Research studies can be quite informing but confusing! Ever wonder what a “blinded study” is? It is a study done in such a way that the participants do not know what treatment they are receiving to ensure that the results are not affected by their hopes, expectations, previous knowledge, etc. in order to reduce experimental…
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD) are chronic illnesses causes by hereditary or genetic defects in the immune system that make the immune system not function properly. Throughout their lives, people with PIDDs are more susceptible to infections, endure recurrent health problems, and may develop serious long-term illness. Signs and symptoms of a PIDD can include: delayed…
Prostatitis Prostatitis is a bacterial infection of your prostate gland. The infection can be either chronic or acute. Chronic prostatitis causes a dull pressure or pain in your rectum or pelvis. What begins as dull pressure quickly turns into severe pain with chills, high fever, and an enlarged prostate that can prevent you from being able…
There tends to be a lack of understanding of anal health care, which can lead to misdiagnoses and stigma. This also usually prevents people from getting the information and care they need to maintain good health. Anal sex is a common practice amongst Americans, but we must know risks, signs, and symptoms of health issues…
The anus is one of the most common points of infection, but these pimples can also be found frequently on the inner thighs, groin, genitals, and lower abdomen. People living with HIV may also be at risk for the infection to spread all over the body. Sometimes the infection goes away on its own, but…
The day was created to educate the public about the impact of HIV/AIDS on young people and to highlight the work going on across the country to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Find out more about who’s most at risk and the treatment and prevention strategies that are most effective. See more information about FIGHT’s…
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is passed from one person to another during skin-to-skin contact with an infected area of the body. Did you know that HPV can cause more than just cervical cancer? HPV infections can spread to other parts of the body, like the anus. The principal…
Proctoscopy Proctoscopy is a common medical procedure of the rectum used to look for signs of colorectal cancer. An instrument called a proctoscope is used to examine the anal cavity, rectum, or sigmoid colon. Make your bottom a top priority and join us at Philadelphia’s 2nd Annual Anal Health Symposium on April 19th to discuss the best…
Walking is the simplest yet is the most underrated form of exercise. Walking can be a good workout depending on how long and often you walk, and may be a better choice for some people. It has both physical and mental benefits, such as improvements in blood pressure, reduces risk of heart disease and stroke…
Sigmoidoscopy Your colon helps your body absorb water and nutrients from the food you eat. It’s also where your stool is formed. The last third of your descending colon is called the sigmoid colon. It’s connected to your anus by your rectum. A sigmoidoscopy, also called a flexible sigmoidoscopy, is a procedure that lets your…
Mindfulness is a practice that brings a variety of physical, social, and psychological benefits. It is the practice that allows us to bring attention to what is happening in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. Training your brain to be mindful has been said to increase the matter…
Anoscopy An anoscopy is an examination using a small, rigid, tubular instrument called an anoscope. This is inserted a few inches into the anus in order to evaluate problems of the anal canal. Anoscopy is used to diagnose hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and some cancers Make your bottom a top priority and RSVP to our 2nd…
March has been designated as “National Save Your Vision Month”. The American Optometric Association aims to raise awareness concerning the need for comprehensive annual eye exams. More people are using electronic devices for both work and pleasure than ever before. Be aware of developing dry eyes, blurred vision, or eye strain from using electronics all…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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!
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
