Vaginal Yeast Infection: Symptoms and Causes Vaginal yeast infections are one of the most common women’s health issues - so common, in fact, that they affect approximately 75% of women at some point in their lives. However, yeast infection symptoms can be identical to symptoms of other more serious conditions, such as dermatitis (skin irritation), certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis. Because of those similarities, it’s important to understand vaginal yeast infection causes, symptoms, testing and treatment options so that the infection can be identified and managed effectively. In this blog post, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about vaginal yeast infections, causes and symptoms, along with treatment options and preventative measures to help women stay healthy and comfortable. Read more

5 Ways To Get Rid of a Cold Sore Fast Cold sores - also known as oral herpes or herpes labialis - are small fluid-filled blisters that appear on or around the lips. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly half of all Americans between the age of 14 and 49 carry the herpes virus that causes these sores (sometimes referred to as fever blisters). Once infected, you carry the virus for life. Although cold sores cannot be cured, there are several treatment options available to reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing process. Read more

April Eats: Overnight Oats Recipes To Jumpstart Your Day As the sun starts to shine a little brighter and the days grow longer, we're all looking for ways to make the most of the abundant fruits that April has to offer. What better way to enjoy the season's freshest produce than by incorporating them into a delicious and nutritious breakfast? In this blog post, we're excited to share three scrumptious overnight oats recipes featuring the vibrant flavors of three seasonal fruits: strawberries, bananas and apricots. These fruits add a unique burst of flavor and distinct health benefits that'll give you the perfect start to your day. Read more

How to Get Rid of a UTI Fast UTIs are the second most common form of infection in the body and are singularly responsible for about 8 million doctor visits every year. While these infections are easily treatable, they can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms. If you’re experiencing symptoms or early warning signs of a UTI, read on. We’ve put together some quick facts about UTIs, as well as 5 tips to get rid of one fast. Read more

Mind-Gut Connection: How Stress Impacts Gut Health While we are all familiar with the impact of stress on mental well-being, research also shows that there’s an intricate connection between stress and our digestive system. This connection, known as the mind-gut axis, is an essential aspect of our overall health that warrants deeper understanding and attention. In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, we spoke with Dr. Adam Moskowitz, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, to talk about the connection between stress and diet, and how disruptions to that connection can trigger or exacerbate gastrointestinal issues like constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Read more

UTIs in Men: What You Need to Know Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly common bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Women are significantly more at risk for these infections than men, but that does not mean that men are immune to UTIs. In this article, we’ll investigate the prevalence, causes, and symptoms of UTIs in men; we’ll also look into possible treatment options and preventative measures against these infections. Read more

What Is Pregnancy Nose? During pregnancy, the body undergoes a rollercoaster of changes as it evolves from solo act to human incubator. Sometimes, those changes are amazing (who hasn’t heard about the famed pregnancy glow or the voluminous hair?), but some developments (swollen feet, weight gain, morning sickness, strange cravings that'll have you questioning your own sanity) leave much to be desired - and thanks to a recent viral TikTok trend, we can add one more bizarre phenomenon to the list: pregnancy nose. Read more

Telehealth Vs In-Person Care: Which Is Right For You? If you’ve tried telehealth for the first time over the past several years, you’re not alone! When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, there was a large shift in patients from in-person care to telehealth due to over-crowded hospitals, lack of in-person provider availability and fears about the spread of coronavirus in waiting rooms. Since then, telehealth has skyrocketed in popularity amongst providers and patients, with research showing that telehealth usage levels are 38x higher now than they were pre-pandemic. However, it can be difficult to know which appointment is best suited for your type of care needs. In this comparison, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of both in-person and virtual appointments so that you can decide which care type is right for you. Read more

Common Causes of Lower Abdomen Pain In Females Lower abdominal pain is one of the most common medical complaints among females of all ages. Sometimes referred to as pelvic pain, these aches and cramps generally occur below the belly button and above the pelvic bone. There is no single cause of lower abdominal pain in females. In this article, we will examine some of the most prevalent causes of lower abdominal pain in females as well as some of the treatment options available to reduce symptoms. Read more

IBS: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common condition that afflicts 10-15% of Americans. Also known as IBS, this condition is a collection of symptoms that affect the gastrointestinal tract. So, what is IBS? What causes it? And how is it treated? In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at this widely prevalent but frustrating condition. Read more

STI Awareness Month: Talking, Testing and Treatment STI Awareness Month is observed annually in April, serving as a great opportunity to promote education, open dialogue, and preventive measures concerning sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite the prevalence of STIs, many people struggle to discuss them to stigma and lack of awareness. By fostering open conversations, prioritizing prevention and understanding the importance of testing, everyone can take charge of their sexual health and contribute to a healthier society. In this article, we'll discuss some common tips on how to talk about STIs with your partner, as well as prevention, testing and treatment options. Read more

How to Avoid UTIs After Sex Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections of the urinary tract which is made up of the urethra, ureters, bladder and kidneys. In both men and women, sexual activity is one of the most prevalent risk factors for developing an infection. Luckily, you do not have to swear off sex to prevent UTIs. In this article, we’ll detail how sex plays a role in the development of urinary tract infections and how to avoid them while remaining sexually active. Read more

Fastest Treatments for Yeast Infection: OTC & Prescription If you’ve ever dealt with a vaginal yeast infection, then you know that your number one priority is getting rid of it - fast. Thankfully, there are treatment options available that can help alleviate your symptoms quickly. In this blog, we’ll explore some frequently asked questions about vaginal yeast infection causes, symptoms, and both over-the-counter and prescription medication options to help you make an informed decision about which approach is best suited for your needs. Read more

Everything You Need to Know About BV Bacterial vaginosis is a very common but uncomfortable condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 30% of women will experience bacterial vaginosis–also known as BV–at some point in their lives. BV is “the most the most common vaginal condition in women ages 15-44”, according to the CDC. These infections are painful, uncomfortable and dangerous. But what is BV? And what causes it? Read more

FDA Approves Sale of Over-The-Counter Narcan The U.S. opioid epidemic is widely considered to be one of the country’s biggest public health crises, with more than 107,000 Americans dying from opioid overdoses in 2022 alone. However, on March 29, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the over-the-counter sale of Narcan nasal spray, a safe and effective opioid overdose reversal agent. The drug’s OTC approval served as a break in the clouds for the millions of citizens who have been impacted by the opioid crisis, as it marks the first time that an overdose reversal spray has been deemed safe enough for over-the-counter sales. Read more

Spring Into Savings: 4 Allergy Medication Savings Tips Allergy season is here, and it’s nothing to sneeze at. From ragweed and mold spores to grass and tree pollen, seasonal allergies affect millions of people worldwide and can cause an immense amount of discomfort and irritation. Unfortunately, the cost of allergy medications can add up quickly, making it difficult for some people to afford the treatment they need. A 2021 study found that seasonal allergies cost consumers an average of $266 a year - that’s more than $16,000 over a lifetime! The good news is that there are several ways to save money on allergy medications without sacrificing quality or effectiveness. Read more

Insider Healthcare Hacks Private health insurance in the United States has made the health care system dizzyingly tricky to navigate. From constantly rising costs to alarming insecurity, we get that getting coverage for your basic health needs can make the process more hassle than it seems to be worth. To help you work your way through the maze of networks, co-pays and coverage, we’ve put together 3 simple healthcare hacks. These insider tips can save you money while boosting the efficacy of your healthcare plan. Read more

Can a Kidney Infection Kill You? A kidney infection (also known as pyelonephritis) occurs when a harmful bacteria or virus travels from the urethra up through the ureters and into the kidneys. Early symptoms are similar to that of a urinary tract infection (UTI), but if left untreated a kidney infection can lead to serious kidney damage, disease, and even death. Kidney infections require urgent medical attention. In this article, we take a look at this dangerous condition. We detail the causes, the symptoms, and the treatment options available for kidney infections. We will also outline preventative measures to help avoid infection in the first place. Read more

Fastest Acting Nausea Medications: OTC & Prescription If you’ve ever accidentally eaten expired food, felt car sick during a trip, or felt your stomach churn after smelling something off-putting, then you’ve probably experienced nausea. Nausea is the queasy sensation you feel before you throw up, and unfortunately, it’s often accompanied by vomiting. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to provide relief from nausea and get back on track. In this blog post, we'll discuss why nausea happens and cost-effective options for nausea treatment and relief so that you’re better equipped to manage your symptoms when they arise. Read more

Over-the-Counter Inhalers for Asthma Relief: Do They Work? Inhalers play a vital role in managing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD). As we’ve detailed, inhalers are also expensive. The rising cost of prescription inhalers has left many patients looking for lower-cost over-the-counter (OTC) options to help relieve their symptoms. But, do these non-prescription drugs work? Read more

Can I Get Over the Counter UTI Medicine? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are unfortunately both very painful and very common. Doctors treat about 8 million cases of UTIs each year. Are there over-the-counter (OTC) options for this bacterial infection? Is there a way to treat a UTI without a doctor visit? In this article, we will break down what a UTI is, what treatment is needed and what your over-the-counter options are. Read more

Can a Belly Button Infection Kill You? Whether you have an “innie” or an “outie,” everyone has a belly button (the small skin fold on your stomach that marks the spot where your umbilical cord was attached when you were in your mother’s stomach). This means that everyone is also susceptible to a belly button infection. Belly buttons have lots of folds, so it’s easy for sweat, dead skin cells and microorganisms to build up inside of them. A belly button infection is a skin infection caused by fungus or bacteria that are proliferating inside your belly button (known medically as your umbilicus). So how serious are belly button infections, and can they be fatal? Read more

National Nutrition Month Recipes March is National Nutrition Month, which is a great time to focus on eating healthier and making better food choices. As an homage to St. Patrick’s Day, the start of spring and all other things green, we’ve cooked up some amazing recipes featuring green superfoods like kale, spinach and avocado. These nutrient-packed ingredients are not only incredibly healthy but also surprisingly versatile - they can be used in a variety of dishes from salads and smoothies to creamy pasta entrees. Read more

Prescription Weight Loss Pills: Understanding the Facts The risks and complications associated with being overweight or having obesity are well known, but many Americans have a hard time losing enough weight and keeping it off. For those who have persistent difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several prescription drugs that help with weight loss. In this article, we take a look at these options to help you understand the treatment plans available to you. Read more

Best Treatments for BV: Antibiotics, OTC and More Bacterial vaginosis is a highly common but very dangerous bacterial infection. Nearly 30% of women will experience BV at some point in their lives. What causes BV? And how do you treat it? We dive into these questions and more. Read more

Colorectal Cancer Awareness: What You Need To Know March marks the start of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which is a critical time to raise awareness of a misunderstood and under-discussed disease. Unfortunately, colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, which is why it’s critical to talk about the importance of early detection and colorectal cancer screening. We spoke to Dr. Adam Moskowitz, MD – a gastroenterologist from New York with over 18 years of clinical experience – for input on colorectal screening tests, what to expect during a colorectal screening, when you should start getting screened for colorectal cancer and more. Read more

International Women's Day: Common Female Health Issues and Treatments International Women's Day is a day to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments, hard work and dedication of women around the world, and it’s also an opportunity to bring attention to health issues that disproportionately affect women, such as breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. Being aware of the causes, signs and symptoms of these conditions is the first step toward combating them. In this post, we will discuss some common conditions impacting women, along with symptoms and preventative measures, to encourage better healthcare outcomes well into the future. Read more

Seasonal Allergy Treatments: What Spring Means for Your Symptoms Ahhh, spring. Budding flowers, trees in bloom and sneezing. So much sneezing. We've put together some tips and preventative measures to help you control your allergy symptoms during pollen season. Don't let allergies keep you indoors. Enjoy the warmer spring weather by using these helpful allergy alleviation practices. Read more

Over-The-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: How to Choose? If you’ve ever sprained your ankle, dealt with a headache, or spiked a fever, the odds are that you’ve turned to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, as a solution. NSAIDs are a common, affordable, and effective way to relieve pain from headaches, body aches and sprains, menstruation pain, swelling, stiffness, arthritis, and fever. However, over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs can have side effects, especially if used for longer periods of time or at higher-than-recommended doses, so it’s important to know which OTC anti-inflammatories are right for you and your pain needs. We’ve compiled some important information on NSAID choices below along with useful tips on how to use them safely and effectively. Read more

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Is Ending: What Does It Mean For You? Last month, the Biden administration announced the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), which has been in effect since January 2020. The emergency will officially end on May 11th, signaling that the U.S. is headed towards a more hopeful and optimistic phase of the pandemic. Although the future impact of the public health emergency ending is still uncertain, there are several notable policy changes that will alter healthcare access. Read more

Muscle Relaxers: Best Over-The-Counter and Rx Options Learn about the best over-the-counter muscle relaxers and prescription muscle relaxers. Find out what the differences are and what might work best for you. Read more

Can You Get Antibiotics Over the Counter? You have a few options when it comes to antibiotics over-the-counter. We compare the best options, including antibiotic prescriptions, so you can make the best decision. Read more

Asthma Inhaler Cost Comparison Asthma is a chronic condition that affects nearly 25 million Americans. Inhalers play a key role in ensuring the health and wellness of patients managing these conditions. With the ever-increasing prices for asthma medication, it can be difficult to figure out the best treatment plan for your health (and wallet). To help clarify this choice for you, we’ve compared the cost of asthma inhalers and detailed the pros and cons of each. Read more

Winter Safety Tips As the temperature drops, everyday activities like walking, driving and household chores suddenly become a little more difficult and dangerous. Winter weather kills about twice the amount of American adults as summer weather does. To help you stay warm and safe this winter, we put together a quick list of cold weather safety precautions you should use when going outside. Read more

Primary Care Doctor Shortages: What You Need to Know The United States is facing a critical shortage of physicians, which has been attributed to several factors such as a decrease in medical school enrollment, an aging physician population and a backlog of patients who delayed care during the pandemic. The result? Americans are having more difficulty than ever accessing quality, affordable care due to long wait times and limited access to primary care providers. We’ve teamed up with Sesame co-founder Michael Botta, PhD, to discuss some of the causes of the physician shortage and its impact on healthcare, along with potential solutions for patients who are struggling to get the primary care they need. Read more

Heart Smarts: Tips for a Stronger, Healthier 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

Preventing Chronic Disease with Preventive Care If you skipped a visit to the doctor’s office last year, you’re not alone. Nearly 40% of Americans delayed care in 2023 due to cost, while others struggled to find primary care appointment openings due to long waits. But why is this such a big deal? Because when patients aren’t receiving preventive care and screenings, they risk allowing non-serious conditions to worsen. We’ve teamed up with Dr. Allison Edwards, MD, Sesame’s medical director, to highlight some key preventative care lifestyle changes and self-management tips you can start today from the comfort of home! Read more

Preventive Care Checklist for 2023 Knowing what appointments you need - and when - can be hard. Sesame’s Medical Director, Dr. Allison Edwards, MD, has compiled an easy checklist to see what appointments you should consider scheduling in the year ahead. This list should act as general guidelines - not as complete medical advice. As always, please adhere to your doctor's recommendations. If you need help finding the right doctor or specialist for you, Sesame has thousands of top-reviewed providers available nationwide to help you. Read more

No Hard Feelings: Erectile Dysfunction Solutions for You and Your Partner Erectile dysfunction can be hard (no pun intended) to talk about. However, this is an extremely common condition that affects nearly 30 million American men every year. To help you manage this tricky condition, we’ve put together some basic information about erectile dysfunction, as well as some tips for how to manage it. Read more

Heart-Healthy Valentine's Day Recipes Valentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate and show your love, but it doesn’t have to be filled with unhealthy treats. This February, why not celebrate National Heart Health Month and show your sweetheart that you care about them by preparing a heart-healthy recipe? Cooking at home can be an enjoyable way to spend quality time together while creating delicious foods and sweet memories. To make this Valentine's Day even more special, we've put together some of our favorite heart-healthy recipes that are sure to impress! Read more

How to Get Free At-Home COVID Test Kits To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the winter months, White House officials in the Biden administration announced a new program that allows households to order free COVID-19 test kits. These tests can be picked up over-the-counter at most pharmacies or ordered through the USPS for at-home delivery. Read on for more information about how to take advantage of the free at-home test program. Read more

Sesame named to 2023 NY Digital Health 100 List Sesame proudly announced its addition to the 2023 NY Digital Health 100 List this morning. The annual list, which is compiled by Digital Health New York (DHNY), celebrates the most exciting and innovative startups in the New York region. This is a significant achievement for our company that highlights the work of the entire Sesame team and further entrenches our healthcare marketplace as an industry leader in digital health solutions. This milestone also serves as a welcome addition to a series of recent accolades, including a placement on Fierce Healthcare’s Fierce 15 list and a #1 ranking by Healthline for overall care in 2021 and 2022. Read more

How Can Healthcare Technology Help Homeless Populations? Homelessness is a growing and worrisome public health phenomenon, and it has long been documented that people experiencing homelessness face an earlier and greater risk of developing health problems. That alarming pattern, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that nearly 40% of Americans delayed care last year due to cost, highlights a serious need for health solutions for the homeless population in the U.S. Read more

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