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Key TakeawaysA new study suggests testing menstrual blood from sanitary pads could be a new, accurate way to detect high-risk HPV and prevent cervical cancer.While this could greatly increase accessibility of HPV testing, it won’t likely replace the Pap smear because the physical examination can detect other health problems beyond HPV.More research is needed to determine whether this will really be a viable form of HPV testing going forward. Key Takeaways A new study suggests testing menstrual blood from sanitary pads could be a new, accurate way to detect high-risk HPV and prevent cervical cancer....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Old WayWhy They Bill UpfrontHandling Upfront BillsCan They Deny Care?Increasing DeductiblesConsider an HSASummary Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents The Old Way Why They Bill Upfront Handling Upfront Bills Can They Deny Care? Increasing Deductibles Consider an HSA Summary Over the last few years, it’s become more common for hospitals and other medical providers to ask people to pay their deductibles before medical services are provided....

Key Takeaways Johnson & Johnson is sharing new research on how long the protectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine lasts. The findings come as many of the people who received thesingle-shot vaccinehave started to wonder if they’re still protected and if they need a booster shot. Since it was the last COVID vaccine to be authorized for emergency use in the United States, J&J’s six-month data on the shot’s efficacy has only just appeared this week....

Key Takeaways To date, over 486 million COVID-19 doses have been administered in 137 countries, sending a wave of hope that domestic and international travel might return to a pre-pandemic state sooner rather than later. Tourism-reliant countries, like Greece, are currently pushing for vaccine passports as a means for bolstering tourism and, in turn, economies. How COVID-19 Vaccination Cards Work Will you need to carry a digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination to travel outside of the U....

Key Takeaways In the early days of vaccine rollout, COVID-19 vaccines were so scarce that only the most vulnerable groups like older adults and healthcare workers qualified for the shot. But now, as demand wanes, states and businesses are offering monetary incentives as a means to get people fully vaccinated. “The state of Maryland—a very large employer—recently offered their workers 100 dollar gift cards for them to get vaccinated," Kristen Ballantine, vice president of state and federal government relations at HMS, tells Verywell....

Key TakeawaysA federal judge recently ruled that Indiana University can require students to get vaccinated against COVID-19.This court ruling may help other colleges and universities that intend to establish vaccine mandates as well.Even without a vaccine mandate, institutions must employ public health strategies to ensure the safety of students, educators, and staff on campus. Key Takeaways A federal judge recently ruled that Indiana University can require students to get vaccinated against COVID-19....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen to ConsiderTypesWho Is Eligible?EffectivenessDuring the ProcedureSkin AftercareRisks and Side EffectsCost Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents When to Consider Types Who Is Eligible? Effectiveness During the Procedure Skin Aftercare Risks and Side Effects Cost When to Consider Laser Treatment Laser treatmentis one of many treatment options for rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition causing the nose and cheeks to appear flushed.If you see a healthcare provider such as a dermatologist (skin specialist) or facial plastic surgeon for rosacea symptoms, they will typically consider other options before recommending laser treatment....

Key TakeawaysSome research suggests that grilling meat on high temperatures can create carcinogens.Marinating meat with antioxidant-rich spices could may help prevent these cancer-causing agents to form.Other strategies include par-cooking meat to limit the time it spends on high heat or opting for vegetables. Key Takeaways Some research suggests that grilling meat on high temperatures can create carcinogens.Marinating meat with antioxidant-rich spices could may help prevent these cancer-causing agents to form.Other strategies include par-cooking meat to limit the time it spends on high heat or opting for vegetables....

Key TakewaysMillions of Americans struggle to afford prescription medications each month due to rising prices.Billionaire investor Mark Cuban recently launched a new pharmacy to provide access to affordable drugs.While the pharmacy doesn’t accept insurance and customers must pay out of pocket, experts say it will likely make some much-needed drugs a lot more accessible. Key Takeways Millions of Americans struggle to afford prescription medications each month due to rising prices.Billionaire investor Mark Cuban recently launched a new pharmacy to provide access to affordable drugs....

Key TakeawaysThe opioid overdose epidemic is a public health emergency that has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.In November, New York City opened the first supervised injection sites in the United States. The sites have saved at least 59 people from overdose.Harm reduction advocates are hopeful that the NYC sites will allow for more overdose prevention centers to operate in other cities. Key Takeaways The opioid overdose epidemic is a public health emergency that has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic....

Key TakeawaysNew research suggests that some rapid antigen tests are not sensitive enough to detect asymptomatic COVID-19 infections.A person’s viral load, respiratory secretions, and the window of infectiousness for the virus may affect the ability of a rapid antigen test to detect Omicron.People who test negative with a rapid COVID test should test again after 48 hours. Key Takeaways New research suggests that some rapid antigen tests are not sensitive enough to detect asymptomatic COVID-19 infections....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUntreated StrepDiagnosisWho Gets StrepAntibioticsManaging SymptomsContagiousnessPrevention Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Untreated Strep Diagnosis Who Gets Strep Antibiotics Managing Symptoms Contagiousness Prevention Without treatment, strep throat usually goes away on its own in four to five days.However, healthcare providers recommend treating strep throat with antibiotics like penicillin and amoxicillin to speed healing, prevent transmission, and reduce the risk of serious complications. Once you begin taking antibiotics, you should start to feel better in two to three days....

Key TakeawaysTo get the most accurate result on an at-home COVID-19 test, experts say you should follow the instructions that come with the kit.While some people have claimed that swabbing your noseandthroat will give you a better result on an at-home COVID test, this technique is not what the kits instruct.At-home COVID testing is not something you want to DIY, as failing to follow the instructions could easily lead to an inaccurate result....