Every year on this day — and throughout the month of March — local, state, federal, and national organizations come together to shed light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls and show support for those at risk of and living with HIV. This year marks the 14th annual observance of…
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…
Get to Know Your Words: Hypertension
Hypertension High blood pressure is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow…
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: Hypotension
Hypotension Low blood pressure might seem desirable, and for some people, it causes no problems. However, for many people, abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness and fainting. In severe cases, low blood pressure can be life-threatening. Make sure to stop by the John Bell Health Center to have your blood pressure measured!
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…
Get to Know Your Words: Diastolic Pressure
Diastolic Pressure The diastolic blood pressure is the pressure the blood exerts within the arteries in between heartbeats, that is, when the heart is not actively ejecting blood into the arteries. After the heart is finished contracting, the cardiac ventricles relax momentarily so that they can be refilled with blood, in preparation for the next…
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…
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. Cruz is a board certified pediatrician who serves as the Medical Director for our Pediatrics and Adolescent Health Center. He has presented and/or published in the fields of community violence and domestic violence prevention, quality improvement, behavioral health, curriculum development and mentorship. In 2019 he received the Greater Philadelphia Social Innovation Award for Innovations in Healthcare.