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Short-term health insurance is a type of lightly-regulated temporary medical coverage available in most states. This article will explain how these plans work, how they’re regulated, and what consumers need to understand before purchasing a short-term health plan. Outside of open enrollment, the opportunity to enroll in health insurance coverage or switch from one plan to another is limited. Most people need a qualifying event in order to enroll in an individual/family or employer-sponsored plan outside of open enrollment, although Native Americans can enroll year-round in a plan through the exchange, as can subsidy-eligible applicants with household income up to 150% of the poverty level....

Ankle arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage of the ankle joint deteriorates, causing pain and restricting movement. Progressive arthritis can lead to bone cysts and the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes). When conservative therapies—such as ankle braces, cushioned insoles, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections, and physical therapy—fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered if the pain and loss of mobility seriously impair your quality of life. Depending on the severity of symptoms, surgical options can range from arthroscopic (“keyhole”) procedures to more invasive ones such as total replacement of the ankle joint....

While a stroke may seem like an unpredictable event, there are tests available to help figure out whether you have a higher risk for stroke in the future. No one can forecast exactly when a stroke will happen, but getting an idea of your stroke risk level can help you modify some behaviors and other factors to improve your outlook. The following tests can help you determine which type of action you need to take to reduce your risk of having a stroke....

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common sports-related injury that we often talk about in young, athletic people. However, with individuals continuing athletic activities into their 40s, 50s, and even later in life, the same injuries are occurring more and more in an older population. The question comes up as to whether or not an ACL tear in someone over the age of 40 is the same as someone who is in high school or college-aged?...

Some patients may resolve appendicitis with a course of antibiotics instead of undergoing surgery for an appendectomy, according to new research. Key Takeaways A new study found some people can skip an appendectomy and treat appendicitis effectively with antibiotics.Doctors find that some patients are still better off getting surgery.Incorporating antibiotics into treatment for appendicitis will give doctors and patients another option to consider. That said, surgery is sometimes the best course of action for some patients....

President Joe Biden outlined a six-part COVID plan on Thursday to push more eligible Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the United States records an average of 136,000 cases every day. Key Takeaways President Joe Biden announced a sweeping six-part plan to inoculate the remaining 80 million unvaccinated Americans.Vaccine mandates will now apply to federal contractors, healthcare workers, and many private-sector workers.The plan also mobilizes industry to increase testing capacity and mask production, supports hard-hit health care systems, and mandates vaccination for some federal school employees....

Brain cancer occurs when normal brain cells change into abnormal cells, grow uncontrollably, and invade the surrounding tissue. A mass of abnormal brain cells is called a brain tumor. Tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant brain tumors can invade or spread (metastasize) into healthy brain tissue and, rarely, to distant organs within the body. Benign brain tumors do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body....

Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation in various inflammatory, respiratory, and autoimmune disorders. Also called glucocorticoids or just “steroids,” they mimic a hormone called cortisol that the body produces at times of stress. Steroids rapidly reduce inflammation and an overactive immune response. Corticosteroids can be taken by mouth, applied to the skin or eyes, inhaled, or injected into a muscle, joint, or vein. While extremely effective, they are typically used for a short period of time to avoid potentially serious side effects....

What Is Cystadane? Cystadane (betaine) is a prescription medication used to treat homocystinuria—a rare genetic disorder that causes a buildup of homocysteine in your body. Too much homocysteine is toxic and can lead to numerous complications. Cystadane helps lower homocysteine levels by converting it to a less harmful form. Cystadane comes as a powder that you will need to mix with a liquid, such as water, juice, or milk, or food before taking....

Dilation is the process by which the cervix opens during childbirth. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, where it opens to the vagina. During labor, contractions cause the cervix to change from being closed to fully dilated or open to 10 centimeters. Once that happens, it’s time to begin pushing. Read on to learn more about dilation during pregnancy, including how dilation is measured, symptoms, phases, and more....

Sleep issues are common in people with eczema, a condition that causes itchy, inflamed, or irritated skin. And lack of sleep can aggravate eczema, as well. About 47% to 80% of children and 33% to 87% of adults with eczema report having problems falling and staying asleep. Good sleep is vital for healthy brain function and general physical health. It has much to do with how you perform during the day and your overall quality of life....

Millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses have gone unused in the United States in part because of vaccine hesitancy among residents. Many of those unused doses will expire this summer. Key Takeaways Millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the United States are in danger of expiring this summer.The expired doses can be safely destroyed as medical waste.States with low COVID vaccine uptake are scrambling to find people who want to be vaccinated, while people in many other countries still cannot access vaccines....

With more than 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered over the last four months, only about 36,000 adverse effects in the CDC’s database—about 0.04%—have been reported as of mid-March. Key Themes From Our Survey People are still worried about vaccine side effects, but they’re more afraid of COVID-19.More people feel confident about COVID-19 vaccines—about 70% of our sample are either already vaccinated or say they will take a vaccine....

Phasmophobia is a persistent and intense fear of ghosts. People with phasmophobia might know that their anxiety isn’t founded. Still, they can’t control their fear, which can cause significant distress. Many people get a few goosebumps while listening to a ghost story or watching a horror movie. But people with phasmophobia fear the supernatural, which can seriously limit their lives through avoidance behaviors. For example, someone with phasmophobia might avoid social gatherings, feel afraid of being alone in their home, or avoid exposure to TV shows or movies due to their fear....

Sex and gender are related to each other but aren’t the same. The difference between them is: Sex describes your biology (male or female chromosomal makeup, hormones, and/or anatomy)Gender describes how you understand yourself as a man (masculine), a woman (feminine), a mixture of the two, or something else entirely That’s a good start toward understanding gender vs. sex, but there’s far more to it. The categories “male and female,” “masculine and feminine,” and “man and woman” do not capture every person....

Across the U.S., health care for transgender and non-binary youth is under threat. So far this year, more than 18 states have considered at least 35 bills to limit or ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Key Takeaways This year, 35 bills have been proposed in states across the country to limit access to medical care for transgender and nonbinary minors.Many of these seek to restrict adolescents’ use of puberty blockers and hormone therapies....

Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid, a type of plant pigment found primarily in citrus fruit. Oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and tangerines all contain hesperidin, which is also available in supplement form. Hesperidin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Hesperidin is purported to provide a wide range of health benefits, ranging from cancer treatment to hot flash relief. Not all of these benefits are supported by strong scientific research. What Is Hesperidin Used For? Hesperidin is thought to have beneficial effects on blood vessels....

The diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis (mono) is usually made based on the symptoms, findings in a physical examination, and blood tests. Mono is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or similar viruses, but strep throat and some other conditions can cause similar signs and symptoms. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) no longer recommends the ​monospot test, many guidelines still encourage using this test to help identify the cause of mono....

Tourniquets are tight bands that are tied around an arm or leg to stop bleeding from a serious wound, such as from a gunshot. They are used to slow bleeding until emergency care can be administered. Tourniquets can save a limb—or a life—during a trauma or emergency. Ideally, tourniquets should only be used by first responders who are trained in emergency first aid. However, knowing how and when to apply one is an important life-saving skill to have....

Research shows that sugar acts on your brain’s reward center, which explains why it can feel like such an addictive compound. Many Americans eat more sugar (specifically added sugars found in desserts, snack foods, and sweetened beverages) than is recommended. When you’re used to eating sugar regularly and suddenly stop, you may feel sugar withdrawal symptoms. These may include fatigue and cravings, but some people may experience other symptoms, such as changes in mood and sleep....