We've all had those moments when something strange is going on with our health: an unusual rash, a constant headache or any number of issues that we just don't understand. Sometimes it's awkward to ask friends or family members about certain conditions, and you can never be sure if the problem is worth spending time and money on visiting a doctor.
For all those confusing situations where you don't know exactly where to turn for information and advice, there is eTobb .
Launched in 2013, eTobb has been making waves throughout Lebanon and the region ever since.
"It's a digital platform where we connect patients and doctors online," Sarah Helou, eTobb's director of marketing, explained.
"We are trying to improve access to healthcare and raise awareness on a lot of topics that people don't know about."
If you ever have a health query or concern, you can easily ask an anonymous question through the site and a certified doctor will quickly respond with advice and information. If the issue requires further follow-up with a doctor in person, eTobb can connect you with an appropriate specialist.
Originally created as a question forum, eTobb has since rolled out several other features to benefit users and health concerned Googlers. Most recently, eTobb started a blog addressing various relevant and important health issues. Launching for Ramadan, the blog has started by featuring health tips relating to nutrition, exercise and diet during the holy month.
"The blog compliments our services. It's to raise awareness about different topics and issues," Helou said.
"We launched it in Ramadan because a lot of people have so many questions during this month."
Of course, moving forward after Ramadan the blog will continue with "really trendy topics, things people really want to know about." The blog will also include interviews with doctors partnering with eTobb and infographics along with other interesting and fun posts.
"We'll be covering other topics as well, for example breast cancer, your kids' nutrition and we're also launching an Arabic version of the blog."
Helou explained that one of the important reasons for a service like eTobb was that many of the questions people ask are taboo to discuss publicly. The site receives many questions about sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, women's health and similar topics. With the addition of the blog, eTobb hopes to address some of these issues in greater detail while also raising awareness to inform the public about a range of health issues.
With more than 1,000 licensed doctors currently answering questions on eTobb, the site offers an ideal place for practical and important health information. Currently, the majority of eTobb's doctors and users are located in Lebanon, but eTobb is quickly working on expanding throughout the region.