FIGHT

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…

FIGHT Mourns the loss of longtime employee Marcie Mays

It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the passing of our very own Marcie Mays. A graduate of Project TEACH in 2006, Marcie quickly fell in love with FIGHT and the people here and she never left. She soon became an Americorps member in the AIDS Library, a class assistant in…

Asthma in the Winter

Cold weather can trigger asthma because cold the air causes airway muscles to become narrow. We also know that colds and the flu are common during colder months, which can make asthma symptoms worse. For kids, this can make breathing more difficult and make asthma attacks more likely, as children have sensitive lungs. Take extra…

Exercise is Wise

Some of us have New Year’s Resolutions to exercise more, but some doctors say that can lead to overtraining syndrome.  Overtraining syndrome is essentially burnout, exercising too much with minimal rest, which may make you give up on your resolution. Pace yourself; start off slow and be realistic with yourself. Exercise is more than losing…

Cervical Health Awareness Month 2019

Each year, nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. January has been designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month, and health care providers are encouraging women across the country to get screened. Cervical cancer is highly preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening (regular pap smears and HPV tests). It is important…

New Year’s Resolutions

HESome of the most popular New Year’s resolutions are drink more water, join a gym, and eat better. However, it’s important for us to be specific about these goals, as most of us do not manage them well. What does eating better look like to you? How much water do you want to drink a…

Isolation and Depression around the Holidays

Depression and isolation is common during the holidays. Grief, loss, divorce, financial problems, and fear of change are some common factors that contribute to depression around the holidays. It is also common in senior citizens and those living alone. Improve your mood by practicing self-care during the holidays, eating a healthy diet, and maintain a…

Hepatitis C: C a Difference

Hepatitis C  is an infection of the liver and is the most common blood-borne viral infection in the United States. It can lead to serious liver problems if left untreated. The CDC recommends you get tested if you have shared or used non-sterile needles with an infected person, have unprotected sex with an infected person,…

The Facts on Fat

All natural foods contain some fat. Fat is a source of energy, provides proper functioning of nerves and the brain, and helps to regulate many bodily processes. It’s easy to get confused about good fats vs. bad fats and how much fat we should eat. Food labels with trans-fat and saturated fat have been identified…

World AIDS Day

Annually, December 1st is recognized as World AIDS Day. It is a day to globally unite against the fight of HIV/AIDS, show support for those living with it, and celebrate those who lost their lives to it. Through the years, researchers and medical professionals have made scientific advances in the treatment of HIV, laws have…

Feast Mode

Thanksgiving comes around only once a year, so why not loosen up and pig out? Many of us pack on a few pounds during the holiday season, and some keep the weight permanently. However, there are ways we can enjoy a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast and satisfy our taste buds. Make some recipes healthier with less…

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung cancer account for about 27% of all cancer deaths and is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Everyone, including non-smokers, runs the risk of contracting lung cancer, yet the risk is significantly higher for…

National Healthy Skin Month

Skin is your body’s largest organ, so it’s important to take good care of it. November is National Healthy Skin Month, but maintaining healthy skin is vital year-round. As the cold weather nears, it is a great time to start thinking about the health of your skin and ways to protect and maintain it. Changes…