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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Each year, nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. January has been designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month, and health care providers are encouraging women across the country to get screened. Cervical cancer is highly preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening (regular pap smears and HPV tests). It is important…
Word Wednesday (WW) is a weekly educational blog that provides accessible definitions for complex public health and medical terms.
HESome of the most popular New Year’s resolutions are drink more water, join a gym, and eat better. However, it’s important for us to be specific about these goals, as most of us do not manage them well. What does eating better look like to you? How much water do you want to drink a…
Depression and isolation is common during the holidays. Grief, loss, divorce, financial problems, and fear of change are some common factors that contribute to depression around the holidays. It is also common in senior citizens and those living alone. Improve your mood by practicing self-care during the holidays, eating a healthy diet, and maintain a…
Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver and is the most common blood-borne viral infection in the United States. It can lead to serious liver problems if left untreated. The CDC recommends you get tested if you have shared or used non-sterile needles with an infected person, have unprotected sex with an infected person,…
All natural foods contain some fat. Fat is a source of energy, provides proper functioning of nerves and the brain, and helps to regulate many bodily processes. It’s easy to get confused about good fats vs. bad fats and how much fat we should eat. Food labels with trans-fat and saturated fat have been identified…
Annually, December 1st is recognized as World AIDS Day. It is a day to globally unite against the fight of HIV/AIDS, show support for those living with it, and celebrate those who lost their lives to it. Through the years, researchers and medical professionals have made scientific advances in the treatment of HIV, laws have…
Thanksgiving comes around only once a year, so why not loosen up and pig out? Many of us pack on a few pounds during the holiday season, and some keep the weight permanently. However, there are ways we can enjoy a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast and satisfy our taste buds. Make some recipes healthier with less…
Lung cancer account for about 27% of all cancer deaths and is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Everyone, including non-smokers, runs the risk of contracting lung cancer, yet the risk is significantly higher for…
Philadelphia FIGHT’s Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center is currently holding a winter clothing donation drive to support our patients.
Skin is your body’s largest organ, so it’s important to take good care of it. November is National Healthy Skin Month, but maintaining healthy skin is vital year-round. As the cold weather nears, it is a great time to start thinking about the health of your skin and ways to protect and maintain it. Changes…
As Halloween has passed and the holiday season approaches, we want to remind you to keep up with your oral health. Oral health is important yet often overlooked, as many people fail to see a dentist each year. You can practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Also,…
