85 articles

Public Health

Healthcare articles about Public Health.

Public Health Jun 3, 2023 9 min

Why Is Medicare Advantage So Popular? A Real Life Squid Game

Medicare Advantage (MA) is so popular and growing because of the intricate business model based on overpayments, risk-score gaming, and relationships with healthcare providers. The Medicare Gold Rush, involving billions of dollars in recent investments, is linked to these dynamics, creating a distorted market that ultimately drains taxpayers and obstructs serious healthcare reform. The Medicare Advantage game is a way some health companies make extra money by taking advantage of the rules in the Medicare system. They do this by finding more health issues to report, getting paid more from the government, and then using those extra payments to offer more attractive insurance plans to seniors. The government pays more than it should for these plans, while the involved companies make a bigger profit. This game includes companies paying doctors to report more health problems, sharing the extra money with doctors, and even owning the doctor's offices. However, it's important to remember that not all Medicare Advantage plans are part of this game.

By Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Public Health May 19, 2023 6 min

What is the Best Mouthwash for Cavity Prevention?

With many mouthwash options available, choosing the best mouthwash to prevent cavities may be challenging. The best mouthwashes – for example, ACT (fluoride), Crest (CPC), and Biotene (glycerin) Mouthwashes – protect teeth from decay and cavities and often contain vital ingredients to prevent deterioration.

By Blanche Palasi

Public Health Mar 31, 2023 4 min

What Organizations Can Help Me Pay For My Medical Bills?

Organizations like The PAN Foundation, Healthwell Foundation, and Aunt Bertha are here to help families and individuals get assistance with medical costs.

By Sophie Wei

Public Health Dec 16, 2022 6 min

How Long is Cold and Flu Season in The United States?

The cold and flu season in the United States lasts about 4 months, with the major months being November through January.

By Michelle Fleming

Public Health Oct 31, 2022 5 min

Should I Get a COVID Booster Shot This Fall?

Yes, you should. Studies have shown that the initial vaccine doses lose efficacy over time, and a booster dose will bolster immune responses from the original series of vaccines.

By Shandra Ahsan

Public Health Dec 27, 2022 5 min

Can I Get a Covid-19 Booster and Flu Shot at The Same Time?

You can receive both the flu shot and covid-19 booster at the same time.

By Alexandra Thompson

Public Health Sep 10, 2022 6 min

Where can I get a Polio Vaccine and Booster Shot Without Insurance?

You can get the polio vaccine at most urgent care facilities, pharmacies, and doctor’s offices. If you are eligible for a polio booster shot and need one for travel reasons, you can also get IPV at a travel medicine office.

By Erica Kahn

Public Health Aug 23, 2022 6 min

Where can I get Vaccinated for Monkeypox Without Insurance in New York or California?

Counties in New York offering the monkeypox vaccine are Erie, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester. Clinics and hospitals in the 5 boroughs are also scheduling appointments for the monkeypox vaccine. For those who are uninsured in San Diego, CA, you can go to one of the 6 Public Health Centers in the area.

By Erica Kahn

Public Health Dec 12, 2022 9 min

What Are the Early Symptoms of Shingles?

Early symptoms of shingles have been reported in some cases, where a person experiences them prior to having a visible rash or blisters. Other early symptoms include headache, burning, tingling, numbness, or itchiness of skin, fever, and feeling of being generally unwell.

By Kendra Bean

Public Health Aug 23, 2022 6 min

Am I More At-Risk for Heat Exhaustion Due to Climate Change?

Climate change is causing more heat waves in the United States. In the 1960s, the U.S. experienced about 2 heatwaves per year and by the 2010s, experienced about 6 per year. Climate change is predicted to cause more heat-related illnesses in the future and heat can exacerbate underlying diseases. If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, try to cool down but if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.

By Erica Kahn

Public Health Aug 23, 2022 7 min

What to Know About Novavax and Covid-19

Novavax is a Maryland-based biotechnology company that investigates and counters serious infectious diseases through vaccine creation and development. Novavax developed one authorized COVID-19 vaccine with a 90% effectiveness for those who are 18 years and older.

By Alexandra Thompson

Public Health Jun 27, 2022 6 min

What is the Difference Between Bird Flu and Covid-19?

Bird Flu, also known as Avian Influenza A, has been found to cause viral outbreaks across the globe. Abbreviated as H5N1, this type of virus is the most common cause of flu in birds. It is a very deadly virus in birds but is rarely seen in humans, especially in North America. Risks of transmission are incredibly low, especially in humans, but it is important to understand the best ways to be safe.

By Sophie Wei