The Fidelis Care Blog

Each July, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month calls on us to recognize the disproportionate impact of mental illness on racial and ethnic minority communities—and to recommit to breaking down the systemic barriers that stand in the way of healing.

As we spend time outside this summer, Fidelis Care is sharing ways to help enjoy pest-free outdoor living. 1. Use insect repellent. Ticks and mosquitoes carry diseases and can cause serious health risks. Apply insect repellent to your skin and clothing to lower your risk. 2. Remove or avoid standing water. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Lower your chances of being bitten by removing standing water (birdbaths, ponds, and planters) from your backyard.

Did you know that heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States? Most heat-related deaths are preventable. This summer, Fidelis Care is sharing ways to stay safe and healthy in the heat and sun.

The hot summer months mean more time spent near and in the water. Water safety is important for children and adults. Here are some tips to help you safely enjoy the water: • Always watch children while they are swimming or near water. Never leave children alone near water. A child or weak swimmer can drown in less than a minute. • Teach children to always ask before they go in the water.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than with any other type of cancer. There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. They all require medical attention, but melanoma is the most serious as it is most likely to spread to other parts of the body.