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Exorbitant drug prices are keeping life-saving medications out of reach for millions of Americans. Now, billionaire investor Mark Cuban is trying to change that with a new transparent pharmacy. 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.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....

Candida is the organism responsible for yeast infections, but it usually lives in the vagina in balance with bacteria without causing any problems. Changes to vaginal acidity and the balance of organisms can occur due to antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal therapy, contraceptives, or an impaired immune system. When that happens, Candida cells can multiply unchecked, resulting in a yeast infection. Common Causes Yeast infections have several causes, and some individuals may have more than one at play when an infection strikes....

Coconut oil is the rich, fatty oil derived from the meat of coconuts. It is sold on its own or used in cosmetic products, prepared foods, and candies. Its use has been highlighted in many health-related conversations, but not all of its perceived benefits have been backed by evidence. Coconut oil may benefit your skin, hair, brain, and oral health. This article discusses the potential whole-body benefits of coconut oil, the terminology regarding it, and how to cook with it....

The first mRNA vaccine approved for human use was developed during the pandemic, and now researchers are working on another first: a plant-based COVID-19 vaccine. UPDATE On February 24, Canadian regulators approved Medicago’s plant-based COVID-19 vaccine, called Covifenz. The vaccine is approved for use in adults aged 18 through 64. In clinical trials, the two-dose vaccine demonstrated a 71% efficacy rate. Key Takeaways Researchers have developed a plant-based COVID-19 vaccine that has shown to produce a strong antibody response....

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder share some of the same symptoms, including hyperactive or restless behaviors, being easily distracted, and having poor concentration, impulsivity, and racing thoughts. It is more common for someone to have ADHD, and as these disorders share many symptoms, this can mean that bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed or is missed altogether. It is also common for those with one of these disorders to also have the other, meaning that differential diagnosis can be challenging....

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally-occurring fatty acid made by your body. Its primary role is to convert blood sugar (glucose) into energy using oxygen, a process referred to as aerobic metabolism. ALA is also an antioxidant, meaning it neutralizes harmful compounds called free radicals that damage cells at the genetic level. Your body makes its own ALA, but it is also available from certain foods and as a supplement. Though ALA supplements are marketed for many health conditions, there is little evidence to support their use....

Apple cider vinegar is said to have a number of health benefits and has been used to treat various conditions for centuries. Apple cider vinegar is believed to have antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial capabilities. However, only some of apple cider vinegar’s benefits are backed by science, while others remain unproven. Made from apples and yeast, apple cider vinegar is fermented. Making apple cider vinegar leads to the formation of acetic acid....

After you give birth, a drop in estrogen and other hormone changes can sometimes lead to headaches. If you experience headaches while breastfeeding, it’s important to know what medications are safe. If you’re a migraineur, you may be understandably concerned about exposing your newborn to migraine medication while breastfeeding. While options such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) are considered safe, aspirin and other choices are not. Here’s what you need to know about postpartum migraines caused by fluctuating hormones, as well as several methods used to treat a headache while breastfeeding....

When bunions or gout affect the big toe, symptoms can be similar. Both conditions can cause pain, swelling, and redness of the big toe and lead to discomfort with walking. Bunions and gout are often mistaken for each other. What people self-diagnose as a bunion is instead a more severe condition. While gout and bunions share similarities, they differ in what causes them and how they are treated. This article covers the similarities and differences between bunions and gout, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment....

You can get pregnant with endometriosis, even if it’s advanced, though it may not be easy. Research shows one-third to one-half of women with endometriosis have trouble conceiving naturally. In endometriosis, tissue similar to the endometrial lining of the uterus (womb) grows around your reproductive organs. It can also cause scar tissue and adhesions, which is when tissue sticks together. This can make it harder to get pregnant, but not impossible....

Congenital hyperinsulism (CHI), otherwise referred to as persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI) and familial hyperinsulinism is a rare genetic disorder in which the pancreas produces too much insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). On average, it occurs once every 50,000 births. According to the National Organization of Rare Disorders, about 60% of babies with CHI are diagnosed during the first month of life. An additional 30% will be diagnosed later in the first year and the remainder after that....

When it comes to information about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare, it can sometimes be tough to separate fact from fiction. One example is the persistent rumor that members of Congress somehow exempted themselves from the ACA. This is entirely untrue, but it still resulted in a vast number of memes on this topic that have circulated on social media over the last several years. This article will explain how the ACA works when it comes to health coverage for members of Congress, how these rules came to be, and how members of Congress and their staff obtain insurance for themselves and their families....

The mediastinum is an important region of the body located between the lungs. Structures that lie in this region include the heart, the esophagus, the trachea, and large blood vessels including the aorta. The mediastinum is also home to lymph nodes. There are many conditions that can affect the mediastinum or the mediastinal lymph nodes, including cancer, benign tumors, infections, and more. Understanding the different parts of the mediastinum is very helpful in determining the causes of abnormalities in this region....

What are the differences and similarities between lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) and multiple sclerosis (MS)? This is an important question, especially since some people with lupus are misdiagnosed as having MS and vice versa. Knowing the differences can help you and your healthcare provider make the right diagnosis and treatment decisions. Lupus and MS Basics Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) and multiple sclerosis can appear similar in many ways. Both lupus and MS are chronic autoimmune diseases....

A diverticulitis flare-up doesn’t happen to everyone, but can occur due to inflammation or infection. This can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain (often on the lower left side), fever, cramping, diarrhea, or constipation. In severe cases, rectal bleeding may occur. This article discusses what might cause a diverticulitis flare-up (sometimes called a diverticulitis attack), how to know you are having one, and how a flare-up is diagnosed and treated....

Despite what you may have heard, gas stoves aren’t going anywhere. Key Takeaways Federal commissioner Rich Trumka, Jr., with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is considering a ban on gas stoves in the United States due to concerns over consumer health and safety.The CPSC clarified in a statement that the agency has not proposed any regulatory action on gas stoves at this time.While there have been no formal recommendations or bans on gas stoves from the CPSC, health experts say there are health risks associated with using the appliance—including exposure to pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and methane....

Headaches can affect different areas of the head and sometimes may occur on just one side. This pain may result from different types of headaches, such as migraines, cluster headaches, and cervicogenic headaches. This article will explore the types of headaches that cause this kind of one-sided pain, as well as triggers, treatment options, and when to see a healthcare provider. Left Side vs. Right Side Headaches Headaches can sometimes only appear on one side of the head....

A hip stress fracture is caused by a small, repetitive injury (micro-trauma) to the hip bone. It often happens from overuse activity. When the body cannot keep up with the forces acting on the bone, a break eventually occurs. This generally occurs in the area near the ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint. A hip stress fracture differs from a high-energy hip fracture due to a fall or a pathologic fracture due to osteoporosis, tumors, or infections....

Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a term used to describe a version of a skin condition commonly known as hives. These are itchy bumps that appear on the skin. Urticaria is another name for hives. Idiopathic means that the cause of the hives is not known, unlike hives caused by a known allergic reaction, for example. Chronic means that this condition is more long-term, with hives that do not go away after six weeks or longer....

Moderna plans to charge $110-$130 per dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, a Wall Street Journal report stated earlier this month. Key Takeaways COVID-19 vaccines and boosters have been free because of federal funding. However, if that funding stops, people may have to pay out of pocket for the shots.Moderna and Pfizer reportedly have plans to price their COVID-19 vaccines at $110 to $130 per dose.Americans who have health insurance will likely be able to continue to get COVID vaccines without having to pay out of pocket....