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Doctor On Demand Encourages All California Residents Impacted by Poor Air Quality to Stay Inside
[November 16, 2018]

Doctor On Demand Encourages All California Residents Impacted by Poor Air Quality to Stay Inside


The California wildfires are not just affecting those directly in their path, but affecting millions of residents who are now breathing in the hazardous air conditions. Doctor On Demand, the nation's leading virtual care provider, is encouraging all residents to stay inside if possible, especially if you have children, are elderly, or have existing respiratory or heart conditions.

"The air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area is the worst I've ever seen with an Air Quality Index reaching over 270. It's a serious matter for many California residents. We all need to be sure we are taking the necessary precautions to stay safe and avoid exposing ourselves to these poor conditions," said Dr. Ian Tong, Chief Medical Officer of Doctor On Demand. "As a California resident with young children, I too am experiencing first-hand what this past week has been like, and want to be sure everyone is doing what they can to avoid any harmful effects from the air."

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) passes 150, it is considered unhealthy and everyone is at risk of experiencing negative health effects. If you are experiencing warning signs of too much exposure -- trouble breathing, coughing, and skin and eye irritation -- you should see a doctor. Virtual visits, such as those with Doctor On Demand, are a great option and allow those to stay safe inside their home, while still getting the high-quality care they need -- 24/7, including weekends.

"Even if you aren't in an area directly impacted by the wildfires, you are still at risk as smoke can travel hundreds of miles from the burn site," said Dr. Tong.

Tips to avoid poor air exposure:

  • Check air quality reports: Learn if your current air quality is unhealthy with online resources like airnow.gov. Additionally, pay attention to local public health messages and their recommended safety measures.
  • Keep yourself and your family inside: When air quality is bad, it's best to limit the time spent outdoors. It's especially important to avoid strenuous activities that would leave you gasping for air.
  • Keep indoor air clean: Keep your windows and doors closed. When using your air conditioner or heater in your home or car, make sure to only run it with the fresh air intake closed. Avoid further air pollutants such as burning candles or incense, fireplaces and vacuuming.
  • Wear a mask: If you have to go outside or take public transportation, wear a mask that will protect you from the small particles in the air, such as an N95 mask which can be purchased at stores, such as pharmacies and hardware stores.



Through November 30, 2018, Doctor On Demand is covering the cost of a medical visit* for California residents affected by the fires. To redeem, download the Doctor On Demand app and apply code CA18.

*Receive a fully covered medical visit through November 30, 2018, by entering code CA18 into your account. Not valid on psychology or psychiatry visits. Participants understand that this offer is not redeemable for cash. Doctor On Demand reserves the right to cancel, modify or terminate this offer at any time for any reason. This offer is void where prohibited or restricted by law. If you have any questions, please contact Doctor On Demand Member Support at (800) 997-6196 or [email protected].


About Doctor On Demand

Doctor On Demand is a nationwide healthcare service that provides video visits with board-certified physicians, psychiatrists and licensed psychologists via smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Patients download the Doctor On Demand app or visit www.doctorondemand.com, provide a list of their symptoms, and are connected for a video visit within minutes. Prescriptions, if needed, are sent directly to the pharmacy of choice. Doctor On Demand physicians can also order lab work, allowing for the treatment of a broader range of conditions and chronic care management.

Through its 5-star rated mobile application and website, consumers can access board-certified physicians in all 50 states with an average wait time of 5 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Doctor On Demand delivers services through employers, health plans, and directly to consumers. While insurance isn't required, tens of millions of Americans enjoy covered medical and mental health visits.

Doctor On Demand is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. To access Doctor On Demand, download the app (iTunes or Google (News - Alert) Play) or visit www.doctorondemand.com.


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