Flu season is upon us! In the United States, influenza activity increases during the fall and winter seasons. The flu is a highly contagious disease; the virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Easily, someone else can inhale germs or unconsciously pick up germs from an object. Many…
World Osteoporosis Day
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs bone density is lost. Bones become weak, and break easily, from falls or in serious cases, sneezing. Under a microscope, healthy bones look like a honeycomb. When osteoporosis occurs, the spaces in the honeycomb are larger than in the healthy bone. There is currently no cure for osteoporosis,…
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide annual campaign to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness, education, research, and early detection and research. Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in women. Men can get breast cancer as well, however research confirms that less than one percent of men are diagnosed each…
National Coming Out Day
October 11th is recognized as “National Coming Out Day” to promote a safe world for LGBTQ individuals to live truthfully and openly. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the observance, being birthed after the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Annually since 2008, Temple University has hosted National Coming Out…
Cool Your Coffee Consumption
Over 80% of Americans drink coffee at least once a day, and many of us need coffee to start our days. Black coffee has positive effects on the body. Coffee improves energy levels, helps burn fat, and can help fight depression. On the other hand, caffeine can be addictive and users can become dependent on…
Sexual Health Awareness Month
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as an important part of our physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. Sexual health is not just avoiding STI’s or unplanned pregnancies, it is also the ability to embrace and enjoy our sexuality. It is. Sexual health requires a positive approach to sexuality and…
Self-Care Awareness Month
Self-care is often neglected in our daily lives, as we have many things to worry about and our health is often overlooked. We tend to put others needs before our own without focusing on our own physical, emotional, and mental health. Taking care of ourselves is essential, and true self-care measures are not self-centered. This…
Working Together to Prevent Suicide
Annually, September 10th is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day. Every year, suicide remains one of the top causes of death globally for people of all ages. Suicide is the result of a convergence of genetic, psychological, social, and cultural and other risk factors, sometimes combined with experiences of trauma and loss. You can make…
Love Bonding and Intimacy: The Healthy Way!
Since 2010, the World Association for Sexual Health has managed World Sexual Health Day which is observed yearly on September 4! This day was created to promote best practices in sexual health. The day was created to break the negative stigma around being sexually active, to educate people on how to stay safe during sex,…
We’re Not There Yet, Women’s Fight For Equal Rights!
Annually Women’s Equality Day is celebrated on August 26th, to commemorate the right of women to vote. However today, Women’s Equality day encompasses the ongoing fight for equal opportunities for women in education and employment. On this day, globally, Women’s Equality Day remembers the women who have fought for women’s equality by celebrating the women…
Bring the Topic to the Table: Food Insecurity is Still Pressing!
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…
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.