UConn Health, ConnectiCare have reached multi-year agreement
A statement from UConn Health said that the agreement will ensure that UConn Health stays as an in-network provided for patients with ConnectiCare health plans, and patient care should continue without interruption.
UConn Health drops insurance contract with ConnectiCare
'This new multi-year agreement reached during the post-termination 60-day period, means that patients with ConnectiCare plans can continue to receive care at John Dempsey Hospital, UConn Medical Group, and throughout UConn Health without any disruption,' the statement said. 'Patients with ConnectiCare plans are now able to schedule appointments and access the full range of services they rely on.'
UConn Health said it has started reaching out to affected patients to inform them of the update and provide resources.
Patients with questions are asked to visit health.uconn.edu/ConnectiCare or contact the patient support team at (860) 679-0199.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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CNN
28 minutes ago
- CNN
A toxicologist's guide to poison ivy's itch and bee stings' burning pain – 2 examples of nature's chemical warfare
Enjoying the outdoors carries the danger of running into nature's less-friendly side: toxic plants and animals. As toxicologists at the University of Virginia's Blue Ridge Poison Center, we see many patients each year suffering from itchy rashes from poison ivy and stings from wasps or bees. Plants and animals deploy toxins most often in order to defend themselves. Learning how they do that and what happens when the human body is exposed to these substances can offer insights on how to prevent or manage these encounters with nature. The goal is not to scare people away from the outdoors, but to equip them with the knowledge to appreciate these organisms' intricate self-preservation strategies and to protect themselves in return. Whether in a remote state park or on a city playground, most people have encountered poison ivy. This plant is recognizable by its characteristic arrangement of leaves growing in groups of three with edges that vary from smooth to jagged. It can take many forms: a single small plant, a mass of ground cover, a small bush, or a climbing vine reaching many feet up a tree or building. READ: The molecule that makes you itch also stops inflammation Poison ivy – its scientific name is Toxicodendron radicans – and its close relatives poison oak and poison sumac contain an oily substance called urushiol. This chemical is found in every part of the plant: the leaves, roots, stems and even the small white berries it produces in late summer. About 75% of people will develop an allergic reaction on contact with urushiol. Urushiol has antimicrobial properties, and scientists think its job in the poison ivy plant is to protect it from diseases. Because it is so oily, urushiol spreads easily. It can transfer from the plant to your skin, clothes, garden tools or even your pets. Direct plant contact isn't the only risk: If urushiol is on your clothing or a pet's fur and your skin later brushes against it, you can develop the same rash as you'd get from directly touching the plant. Urushiol triggers a delayed allergic reaction. When the oil touches your skin, it binds to skin cells, changing their shape. A molecule called CD1a then clocks urushiol as a foreign substance, prompting the immune system to mount an attack on the cells – hence the rash. READ: Are twins allergic to the same things? The symptoms do not appear instantly; the rash usually appears 12 to 48 hours after exposure. It often starts as redness and itching, then develops into small bumps or fluid-filled blisters. The reaction can be mild or severe, depending on how sensitive you are and how much urushiol got on your skin. The rash itself isn't contagious. Fluid from the blisters doesn't spread it. What spreads the rash to other areas of your body or to others is the urushiol lingering on your skin, clothing, tools or pets. Once the oil is adequately washed away, the rash can't spread to other people or to other areas of your body. If you have touched poison ivy, wash the area as soon as you can with soap and water and change your clothes if possible. After that, the rash will eventually resolve on its own. You can help alleviate symptoms by using a topical steroid or anti-itch cream on the rash. In severe cases, or if the face is affected, patients may require oral steroids to treat the symptoms. Bees and wasps are most active in the late summer. Because of this, we receive more frequent poison center calls about them during this season. Bees and wasps generally sting to defend their hives or nests or to protect themselves from perceived threats. They store venom in their abdominal sacs. When they sting, the venom flows through their stinger and is injected into their target's skin. This venom is a clear, slightly acidic liquid loaded with various active ingredients. For example, it contains enzymes such as phospholipase A2 that break down cell membranes, and peptides such as melittin that cause pain. The venom also contains natural chemicals such as histamine and epinephrine that affect blood vessels and the immune system. Unlike with poison ivy, where the immune system's reaction to the substance causes irritation, with bee and wasp stings it's primarily the substance itself that causes pain – although immune response can still play a role. As soon as the venom enters a person's skin, their body reacts. READ: Are you really allergic to penicillin? A sharp, burning pain comes first as the components of the venom begin to inflict damage, followed by redness and then swelling of the area. Symptoms commonly peak within a few hours and fade within a day. However, some people have stronger reactions with larger areas of swelling that can last for several days. This is because everyone's immune system is slightly different, and some people tend to have stronger reactions than others to foreign substances. In rare cases, the immune system overreacts, releasing large amounts of histamine and other chemicals all at once. Histamine is most often released in response to a foreign substance, causing symptoms of an allergic reaction. This can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can make breathing difficult, lower blood pressure and cause airway swelling, and which can quickly become life-threatening. READ: How to manage hay fever in your pets Getting stung multiple times at once can also be life-threatening due to the sheer amount of venom injected, even in people without a bee venom allergy. If you're stung and the stinger is stuck in the skin, it should be removed immediately by the quickest means available. Bee stingers are barbed and can continue to deliver venom for up to a minute. Most bee or wasp stings require only symptomatic treatment, such as an over-the-counter steroid cream or oral antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling. However, people who begin to develop more severe symptoms such as full body hives, vomiting or difficulty breathing should immediately seek emergency care. Anaphylactic reactions require rapid treatment with a medication called epinephrine and close monitoring in the hospital. Christopher P. Holstege is a professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics at University of Virginia. Sandra H. Nixon is a fellow in the Division of Medical Toxicology at University of Virginia.
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
9 Things No One Tells You About Sex After 70
There's a lot of mystery surrounding sex in your 60s, 70s and beyond. Look online and you'll find countless threads where curious younger people ask if older people are having sex at all, and if they are having it, what it's like. 'What does it feel like?' others wonder. (Good, we imagine? It's still sex!) Related: The mystery surrounding sex in older age stems from a combination of factors, according to Shannon Chavez, a licensed psychologist and sex therapist in Beverly Hills, California. First, societal taboos and ageist attitudes have led to a marginalization of older adults' sexuality. No one wants to imagine people their grandparents' or parents' age having sex, so we cast out those thoughts. What we get as a result are limited discussions and representations of sex in later life; think of how few scenes we see of older people getting it on in movies and TV, and how often post-50 sex and Viagra are the butt of the joke for late-night comedians. We're all going to get older eventually (hopefully, anyway) but because we've stigmatized post-50 sex so much, we're ill-prepared for the realities of it, Chavez said. 'There's a lack of comprehensive sex education tailored to older age groups, leaving many individuals uninformed about the changes and challenges they may face regarding sexuality as they age,' she told HuffPost. 'This all leads to misconceptions and curiosity about what sexual experiences are like in later life,' she said. 'Overall, increased awareness, education, and open dialogue about sex and aging can help eliminate the mystery and promote healthier attitudes toward sexuality in older age groups.' The heartening reality is that those who are AARP-aged are still having, enjoying and desiring sex, even when they're not coupled up. Four out of 10 people ages 65-80 are still sexually active, according to a 2018 studyfrom the National Poll on Healthy Aging. And whether or not they have an active sex life, nearly two-thirds of older adults said they're interested in sex. More than half said sex is important to their quality of life, according to the same study. To shed some light on post-70 sex, we asked sex therapists and people over 70 to share some things people should know about sex in the golden years. See what they had to say below. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Your need to feel desired doesn't just disappear. 'I can only speak for my wife and I, but I think one of the biggest things not talked about is the drive for sex and physical enjoyment ― to be desired, to be wanted, to have that feeling of giving and receiving the physical, as well as emotional release ― never goes away. When we're young, we don't want to believe that old, saggy humans still want sex. But we do. Physical attraction and satisfaction, communication and personal hygiene are still important, even in our 70s. 'There are certain things that have to be worked out, of course: erectile dysfunction, extreme dryness, pain and limited positions. But it's great to be alive at a time when science has solved some of these issues with easy solutions. Drugs and creams for both women and men, as well as physical exercises and therapies, make it possible to enjoy sex at this late stage. I understand that there are many people at this age who have debilitating diseases or physical limitations that make it very difficult or even undesirable to have sex. And I certainly respect that. But there are also many older people, older than us even, who still want and have sex. 'I think the biggest problem is the stigma of being old, with gray hair or bald, saggy breasts and butts, means that there's no longer a need for sex. When we were in our 50s, we thought that if we were alive in our 70s, we'd be done. To our pleasant surprise, it's just the opposite.' ― Frank, 76, who lives in the Texas panhandle and has been married for almost 53 years The frequency decreases but the quality often increases. 'I think the most surprising thing about sex after 70 for many folks is that it has the potential to be better than ever. Many of my clients in their 70s (and 80s!) report that while the frequency of sex generally declines with age, the quality improves. Sometimes this is related to so-called sexual dysfunction which leads them to discover new pathways to pleasure. For example, if penetration is painful or uncomfortable, they often learn to explore and enjoy full-body pleasure. Or if erectile issues arise, many folks finally discover that the hands, tongue, lips, toys and skin can lead to intense pleasure and orgasms in the absence of penile erections.' ― Jess O'Reilly, a sexologist and the host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast Erectile dysfunction doesn't need to end your sex life. 'I've dealt with ED for over 20 years. My wife could never orgasm with [penis in vagina] but now has at least two or three orgasms and often more. I guess you could call it advanced foreplay: I use my mouth, hands and leg to stimulate her. She then stimulates me until I'm finished.' ― Norm, 71, southeast Michigan Related: Aging may cause physical barriers, but there are workarounds. 'Aging may cause physical changes that don't have to be barriers to having sex. Aging naturally causes changes in physical comfort and mobility such as arthritis, joint pain, or mobility limitations that can be addressed easily by using products such as pillows for support, trying different sexual positions that are less physically demanding, or incorporating lubricants to reduce discomfort which contribute to a more enjoyable and fulfilling sexual experience. Also, being open to experimenting and adapting to the changing needs of one's body can help older adults continue to engage in pleasurable sexual activities. In older age, sex is less performative and more adaptable to experiences providing pleasure and connection.' ― Chavez Sexual adventurousness and creativity expand with experience. 'Just because our bodies get worn out doesn't mean our minds do. Adventurousness and imagination expand with experience. I may be different from other people, but I find myself giving myself permission to explore and be interested in diverse activities even more than when I was younger. When you get toward the end of your life you realize the rules don't matter as much anymore, including in bed. No one is going to give you a disapproving glance and no one is going to discourage you from doing something you want to do and, really, who cares if they do?' ― David Daniel, a 70-something in Cedar Rapids, Iowa It can be painful, especially for women. 'The aging process has a tremendous impact on sexual functioning and satisfaction. In addition, as we age, we tend to have more medical issues and many medications can impact sexual function. As we age, we often experience changes in our sexual behavior, desire, what we find arousing, and overall sexual well-being. Some of the biological changes we experience as we age involve hormones: When women reach middle age, they experience menopause. This happens because the body stops producing estrogen. Some of the results of decreased estrogen production include vaginal dryness, decreased lubrication, and loss of elasticity in the vaginal tissues. This often leads to discomfort and even pain during intercourse. In some cases, there may be a decrease in nipple and clitoral sensitivity. The good news is, lube and longer-acting vaginal moisturizers can help.' ― Rachel Needle, a psychologist in West Palm Beach, Florida, and the co-director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes Related: Sometimes, it's more about the emotional connection. 'Emotional connection and intimacy are a priority and sex becomes intentional and more of the experience they are having. It is less about the sexual scripts and acts of sex and more about the type of connection and closeness that can be gained from mutually enjoyable experiences together. The motivation for sex may be less about looking good, pleasing your partner only, feeling like an obligation or task, and being more intentional about feeling good together and enjoying the experience.' ― Chavez Sexual desire is 'supposed' to be spontaneous but it's not always that way, especially as we age. 'Some data suggests that very few women commonly experience sexual desire postmenopause. One study found that 24% never experience desire and 41% rarely experience desire postmenopause. But 91% experience arousal (and pleasure). What we can learn from this is that you don't have to experience spontaneous desire to enjoy sex; if you don't find yourself in the mood, you can put yourself in the mood — with fantasy, conversation, touch, and other forms of arousal.' ― O'Reilly It's all about managing your expectations. 'If you believe Reddit and other online forums, some folks make love several times a day. I've told the folks on Reddit that we make love every Friday. We tell anyone that wants to see us on Friday that we have a previous engagement. Our family knows that Friday is our chill day and never bothers us. Could we have sex more often? Maybe, but it's very exhausting and we talk about it all of the time to keep it exciting. It's Wednesday today, so it's Friday, eve, eve. Lots of hugging and kissing during the week, just to be close.' ― Norm Related... The Best Sex Positions For People Over 60, According To Sex Experts Sex Experts Say You're Missing Out On Lube. Here Are 8 Highly Rated Options. I Became A Huge OnlyFans Star At 56. Then Someone Outed Me To My Hometown.
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Backpacker's 'hangover' was deadly disease that kills 100,000 a year
A backpacker has told how her post-party hangover turned out to be a deadly infection which kills over 100,000 people every year. Alysha Pyrgotis, 27, was left vomiting and with 'extreme diarrhoea' after catching typhoid on the remote Indonesian party island of Gili Trawangan in June this year. She said: 'I was bed bound, in a lot of pain with my muscles and my bones. I was a bit delirious. I couldn't concentrate at all, that's when I started to panic. The guy I was travelling with at the time started to realise I was quite poorly, I wasn't hungover. 'He spoke to the person at the hostel and we had a look online, there weren't any hospitals or anything. I was on a very small island, there wasn't really healthcare, it was just really unlucky that I was there at the time.' READ MORE: Boy, 18, stabbed in chest outside Huddersfield bus station - full police statement READ MORE: Paedophile ex of evil kidnapper Karen Matthews flees Huddersfield home near nursery A local doctor came out to visit Alysha and tested her blood to find she had typhoid – a bacterial infection which can kill one in five of those infected if they do not get treatment. The backpacker, from Bradford, believes she could have caught the infection from something she ate. She said: 'I thought I was going to die, to be honest. It was that bad, I was literally like 'this is it'. I was so annoyed as I was so close to the end of my trip. I'd been ill before, but not that ill before. I was really worried about telling my family – I didn't tell them, actually, because they were having a lot of stress at work at the time. I didn't tell them until after I'd been poorly. 'I just thought it was not going to end well for me. I was panicking as I knew I had to leave the country soon, I was really, really scared.' Alysha added: 'It was just like my body didn't want anything inside it, it was trying to get rid of everything. I didn't eat anything for the whole time I was really ill – probably five or six days. Even water, I would sip water and it would come straight back up. It was a very, very extreme sickness.' After six days on a drip in a small, cramped medical shack, Alysha received a negative typhoid test and had to get out of the country. She said: 'I had to get out of Indonesia because my visa would run out. I'd spent almost my whole time in Indonesia being sick. 'I had to get out, I had a flight to Thailand. They took me off the drip and the next day I had to fly to Bangkok. I still was very sick, the flight was horrific. Even the next few days in Bangkok were very difficult, I couldn't do anything. The lasting effects of it were still a couple of weeks of not feeling quite right.' The former social media marketing executive was in the middle of a seven-and-a-half-month trip abroad when she came down with the fever. Following a breakup, Alysha made the spontaneous decision to fly out to south Thailand in December 2024. She then visited Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines before going to Indonesia. Now, she's urging anyone who visits these countries to ensure they wash their hands - especially around animals - and watch what they eat. Alysha said: 'I'm not going to say 'nobody pet the stray animals', because that's one of my favourite parts of travelling. I think washing your hands is really important afterwards, because that's something I really didn't do. 'I was in the middle of nowhere petting stray animals and then going about my day for hours and hours without access to any water to wash my hands in, I didn't bring any sanitiser either. I think general handwashing, being careful with what you eat out there. 'A lot of street food you eat isn't kept in clean conditions, it's in a hot country on the street. Chicken is sat out for hours and the cleaning utensils are probably not cleaned to the standard you would in the west. I just wasn't careful where I ordered my food from. 'I was just eating everything that looked good and smelled good at the time – and that's probably not the wisest thing to do.' According to the NHS, typhoid fever is spread through unclean food or water. Symptoms include high temperature, headache, coughing, chills, aches, pains, feeling tired, constipation, and a lack of hunger. Those travelling in areas where there's a risk of catching it are advised by the health agency to get a vaccination against the illness. Treatment for people who catch it is through antibiotics. Some people who recover from the disease can become carriers who can still spread it for months or even years after. The NHS says regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water, or using sanitiser gel if they're unavailable, as well as using bottled or boiled water and eating thoroughly cooked foods can help to prevent catching or spreading the infection. The health agency says to avoid having ice in drinks, or eating raw or lightly cooked meat or seafood and unwashed salad. Dairy products made from unpasteurised milk and food that has been left uncovered can also pose a risk. Typhoid vaccines are recommended for anyone age over one year old when travelling to an area where there is a high risk of catching typhoid. Travellers should try to see a GP six to eight weeks before travelling. The vaccine lasts for three years and comes as an injection or tablets.