Food insecurity is an important health and nutrition issue. To be considered food insecure, a person does not have access to affordable and healthy foods. Food insecurity has negative effects on health and development, especially when encountered by a person who already has current health issues. Food insecurity is being recognized more now as a…
The Super Powers of America’s Health Centers & Caregivers!
As part of their yearlong mission to educate the importance of health centers, yearly, the second week in August is designated by the National Association of Community Health Centers as National Health Center Week. This year, the weeklong event takes place from August 13-19. Health centers are client-driven and patient-centered establishments that serve as the…
No Matter The Size, Immunize!
Each year, National Immunization Awareness Month is observed in August to highlight the importance of vaccinations. It is important that during all stages of life, people know the importance of vaccines in regard to preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases that could occur across one’s lifespan. Each year the National Public Health Information Coalition in collaboration…
Test. Treat. Hepatitis.
Today, only 1 in 20 people with hepatitis are aware of their diagnosis (insert infographic), with just 1 in 100 of the diagnosed being treated. Tomorrow, July 28th, around the world, Hepatitis will be at the forefront as The World Health Organization and other organizations recognize World Hepatitis Day. With the goal of increasing access…
Health Fact Friday Spotlight: Dr. Stacey Trooskin, MD, PhD.
Stacey Trooskin, MD PhD, is the Director of Viral Hepatitis Programs at Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Trooskin serves at the Chief Medical Advisor to the National Viral Hepatitis Round table and is a member of the AASLD/IDSA…
Take Some Time, Treat Yourself, Get a Massage.
Massages are no longer only offered in luxury spas. Massage therapy is growing and demanding as a health treatment with a multitude of benefits (insert infographic). Massage therapy includes different hands-on techniques that can improve circulation, reduce stress, promote relaxation, relieve tension, and reduce anxiety, with a host of other benefits. July 15-21, 2018 is…
Together, We Can Cure Stigma!
Each year, Americans of all race, color, gender or identity face the reality of living with a mental health condition. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) works tirelessly year round to bring awareness, support and education regarding mental illness. However, each July since 2008, NAMI turns their focus to bring awareness to Minority Mental…
Undetectable Equals Untransmittable, #ScienceNotStigma!
ndetectable Equals Untransmittable (MAKE THIS A LINK) or U=U, is a fast growing important campaign based on a solid foundation of scientific evidence, with the goal to cause more people living with HIV (and their friends and families) to comprehend that they can live long, healthy lives, have children, and never have to worry about…
Test Your Way, Do It Today! June 27th is National HIV Testing Day!
Each year on June 27, the CDC observes National HIV Testing Day. On this day, partners, health departments, and other organizations unite to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis of HIV. Help encourage HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day and every day to ensure people get tested for HIV,…
PrEP Yourself, Prevention For Your Life!
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is for people who are sexually active and at a very high risk for HIV, and so they are able to take HIV medicines daily to lower their chances of getting infected. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. It is highly effective for preventing HIV…
Nothing Tastes As Good As Healthy Feels!
Having HIV does not have to stop you from living a healthy and fulfilling life. With the right treatment and care, there’s a lot you can do to take care of yourself and feel fitter, healthier and happier. Next to taking your medicines daily, eating healthy is an important part of stay healthy while living with HIV. A…
Hold On to Hope: May is ALS Awareness Month
May is ALS Awareness Month. Annually, May observes ALS disease. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis disease, sometimes referred as Lou Gehrig’s disease is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease which eventually will destroy a person’s ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe. As ALS is a progressive disease, more motor neurons are destroyed overtime worsening the symptoms, with…
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