FIGHT

National Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month

Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD) are chronic illnesses causes by hereditary or genetic defects in the immune system that make the immune system not function properly. Throughout their lives, people with PIDDs are more susceptible to infections, endure recurrent health problems, and may develop serious long-term illness. Signs and symptoms of a PIDD can include: delayed…

Get to Know Your Words: Prostatitis

Prostatitis Prostatitis is a bacterial infection of your prostate gland. The infection can be either chronic or acute. Chronic prostatitis causes a dull pressure or pain in your rectum or pelvis. What begins as dull pressure quickly turns into severe pain with chills, high fever, and an enlarged prostate that can prevent you from being able…

Understanding Anal Health

There tends to be a lack of understanding of anal health care, which can lead to misdiagnoses and stigma. This also usually prevents people from getting the information and care they need to maintain good health.  Anal sex is a common practice amongst Americans, but we must know risks, signs, and symptoms of health issues…

Get to Know Your Words: Molluscum Contagiosum

The anus is one of the most common points of infection, but these pimples can also be found frequently on the inner thighs, groin, genitals, and lower abdomen. People living with HIV may also be at risk for the infection to spread all over the body. Sometimes the infection goes away on its own, but…

April 10th is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

The day was created to educate the public about the impact of HIV/AIDS on young people and to highlight the work going on across the country to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Find out more about who’s most at risk and the treatment and prevention strategies that are most effective. See more information about FIGHT’s…

HPV and Anal Cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is passed from one person to another during skin-to-skin contact with an infected area of the body. Did you know that HPV can cause more than just cervical cancer? HPV infections can spread to other parts of the body, like the anus. The principal…

Get to Know Your Words: Proctoscopy

Proctoscopy Proctoscopy is a common medical procedure of the rectum used to look for signs of colorectal cancer. An instrument called a proctoscope is used to examine the anal cavity, rectum, or sigmoid colon. Make your bottom a top priority and join us at Philadelphia’s 2nd Annual Anal Health Symposium on April 19th to discuss the best…

Walk this Way

Walking is the simplest yet is the most underrated form of exercise. Walking can be a good workout depending on how long and often you walk, and may be a better choice for some people. It has both physical and mental benefits, such as improvements in blood pressure, reduces risk of heart disease and stroke…

Get to Know Your Words: Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy Your colon helps your body absorb water and nutrients from the food you eat. It’s also where your stool is formed. The last third of your descending colon is called the sigmoid colon. It’s connected to your anus by your rectum. A sigmoidoscopy, also called a flexible sigmoidoscopy, is a procedure that lets your…

Be Mindful

Mindfulness is a practice that brings a variety of physical, social, and psychological benefits. It is the practice that allows us to bring attention to what is happening in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. Training your brain to be mindful has been said to increase the matter…

Get to Know Your Words: Anoscopy

Anoscopy An anoscopy is an examination using a small, rigid, tubular instrument called an anoscope. This is inserted a few inches into the anus in order to evaluate problems of the anal canal. Anoscopy is used to diagnose hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and some cancers Make your bottom a top priority and RSVP to our 2nd…

Save Your Vision Month

March has been designated as “National Save Your Vision Month”. The American Optometric Association aims to raise awareness concerning the need for comprehensive annual eye exams. More people are using electronic devices for both work and pleasure than ever before. Be aware of developing dry eyes, blurred vision, or eye strain from using electronics all…

Get to Know Your Words: Anal Dysplasia

Anal Dysplasia  Anal dysplasia is a condition in which some of the cells within the anus have transformed into abnormal cells. High resolution imaging is needed to detect these abnormal lesions Anal dysplasia is not cancer, but it is a pre-cancerous condition. In other words, if the abnormal cells are left untreated, they can turn…

National Women and Girls HIV /AIDS Awareness Day

Every year on March 10th, local, state, federal, and national organizations come together to celebrate National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Today, nearly 1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with HIV, with 1 in 4 of them being women. We have made much progress against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but we must…

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water can help keep your body healthy and functioning at its highest capacity. We are told from a young age to drink water, without asking the benefits of water. The fact of the matter is: water has numerous effects on the body and our overall health. It keeps our memory sharp, stabilizes and boosts…

Get to Know Your Words:q.i.d, qid

q.i.d, qid Latin – quater in die Four times a day Many don’t realize that there are Latin abbreviations on their prescription bottles! Knowing the abbreviations can empower you to take your medication safely! It may be easy to confuse “q.1.d or q1d” for qid however it is important to see the difference. QID: Ever…

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is from February 25th-March 3rd 2019. This campaign combats the stigma, myths, and misunderstandings that surround eating disorders. Millions of Americans will struggle with a full-blown eating disorder and millions more will battle food and body image issues that have untold negative impacts on their lives. If you would like to…

Managing Your Health in the Digital Age

Having all your health information in one place can help you be in control of your health. Keeping track of medical records can be difficult, especially if you see several doctors for care. Many apps, devices and online services exist to make the job of organizing and accessing this information easier. The Critical Path Learning…

American Heart Month

February is recognized as American Heart Month. Heart disease—and the conditions that lead to it—can happen at any age. High rates of obesity and high blood pressure among younger people (ages 35-64) are putting them at risk for heart disease earlier in life. Half of all Americans have at least one of the top three…

Get to Know Your Words: t.i.d., tid

t.i.d., tid Latin – ter in die Three times Latin is no longer commonly used but it can still be found on your prescription bottle! Understanding what information is on your prescription label and what that information means can help you lead a safer and healthier life. TID: In Latin, ter in die means three…

National Children’s Dental Health Month

The American Dental Association recognizes February as National Children’s Dental Health Month. This national health observance brings together dedicated dental and health care providers to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers and teachers. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good…

Get to Know Your Words: b.d.s, bds, BDS

b.d.s, bds, BDS Latin – bis die sumendum Two times a day You may be thinking that the pharmacy where you fill your prescription does the deciphering for you. While that’s true, you should read the prescription and go over the directions with your doctor before you leave their office. Understanding the abbreviations found on your…

Blood Type & Health

Many people do not know their blood type, but knowing so can provide tips about your risk for certain medical conditions. Knowing your blood type can help you take the steps to reduce risks of common illnesses and gives you an extra health boost.  Risk of heart disease, blood clotting conditions, and memory problems vary…

Get to Know Your Words: q.1.d., q1d

q.1.d., q1d Latin – quaque die Every day Many don’t realize that there are Latin abbreviations on their prescription bottles! Knowing the abbreviations can empower you to take your medication safely. There are about 1.5 million preventable medication errors each year, according to a 2006 report from the Institute of Medicine. Roughly one-third of those…