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…
Get to Know Your Words: Systolic Pressure
Systolic Pressure The pressure exerted by your blood flowing through your arteries is not constant but is dynamic, and constantly reflects what the heart is doing at a given moment. When the heart is actively beating (an event called “systole”), it is ejecting blood out into the arteries. This dynamic ejection of blood into the…
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…
Dr. Mario Cruz Receives Social Innovations Award in Healthcare!
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Dr. Mario Cruz was recently awarded the 2019 Greater Philadelphia Social Innovations Award for Innovations in Healthcare!
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…
Dr. Cruz is a board certified pediatrician who joins Philadelphia FIGHT as the Medical Director for our Pediatrics and Adolescent Health Center. He completed his undergraduate training in Biology and Psychology from Union College, his medical school training at Albany Medical College, his residency training at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, and his Chief Residency at the Albert Einstein Medical Center.