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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

Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Gestational diabetes (or gestational diabetes mellitus) is a form of diabetes that affects pregnant women. In this blog article, we’ll look into what causes gestational diabetes, the symptoms it causes, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. 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

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

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

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

Phlegm Color: Green, Yellow, and Brown 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes for All: Vegan, Gluten-Free & More Hosting Thanksgiving can come with a heaping serving of stress, especially when your guests have dietary restrictions. Fear not! We understand the challenge and have crafted a delightful array of side dish recipes that not only taste amazing but are also easily modifiable. 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

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

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP): What Are the Benefits? Healthcare is a significant part of our monthly expenses, so it's vital to understand your options in order to choose the best healthcare plan for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll be unpacking high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), one of the most common types of health insurance in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about this type of health coverage. 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

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

Best Bread for Diabetes 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

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

4 Safe Ways to Delay Your Period 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

How to Get Rid of Phlegm 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

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, Get $10: 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

5 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

The 8 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

Sesame Announces New Partnership with Costco Accessing healthcare should be as easy and affordable as shopping at Costco - and for Costco members, it now is. 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

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

Sinus Infection vs. COVID: Symptoms and Treatment 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

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

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

Sexual Health Q&A When we talk about health, the conversation often revolves around diet, exercise, and mental wellness. While these aspects are undeniably crucial for a balanced life, there's another equally important facet of health that often gets swept under the rug—sexual health. In honor of Sexual Health Awareness Month, we spoke with Sesame’s medical director, Dr. Allison Edwards, MD, to address some questions about safe sex practices, contraceptive methods, and the importance of emotional well-being and healthy interpersonal relationships. Read more

Why Medicaid Redeterminations Are Paused in 12 States The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) is calling on a number of states to pause Medicaid redeterminations after identifying a number of disenrollment issues and procedural errors. Read more

Counselor or Therapist: What’s Best for Me? A counselor or therapist is a good place to start for those seeking treatment for a mental health problem or for people just looking to talk through life’s bumps and bruises with someone. While both of these types of caregivers work directly with patients to address their concerns and needs, their professions vary in crucial ways. Learning the difference between a counselor and a therapist can help you make a more informed decision about the type of care that’s best for you. 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

First 10 Drugs Named for Medicare Price Negotiations On Tuesday morning, the U.S. government announced the first 10 drugs subject to direct negotiations between Medicare and pharmaceutical companies. For the first time ever, Medicare will be able to hash out medication prices directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers. The initiative aims to make essential medications more affordable for millions of Americans and marks a significant step in a broader strategy to rein in soaring drug costs. Read more

Psychiatrist or Psychologist: What’s Best for Me? Many people don’t know the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist, if they know there is one. While both psychiatrists and psychologists can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, these professions differ slightly in how they approach the practice and the treatment options they can offer. Learning the difference between these mental health providers can help you make a more informed decision about who you see and why. Read more

Therapist or Psychologist: What’s Best for Me? Whether you are new to mental health care, getting back into it, or searching for a new provider, knowing the difference between practitioners makes all the difference in the world. Learning the difference between therapists and psychologists can help you make a more informed decision about who you see and why. Read more

Can Medication Treat Vision Loss? More than 90 million Americans over 40—3 in 5 people in this age range—have some form of vision loss. This includes 1 million people classified as legally blind and 3 million with vision impairment after correction. The National Eye Institute (NEI) estimates these numbers will double by the year 2050. If you or a loved one are managing vision loss, you should know that several treatment options are available to help slow the progression of your condition and even improve vision in some cases. Read more

Understanding Grief, Loss and Trauma: A Conversation with a Grief Counselor Grief is a deeply personal and universal experience that affects everyone at different times and in varying intensities at some point in their lives, whether it’s the passing of a family member or the end of a relationship. Unfortunately, talking about mourning, loss and trauma can be extremely difficult, and because of this, many of us have lingering questions about the grieving process. In honor of National Grief Awareness Day, we sat down with Sesame clinician Dr. Sarah Williams, LMHC, a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in grief, loss, and trauma, to address these questions and more. Read more

Blue Shield Drops CVS for Cost Plus Drugs, Amazon In a significant healthcare industry shake-up, Blue Shield of California - one of the state’s largest health insurers - has made the decision to restructure its pharmacy benefit. Despite a long-standing relationship with CVS’s Caremark, they are hiring a new Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM), Abarca, and adding services from Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs and Amazon Pharmacy for mail order delivery (largely for generic drugs). Read more

Back-to-School Health Tips August means it's time to start thinking about school again. Swimsuit racks become backpack aisles, and pool toys are swapped with school supplies on store shelves. Summer is winding down, and the new school year is approaching. We’ve put together a simple list of tips you can use to help ensure that your kids stay healthy and safe this coming year. Read more

Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine May Save Employers Cash, Study Finds With nearly 40% of Americans putting off medical care due to cost last year and healthcare costs topping $31,000 for a family of 4 in 2023, the need for a healthcare model that prioritizes accessible, affordable care has never been more critical – but new research hints that direct-to-consumer telemedicine may be part of the cure both for employees and employers. Read more

4 Benefits of Teledentistry Teledentistry has developed into a multibillion-dollar industry that is improving access to dental care for millions of Americans. The benefits of teledentistry are as profound as they are many. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most crucial advantages of teledentistry and how this exciting new platform can save you time and money. Read more

Lower Left Back Pain from Internal Organs Lower back pain is a condition that’s becoming increasingly common, affecting nearly 70% of adults at some stage in their lives. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that lower back pain, or LBP, is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. Lower back pain can often be attributed to injuries in muscles, ligaments or the spine. However, when the pain is felt on one side of your back, such as the lower left side of your back, it can be a sign of a more serious issue with internal organs like the kidneys, colon, uterus or pancreas. Read more

Breast Cancer: Facts and Resources Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 300,590 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2023. Globally, breast cancer accounts for 12.5% of all new cancer diagnoses yearly. To help better understand breast cancer—how prevalent it is, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and how to prevent it—we put together this guide. Read more

What is Teledentistry? Understanding Online Dental Care Telehealth (or telemedicine), the crossroads of telecommunication technologies and health care, changed Americans’ access to health care. From online mental health appointments to prescription refills, these live video meetings connect patients to health care providers in real-time. But what about oral health care? Read more

Statins Statins are a class of prescription drugs used to treat high cholesterol. According to Harvard Medical School, nearly half of American men between the ages of 65 and 74 use statins. Almost 39% of women over the age of 75 use these drugs. Nearly a quarter of all American adults over 45 are taking some form of statin medication for high cholesterol. In this article, we'll take a look at what statins are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

The Best Therapist Directories: Pricing, Pros and Cons of Listing Your Practice Therapist directory platforms have emerged as a critical tool for professionals seeking to expand their client base. Yet, with a plethora of choices available, understanding the benefits, limitations, and costs associated with each platform is vital for making an informed decision.Read more

4 UV Protection Products Protecting our skin from harmful UV rays is paramount, but let's face it - amidst the excitement of outdoor activities and the tranquility of lazy days, remembering to slather on another layer of sunscreen can slip our minds. That’s why we've compiled a list of innovative UV protection products to supplement your sunscreen usage and bridge the gaps in your summer skin routine. Read more

3 Benefits of Online Urgent Care Over the past four years, telehealth has become more and more prevalent in health care. Across a wide range of specialties, doctors and patients have found that video visits are effective, convenient and affordable. In this post, we’ll explore one of the leading areas for telehealth use: Urgent care. Read more

Diabetes Medication: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Diabetes medication is a broad family of drugs used to help control blood sugar levels in patients managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While there is a diversity of diabetes medications available, they are primarily administered in oral or injectable form. Most of these drugs contain some form of the insulin hormone, which plays a key role in regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels. In this article we will take a look at what diabetes medications are, what they're used for, and how to use them.
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Fibrates: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Fibrates are a class of drugs that lower triglyceride levels in the body. Health care providers use this combined action to treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and high levels of lipids (hyperlipidemia) in adults. In this article we will take a look at what fibrates are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Bronchodilators: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Bronchodilators are drugs used to relieve asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These drugs help dilate—or widen—the organs (bronchi) that allow airflow to and from the lungs. In this article we will take a look at what bronchodilators are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Urgent Care: Know Before You Go Urgent care centers provide crucial medical care for non-life-threatening medical concerns. Urgent care locations are plentiful and highly convenient. Visits to an urgent care clinic also cost, on average, less than a trip to a primary care doctor’s office. These medical facilities offer rapid, and high-quality care to patients who do not have health insurance or are under-insured, and often save patients an unnecessary trip to the emergency room. However, there are a few basic facts about urgent care facilities that you should keep in mind before you go. Read more

Is Medical Debt Affecting Your Credit? As health insurance deductibles and premiums increase at record numbers, medical debt is growing more and more common for millions of Americans. According to a recent Lending Tree Survey, almost a quarter of Americans have unpaid medical bills – and medical debt doesn't just impact those without insurance. Here’s what you need to know about medical debt and its impact on your credit score. Read more

Diuretics: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Diuretics, also known as water pills, help release excess fluid from the body through urine. This action is used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, edema (fluid retention in the body), and other conditions. Diuretics pull sodium from the kidneys into the urine. This helps reduce overall fluid levels, which can lower blood pressure. In this article we will take a look at what diuretics are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Shopping for Care: How to Reboot the US Healthcare System Today in the New York Times, an excellent guest essay by a pair of economists, Drs. Liran Einav and Amy Finkelstein, highlights how America's fragmented approach to providing health care has us spending a lot but getting a little. Still, it's shocking to see that, despite large-scale reforms like the Affordable Care Act, the United States still spends twice as much, proportionally, as other countries for health care. Despite that, we spend just as much of a share of our economy on public financing for health care, compared to countries with universal insurance. [Read more]

Be Cool: Summer High-Temp Health Tips School’s out, the weather’s warm, and the living is easy. These summer months are perfect for outdoor adventures and soaking up as much sunshine as possible. Unfortunately, they’re also ripe for sunburns, dehydration, and other health problems that pause your plans. We want you and your family to get the most out of your summer activities. Whether heading to the beach, hiking, or tackling yard work, these simple safety tips can help you stay healthy and safe in high temperatures. [Read more]

Everything You Need to Know About Tick Bites Ticks are tiny, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of humans and animals. There are over 900 species of tick, many of which are found in the United States. Of this diversity, only a few types of tick actually bite and spread pathogens like viruses and bacteria that cause disease. While many tick bites are harmless and do not cause any symptoms, bites from a tick can cause an allergic reaction or worse. Because of this, tick bite identification, symptom monitoring, and treatment are crucial in preventing serious complications. Read more

NSAIDs: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) treat inflammation and pain symptoms caused by various medical conditions. NSAIDs are also known as pain relievers or painkillers. In this article we will take a look at what NSAIDs are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Antihistamines: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Antihistamines are a class of drugs that are used to treat the symptoms of allergies. In this article we will take a look at what antihistamines are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Are You Choosing the Right Health Care Plan? Navigating the maze of healthcare plans can be a daunting task. Between the jargon, fine print and confusing acronyms, picking the right plan can feel incredibly overwhelming. In fact, the complexity of healthcare plans often leads people to spend more money than necessary. You might think that opting for a plan with a low deductible or shiny label like "Platinum" is the best choice, but the answer may surprise you. Read more

Birth Control Pills: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Birth control pills are oral contraceptives used to prevent pregnancy. These drugs are sometimes known as “the pill,” as they are commonly supplied as an oral tablet taken once a day. Birth control pills are among the most effective methods of birth control. When taken correctly, this form of birth control is 99% effective at preventing pregnancies. In this article, we will take a look at what birth control pills are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Antihypertensives: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Antihypertensive drugs–also known as antihypertensive agents–are a class of medications used to treat high blood pressure. The word “antihypertensive” describes diverse sub-classes of drugs, all used to help lower blood pressure. In this article, we will take a look at what antihypertensives are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

HIV Prevention Drugs: What You Need to Know HIV is still an ongoing public health concern around the world, but there is no denying that we have entered an era marked by a steep reduction in newly diagnosed HIV cases. While testing rates have slowly increased, recent developments in preventive medicine have yielded some of the most dramatic results in slowing the spread of HIV. In this article, we will look at this relatively new class of prophylactic medication, specifically what these drugs are, how they work, and what to expect when taking them. Read more

Antidepressants: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Antidepressants are prescription drugs used by health care professionals to treat depression. There are many different types of antidepressants. The word “antidepressant” is an umbrella classification for diverse subgroups of drugs used to treat depression. In this article, we will take a look at what antidepressants are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Should I Go To Urgent Care or the ER? Some health concerns require immediate medical attention. However, you may experience uncertainty about where to go to get the care you need. It’s not always easy to determine whether or not you need to go to a walk-in clinic, an urgent care center, or the emergency room. Here are the differences between these medical centers to help you make a more informed decision. Read more

Urgent Care vs. Primary Care: When and Where To Go Seeking medical care after an injury or illness can be stressful. Not only are you dealing with a medical problem, but you also may not know where to go. While primary care and urgent care clinics diagnose and treat many of the same conditions and concerns, there are significant nuances between these health care services. In this article, we’ll outline the differences between primary and urgent care and recommend where and when to go based on your condition. Read more

Minority Mental Health Month Since 2008, July has been designated as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This observance is held in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, one of the founder members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Urban Los Angeles. Her grassroots and creative work focused on mental health in BIPOC communities, making her a trailblazing figure in helping to destigmatize mental health conversations in underresourced communities. In honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, Sesame is joining organizations nationwide in observance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. We’ve put together some basic facts and resources to push this conversation forward and pay tribute to Bebe Moore Campbell's work. Read more

Keeping Your Cholesterol in Check During Cook-out Season Nothing says “summer” like the smell of hamburgers and hotdogs sizzling on the grill. Unfortunately for our collective cardiovascular systems, however, the centerpieces of a summer cookout can significantly alter cholesterol levels and lead to damaging results for people managing high cholesterol or blood pressure levels. Don’t worry; you can make many heart-healthy swaps and changes and still enjoy a grilling session. These easy adjustments allow you to enjoy a delicious summer feast without worrying about spiking cholesterol levels. Read more

Food for the Brain: How to Eat for Your Mind The brain only makes up 2% of an adult’s body weight, but it consumes nearly 20% of the body’s energy. With that in mind, it only makes sense that keeping your body properly fueled is a key component of brain health and cognitive function. In honor of World Brain Day, we sought advice from Sesame registered dietitian nutritionist Brittany Bettingen MS, RDN, on how to bolster cognitive capabilities - memory, focus and beyond - through dietary modifications. Read more

Healthcare costs expected to rise 7% in 2024 Healthcare consumers across the nation are bracing themselves for an impending increase in healthcare costs. According to a recent report from major consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the cost of treating patients is projected to rise by 7% in 2024, driven by providers’ expense growth and subsequent rate increases. Read more

Antibiotics: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Antibiotics are a type of antimicrobial drug used to treat bacterial infections. Doctors use these drugs in the treatment of humans and animals. In this article, we will take a look at what antibiotics are, what they are used for, and how to use them. Read more

How To Treat A Sunburn When the allure of sunny days draws us outdoors, we often forget the flip side of soaking up the sun - the dreaded sunburn. The discomfort of sunburn is a common consequence of overexposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Common as they are, sunburns are more than just a temporary inconvenience; they can lead to significant discomfort and long-term skin and skin cell damage - including melanoma skin cancer - if not treated appropriately. Read more

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