The Fidelis Care Blog 

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. It's a time to raise awareness about the symptoms and treatment for stroke. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a leading cause of disability. What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced. Brain tissue can’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. When the brain does not get oxygen for even a few minutes, part of the brain will die or become damaged.

“Natural menopause” begins after a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months in a row. It occurs around the age of 51. Menopause is not just a biological event. It is a very personal experience. Some feel fearful that menopausal symptoms will lower their overall sense of well-being, productivity, and self-worth. Symptoms include:

In observance of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Fidelis Care is sharing sun safety tips. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Over 95% of skin cancers can be successfully treated if they are found early. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Each year in New York State, more than 4,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma and nearly 500 New Yorkers die from it. Anyone can develop melanoma. It can appear anywhere on the body. It may be a new spot or a change in a mole or freckle. Melanoma can be caused by getting too much ultraviolet (UV) light. This can be from the sun or from sources such as indoor tanning. It is important to find and treat melanoma early, so it does not spread to other parts of the body.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is estimated that one in every four Americans have HPV. Most of them are in their late teens and 20s. Many people will never know they have HPV, because it usually causes no symptoms. But for some people, it can lead to serious health problems, including certain cancers and genital warts.

A primary care provider (PCP) helps you stay healthy. It’s important to build a strong and lasting relationship with your PCP. That way, your PCP can learn more about you and your health over time. Your PCP can see any changes in your health and help support your health and wellness.