“Common Sense” Solutions Won’t Fix Our Drug Prices. We Need A Different Approach. Last week, the New York Times published an article entitled, "Six Reasons Drug Prices Are So High in the US." The authors, Rebecca Robbins and Christina Jewett, point to a series of causes: a lack of central negotiators, a lack of price controls, the presence of perverse incentives, patent gaming, and a fragmented and complicated system. All of these points are correct – and ultimately irrelevant. Read more
Zepbound vs Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is best? Curious about the buzzy new weight loss medications featured all over your social feeds? You’re not alone. In recent years, GLP-1 and GIP diabetes medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) have been making waves - and in 2023, Zepbound (tirzepatide) secured a spot on the roster as well. However, understanding the nuances of these medications is crucial. In this blog, we'll dive into the differences in how Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound function. Read more
Top 19 Foods To Combat Cancer While there's no single food that will protect people from cancer, there are a number of foods that are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals and other compounds. These compounds may kill cancer cells, reduce tumor growth or reduce the risk of developing cancer. We've highlighted 19 of these anti-cancer foods below. We'll explain how they may contribute to cancer prevention and why they’re an important part of a balanced diet. From blueberries to seaweed, each of these foods brings something unique to the table. Read more
Can You Fly With an Ear Infection? Risks, Tips & Treatment Air travel can be even worse if you fly with an ear infection. This article features travel suggestions and treatment options for you and your family. Read more
Heart Health: 9 Simple & Effective Tips for a Healthy Heart February is American Heart Month; a time to focus on your heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans. Nearly half of all American adults–47% or 116 million people–have high blood pressure (hypertension). It’s never too late to help your heart. Read on for tips to improve your vascular function for a stronger, healthier heart. Read more
How Thyroid Problems Affect Women and Treatment Options Women are more often affected by thyroid problems than men. Learn more about the most common issues, their symptoms, and when you should see a doctor. Read more
7 Proven Ways to Boost Your Metabolism Quick-fix trends focused on “fat-burning” foods and “no-carb diets” are not likely to improve your metabolism. Rather, boosting your metabolism is about making small, sustainable changes to your lifestyle and diet. In this blog post, we'll dive into some medically-backed ways to enhance and maintain your metabolic health and wellness goals. Read more
8 Top Questions to Ask Your Doctor At Your Next Appointment Take control of your health and health care. Use these top questions to learn about health issues, risk factors, and ways to improve your overall health. Read more
The Best Cough Medicines: OTC, Prescription & Home Remedies There are a wide range of medications on the market intended to ease coughing. In this article, we will detail some of your best options. Read more
Are Diabetes Drugs for Weight Loss Safe? An Expert Explains In the ever-evolving weight loss solution space, diabetes medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have been stealing the spotlight in recent years. With a surge of articles and stories populating our Instagram feeds and TV channels, these medications have sparked a wave of curiosity and debate. Are they the game-changers they're touted to be in the realm of weight loss? How safe and effective are diabetes medications when used for weight loss? And how do you know if they’re right for you? Read more
How Does Metformin Help You Lose Weight? Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed diabetes drugs. It is also gaining traction as a weight loss drug. However, some uncertainty remains around what metformin is and how it is used. This article will provide basic facts you need to know before taking metformin: how it works, its side effects, and who it may be right for. Read more
Zepbound for Weight Loss: How it Works Zepbound (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved to treat obesity. Learn more about this weight loss medication, including how it works and how to use it. Read more
Victoza for Weight Loss: What You Should Know Victoza is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also gaining attention for its off-label use, helping patients lose weight. This article will detail some need-to-know facts about Victoza, including its uses, effect on the body, common side effects, and dosage information. Read more
Saxenda for Weight Loss: What You Need to Know Saxenda (liraglutide) is among the growing list of diabetes medications being used for weight loss. This article will explain some basic facts about Saxenda. It will detail its possible side effects and who it may be right for. Read more
Sober Curious? What You Need to Know Sober curiosity has a broad range of purposes when practiced by different people. This article will detail the origins of the sober curious movement, ways to be sober curious, and how mindful drinking can affect your physical and mental health. Read more
Wegovy for Weight Loss: Everything You Need to Know Wegovy is a recent entry into the expanding group of prescription drugs used to help people lose weight. This article will detail some basic facts about Wegovy, including how it works, its recommended dosage, and its side effects. Read more
Getting Rid of Yeast Infections: Treatment and Prevention A complete guide to yeast infections. Learn more about the causes of this condition, its symptoms, prescription treatment options, and prevention strategies Read more
2024 New Year's Resolutions Outlook As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, 2023, many will ring in the New Year with a fresh set of resolutions. But what types of physical and mental health goals are Americans setting for 2024, and what kind of obstacles stand in the way of accomplishing their resolutions? Read more
10k Steps a Day: Magic Number or Myth? Walking is one of the most popular and beneficial forms of exercise. 10,000 steps per day is a daily step count recommendation that is routinely passed around fitness and wellness circles. But do you really need 10,000 steps a day to walk your way to well-being? This article will explore the myths and facts behind 10,000 steps as a magic number for health, including where this figure came from in the first place. Read more
Rybelsus for Weight Loss: Uses, Side Effects, and Doses Rybelsus is a GLP-1 drug prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. It contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as the popular, brand-name weight loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic that are blowing up on social media. But what is Rybelsus? And does it work for weight loss? This article will detail basic facts about Rybelsus, including how it is used, how to take it, and possible side effects it may cause. Read more
Contrave for Weight Loss: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions Contrave is one of many weight loss drugs exploding onto the market. Unlike other medications prescribed for weight management, Contrave (bupropion and naltrexone) is FDA-approved for the treatment of obesity and excess weight in adults. But with all the weight management options out there, is Contrave right for you? This article will detail what Contrave is used for, how it works, what you should consider before taking it, and how it stacks up to other prescription weight-loss drugs. Read more
Diabetes Drugs for Weight Loss: 9 Medications That Work As obesity rates continue to rise globally, health care providers are turning to diverse treatment options to help patients lose weight. Among the growing crop of weight loss drugs on the market are several classes of diabetes medications. How do diabetes drugs help patients lose weight? This article will provide a broad overview of several diabetes drugs that may cause weight loss, including how they work, what side effects they cause, and who they may be right for. Read more
Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which Works Better? If you have questions about Wegovy or Ozempic, you’re not alone. These medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have gained significant popularity in the healthcare field in recent years, particularly as rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to rise in the United States - roughly 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes (about 90-95% percent have type 2 diabetes), and the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. was 41.9% between 2017 and March 2020, a significant increase from 30.5% in 1999-2000. Read more
Holiday Survival 101: 9 Ways to Cope With Difficult Family Members During the Holidays The holiday season is upon us, and what should be a festive time that brings loved ones closer together is, instead, a major stressor for a lot of people. According to our recent Holiday Stress Outlook, 18% of Americans attribute increased stress levels to navigating difficult family dynamics. We’ve put together a list of simple tips and self-care strategies to help you keep your cool during holiday family gatherings. Read more
Semaglutide for Weight Loss: Benefits, Side Effects & More This article will detail the various uses of semaglutide, how it works, its common side effects, and who it may be suitable for. Read more
What is a Compounding Pharmacy? Questions & Answers Compounding pharmacies are a unique type of drugmaker that play an integral role in healthcare. In this article, we’ll investigate the differences between these types of pharmacies and what role compounded medications play in our national healthcare system. Read more
Ozempic for Weight Loss: Benefits and Side Effects Among the new crop of weight loss medications, Ozempic has emerged as a hot item. This groundbreaking diabetes drug has garnered considerable attention from celebrities, social media influencers, and prescribers alike for its significant side effect – weight loss. This article will examine Ozempic’s efficacy as a weight loss drug, how it works, and what to consider before taking it. Read more
Topiramate (Topamax) for Weight Loss: How It Works, Risks, and Alternatives The weight loss medication boom has produced several promising solutions for the ongoing obesity crisis in the United States. Among these is the anti-epileptic drug topiramate, which is commonly sold under the brand name Topamax. Although the drug is not FDA-approved for weight loss, health care providers are increasingly prescribing topiramate and drugs like it to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This article will examine topiramate’s efficacy as a weight loss drug, how it works, and what to consider before taking it. Read more
Mounjaro vs. Wegovy: Which Works Best? Over the past several years, two new medications have emerged as significant players in the realm of diabetes management and weight loss: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). While both brands belong to the same class of drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, they have distinct characteristics, mechanisms of action and suitability for different patients. This post aims to unravel these differences, providing clarity on how Mounjaro and Wegovy work, their specific Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals and their individual side effects and prices. Read more
Mounjaro for Weight Loss: Does it Work? New weight loss medications make headlines every few months. Mounjaro is gaining steam based on its remarkable efficacy in helping patients lose weight. Although the drug is not FDA-approved for weight loss, health care providers are increasingly prescribing Mounjaro and drugs like it to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This article will examine how effective Mounjaro is as a weight loss drug, how it works, and what to consider before taking it. Read more
Flexible Spending Accounts vs Health Savings Accounts In the complex world of health insurance and medical expenses, two terms often stand out: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). While both HSAs and FSAs offer unique benefits for managing healthcare expenses, understanding their differences is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your financial and healthcare needs. Read more
How to Spend Your FSA Funds To help you get the most out of your healthcare plan, we’ve compiled a list of 15 helpful, healthy ways to use those last bits of FSA funds. Read more
How Long Are You Contagious with COVID-19? Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of COVID-19 can be a bit of a maze, especially when it comes to understanding how long you're contagious for. With recommendations and guidelines frequently changing, it's understandable if you find yourself scratching your head, wondering just how long you should isolate to keep yourself and others healthy. But fret not! We've compiled a handy list of some of the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 infectiousness, aimed at shedding light on this perplexing topic. Read more
Messaging Is Now Available On Sesame Have you ever left a doctor's appointment and needed clarification on medical advice, wanted peace of mind after experiencing a side effect from a new medication, or realized that you completely forgot to ask a question during your visit? In the complex world of healthcare, it’s not uncommon to think of important queries after meeting with your healthcare provider - which is why messaging is now available on Sesame! Read more
TX and TN Empower Patients with Deductible Credits for Cash Payments A transformative shift in the healthcare industry has emerged on the horizon for residents of Texas and Tennessee. Both states have signed into law a groundbreaking healthcare reform that is poised to reshape the way Americans think about shopping for healthcare: insured consumers in TX and TN can now receive deductible credit when they opt to pay in cash for covered medical services. Read more
Sesame Announces New Partnership With Sittercity If you’ve ever cared for a child, then you’ve likely sacrificed sleep, skipped meals, or put your own healthcare needs on the back burner - which can lead to high stress, burnout and other negative physical and mental health consequences. And if you’re one of the thousands of child caregivers without access to employer benefits like health coverage, those consequences can be financially detrimental as well. Read more
Gestational Diabetes Diet: What to Eat for a Healthy Pregnancy Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy that affects 6% of all pregnancies in the US. This type of diabetes occurs during the hormone rush of pregnancy, which can alter how your body uses insulin. This blog article will detail eating strategies and food recommendations to help mitigate gestational diabetes. Read more
How to Find Free Online Therapy Online therapy gives patients access to mental health services without the requirement of showing up in person. There are many benefits to online therapy sessions, but it’s important to know what type of care you can expect from these free services. In this blog article, we’ll detail what free online therapy services and mental health resources are available and how to access them. Read more
Best Overactive Bladder Medications An overactive bladder (OAB) can severely disrupt your everyday life. The frequent and urgent need to urinate, coupled with a loss of bladder control, can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Luckily, many treatment options are available to help control this condition and prevent the adverse personal effects it can cause. While there is a range of ways to combat OAB, this article will focus on medicated treatment, as well as how they work, where to find them, and the most common side effects they can cause. Read more
Coinsurance vs Copay: The Differences With Examples If you’ve ever had to purchase or apply for health insurance, then you’ve probably realized that open enrollment is arguably one of the most unpleasant times of the year. Still, understanding these concepts is critical when it comes to managing your healthcare expenses effectively. In this blog post, we'll explore what coinsurance and copays are, their differences, and how they impact your health care costs. Read more
How to Reverse Prediabetes with Lifestyle Changes & Medication Unlike other forms of diabetes, prediabetes can be reversed. A healthy diet, increased physical activity, and weight loss can all help turn prediabetes around and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Read more
Normal Blood Sugar Levels: What You Need to Know Blood sugar, or glucose, is a primary energy source for our bodies. Understanding what normal blood sugar levels are, how to identify irregularities, and when to see a doctor can play a vital role in diabetes care and maintaining overall wellness. In this blog post, we’ll do a deeper dive into what blood sugar is, what normal blood sugar levels look like, and how to identify signs of abnormal blood sugar levels. Read more
Holiday 2023 Stress Outlook With the holiday season nearing, Sesame conducted our annual pulse check on holiday stress in America. We delved into the most prevalent stressors, their effects on mental health and well-being, and whether or not consumers are reaching out for support. Dive into the results here. Read more
Prediabetes Medication: Your Best Options Prediabetes is a medical condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. It serves as a warning sign that an individual is at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Read more
Lower Right Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Lower back pain on the right side stems from various causes and underlying conditions. Determining the origin of the pain, whether it be spinal misalignment, ligament sprain, or organ dysfunction, is crucial for treatment. In this blog article, we will detail some of the most common causes of lower right back pain and how to treat the root of the problem. Read more
How to Find a Free Online Doctor Telehealth (online medical care) has made it easier to get affordable healthcare without the hassle of going to a clinic in person. It has also made it easier to pay for sub-standard health services. In this article, we’ll untangle the vast web of free and low-cost healthcare options available to consumers to help you find the type of care you need. Read more
10 Tips to Keep Your Bladder Healthy November has been designated as Bladder Health Awareness Month, a time to educate yourself on how vital bladder health is to your overall well-being. In observance of Bladder Health Awareness Month, we’ve compiled a list of easy-to-use tips to keep your bladder in tip-top shape. Read more
Ask Sesame Anything: Your Health Questions, Answered Dealing with any idle curiosities or nagging health questions? We welcomed readers to share their health queries, and then teamed up with Sesame’s Medical Director, Dr. Allison Edwards, MD, to address as many questions as possible below. Read more
Lower Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Acute and chronic back pain can affect patients’ quality of life, mobility, and long-term health. In this blog article, we’ll dive deep into the primary causes of lower back pain, the symptoms it causes, and the standard treatment options available. Read more
How to Delay Your Period Naturally: What Actually Works Have you ever planned an epic beach vacation, only to have Aunt Flo show up without an invite? Or trained for a marathon and realized that you’ll be dealing with more than just leg cramps on race day? If so, then you’ve probably wondered if there’s a way to skip or delay your period. Read more
What Does Green, Yellow Or Brown Phlegm Mean? Phlegm is a sticky, gooey substance that protects your airways from viruses, bacteria, allergens, and other pollutants we often inhale. Too much phlegm may be a sign of infection and illness. In this blog article, we’ll take a look at what causes your body to make too much phlegm and what the different colors of this natural mucus might mean for your health. Read more
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Difference? Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is one of the most common chronic diseases in America, but despite its increasing prevalence, diabetes is still misunderstood by some. In this article, we will detail the similarities and differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes to shed some light on these common conditions. We will look at the various causes of this disease, its symptoms, and the divergent treatment options for the different types of diabetes. Read more
How to Get Rid of Phlegm: Home Remedies and Medication Mucus is a sticky substance made by cell tissues in your nose, sinuses, airways, and mouth that filters your airways, trapping dust, allergens, and other irritants we inhale. However, illness and allergic reactions can cause mucus to build up, causing uncomfortable symptoms. In this blog article, we’ll break down several easy at-home remedies to eliminate excess mucus and phlegm from your airways, nose, and throat. We will also look at the various causes of mucus buildup, the symptoms it causes, and medicinal treatment options for persistent mucus. Read more
Breast Cancer Screenings: Facts and Guidelines October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a whole month explicitly dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. In observance, we have put together a guide to breast cancer screenings. This article will detail screening recommendations for women, different screening tests, and how to screen yourself. Read more
10 Breakfast Foods for People with Diabetes The day's most important meal is even more important for people managing type 1 and 2 diabetes. The morning meal is crucial in regulating blood sugar metabolism after a night’s fasting. However, many filling and satisfying breakfast foods are also carbohydrate-heavy. These diabetic-friendly breakfast foods are delicious, nutritious, and filling. Work these meals into your weekly diet to get your day started right. Read more
What is the Best Bread for Diabetics? Options and Tips Bread is not taboo for a diabetes diet plan as long as you know what to look for. Below, you’ll find some tips about what to look for when browsing the bread aisle and what to avoid. We’ll also point you toward some of your local grocery store's best bread brand options. Read more
8 Ways to Improve Lung Capacity October is Healthy Lung Month, a month dedicated to focusing on your respiratory health. Sesame is joining with organizations nationwide to raise awareness about lung health. This October is an excellent opportunity to pay increased attention to how they work and how you can improve their function. In this blog post, we'll detail some at-home strategies to increase your lung capacity and ensure your body gets oxygen. Read more
Are You Comparison Shopping for Healthcare? Here’s Why It Matters. When shopping for household goods or clothing, we often compare prices between stores or online platforms to ensure we get the best deal. Surprisingly, this behavior isn’t as common when it comes to healthcare, even though a recent study has revealed that prices for the exact same services can vary by thousands of dollars from hospital to hospital. Read more
Give $10 Off: Sesame Launches Refer-A-Friend Program We are excited to announce Sesame's first-ever referral program, a new initiative designed to reward both current Sesame customers and their friends. This program aligns with our ongoing mission to make healthcare more accessible, transparent and affordable. Here's everything you need to know. Read more
The 9 Best Fruits for Diabetics When managing diabetes, understanding what you consume plays a significant role in keeping your blood sugar levels in check. One of the areas many people get confused about is fruits – are they good for diabetics? And if so, which ones? The reality is that not all fruits are created equal. In this blog post, we'll break down the best fruits to incorporate into your diabetes diet, along with their GI, GL, and other nutritional benefits. Read more
Bloodshot Eyes: Causes and Relief Bloodshot eyes can be both uncomfortable and concerning. Whether you've just glanced in the mirror to find your eyes tinged with red, or you've been struggling with this issue for a while, you likely have questions. What causes bloodshot eyes? How can you find relief? And when should you consult a healthcare professional? Read more
Ragweed Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment Options Ragweed is a flowering plant found across North America. We put together this guide to help you manage the ragweed pollen season with minimal discomfort. Read more
Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds We obviously love sesame seeds here at Sesame. Why? Sesame seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses. Packed with protein, nutrients, and healthy fats, these little kernels from the sesame plant can help with weight loss, heart health, and more. Read more
Sesame Announces New Partnership with Costco On September 25, Sesame and Costco announced a partnership to offer special discount pricing to all Costco Members on a broad range of outpatient medical care offered at Sesame. Read more
Sinus Infection vs. COVID-19: How to Tell the Difference A sinus infection and a coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection can appear similarly. COVID-19, like a sinus infection, can cause symptoms such as congestion, headaches, sinus pain, and more. These two illnesses do have some marked differences, though. Understanding these discrepancies can help you take the proper precautions and receive appropriate treatment. Read more
Flu vs COVID: Symptoms and Treatment Respiratory illnesses like the flu, the common cold, and the coronavirus become more prevalent between October and May, usually peaking from December to February. These illnesses usually cause similar symptoms. Because of this, it can be hard to tell whether or not you are managing a cold, the flu, or COVID-19. Understanding the differences between these diseases can help you take the necessary precautions during this coming flu season. Read more
Cold vs. COVID: Symptoms and Treatment Understanding the differences between respiratory diseases helps you protect yourself and your loved ones and get the proper treatment quickly if an infection does occur. While the common cold and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms, these illnesses have marked differences. A basic knowledge of these contrasts will help you take care of yourself and get efficient treatment. Read more
Cold Vs Flu: What's the Difference? When you start to feel a tickle in your throat or a sniffle in your nose, you may wonder if you've caught a cold or the flu. Both ailments are respiratory infections, but they're caused by different viruses and can have significantly different levels of severity. Knowing which one you're dealing with is crucial for getting the right treatment and taking proper precautions to prevent spreading it to others. Read more
Can't Afford Health Insurance? 5 Ways to Save on Costs Health insurance costs are taking the biggest jumps in years, according to the Wall Street Journal. A recent report projects that costs for employer coverage will rise by around 6.5% for 2024, while premiums for people who have individual insurance plans sold under the Affordable Care Act are expected to rise by about 6% next year. If you find yourself in either situation, here are five important considerations for the future: Read more
High Cholesterol Education: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment High cholesterol is one of the most prevalent and dangerous medical conditions worldwide. Complicating matters is that high cholesterol is hard to detect on its own. It is often called a “silent killer” as it causes few noticeable symptoms, meaning those managing the condition may not even know they have it. Because of this, it’s essential to understand what high cholesterol is, its associated risks, and how to treat the condition. Read more
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