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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lower Left Back Pain: 9 Causes and Treatment 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
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: Uses, Types, and Side Effects 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
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
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. 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
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
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. Read more
Tick Bites: Everything You Need to Know 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
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
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
UTI Symptoms and Causes Urinary tract infections–UTIs–are prevalent medical conditions affecting the urinary system. Nearly 10% of women get yearly UTIs, while 40-60% of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. While most UTI cases are easily treatable with medication and preventative measures, untreated UTIs can cause serious medical complications. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Below, we will discuss UTI causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures. 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
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
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
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
6 Heart-Healthy Cookout Tips: Your Low-Cholesterol BBQ Plan 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: Types, Uses, 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
Tired of Battling Your Health Insurance? Consider Cash-Pay Care Health insurance, by definition, is supposed to protect patients against financial risk so that they can access medical care. However, burgeoning data highlights that in the US, health insurance and insurance bills are some of the biggest barriers to medical care. According to a recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), almost 60 percent of insured adults in the US experienced health insurance problems such as denied claims, provider network issues, healthcare provider scarcity, pre-authorization problems and more. However, there is a promising alternative emerging: cash-pay care. Read more
Sinus Infection vs. Cold Sinus infections and common colds cause many of the same symptoms, so much so that you may have a hard time distinguishing between the two. These conditions require different treatment methods, so knowing their differences is important. In this article, we will outline some of these illnesses' shared characteristics and symptoms. We will also dive into the significant differences between them. Read more
Causes, symptoms, and treatment for sinus infections A sinus infection (acute sinusitis) is an infection of the nasal cavities. These spaces can become infected, inflamed, and swollen. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as a stuffy nose and facial pain. So, what is a sinus infection? How do you know if you have one? In this article, we’ll look at the different types of sinus infections, what causes them, and more. Read more
9 Travel Health Tips for a Safe Vacation These travel health tips can help prepare you for common travel health issues like bug bites, sunburns and swimmer’s ear. Read more
Men’s Mental Health June is Men’s Health Month–a whole month dedicated to raising awareness around men’s health issues and encouraging healthy habits in men. But June is about more than your physical health. Men’s Health Month also encompasses mental health for men. Sesame is committed to the destigmatization of mental health for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic identity. To do so, we are joining organizations worldwide to celebrate Men’s Health Month. We’ve put together a fact sheet to shed some light on men’s mental health in the United States and a list of resources you can use to improve or maintain yours. Read more
Men’s Health Month: Men's Health Tips and Facts Men’s Health Month was created in 1944 to raise awareness about preventable health problems and encourage a healthy lifestyle for both men and boys—a whole month dedicated to getting men to take charge of their health. To help you get started, Sesame has put together some simple tips to put you behind the wheel of your wellness journey. Read more
Sesame Announces First “Sesame @ Work” Partners: Ameriplan, Tandem and YouDecide Free for employers to join, “Sesame @ Work” is a new, employer-centric approach to deliver truly affordable health care to participants at no-cost to the company Read more
Best Antibiotics for Sinus Infection Sinus infections can be frustrating, painful, and prolonged. These infections of the sinus cavities in the skull are very similar to the common cold but often last longer and cause more pain. If you are experiencing a sinus infection, you want to get rid of it as fast as possible. We get that. In this article, we’ll look at your best antibiotic treatment options and whether or not this is the proper treatment for you. Read more
OTC Sinus Infection Treatment: Medication and Home Remedies Sinus infections are responsible for nearly 73 million accumulated restricted activity days in the United States. Nearly 15% of Americans experience a sinus infection in a given year. These widespread infections cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and facial pain. While a sinus infection causes symptoms similar to those of a common cold, several specific treatment options are available to reduce your symptoms. We’ve compiled a quick outline of what a sinus infection is before diving into how to start feeling better fast. Read more
Merck Pharmaceuticals Challenges Medicare Drug Price Negotiation In an unprecedented move that's setting the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries abuzz, Merck & Co., a multinational pharmaceutical company, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government on June 6th, 2023. We spoke with Mike Botta, PhD and co-founder of Sesame, to discuss the details of the lawsuit and its potential implications for both the healthcare industry and the millions of Americans who rely on Medicare for their prescription drugs. Read more
UTIs: Why Targeted Treatment Matters Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the top reasons for urgent care and telehealth visits, accounting for more than 8 million appointments a year. Yet despite the prevalence of UTIs, testing and treatment options for UTIs highlight room for improvement. Recent data indicates that roughly 60% of antibiotics prescribed for UTIs in the outpatient setting do not conform with clinical guidelines. Even more shockingly, about 40% of women who are experiencing UTIs struggle with repeat urinary tract infections. If you’ve ever had a UTI, are experiencing UTI symptoms, or have struggled with recurring UTIs in the past, read on. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of a targeted, correct UTI diagnosis, at-home UTI testing options and when to see a doctor about your infection. Read more
Migraine Awareness: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, you’re not alone - in fact, you’re one of almost one billion people who are affected by migraines worldwide. Migraines, which are often misunderstood or dismissed as "just a headache," can be disabling and disruptive to a person's daily life in more ways than one. In honor of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, we’re exploring some frequently asked questions about this common yet complex neurological condition. Read more
The Best Allergy Medications: OTC and Prescription Drugs Unfortunately, no one has found a way to cure allergies yet. No one likes having a runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezes that just won’t stop. Some people experience these symptoms at a specific time of year, known as “seasonal allergies.” On the other hand, some people experience these symptoms all year round. We’ve detailed some of the best allergy medication options available to help you find the best treatment for your allergies. Read more
How to Save Money on Prescriptions Generic drugs are often 80-85% cheaper than brand-name drugs. We’ve detailed comparisons on common medications to show how much you can save on your treatment. Read more
At-Home UTI Tests: How to Test and What Your Results Mean Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are exceptionally common medical conditions that account for about 8 million doctor visits every year. Unfortunately, these infections are sometimes hard to detect. Many people experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. So, how do you know if you have a UTI? And how do you diagnose one before it causes complications? There are several at-home tests, including MyUTI's PCR kit, that provide results quickly and conveniently. Browse these options to find the best UTI test for your symptoms and your budget. Read more
Mental Health Awareness Month May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Founded in 1949 by the National Association for Mental Health—now known as Mental Health America—to raise awareness and promote education about mental health and mental illness, Mental Health Awareness is a time for Americans to center mental well-being in their daily lives. Sesame is joining hundreds of organizations across the country to reflect on the ongoing need for mental health care and end the continuing stigma around mental health issues. Read more
Sesame Names Max Metral as New Chief Technology Officer Sesame, the company building a radically new healthcare system for uninsured Americans and those with high-deductible plans, today announced that Max Metral has joined its leadership team as Chief Technology Officer. Read more
Better Hearing and Speech Month May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about hearing and speech disorders. BHSM encourages individuals to understand the importance of early detection, intervention and treatment options for communication disorders. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of getting checked for hearing and speech disorders, signs of hearing and speech disorders, and questions about how Sesame can help you access auditory and speech pathology resources to help with communication assessments. Read more
A Letter from Sesame CEO David Goldhill Dear Sesame Members, as the CEO and co-founder of Sesame, I am writing to share some important news with you. Today, May 11th, marks the official end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This is a significant milestone, and we recognize the immense challenges and sacrifices everyone has made throughout this difficult period.We understand that some of our customers may find themselves without healthcare coverage due to Medicaid disenrollment following the end of the PHE. Please know that we are committed to ensuring that you continue to have access to the quality medical care you need, not only for COVID-19 but also for mental health, primary care and other important services. Read more
Controlled Substances, Telehealth and the End of the PHE As the PHE comes to an end on May 11, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is proposing new restrictions (or restoring previous restrictions) on the prescription of certain controlled substances - including some anxiety medications, painkillers, ADHD medications and more. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming proposed changes to the prescription of controlled substances. Read more
How to Get Rid of Ringworm: Fast and Safe Treatment Options Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes an itchy circular rash. Ringworm generally causes mild symptoms and will usually go away with antifungal treatment. We’ve outlined some basic facts about ringworm such as possible causes and symptoms. We’ve also detailed methods to treat ringworm fast. Read on to learn more about ringworm (and how to get rid of it). Read more
How to get rid of a cold sore in 24 hours at home? 9 Ways 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
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
5 Ways to Get Rid of a UTI Quickly 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
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
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
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
What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females and When to Seek Medical Help 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: Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options 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: What You Need To Know 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
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
Bacterial Vaginosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment 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
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