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Key takeaways
Medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, developed for diabetes, became highly popular for weight loss in 2023, despite potential risks and resulting pharmacy shortages.
The year saw a significant increase in allergy suffering among Americans due to record-high pollen counts and changing weather patterns, impacting one in three people with allergic rhinitis.
Among the top health topics of 2023 were the proper use of Viagra, the effectiveness of gummy vitamins, interpreting comprehensive metabolic panel results, and recognizing early signs of Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Articles on avoiding alcohol with certain medications like amlodipine and Ozempic, the benefits of eating beets, foods to avoid for heart palpitations, and dietary considerations with metoprolol were highly engaged with by readers.
Whether you’re kicking off the New Year by giving up alcohol for Dry January, taking a break from social media to improve your mental health, or bumping up your physical activity to feel better overall, SingleCare is here to help you lead your healthiest life.
In 2023, medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy soared in popularity—so much so that many pharmacies faced a shortage. These prescription medications, originally developed for diabetes, are a promising option for weight loss, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re considering one of these blockbuster drugs, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider as taking them can be risky without appropriate medical guidance.
And if you felt like your allergies were worse this year, it wasn’t your imagination. Record-high pollen counts and shifting seasonal weather patterns translated into a rough allergy season for one in three Americans with allergic rhinitis. We had allergy sufferers covered with advice about the best antihistamines, plus what to do if allergy medications don’t work.
These were just a couple of the topics that were popular on The Checkup this year. Read on to see what readers cared about the most in 2023.
10 trending health topics in 2023
We do our best to keep you informed with the health and wellness news you need to live your best, healthiest life on The Checkup and across our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok. We looked back at what our readers clicked on the most this year from social media and found the 10 most popular posts. See what articles made the list.
1. How to take Viagra for best results
Even if you’ve already heard about the little blue pill, there’s a lot to know before taking the erectile dysfunction medication. It enhances blood flow to the penis to help you achieve an erection, but sexual stimulation is required for it to work. Did you know that there’s an optimal time window for best results? Find out when it is.
2. Do gummy vitamins work?
Gummy vitamins taste so good (like candy!) that you may wonder if they’re effective. While they contain fewer vitamins and minerals than their traditional counterparts, gummies can be a good option for those who can’t swallow pills. Just be sure that you—or your kiddos—don’t eat too many, which can result in vitamin toxicity. Learn the pros and cons of gummy vitamins.
3. How to read comprehensive metabolic panel results
Your annual physical exam is essential to preventive care, and a comprehensive metabolic exam provides an important picture of your overall health. The simple blood test looks at important markers like blood sugar levels, fluid and electrolyte balance, and how well your organs function. Find out how to decipher your results and what to ask your provider.
4. What are the early signs of Guillain-Barre syndrome?
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. It damages the nerve cells responsible for pain, muscle control, and temperature sensations. Usually, Guillain-Barre syndrome resolves on its own, but sometimes, hospitalization and treatment are needed. Learn the symptoms, plus when to see a healthcare provider.
5. Can you drink while taking amlodipine?
Amlodipine is a commonly prescribed medication for high blood pressure. Because both alcohol and amlodipine can affect blood pressure and heart rate, mixing the two is not recommended. Before drinking (in moderation), get clearance from your provider first, and keep these precautions in mind.
6. Blood sugar charts by age, risk, and test type
Blood glucose is the level of sugar in your blood, broken down from the food you eat. Under normal conditions, it’s used as energy by your cells. But in people with diabetes, blood glucose levels become too high, and that can have serious health implications if left unchecked. To avoid this, individuals with diabetes need to keep their blood sugar in a healthy range. Here’s how blood sugar charts can help.
7. Can you drink when using Ozempic?
Whether you’re taking Ozempic for diabetes or off-label for weight loss, you might be curious if it’s safe to mix it with alcohol. While the FDA doesn’t explicitly advise people on Ozempic not to drink, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Find out how the combination can affect your blood sugar levels and other potential side effects.
8. 8 reasons to eat more beets
Even if you don’t find beets delicious, it’s worthwhile to incorporate the superfood into your diet. Did you know their deep red or golden hue means they’re chock-full of nutrients? Beets are probably healthier than you realized! Learn eight benefits of beets, plus how often you should eat them to boost your health.
9. 7 foods to avoid if you have heart palpitations
Though often harmless, heart palpitations, or changes in your heart rate or rhythm, can be alarming. Did you know that if your heart starts pounding or fluttering right after you finish a meal, it could be related to something you ate? Find out the top seven foods to avoid to keep palpitations at bay.
10. 4 foods that don’t mix with metoprolol
If you take metoprolol for high blood pressure, you may have concerns about what foods you can eat. Cardiologists say the drug works best if you follow a blood-pressure-friendly diet full of whole grains, legumes, fruits and veggies, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. But did you know that what you don’t eat is important, too? If you’re taking metoprolol, avoiding these four foods is best.
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