Sesame Blog

Welcome to Sesame's medical info center - a trusted medical source of expert-reviewed articles, health tips, updates, and more. Stay informed and get the latest from top doctors online.

Recent Articles

Meet Success by Sesame, Sesame’s New Weight Loss Program A truly affordable weight loss program is finally here. Today, Sesame announced the launch of Success by Sesame: a clinically-comprehensive online weight loss program focused on holistic patient care and measurable results. At just $249 per month, the program includes the cost of high-quality, pre-measured compounded semaglutide with no retail markup for eligible patients (particularly those without insurance). Read more

Eczema vs. Psoriasis: Key Differences and Similarities Ongoing skin issues can reach beyond the surface, disrupting countless aspects of your daily life. When dealing with persistent redness, itching and inflammation, it's normal to wonder: Is this eczema or psoriasis? These two chronic skin conditions are more common than you may think, affecting millions worldwide. Understanding their differences is key to finding the right path to relief. Read more

Best Medications and Treatment Options for Anger Management Sudden anger can hurt your quality of life. It's normal to feel angry sometimes. But frequent, intense anger may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. Some people may struggle to control these feelings of anger despite having tried non-medical treatment options, like therapy. In these cases, medication may help manage anger and restore emotional balance and control. Read more

When Does Menopause Start? Age, Signs, Stages and Treatment Our bodies undergo a sea of changes as we age. Some changes are easier to identify than others — for instance, those first gray hairs or fine lines. Other changes, like menopause, can be harder to recognize or predict. If you're beginning to experience symptoms like night sweats or irregular periods, you may be wondering if you're starting menopause. In this article, we'll delve into what menopause is, its different stages when it begins, common symptoms and effective ways to manage them. Read more

What is Self-Care? Sustainable Tips for a Healthier You Self-care is the practice of actively looking after one's well-being by engaging in activities that regulate and recharge one's body and mind daily. Studies have shown that a regular self-care practice can reduce stress's impact on a person’s quality of life. Additionally, self-care can promote better health, boost your overall well-being and make you more resilient. Read on to learn more about self-care and to discover sustainable tips for establishing a self-care practice that enhances your daily life and supports your well-being and overall health. Read more

UVA vs UVB Rays: Differences, Risks, Benefits UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature aging, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn and are more harmful, leading to skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays affect your skin and health in various ways. Understanding the differences between UVA and UVB rays can help you better protect your skin. This article will explore how each type of UV radiation affects your skin and overall health. Read more

9 Ozempic Alternatives and Different Price Points As a result of pricing and medication shortages, many people are exploring Ozempic alternatives. To make your search easier, we’ve detailed every GLP-1 medication on the market below– along with a comparison of cost, dosing amount, and how it varies from Ozempic. Read more

What Does Arthritis Feel Like? Symptoms and Treatment Arthritis is more than just joint pain; it's a chronic condition that impacts countless aspects of daily life. Read on to better understand what arthritis feels like. Learn about early symptoms to look out for and possible treatments to manage the chronic condition and improve your quality of life. Read more

40+ Foods to Eat (and Avoid) for Period Cramp Relief Menstruation can bring about a handful of uncomfortable — and, at times, debilitating — symptoms, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS refers to the collection of symptoms that many experience before and during their period, like menstrual cramping and bloating. Read on to discover which foods to eat and avoid to reduce period cramps and support your well-being. Read more

Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke: What’s the Difference? Heat exhaustion and heat stroke vary in terms of severity, symptoms and treatment. Read on to learn more about the differences between these conditions, along with treatment and prevention measures. Read more

When Do You Ovulate? Key Signs and Tracking Tips The menstrual cycle helps the body prepare for potential pregnancy each month. One of the ways it prepares for potential pregnancy is through ovulation. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from an ovary during the menstrual cycle. People who menstruate are most fertile, or likely to become pregnant, during ovulation. Understanding ovulation and when it happens is key to planning or preventing pregnancy. Read on to learn how you can better estimate your fertile window and time of ovulation. Read more

How to Stop Hot Flashes with Natural and Medical Remedies Hot flashes are one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. While relatively harmless, hot flashes can be overwhelming, disruptive and unpredictable. This article explores what hot flashes are, along with their common symptoms. It also offers the best natural and medical remedies to help mitigate them. Read on to discover how you can find quick relief from hot flashes and improve your quality of life. Read more

Generic Victoza (Liraglutide) GLP-1 Now Available in the U.S. While liraglutide and other GLP-1 medications are highly effective, many people are struggling to access them due to high costs and limited supply. However, an alternative may be on the horizon. In June 2024, a generic version of Victoza (liraglutide) became available to the public. This is the first authorized generic GLP-1 drug to hit the market. Here's what you need to know. Read more

Ozempic Constipation: Why It Happens and How To Find Relief One of the most common side effects of Ozempic is constipation. Constipation occurs when stool is moving too slowly through your bowels, causing strained bowel movements and leaving you feeling bloated, gassy and uncomfortable. Read on to learn about how to treat Ozempic constipation, how common it is and why it happens. Read more

What is Sea Lice? How to Treat and Prevent Bites & Rash Sea lice can put a damper on even the sunniest summer day. Even though sea lice rashes don’t pose a long-term threat to humans, they can still be uncomfortable and, at times, painful. Read on to learn how to identify, treat, and prevent sea lice bites so you can enjoy your beach days without any unwelcome surprises. Read more

Taking Antidepressants While Pregnant: Is It Safe? When it comes to pregnancy and raising a child, the world is full of loud and contradictory opinions. Many women may feel pressured to take a stance or make a decision right away. However, some decisions are harder to make than others, like which medications to continue during pregnancy. For many women with major depressive disorder (MDD), deciding whether to stop using antidepressants during pregnancy can be especially difficult. Read more

Anxiety Medications: What is the Best Option for You? Treatment for anxiety involves a combination of prescription medication and psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy). This article will explore the different types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms. It will also detail the best treatment options and prevention tips to manage mental health. Read more

Colon Cancer Screenings: Understanding Your Options Colorectal cancer screening tests are routine tests used to detect early signs of colon cancer. This article will detail the different types of screenings and general colorectal screening recommendations. Read more

Hair Loss Treatments for Men: What Works Best? Hair loss affects millions of men. This article will detail some of the best treatment plans for hair loss in men. It will also examine some common causes of hair loss and prevention tips to maintain the hair you have. Read more

Prostate Exams Prostate exams are screening tests used to check for the signs of prostate cancer in men. This article will provide an overview of what to expect during a prostate exam. It will also offer general recommendations about when to start screening, early signs of prostate cancer, and more. Read more

Ozempic and Alcohol: Side Effects, Blood Sugar Levels & Safety If you’re one of the many people who are taking Ozempic or another GLP-1 like Wegovy or Mounjaro, you may have questions or concerns about drinking alcohol while taking the medication. You also may be wondering if Ozempic reduces your urge to drink. In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether or not it’s safe to consume alcohol while on Ozempic, along with potential risks and side effects. Read more

Do I Have a Dehydration Headache? Signs, Treatment and Prevention Headaches are extremely common: research suggests that 9 out of every 10 people worldwide will experience one at some point, and they can be caused by any number of factors, from medication to health conditions. One lesser-known cause of headaches is dehydration. Luckily, dehydration headaches are typically easy to treat. Read on to learn about signs of dehydration headaches to look out for, along with treatment and prevention methods. Read more

SPF 30 vs 50: Is There a Real Difference in Strength? Choosing sunscreen at the drugstore can feel like an impossible task. What do those numbers mean? Is there really a difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50? And how can you get the most protection out of your sunscreen? Read on to learn more about SPF strength differences and how to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Read more

Healthy Blood Pressure Charts by Age and Gender Blood pressure readings are a critical indicator of your health. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for many health problems and heart disease. Similarly, low blood pressure levels (hypotension) can put you at a higher risk of dangerous complications. This article will detail average blood pressure numbers by age and gender and offer guidance on how to read blood pressure readings and what they mean. Read more

Symptoms of High and Low Blood Sugar & What To Do Next Fluctuations in blood sugar can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. In this post, we'll explore the symptoms of high and low blood sugar, what causes these conditions and steps you should take if you experience these symptoms. We'll also discuss how to maintain stable blood sugar levels and when to seek emergency care. Read more

Antidepressant Medications Antidepressants are prescription medications used by healthcare providers to treat mental health conditions. There are several types of antidepressant medications. This article will detail the types of antidepressants. It will explain how they work and what to expect when taking them. Read more

10 Skin Cancer Symptoms To Look Out For It’s so important to know the signs of skin cancer and treat it quickly. In this blog, we'll discuss the different types of skin cancer, along with 10 key signs and symptoms to be aware of. We’ll also discuss tips for self-screening and what to do if you’ve noticed any changes to your skin. Read more

What is the Gut Microbiome? A microbiome is an ecosystem made up of trillions of organisms. Your intestinal tract—known as your gut—has a microbiome of its own, a population of trillions of microorganisms that play a vital role in human health. In this article, we’ll investigate the gut microbiome, how it affects your health, and what you can do to keep it healthy. Read more

How Much Does Mounjaro Cost Without Insurance? Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication that helps regulate blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes - and it has become more common for healthcare providers to prescribe it for weight loss. But while Mounjaro is effective, it's also very pricey. Read on for more information about Mounjaro’s cost with and without insurance, along with ways to save money on your prescription. Read more

Does Ozempic Lower Blood Pressure? Ozempic (semaglutide) is famous for its off-label use as a weight-loss drug for patients with overweight or obesity who also have weight-related health problems. Studies show that Ozempic reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks. Read on to learn more about the cardiovascular benefits of Ozempic. Read more

13 Ways to Stop Sneezing Fast Sneezing is a completely normal bodily function. But repetitive, frequent sneezing can be more than just a minor annoyance - it can be embarrassing and disruptive. Learn how to stop your sneezing quickly, along with longer-term tips for managing and preventing sneezing. Read more

What Causes Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans. But what causes osteoporosis, and is there anything you can do to treat it? This article covers the top causes of osteoporosis and the best ways to prevent and treat low bone density. Read more

Arthritis Pain Relief: 20 Natural and Medical Remedies Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting over 53.2 million Americans. Arthritis symptoms can be uncomfortable, causing joint pain, inflammation and limited mobility. This article will help you better understand the types of arthritis and their common symptoms. It will also cover 20 effective ways to manage them and find relief. From medications and lifestyle changes to physical therapy and emotional support, these strategies can improve your quality of life and overall well-being. Read more

Battling the Sunday Scaries? 11 Ways to Beat Them Many people spend their weeks eagerly planning their weekends, only to feel overwhelmed by thoughts of work on Sunday evenings. This common phenomenon affects over 80% of Americans and is known as the Sunday scaries. Read on to learn more about the Sunday scaries, their symptoms and common causes. You’ll also find 11 effective tips to help you manage and prevent Sunday evening anxiety, so you can enjoy your weekends and start your week feeling refreshed and prepared. Read more

Swimmer’s Itch: What It Is, Symptoms and Treatment When spring and summer roll around, many people swap out their snow boots for swim suits as they get ready to enjoy days of swimming in lakes or the beach. However, more frequent dips don't always mean more fun. Every year, swimmers and water lovers alike have to face a less-than-ideal condition known as swimmer's itch. Read more

5 Recommended Heat Rash Treatments for Fast Relief With summer around the corner and record-high temperatures on the horizon, it's important to be informed about heat-related illnesses. One of these conditions, heat rash, is one of the most common and mild forms of heat-related illness. However, just because it's mild doesn't mean you shouldn't take it seriously. Heat rash can still cause discomfort, and it also serves as a warning sign that you might be overheating. Read more

Why Doctors’ Prescribed Drug Dosage Is Important Every prescription drug contains a specific formula of an active ingredient that works to treat a certain condition. But sometimes, doctors need to adjust or change this dosage depending on a number of factors. This article details why you may have your prescription dosage adjusted and questions you should ask your provider about their dosing directions. Read more

Best Allergic Rhinitis Medication Even if you don’t know what allergic rhinitis is, you probably know what it feels like: a stuffy nose, a runny nose, and lots of sneezing. Luckily, there are many options to treat your symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore the best over-the-counter and prescription options for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Read more

Is IUD Weight Gain Real? Here Are The Facts It's common for people to wonder if weight gain is a side effect of most medications, including different birth control methods, like intrauterine devices (IUDs). IUDs are one of the most effective contraceptives available for women and people who menstruate. In this article, we'll learn about the two different types of IUDs (hormonal and non-hormonal) and how they may affect weight. We'll also talk about how different IUDs work to prevent pregnancy and their most common side effects. We will also compare IUDs to different contraceptives, like birth control pills. Read more

10 Self-Care Tips for Allergic Rhinitis Allergic rhinitis is known for its frustrating physical symptoms. These include frequent sneezing, itchy eyes, and even wheezing. These symptoms can make normal life harder during peak allergy season and impact our mental well-being. However, you can do things to ease your allergic rhinitis symptoms. These things will also nurture your mental well-being. Read on to learn ten self-care tips you can use daily to manage your allergies and its common symptoms. Read more

How Many Carbs Should You Eat Per Day? Carbohydrates, or carbs, are frequently misunderstood. Over the past few decades, diet trends have shifted from the low-fat trend of the ‘80s and ‘90s to today's focus on low-carbohydrate eating. Much like fats once were, carbs have now become the subject of intense scrutiny. This article will talk about the role carbohydrates play in your body and how different types of carbs can affect you differently. We'll also delve into the impact carbs can have on your health and weight and help you determine your daily carb intake needs. Read more

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Headaches? Headaches can strike seemingly at random. You may think to blame your headache on high blood pressure. But does high blood pressure cause headaches? In this article, we’ll investigate the relationship between these two health conditions. Read more

What Does a Stroke Feel Like? Symptoms and Warning Signs A stroke is a serious medical emergency that can severely impact a person's health and well-being. Strokes are the second leading cause of death and the third main cause of disability across the globe. Each year, approximately 795,000 people will suffer from stroke in the United States alone – that’s an average of one stroke every 40 seconds. Read more

DASH Diet: The 20 Best Foods for High Blood Pressure The DASH diet—also known as dietary approaches to stop hypertension—is an eating plan designed to help lower blood pressure. This article will detail 20 of the best foods to eat to lower high blood pressure. Read more

What is the DASH Diet? The DASH diet is a heart-healthy eating plan specifically designed to help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure). This article provides a general overview of the DASH diet and how to use it effectively to manage blood pressure. Read more

Intermittent Fasting: Key Benefits & Plans Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its short-term health benefits. Intermittent fasting is more than just a weight loss strategy, it may also improve your overall well-being and help with weight management. It has caught the eye of many people who are looking for a sustainable and straightforward way to improve their health. Read more

Can You Pick Up a Prescription for Someone Else? There are a number of reasons why you might need someone else to pick up your prescription for you. Luckily, it’s possible to have a friend or relative get your medication from a pharmacy if you're unable to do so yourself. Here’s what you need to know about having someone else pick up a prescription for you! Read more

IBS vs IBD: Key Differences Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are two different conditions that often get mixed up. IBS and IBD don’t only have similar names and abbreviations. This article will talk about the key differences and similarities between IBS and IBD, along with common symptoms of each condition. We will also cover the process of getting an accurate diagnosis and how to find support for managing both conditions. Read more

How Much Does Zepbound Cost Without Insurance? While Zepbound may be effective, it can also be extremely pricey. One of the most pressing questions for people considering this treatment is cost – especially for those without insurance. In this post, we'll explore what you can expect to pay for Zepbound out of pocket, along with ways to save on this medication. Read more

Metformin and Alcohol: Can You Mix Them? If you’ve been prescribed metformin, you may be wondering if you can drink alcohol while taking this medication. This is a common question for people who are taking longer-term medications like metformin. In this blog post, we’ll explore how metformin and alcohol interact. We’ll also discuss if it's safe to mix them, and other risks and side effects of drinking as a type 2 diabetic. Read more

How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety Fast When left unaddressed, stress and anxiety can grow and cast a shadow over your life. This article will help you learn effective relaxation techniques that you can use to manage your stress levels and reduce anxiety. Read more

Understanding Stress and Anxiety: Differences, Symptoms, Causes Stress and anxiety often come up in the same conversation. Many people see a clear link between the two. After all, they do share many of the same symptoms. But despite their resemblance, both have different origins and causes. Understanding the link between the two and what sets them apart can help you better manage your stress and anxiety levels and improve your quality of life. Read more

How Does Exercise Improve Mental Health? Regular physical activity is one of the first forms of treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. This article will explain the mental health benefits of exercise, the best type of exercise for mental health, and how much you need. Read more

When Should I Get Tested for STDs? This article will outline some basic guidelines regarding who should get tested for which STDs and when. Read more

Anxiety and High Blood Pressure: What’s the Link? Both anxiety and high blood pressure affect millions of people across the world. They’re two separate medical conditions that occur independently of each other. At first glance, they may seem unrelated. However, research suggests they are more connected than many may have thought. Read more

What Does Genital Herpes Look Like? Symptoms and Treatment Options Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. It’s caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Part of the reason why herpes is so common is that it’s often asymptomatic, and it's very contagious. A herpes infection can be easily spread through saliva or skin-to-skin contact like kissing, oral sex and anal sex. Read more

How Long Does Chlamydia Last? Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. To treat chlamydia quickly, you need to get tested for prompt treatment. This article will detail some basic facts about chlamydia, including how long it lasts and how to treat it fast. Read more

Can Stress Cause Hives? Skin rashes caused by stress are sometimes known as “stress hives”. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this uncomfortable skin condition. Read more

High Blood Pressure and Dehydration: Are They Related? Most of your body — around 60% — is made up of water. So, it’s no wonder that staying hydrated is key to maintaining good health. Getting enough water helps your body perform important functions, like regulating your body temperature, getting rid of waste and protecting your joints and organs. But did you know your hydration levels can also impact your blood pressure? Read more

8 Ways to Get Rid of a Cough Fast Coughing is a reflex that happens so naturally that we normally don’t think twice about it. It’s how your body expels germs, dust, phlegm and more. An occasional cough is generally nothing to worry about - it helps to keep your throat clear and free of irritants. However, a persistent cough can be frustrating and disruptive. Read more

Cozy Cardio: Is It Right for You? Do you like the idea of doing cardio in fuzzy socks? How about catching up on your favorite TV show while getting your steps in? If so, you’re not alone. Cozy cardio is the latest viral fitness trend. It's taking social media by storm for its refreshing and comforting take on exercise. Read more

9 Home Remedies for Nausea Nausea strikes quickly, and it can hit hard. From motion sickness to morning sickness, there is almost nothing worse than the feeling of nausea—the sensation you get right before you vomit. Luckily, there are many natural remedies you can use at home to settle these symptoms without using medication. Read more

Do Melatonin Sleep Gummies Actually Work? Does the idea of a fruity, chewable gummy that promises a better night’s sleep appeal to you? If it does, you’re not alone. Over the past several years, sleep gummies - fruity chews that typically contain melatonin and other sleep-inducing ingredients like l-theanine - have become increasingly popular. But growing demand for these trendy sweets also begs a serious question: do sleep gummies actually work? Read on to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of melatonin gummies for a better night’s sleep. Read more

Mouth Tape for Sleep: 5 Things You Should Know Between viral dance trends and Cottagecore content, you may have caught a glimpse of influencers gushing about the benefits of sleeping with a piece of tape over their mouths. This lifestyle “hack” is supposed to help you improve your sleep and avoid dry mouth when you wake up. But is it even safe to tape your mouth closed as you sleep? Read more

11 Ways to Stop Tooth Pain Fast From Home Tooth pain is one of the most common oral health complaints for adults. In fact, the CDC estimates that over 40% of adults experience it every year. And while toothaches may be common, they can also affect your diet, sleep, and other important components of your life. Let’s talk about some of the reasons why you may be experiencing tooth pain, along with some helpful home remedies for temporary relief from toothaches. Read more

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