Author: Jasmine Chiam, B.Pharm

Jasmine is a Bachelor of Pharmacy graduate from Monash University. She started off as a freelance writer for various medical companies, startups, and wellness organizations in the health and medical field. Now, she manages HealthPlugged’s entire content team. LinkedIn

Ringworm is also known as dermatophytosis or tinea. It is a fungal infection that affects your skin. Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm. So don’t be misled by its name. Like many skin conditions, it can be hard to tell apart—and there’s no doubt that ringworm can resemble common skin disorders like eczema (dermatitis). Thus, it won’t be surprising for people to slather on the wrong medicated cream and wonder why their treatment isn’t effective. Knowing the symptoms of ringworm can guide you in seeking the correct treatment for the infection. What Is Ringworm? Ringworm, also known…

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The 20:4 intermittent fasting diet (warrior diet) has recently skyrocketed into popularity. This diet is largely popular because many believe it’s the secret key to weight loss and reducing body fat. Many adults in the United States use intermittent fasting, including the 20:4 method (warrior diet), as a weight loss tool. We’ve collated all the information you need to know to construct the ultimate beginner’s guide to the 20:4 intermittent fast, including the risks and benefits of the warrior diet and a simple warrior diet meal plan. What is the warrior diet? The warrior diet is also known as the…

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As COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out worldwide, you might wonder about the possibility of a COVID-19 booster shot in the near future. Not long ago, on the 11 of December 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued approval for the first COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in those 16 and above. Hence, the distribution of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in the United States began. [1] Thus far, the COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective in preventing severe cases of COVID-19. Now, experts and vaccine specialists are working tirelessly around the clock to research and prepare…

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Hyperhidrosis is a term describing excessive sweating. This excessive sweating can often affect confidence, lead to embarrassment, and increase social anxiety. Hyperhidrosis affects around 1-3% of the American population. While it is perfectly normal to sweat when you are physically exerting your body, under stress, or in hot weather, hyperhidrosis is different from that. What Is Hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis refers to abnormal and excessive sweating. The eccrine sweat glands, which are the main sweat glands of the body, are present in higher numbers at the palms, soles, armpits, and face. Hence, these are the areas commonly affected by hyperhidrosis. There are…

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Other than the popular birth control pills and condoms, there are numerous other birth control methods for you to choose from. There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best birth control method for yourself. This includes efficacy, accessibility, safety, benefits, and convenience. Birth control pills might be incredibly effective. However, in real-life scenarios, it’s efficacy can drop due to error in use. [1] Plus, if efficacy is the only thing you prioritize, you are missing out on the bigger picture. You need to consider the price and availability (or accessibility) of the contraceptive method. Also, take note of the…

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You aren’t the exact same person you were a year ago. Similarly, viruses can change, just like you and I. Wuhan, China, reported the first COVID-19 case on the 31st of December 2019, more than a year ago. Since then, new COVID-19 strains and variants have emerged, sparking even more panic and concern in a world struggling to curb the spread of the virus. There have been thousands of reports about the emergence of new strains from various countries worldwide. These reports have circulated information about new variants originating from India, Brazil, the U.K., and South Africa. “What are COVID-19 variants?…

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In the future, we will be able to travel again. The striking question is this, “How do people prove their vaccine status?” It seems likely that there will be a need for specific documentation that will display the traveler’s COVID-19 vaccination or swab test results. Thus, a new term was birthed: The ‘COVID-19 Vaccine Passport.’ Currently, government agencies and international airlines are cracking heads to figure out the feasibility of digital COVID-19 vaccine passports for travel. These agencies and companies are attempting to link digital vaccine certificates and documents into one consolidated digital passport. It’s no easy feat, though! Before…

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First and foremost: What are the things you need to know after getting a COVID 19 vaccine? You might still have some residual worries and to some extent, regrets. We cannot deny that the COVID-19 shots are incredibly new in comparison to the other vaccines, such as influenza or pneumonia vaccines. As of 1 June 2021, almost 2 billion doses have already been administered, while 426 million people have already completed their full regimen! [1] This serves as a timely reminder that you are not alone. Along with many people who have already attained their vaccine, you might have some…

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It’s understandably challenging (and worrying) to determine which COVID-19 vaccine is the most promising, especially with databases of detailed information to analyze. Each day, our social media apps and news programs display headlines such as these; “Which COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective? Moderna vs. Pfizer, which is better? Are COVID-19 vaccines safe? What should I do after getting vaccinated?” It’s not shocking to see why. You might be keen on getting the vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones, but most of us likely have some form of doubt, fear, or anxiousness about getting the shot. Unsurprisingly, most…

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