It’s one thing for emergency responders to know how to use Narcan, or the generic nalaxone, but now, we all have access to it. So, who knows how to use it? Not always many people. After all, if you don’t use drugs or know anyone who does, maybe you think, “I don’t need to know.” But the harsh reality is overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. and the fourth-leading cause of death overall in the country. If you get on public transportation, walk through a store or go to a concert venue, there’s a chance you might witness someone going through an overdose. You might be the person who saves a life and gives someone a second chance, but only if you know how to use the drug that can reverse the overdose, shares Sterling Elliott, PharmD, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. For those who might be afraid of doing something wrong in an emergency, Narcan can’t hurt someone if they’re not overdosing. The FDA cited this as a strong reason for OTC approval. Not to mention, many states have good Samaritan laws that shield nobly intentioned citizens from liability when they try to help save a life. Don’t be afraid. This is the ultimate team effort.

Libido, or sex drive, may seem like something people are just born with — either you have a high sex drive, or you don’t. Yet many things can have an impact on one’s libido, from physical issues to mental health. Here’s a guide to the terms you need to know. Not everyone feels spontaneous desire, however. While some people may assume that a lack of spontaneous desire means they have a low sex drive, it’s possible they may simply need to take a different route to feeling ready for sex. Medical intervention can sometimes help women who are concerned about their lower libido. Flibanserin, the brand name for which is Addyi, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration only for premenopausal women. Clinical studies show that after eight to 12 weeks it does boost the desire to have sex, according to Lauren Streicher, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. The medication must be taken daily and works by addressing the neurotransmitters that play a role in sexual desire; it’s not an instant fix.

Federal changes regarding how to pay for screenings meant at-home blood tests were no longer available to many. Medical experts and patient advocates explained the Medicare change has a chilling effect across the health care industry causing people with private insurance to also lose out on the simple blood tests. Those limits, they say, put transplant patients at immediate risk, particularly low-income people and people of color who face existing barriers to access to care. In the long run, they fear lack of adequate testing will lead to more failed organs. The point of the tests is to provide more comfortable, less invasive monitoring for better long-term health, said John Friedewald, MD, a professor of medicine and surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Limiting access leads to shorter survival of the transplanted organ and, ultimately, the person, he said. “We want to make sure that everyone has equal access to these important tests to maintain the health of their transplant and themselves,” he said.

The holiday season is upon us, and with it, a flurry of activities and obligations. Amid the hustle, a new study finds the added pressures of inflation, tight finances and world affairs have many Americans feeling even more strained and overwhelmed than usual this holiday season. More than half of people surveyed also remain concerned about the rise in COVID-19 and flu cases, both of which can be unwelcome guests at social gatherings. One example of a stress trigger would be having too little down time. A hectic life can affect your family’s stress. Studies show that long-lasting stress can cause the body to make too much cortisol, a hormone that can ramp up appetite and lead to overeating. “Step back and ask what you want for yourself for the holiday season,” she said. “Do I want ease? Do I want comfort? Do I want support? All of these can erase the self-limiting beliefs we carry about ourselves. The key is to have clarity ahead of time before we’re in the fire so we have a better chance of making those bumps feel minor versus massive derailments.” This practice of setting expectations (or setting intentions) is one of the most important strategies that Inger Burnett-Zeigler PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and associate clinical professor at Northwestern University in Chicago, recommends – not only for the holidays, but for daily living.