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Secure messaging that is HIPAA Compliant is available using Google Chat. Hormesis Health and Fitness has entered into a Business Associate Agreement with Google. You can find the link in the website menu. Please download the Google Chat app from your mobile device app store. This provides "push notifications" from the app to ensure you are alerted to messages. You can also use Google Chat direclty from the web site. You do need to create a google account if you do not already have one. The options are to create a gmail account or to create a Google account using your existing email account (Yahoo for example) What follows are the directions: Here’s how to create a Google account in both scenarios: Scenario 1: Creating a Google Account with a Gmail Address 1. Go to the Google Account Creation Page: Visit accounts.google.com/signup. 2. Enter Your Information: Provide your first and last name. 3. Choose a Username: Select a username that will serve as your Gmail address (e.g., username@gmail.com). 4. Set a Password: Enter a strong password and confirm it. 5. Complete Security Steps: Enter your phone number for account security and verification. Google will send a verification code to this number. 6. Verify Phone Number: Enter the code sent to your phone to confirm. 7. Add Recovery Email (Optional): This helps recover your account if you forget your password. 8. Fill in Date of Birth and Gender: Enter this information for personalization and security. 9. Agree to Terms: Review Google’s terms of service and privacy policy, then click “I agree” to finish creating your account. Once completed, you’ll have a Google account with a Gmail address. Scenario 2: Creating a Google Account with an Existing Email Address 1. Go to the Google Account Creation Page: Visit accounts.google.com/signup. 2. Enter Your Information: Provide your first and last name. 3. Use an Existing Email Address: Instead of creating a new Gmail username, click on Use my current email address instead. 4. Enter Your Existing Email: Input your existing, non-Gmail email address. 5. Set a Password: Choose a strong password and confirm it. 6. Complete Security Steps: Enter your phone number for account security and verification. Google will send a verification code to this number. 7. Verify Email: Google will send a verification code to your existing email address. Go to your inbox, find the code, and enter it on the signup page. 8. Add Recovery Email (Optional): This is optional but can help you recover your account if needed. 9. Fill in Date of Birth and Gender: Enter this information for personalization and security. 10. Agree to Terms: Review Google’s terms of service and privacy policy, then click “I agree” to complete the process. After these steps, you’ll have a Google account associated with your existing email address. This will allow you to use all Google services (like Google Drive and YouTube) without a Gmail address.