Easy With These Tips And Tricks

Are you struggling to find an efficient and comfortable way of working in the office? Are you trying to increase productivity and feel better about your work-life balance? Then, look no further! Here we share top tips and tricks to make your time at the office more pleasant, stress-free, and productive. Let’s explore how these simple strategies can save time, reduce fatigue from tedious tasks, and improve overall performance while keeping up with day-to-day work demands.

Invest in glasses that block blue light

Exposure to blue light from digital devices like laptops, phones, and tablets can cause eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and fatigue. Investing in a pair of glasses that block out the irritating blue light can reduce these symptoms and make working on screens more comfortable. In addition to blocking blue light, many glasses come with an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and improves focus. If you’re on the hunt for a good pair of blue light glasses, you can get more info here about the different types of glasses available on the market. Don’t take any chances: protect your eyes and make your work time easier on the go!

Consider purchasing ergonomic furniture

If you’ve ever found yourself fidgeting in your office chair for hours on end, you may want to consider exploring ergonomic furniture options. These pieces of furniture are designed to improve comfort and efficiency while reducing potential discomforts such as back pain, shoulder tension, and eye strain.

From chairs with adjustable armrests and lumbar support to standing desks that allow for improved circulation and better posture, there are a variety of ergonomic options available to suit your work style and needs. Take the first step towards an improved work experience and consider making this smart investment.

Create daily schedules and set hourly goals

We’ve all been there before: busy days filled with endless tasks and responsibilities. Sometimes it feels like there simply aren’t enough hours in a day to accomplish everything we set out to do. But what if there was a way to maximize our time and productivity? Creating a daily schedule and setting hourly goals is a simple but effective method for staying on track and making the most of our precious time. If we break down our day into manageable chunks and prioritize our tasks, we can ensure that we stay focused and productive. With a little bit of planning and discipline, we can conquer even the busiest of days!

Take regular breaks throughout the day

It’s no secret that overworking and burnout can lead to decreased productivity and impaired cognitive performance. Taking regular breaks throughout the day is an important strategy for reducing stress, maintaining focus, and boosting creativity.

Whether it’s a five-minute break or a thirty-minute lunch break, permitting yourself to take time away from your desk can recharge your batteries and improve your overall well-being.

Have healthy snacks nearby for energy boosts

When we’re in the midst of a busy workday, it’s easy to neglect our diet and reach for unhealthy snacks or convenience foods. But having healthy snacks close by can be beneficial for both mental and physical energy levels. Keeping a well-stocked snack drawer with nuts, fruits, and other nutrient-rich options can help you maintain focus throughout the day while providing an energy boost. By giving our bodies the nourishment they need, we can stay alert, focused, and ready to take on whatever challenges come our way.

Make sure your workspace is organized

Working in a cluttered and disorganized workspace can be highly distracting and can often lead to decreased productivity and focus. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that your workspace is organized and tidy, with everything you need within easy reach. This means taking the time to declutter and sort through any unnecessary papers or clutter on your desk, ensuring that your essential tools and supplies are easily accessible, and having a designated space for everything you need.

No matter if you work from home or in an office environment, adopting an organized workspace can help you stay focused and on track throughout the day, ultimately leading to more success and satisfaction in your work.

Utilize music or noise-cancelling headphones

As you sit down to work on a daunting task, it can be all too easy to get distracted by the constant noise around you. If it’s the chatter of co-workers, phones ringing, or a busy street outside your window, all these noise distractions can take away from our productivity. To combat this problem, consider using music or noise-canceling headphones to create an environment where you can focus and tune out any external noise.

 

Optimizing your office environment and habits can lead to dramatic improvements in your productivity, comfort, and overall well-being. With these tips and tricks in mind, you can transform your working time in the office and preserve your health and sanity in the process. It’s all about finding the right balance and making the choices that work best for you.

Tech Review – JOBY Beamo Reel Color

The JOBY Beamo Reel Color is a simple to use light to enhance your creator side with 12 RGB colors built in and a built in diffuser this works with other JOBY products too or standalone tripods which is how we used it, it is simple to use with two buttons and no app required to get going.

The build quality is also robust with a simple twist to turn it on and up the the brightness, you have the two buttons then to change the temp and colour and that is all there is to it really so in short shot just place where required and turn it on set the tone and job is done. The Beamo Reel color is for those who want to add a mood or tone to their creative side or just have a different look to their scene, it can be used in many ways and each creator is different,Check the video below for more.

Available in 3 models: The Beamo Reel which produces super soft light with the built-in diffuser and offers three different white color temperature options.
Beamo Reel Color which produces super soft light with the built-in diffuser, offers three different white color temperature options and 12 additional preset RGB colors.
Beamo Reel Creator Kit, an all-in-one kit that includes the PodZilla Medium mobile tripod kit, Wavo Mobile vlogging microphone, and Beamo Reel LED light. This ready-to-vlog bundle stabilizes your phone, captures crispy audio, and provides easy-to-use soft lighting.

Features 

  • Control on/off and brightness by rotating the rim of the light
  • Faceted faces allows it to be placed at 0°, 15°, and 30° angles
  • Toggle through 12 preset RGB colors with a touch of button
  • Cold Shoe attachment to lock your LED and device in place
  • Up to 7 hours of run time on 50% brightness

Buy

Video Review