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This has been an unprecedented year—the global COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down around the globe in 2020. Businesses shuttered as citizens were ordered to stay at home. Unemployment and financial uncertainty sky rocketed. On top of that, it’s a presidential election year. Throughout these tumultuous 12 months, SingleCare has been here, sharing the health information you need to feel a little bit better, even (and especially) in these difficult times.
We’ve covered a lot of topics since January. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many of the most-read articles on the SingleCare blog focused on the novel coronavirus, and recovering from the stress that all these remarkable circumstances can bring. Here are the most popular The Checkup posts of 2020:
1. Finding the right melatonin dosage
If you’ve been having trouble sleeping, you’re not alone. Even in the best of times, more than 70 million people live with a sleep disorder. Since COVID-19 hit, coronavirus insomnia has become a prevalent condition. Anxiety can make it hard to drift off to slumber, or to stay asleep the entire night. Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body. When taken as a supplement, it’s an over-the-counter remedy that can help you catch those z’s you desperately need. Learn all about how it works, and the best ways to use it.
2. How to tell if your coronavirus symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe
You’ve probably read that most people who catch COVID-19 develop only mild symptoms. But what does that actually mean? Especially early on in the pandemic, that wasn’t entirely clear. That’s where this guide came in, helping to tease out the signs that your case is moderate—or even when you might need emergency attention. When in doubt? It never hurts to call your healthcare provider to consult.
3. Medications that can cause false positive drug tests
There are a few common circumstances when the average person might be asked to take a drug test—when you’re applying for a new job or if you’re a student or an athlete. It’s simple and painless, if a little unnerving, even if you’re sure it will be a negative result. Yet, you may not have noticed in the fine print of your Rx, some prescriptions can make it look like you’re using illegal drugs. There are eight medications and five common substances that could cause a false positive. Before heading in for your test, find out which ones.
4. The best birth control for acne treatment
Zits. Pimples. Spots. These unsightly, and often painful, blemishes go by many names—and there are many different techniques to get rid of them, such as diet changes, topical treatments, and even medications. For certain types of acne, your dermatologist may even prescribe birth control, but all forms are not created equal. These kinds have more benefits for your skin. That’s good news for the 50 million Americans with breakouts.
5. Can I go outside while self-isolating for coronavirus?
If you think you could have been exposed to coronavirus, it’s become common practice to quarantine, or self-isolate, to avoid spreading COVID-19. It’s hard being cooped up inside, especially in cities where small apartments are the norm—leading many people to wonder: Is it safe to enjoy the great outdoors? Like most things with this new virus, it’s not a simple answer. Certain activities and places are safer than others, as long as you take steps to minimize risk.
6. Does apple cider vinegar have health benefits?
ACV is a pantry staple that gets a lot of hype as a cure-all for many different ailments. But does it live up to its claims? Historically, this acidic liquid has been used to regulate blood sugar, heal wounds, and fight infection. Not all of the claims stand up to investigation. In six cases, the science backs them up.
7. Coronavirus vs. the flu vs. a cold
This year, every cough or sneeze feels fraught. Your mind jumps to COVID-19, even if it’s likely something more benign. So many symptoms of seasonal illnesses, like the cold and flu, overlap with coronavirus. This guide can help to determine which infection could be causing your symptoms… and what to do next.
8. How to see a doctor when you don’t have health insurance
With record unemployment has come record numbers of people in the U.S. losing the health insurance coverage that came with their jobs. In a year when you may need health care more than ever, that certainly complicates things. Take heart. It might take a little more research to find treatment that won’t break the bank, but there are options. Use this guide to get started, and don’t give up!
9. Does hand sanitizer expire?
Two previously uncommon items have become the hottest commodities of 2020: masks and hand sanitizer. You’ll find bottles at the entrances of every store or public establishment. The sudden demand led to shortages. It was hard to find the right face coverings or cleanser. If you have an old bottle of sanitizer rustling around the bottom of your purse, or in the back of your medicine cabinet, is it still safe to use? Check these guidelines before counting on it to disinfect your hands.
10. 14 hangover cures that work
Whether you over-indulged after a particularly challenging day, or if you’re just getting ready for New Year’s Day, there are ways to avoid the unfortunate side effects of enjoying a few too many adult beverages. Many of them hinge on prevention. So if you’re planning to have a glass of wine (or three), read this list first—then eat and hydrate accordingly.