According to a September 2023 United States Census Bureau report, a staggering 26 million people are uninsured; per a January 2024 Forbes article, 43% of working-age adults are inadequately insured. Every month our helpline counselors answer 2,200+ calls from such vulnerable individuals seeking affordable healthcare. In their honor, this month, we’ve kicked off our Keep Us Talking fundraiser to ensure our helpline remains free of charge. This campaign isn’t just about a toll-free phone number; it’s about tearing down barriers that block the path to wellness: Limited finances Many individu ..read more

As I approach 70 years old, I find myself being more careful going down stairs and reaching out more often to catch my balance. Although I have not had a significant fall — unless I count when I’m mountain biking — I still worry about it like most older adults. More than 25% of adults aged 65 years or older fall each year, with one out of five falls resulting in a serious injury such as fractures of the hip, wrist, humerus, and pelvis, head and brain injury, chronic disabilities, and even death (36,000 in 2020). The risk increases with age, approximately 16% from 65-69 years old to 35% for tho ..read more

Accessing essential healthcare is a challenge many low-income individuals face, especially for those living in rural areas where hospital closures have become a distressing trend. Around 200 rural hospitals have closed or cut services since 2005, as per data from the Sheps Center. Even more concerning, this trend shows no signs of slowing down.  Over 600 rural hospitals may close in the near future because they don’t make enough money to pay for the increasing cost of treating patients. The impact of these hospital closures on the communities they serve is nothing short of devastati ..read more

The following article has been reposted with the permission of the Know Your Dose campaign, a valued partner of our BeMedWise program. It goes by many names – cold and flu season, the “tripledemic,” and respiratory virus season are just a few. Whatever you call it, we know that the colder months and more time indoors mean that many of us will contract a cough, cold, or flu. If you or your loved ones do get sick and you’re using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat your symptoms, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help your family stay healthy and safe. Did you know that man ..read more

As a pediatrician I am very familiar with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In infants and young children RSV infection results in a sometimes frightening seasonal illness called bronchiolitis. The virus affects the smallest airways, called the bronchioles, and results in wheezing and trouble breathing. There is no effective antiviral medication, only supportive treatment. The illness is especially severe in premature infants. In June 1998 one of the first monoclonal antibody drugs palivizumab was approved as a preventative measure given to premature infants at high risk for severe infectio ..read more

Every year, the month of August marks an important and often overlooked event: National Write a Will Month. This month allows individuals the opportunity to shape their future and ensure their wishes are honored even after the’ve moved on. Amidst life’s busyness, however, many miss out on the chance to dive into estate planning and create wills. Interestingly, a study by Caring.com points to procrastination as the main culprit behind this inaction. Surprisingly, over 42 percent of Americans haven’t created a will, largely due to putting it off. This leaves both wills and estate planning ..read more

Welcome to our guest blog celebrating World Hepatitis Day, a global initiative on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact worldwide. Understanding viral hepatitis, including A, B, C, and D, is crucial. Hepatitis B and C, if untreated, can lead to liver cancer, emphasizing the need for screening and treatment. We are excited to feature the American Liver Foundation as our guest blog author for today and their vital efforts in combating hepatitis and supporting those affected by liver disease. Join us as we explore the importance of World Hepatitis Day and the pivotal ro ..read more

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disease that is the most common cause of dementia. It causes progressive destructive and irreversible changes in the brain. A common feature is the accumulation of a protein called amyloid-β in the form of plaques and tau tangles. Both are thought to cause brain cell death. Although among the most likely candidates, they have not yet been shown to be the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. In a blog from 2 years ago a newly approved drug for Alzheimer’s disease named aducanumab was discussed. At the time I thought the medication had not been proven to be of any ..read more

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, it’s essential to recognize how crucial accessible healthcare information is for individuals with disabilities. Many people with vision and hearing issues often find themselves jumping through hoops just to access the medication details they need. Despite having tools to assist with these barriers, they can still encounter difficulties in understanding complex medical details. During Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, we talked about the importance of accessibility for deaf-blind individuals. Now, for Disability Pride Month, we’re thrilled to introduce our new ..read more

Today, June 26, marks the start of Helen Keller Deaf-blind Awareness Week. Typically observed during the last week of this month to honor Keller’s birthday on June 27, it gives us an opportunity to put a spotlight on the daily challenges faced by deaf-blind individuals and their remarkable achievements despite their circumstances. NeedyMeds, a trusted healthcare assistance resource, plays a crucial role in connecting deaf-blind individuals with vital programs. Let’s explore how NeedyMeds positively impacts the deaf-blind community during and beyond this awareness week. But first, let’s t ..read more