The Fidelis Care Blog 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental, physical, and social health are linked. They impact each other. This is called the “mind-body connection.” There is no complete health without mental health. Many studies show that poor physical health can lead to mental health problems. These may include depression, low motivation, and anxiety. Poor mental health also can lead to physical problems. These may include chronic pain, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

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.