Starting the New Year Healthy: Why the Holidays Are the Right Time to Prioritize Telehealth Care
Healthcare doesn’t pause for the holidays. Telehealth makes it easy to access medical care from the comfort of home—even during the busiest time of year.
The holidays and the start of a new year often bring reflection, reset, and renewed focus on health. Yet this season is also one of the most challenging times to access medical care. Travel, weather disruptions, packed schedules, and clinic closures can make it harder to get timely support—right when many people need it most.
At Oregon Telemed, we believe the end of the year and the beginning of a new one is not about drastic changes or overhauls. It is about maintaining access to care, addressing concerns early, and supporting your health in practical, realistic ways.
Why Health Concerns Often Show Up During the Holidays
The holiday season places unique stress on the body. Changes in routine, sleep patterns, diet, hydration, and activity levels can all affect how we feel physically. Cold and flu season peaks, chronic conditions can flare up, and minor symptoms that might normally be addressed quickly are often delayed.
Common concerns we see during this time of year include:
Cold, flu, and respiratory symptoms
Sinus infections and lingering coughs
Medication refill needs
Urinary tract infections
Skin concerns and rashes
Digestive discomfort
Fatigue and low energy
Unfortunately, many people put off care because they don’t want to disrupt family plans or spend hours waiting in urgent care. That delay can allow small issues to become larger ones.
Telehealth Fits Real Life—Especially During the Holidays
Telehealth removes many of the barriers that traditionally prevent people from seeking care. With Oregon Telemed, patients can connect with a licensed provider from home, a hotel, or anywhere with an internet connection.
This flexibility is especially valuable during the holidays and New Year when:
Primary care offices have limited hours
Weather makes travel difficult
Childcare or family obligations limit availability
You’re traveling but still need care in Oregon
You want to address symptoms before they worsen
Instead of waiting days—or weeks—for an appointment, telehealth allows concerns to be addressed promptly and efficiently.
The New Year Is About Continuity, Not Catching Up
Many people think of January as the time to “get back on track.” From a medical standpoint, however, the goal is continuity—not correction. Staying consistent with care is one of the most effective ways to support long-term health.
Telehealth makes it easier to:
Stay on top of medication management
Address symptoms early rather than reactively
Avoid unnecessary urgent care or ER visits
Maintain care during schedule disruptions
Reduce missed work or school due to illness
Rather than starting the year already behind, accessible care helps you move forward steadily and confidently.
A Practical Approach to Health in the New Year
The most sustainable health decisions are often the simplest ones. As the New Year begins, consider focusing on small, supportive steps rather than ambitious promises.
These might include:
Addressing lingering symptoms instead of ignoring them
Refilling medications before they run out
Scheduling care when issues first appear
Choosing convenient options that reduce stress
Using telehealth as a first step when appropriate
Preventive and timely care can save time, money, and discomfort over the long run.
Care That Meets You Where You Are
Oregon Telemed was built to make healthcare easier—not more complicated. We understand that life does not pause during the holidays or the New Year, and access to care should not either.
Our providers offer virtual medical visits designed to fit into real schedules, real homes, and real lives. Whether you’re managing a seasonal illness, traveling within Oregon, or simply want to start the year feeling well-supported, telehealth offers a reliable and accessible option.
Enter the New Year Supported
As one year ends and another begins, prioritizing your health does not have to mean adding more to your plate. Sometimes it simply means choosing care that works with your life, not against it.
This holiday season and New Year, Oregon Telemed is here to help you stay healthy, connected, and supported—wherever you are.