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The United States rang in the New Year with many delayed holiday celebrations—rescheduled due to illness—as the Omicron variant spread across the country. However, despite increasing cases, most of the country had dropped mask mandates by March. In May, monkeypox started spreading in major cities. By September, President Joe Biden declared the COVID-19 pandemic over. New boosters for the new variants became available to the public, yet in October, the public emergency for the virus was renewed again.
Through the ups and downs of this year, The Checkup is here to provide the health and wellness news you need to stay healthy—even amid constant change. We’ve covered a lot of topics since last January. As life gets back to normal, some of our perennially popular topics took the top spots including the best diets to prevent health conditions like diabetes and thyroid problems, mental health, and how to sleep a little better at night.
In case you missed it, these are the most popular SingleCare blog posts of the year.
1. The best diet for insulin resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when your cells can’t use the glucose in your bloodstream effectively for energy. When untreated, it can lead to health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Luckily, dietary changes can be very effective at reversing this metabolic condition. Learn six foods to eat, and six foods to avoid.
2. Could one of these 7 prescription weight-loss pills be right for you?
Approximately 42% of adults in the U.S. have obesity. Because of the myriad health conditions that can result from carrying excess pounds, many wonder—could a solution be as simple as taking a pill? There are seven FDA-approved prescription medications for weight loss. Not everyone is a candidate for these drugs, but they can work wonders for those who are eligible. Learn if one of these might be a good choice for you and your health.
3. 4 drugs that affect muscle growth
You’re still sore from your last workout, so you pop an ibuprofen to power through today’s routine. Or maybe you’re training for a marathon, but your knee keeps acting up—instead of throwing in the towel, you’ve been relying on NSAIDs to get you through your grueling training runs. But will taking anti-inflammatories—or other medications—before or after your workout affect those sought-after gains?
4. Does peroxide for ear wax really work?
If you hop on TikTok and search for “ear wax removal,” you’ll find billions of (sometimes gross) videos. One of the more popular trends this year was using this common household solution to clean out the gunk. But does hydrogen peroxide really work? And, since many health fads on this social media platform are unsafe, is this cure physician-approved for your ears?
5. What’s the best antidepressant for me?
About 19 million people experience depression each year. Luckily, there are lots of treatment options available. So many, in fact, that finding the right one can be the most challenging part of your journey to good mental health. There are seven different classes of medications to treat this condition—and countless prescriptions within those categories. We compiled the research and expert recommendations for many different types of people. Use this guide as a starting point for conversations with your provider to help decide the Rx that’s best for you.
6. 5 safe sleep aids during pregnancy
If you’re expecting and having a difficult time sleeping, you’re not alone. From nausea to backaches—and constant trips to the bathroom—there are lots of things keeping pregnant women from getting their z’s. It’s no wonder so many people are looking for a solution to get more shuteye, one that’s safe for mom and baby. While you should always consult with your OB-GYN team before taking any medication during pregnancy, these five options are generally considered harmless and effective.
7. What to do if you get a late medical bill
You might be surprised to find that medical providers have a hefty amount of time to send you a bill. The regulations vary by state, but the period allowed can be up to several years. If you receive an unexpected charge in the mail—long after having received treatment—it’s most definitely an unpleasant surprise. But unfortunately, you’re still usually required to pay. Just follow these simple steps first.
8. The best diet for hypothyroidism
When your thyroid malfunctions, you will typically need medication to treat the hormonal imbalance. However, following a healthy eating plan, tailored to this condition, can help you feel better overall. Generally, it’s a good idea to prioritize these five whole foods—and to avoid consuming these five in large quantities.
9. 9 types of medications that cause insomnia
If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or wake up too early you have insomnia. Finding the cause of your sleepless nights can be tiresome, but sometimes it’s as easy as reading the labels on your prescriptions. Certain types of medication can cause drug-induced insomnia. Learn if something you take falls into one of these common categories.
10. What to avoid after the flu shot
The CDC recommends an influenza vaccine to everyone older than six months—unless they have a health condition that prevents them from getting it. Usually, it’s best to get your vaccination before the end of October, but if you haven’t received yours yet, it’s not too late. There are benefits to getting immunized even in December. Just be sure to avoid these activities after your jab.