Connect with us

Business

The Benefits of Choosing Virtual Medical Services

Published

on

Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of traditional paper records. They compile a patient’s medical history, diagnoses, prescriptions, lab results, and more - in an organized electronic format.

The way people access healthcare has changed in recent years, and many now turn to virtual medical services as a more convenient and accessible option. For some, it has become a regular part of their routine.

For others, it is something they are curious about but have not yet tried. Virtual care combines qualified medical professionals, secure digital platforms, and flexible appointment formats to create a service model that supports patients in a more immediate and accessible manner.

Understanding how these services work and what they offer can help individuals determine whether online consultations are a suitable option for their needs.

Saving Time When It Matters Most

Time is often the first thing people consider when thinking about online healthcare, and for good reason. A virtual consultation removes the need to travel to a clinic, search for parking, or sit in a crowded waiting room. Even the preparation involved in a traditional appointment can take up half a day.

Many virtual services enable patients to select appointments that accommodate their own schedules, rather than the other way around. A short consultation slot can often be found during a lunch break, after work, or in quieter moments at home. Some platforms even offer on-demand consultations that begin within minutes. For parents, caregivers, professionals, students, and anyone with a busy lifestyle, this flexibility makes healthcare management far easier.

Advertisement

There is also the practical advantage of shorter waiting times. Online platforms typically operate with efficient booking systems and streamlined processes, which help keep queues moving smoothly. Patients can log in, speak to a clinician, and receive guidance without the long delays that can occur in physical clinics. Over time, these short-term savings accumulate, making managing health concerns feel far more manageable.

Reducing Exposure to Illness

Avoiding exposure to illnesses is a significant benefit of a virtual doctor’s appointment. Waiting rooms can bring together people with different symptoms, which increases the chance of spreading infections. Virtual consultations reduce unnecessary contact and help protect both patients and clinicians. This approach is beneficial during seasonal outbreaks, as well as for individuals with weakened immune systems or those recovering from surgery.

Round-the-Clock Access to Medical Professionals

One of the most substantial benefits of virtual healthcare is constant availability. Traditional clinics close at set times, and many people find themselves in need of advice outside these hours. Virtual medical services bridge this gap by offering support at any time of the day or night.

This kind of availability is beneficial for urgent but non-life-threatening concerns. People dealing with a sudden symptom at midnight or a worry that develops over the weekend can speak to a clinician without waiting for the next working day. Families with young children often find this particularly reassuring. Symptoms that appear late in the evening no longer require a stressful trip to an urgent care centre for simple assessment or reassurance.

Advertisement

For individuals living with long-term conditions, the ability to contact a clinician promptly can help prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious problems. Regular monitoring and timely check-ins can be arranged without disruption to daily routines. Knowing that help is available whenever it is needed gives many patients a greater sense of confidence and control over their health.

Wide Range of Services at Your Fingertips

Many people are surprised to discover just how much can be done virtually. Online healthcare platforms typically offer far more than a simple conversation with a doctor. Patients can access general consultations, follow-up appointments, prescription reviews, and referrals to specialists when clinically appropriate.

Mental health support is also widely available. Many virtual clinicians offer counselling, wellbeing check-ins, and guidance for managing stress or anxiety. For individuals who prefer the privacy of speaking from home, getting an online medical consultation can be a more comfortable option than visiting a clinic. Regular virtual appointments help establish a sense of continuity, which in turn strengthens therapeutic progress.

For patients who need documentation such as fit notes, medical letters, travel certificates, or work adjustment letters, virtual platforms simplify the process. Clinicians can assess symptoms, verify details, and issue the required documentation digitally.

Advertisement

Better Access for People with Mobility or Location Barriers

Virtual medical services provide valuable support to individuals who struggle to attend traditional appointments. Individuals living in rural areas often face lengthy travel times to the nearest clinic or specialist. Online consultations eradicate this barrier, allowing access to high-quality care regardless of postcode.

People with mobility challenges, chronic pain, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transport options can also benefit. Booking a virtual appointment eliminates the strain of physical travel and provides a more comfortable and predictable experience. Patients can speak with a doctor from their bed, living room, or wherever they feel most comfortable.

Cost Efficiency and Practical Value

Virtual care can also help reduce indirect costs related to healthcare. Patients do not need to spend money on transport, parking, childcare, or time away from work. Although prices vary between providers, many find the overall experience more economical when considering the time and costs traditionally involved in physical appointments.

Choosing a Service That Works for You

Virtual medical services provide a combination of convenience, flexibility, and comprehensive support that caters to a wide range of healthcare needs. From time savings to constant availability, from specialist referrals to same-day medical certificates, these platforms enable patients to take control of their care in a practical and accessible manner.

Advertisement

Whether used occasionally or as a regular part of managing long-term health, virtual care provides an efficient and trustworthy option that many people now rely on.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Netanyahu posts video in response to Iran rumours that he is dead

Published

on

Netanyahu posts video in response to Iran rumours that he is dead


Netanyahu posts video in response to Iran rumours that he is dead

Continue Reading

Business

Galaxy Digital (GLXY) Shares Surge 8% on Bitcoin Rally and Data Center Momentum

Published

on

Galaxy Digital (GLXY) Shares Surge 8% on Bitcoin Rally and

Galaxy Digital Inc. (Nasdaq: GLXY), the digital asset and infrastructure company led by Mike Novogratz, saw its shares climb sharply in recent trading, closing up 8.34% at $22.35 on March 13, 2026, amid a broader cryptocurrency market rebound and optimism around its expanding data center operations.

Galaxy Digital (GLXY) Shares Surge 8% on Bitcoin Rally and
Galaxy Digital (GLXY) Shares Surge 8% on Bitcoin Rally and Data Center Momentum

The stock opened at $21.61 and ranged between $21.51 and $22.39 during the session, with volume reaching 7,055,805 shares—above the average of about 6.4 million. After-hours trading saw a slight dip to $22.25. The gain followed a volatile period, with the shares trading around $20.63 the previous close and reflecting sensitivity to Bitcoin’s price movements and institutional crypto adoption trends.

Galaxy Digital, founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, operates across digital assets trading, asset management, principal investments and increasingly data center infrastructure. The company’s Helios campus in Texas has become a key growth driver, with recent expansions positioning it to capitalize on demand for high-performance computing tied to artificial intelligence and blockchain.

On January 15, 2026, Galaxy announced ERCOT approval for an additional 830 megawatts of power at Helios, doubling the site’s total approved capacity to 1.6 gigawatts. The expansion supports hosting agreements, including a deal to deliver 133 megawatts of IT load to CoreWeave in the first half of 2026 under Phase I. CEO Mike Novogratz has described the convergence of Bitcoin and AI as “the single most important macro trend of 2026,” highlighting stable revenue streams from data center hosting as a hedge against crypto volatility.

The stock’s recent performance also ties to a significant corporate restructuring. On March 3, 2026, Galaxy announced it would voluntarily delist its Class A common stock from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), where it previously traded under GLXY.TO. The delisting took effect at the close of markets on March 19, 2026, leaving Nasdaq as the sole listing venue. The move streamlines operations following the company’s 2025 reorganization and domestication as a Delaware-incorporated entity.

Advertisement

To support shareholder value amid the transition, the board approved a $200 million share repurchase program in early February 2026. The initiative signals confidence in the company’s fundamentals despite a challenging 2025, when Galaxy reported a net loss of $241 million—partly due to restructuring costs—and a steeper $482 million net loss in the fourth quarter alone, contributing to a share price drop of over 14% in early February.

Analysts remain largely bullish. Coverage initiations and updates in early 2026 included a new “buy” rating from Citizens with a $60 price target, while the average analyst target sits around $43-44, implying significant upside from current levels. Wall Street forecasts for 2026 earnings vary, with some projecting continued losses tied to market conditions, but optimism centers on revenue diversification.

Galaxy’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, released February 3, 2026, underscored the shift toward infrastructure. While trading and principal investments faced headwinds from crypto market fluctuations, data center revenue showed promise. The company highlighted progress in tokenized assets, including a landmark J.P. Morgan-arranged short-term bond issuance on the Solana blockchain in 2025, and ongoing efforts in crypto ETFs and institutional services.

Bitcoin’s performance has heavily influenced GLXY shares, given Galaxy’s exposure through trading desks, mining (via Helios) and asset management. The cryptocurrency’s rally in early 2026—pushing it toward new highs in some periods—lifted sentiment across crypto-related equities. Galaxy’s beta of 3.68 reflects its high volatility relative to broader markets, making it a leveraged play on digital assets.

Advertisement

The 52-week range for GLXY spans $8.20 (hit in April 2025) to $45.92 (October 2025), illustrating the stock’s sensitivity to crypto cycles. Market capitalization stands at approximately $8.73 billion, with a price-to-book ratio around 2.20 and a negative trailing P/E due to recent losses.

Novogratz has been vocal on regulatory and market developments. In interviews, he expressed skepticism about near-term passage of major U.S. crypto legislation like the CLARITY Act, warning that odds diminish without swift committee action in 2026. He also noted the end of crypto’s “age of speculation,” advocating for more mature, utility-driven growth.

Looking ahead, Galaxy’s May 12, 2026, earnings report is expected to provide updates on Q1 performance, with consensus EPS forecasts around -$0.28. Investors will watch for progress on Helios expansions, hosting revenue realization and any new partnerships in AI or tokenized finance.

The delisting from TSX and focus on Nasdaq aim to attract more U.S. institutional investors, aligning with Galaxy’s strategic pivot toward stable, high-margin infrastructure amid volatile trading conditions. As Bitcoin stabilizes and AI demand surges, Galaxy positions itself as a bridge between traditional finance, crypto and emerging tech.

Advertisement

For now, the March 13 surge underscores renewed investor enthusiasm, though the stock’s path will likely remain tied to broader crypto trends and execution on data center ambitions.

Continue Reading

Business

Oscars’ top prize up for grabs as unease hangs over Hollywood

Published

on

Oscars’ top prize up for grabs as unease hangs over Hollywood


Oscars’ top prize up for grabs as unease hangs over Hollywood

Continue Reading

Business

Northern Funds Multi-Manager Emerging Markets Debt Opportunity Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

Published

on

Northern Funds Multi-Manager Emerging Markets Debt Opportunity Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

Northern Trust Asset Management is a global investment manager that helps investors navigate changing market environments in efforts to realize their long-term objectives.

Entrusted with $1.2 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2024, we understand that investing ultimately serves a greater purpose and believe investors should be compensated for the risks they take — in all market environments and any investment strategy. That’s why we combine robust capital markets research, expert portfolio construction and comprehensive risk management in an effort to craft innovative and efficient solutions that seek to deliver targeted investment outcomes.

As engaged contributors to our communities, we consider it a great privilege to serve our investors and our communities with integrity, respect and transparency.

Northern Trust Asset Management is composed of Northern Trust Investments, Inc., Northern Trust Global Investments Limited, Northern Trust Fund Managers (Ireland) Limited, Northern Trust Global Investments Japan, K.K., NT Global Advisors, Inc., 50 South Capital Advisors, LLC, Northern Trust Asset Management Australia Pty Ltd, and investment personnel of The Northern Trust Company of Hong Kong Limited and The Northern Trust Company. Note: This account is not managed or monitored by Northern Trust Asset Management, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use Northern Trust Asset Management’s official channels.

Continue Reading

Business

Who Is Kevin Hassett? Trump’s National Economic Council Director, Defends Iran War Costs

Published

on

Kevin Hassett

Kevin Hassett, the veteran economist and current Director of the White House National Economic Council, has emerged as one of President Donald Trump’s most visible economic voices in 2026, frequently defending administration policies amid escalating global tensions and domestic debates over tariffs, spending and growth forecasts.

Kevin Hassett
Kevin Hassett

Hassett, 64, appeared on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on March 15, 2026, where he addressed the ongoing U.S. military conflict with Iran, now in its third week. He told host Margaret Brennan that the Pentagon estimates the operation would last four to six weeks, with forces “ahead of schedule” as of mid-March. On funding, Hassett said the war had cost approximately $12 billion so far—slightly higher than an earlier figure of $11.3 billion—and emphasized that existing resources suffice for now.

“Right now, we’ve got what we need,” Hassett stated, noting that any supplemental funding request would depend on assessments by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought. He described rising oil prices triggered by the conflict as a “temporary shock,” predicting a swift resolution and a subsequent “big positive shock” to the global economy once hostilities end.

The comments drew immediate attention amid concerns over inflationary pressures from energy costs and the broader fiscal implications of military engagement. Hassett’s appearance followed a Fox News segment where he similarly downplayed long-term economic risks from the conflict, reinforcing the administration’s message of resilience.

Born March 20, 1962, Hassett has built a career blending academic rigor with high-level policy roles. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College and master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Early in his career, he served as a senior economist at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in the 1990s and as an associate professor of economics and finance at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business.

Advertisement

Hassett gained wider recognition as a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he focused on tax policy, fiscal issues and economic modeling. He co-authored the 1999 book “Dow 36,000,” which controversially predicted a dramatic rise in stock market values based on lower risk premiums—a forecast that drew criticism when markets later corrected sharply.

Politically, Hassett advised Republican presidential campaigns, including those of George W. Bush in 2004, John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012. He joined the Hoover Institution at Stanford University as a distinguished fellow in 2019, following his first stint in the Trump administration.

During Trump’s first term, Hassett chaired the Council of Economic Advisers from 2017 to 2019, playing a key role in advocating for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He argued the corporate rate reduction would boost investment, wages and growth—claims that remain debated among economists. He briefly returned to the White House in 2020 as a senior advisor coordinating the economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After leaving government, Hassett held positions including vice president at The Lindsey Group, economic contributor at CNN, and senior advisor to Capital Matters at National Review. He also served as Global Director of Research for Affinity Partners, a Miami-based private equity firm.

Advertisement

President Trump tapped Hassett again in November 2024 to lead the National Economic Council in his second administration, a role he assumed on January 20, 2025. As NEC Director, Hassett coordinates domestic and international economic policy, serving as a close advisor to the president on trade, tariffs, monetary issues and fiscal strategy. He speaks with Trump daily, positioning him as a central figure in shaping the administration’s economic agenda.

In recent months, Hassett has been a vocal proponent of Trump’s tariff policies, dismissing Federal Reserve research suggesting consumers bear much of the cost. In a February 2026 briefing, he criticized New York Fed economists and called for “discipline” over their findings, sparking concerns about potential pressure on independent institutions.

Speculation peaked late in 2025 that Hassett might succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chair when Powell’s term ends in May 2026. Prediction markets and reports frequently listed him as the frontrunner, given his alignment with Trump’s preference for lower interest rates and faster cuts. Hassett himself said he would cut rates aggressively if leading the Fed, citing data supporting easing.

However, in January 2026, Trump publicly expressed a desire to keep Hassett in his current White House role. “I actually want to keep you where you are,” Trump told him at a White House event, praising his performance. Trump ultimately nominated former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh for the Fed chair position, a choice Hassett endorsed as “a great choice” in subsequent interviews.

Advertisement

Hassett has remained optimistic about the U.S. economy’s trajectory. In a mid-March 2026 interview with Australian superfunds, he predicted growth exceeding 4% in 2026, driven by artificial intelligence productivity gains, lower corporate taxes for domestic manufacturers and industrial policy initiatives. He highlighted recent strong jobs reports, record labor force participation and declining federal employment shares as evidence of policy success.

Critics argue Hassett’s close alignment with Trump raises questions about institutional independence, particularly regarding the Fed and economic forecasting. Supporters praise his data-driven approach and loyalty to pro-growth policies.

As the Iran conflict continues and economic pressures mount from energy prices and global uncertainty, Hassett’s role positions him to shape responses on funding, inflation mitigation and recovery planning. His frequent media appearances underscore his status as a key defender of the administration’s economic narrative.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching and debates over tariffs, spending and monetary policy intensifying, Hassett’s influence shows no signs of waning. Whether advocating for post-war economic rebounds or pushing domestic priorities, the economist remains a pivotal figure in Trump’s second-term White House.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Touchstone Mid Cap Fund Q4 2025 Portfolio Review

Published

on

First Eagle Global Equity ETF Q4 2025 Portfolio Review

At Touchstone Investments, we recognize that not all mutual fund companies are created equal. Our commitment to being Distinctively Active means the employment of a fully integrated and rigorous process for identifying and partnering with asset managers who sub-advise our mutual funds and advocating a robust approach to portfolio construction that either uses standalone active strategies or serves as a complement to passive strategies. That is the power of Distinctively Active.

Touchstone Funds are offered nationally through intermediaries including broker-dealers, financial planners, registered investment advisors and institutions by Touchstone Securities, Inc. For more information please call 800.638.8194 or visit www.touchstoneinvestments.com

Specialties
Touchstone Investments helps investors achieve their financial goals by providing access to a distinctive selection of institutional asset managers who are known and respected for proficiency in their specific area of expertise.

Touchstone Securities Inc. is a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC Note: This account is not managed or monitored by Touchstone Investments, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use Touchstone Investments’s official channels.

Continue Reading

Business

Never Cutters, Part 2: 5 More High Yield CEFs That Have Never Cut The Distribution

Published

on

Never Cutters, Part 2: 5 More High Yield CEFs That Have Never Cut The Distribution

This article was written by

Now retired, I am an income-oriented investor seeking high yield income to support my lifestyle in retirement.I became deeply interested in the stock market beginning in late 2007 (bad timing for me but worse for my uncle) when I received an unexpected inheritance. Since that time I have done considerable research and vowed to make smarter long-term investing decisions after suffering through the Great Recession with minimal losses to my inherited portfolio, after firing my financial advisor.I look for mostly dividend paying income stocks and funds (BDCs, REITs, CEFs, ETFs) that offer high yield income to increase my retirement income beyond my pension and Social Security. I also enjoy reading investment/financial and business information and following trends in technology and markets. The human psychology of markets is as fascinating and inscrutable to me as the financial side. I am not a financial advisor so please do your own due diligence before making any buy or sell decisions.“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of GOF, PDI, THW either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Touchstone Mid Cap Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

Published

on

Janus Henderson Forty Fund Q4 2025 Commentary (MUTF:JACCX)

At Touchstone Investments, we recognize that not all mutual fund companies are created equal. Our commitment to being Distinctively Active means the employment of a fully integrated and rigorous process for identifying and partnering with asset managers who sub-advise our mutual funds and advocating a robust approach to portfolio construction that either uses standalone active strategies or serves as a complement to passive strategies. That is the power of Distinctively Active.

Touchstone Funds are offered nationally through intermediaries including broker-dealers, financial planners, registered investment advisors and institutions by Touchstone Securities, Inc. For more information please call 800.638.8194 or visit www.touchstoneinvestments.com

Specialties
Touchstone Investments helps investors achieve their financial goals by providing access to a distinctive selection of institutional asset managers who are known and respected for proficiency in their specific area of expertise.

Touchstone Securities Inc. is a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC Note: This account is not managed or monitored by Touchstone Investments, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use Touchstone Investments’s official channels.

Continue Reading

Business

Calamos Global Growth Strategy Q4 2025 Commentary

Published

on

Calamos Global Growth Strategy Q4 2025 Commentary

Calamos Investments is a diversified global investment firm offering innovative investment strategies including U.S. growth equity, global equity, convertible, multi-asset and alternatives. The firm offers strategies through separately managed portfolios, mutual funds, closed-end funds, private funds, an exchange traded fund and UCITS funds. Clients include major corporations, pension funds, endowments, foundations and individuals, as well as the financial advisors and consultants who serve them. Headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, the firm also has offices in London, New York and San Francisco.  For more information, please visit www.calamos.com.

Continue Reading

Business

Asia-Pacific allies ink $57 billion in deals with US companies, Burgum says

Published

on

Asia-Pacific allies ink $57 billion in deals with US companies, Burgum says


Asia-Pacific allies ink $57 billion in deals with US companies, Burgum says

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025