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Women’s Health

Staying healthy and well is one of the most important things women can do for themselves and for their loved ones, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ways women can put their health first:

 

Stay Active

Regular exercise can help women boost their mood, maintain a healthy weight, and improve sleep. It also lowers risk for heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Women should speak with their doctor about what type of exercise is right for them.

Eat Healthy
Eating healthy can help women improve their health and prevent diseases. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Avoid having too much sodium, sugar, cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats.
Get Regular Checkups
Regular checkups and wellness exams help women increase their chances of living a longer, healthier life. Women should check with their primary care provider about the care and screenings they need, and whether they should schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.

Follow Recommended Screenings
Maintain Healthy Levels
A well-rounded diet and regular exercise can help keep women’s blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at healthy levels. Women should talk to their primary care provider or heart specialist about safely reducing their risk and setting goals for a healthier heart.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking or using tobacco products greatly increases women’s risk of heart disease. Women who want to quit should speak to their primary care provider for help and to see if there are medications or nicotine replacement products that are right for them. Non-smokers who have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease when they’re exposed to secondhand smoke.

More on Women's Health


What is HPV?
4/15/2024 • Posted by Fidelis Care

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.

What are Symptoms of HPV?

Many people with HPV don't have any symptoms. It is important to get regular check-ups to find any potential issues early. If you're worried about HPV or any symptoms you're experiencing, talk your primary care provider (PCP). Symptoms might include:

  • Genital warts
  • Abnormal Pap smear
  • Cervical changes, which can be found during check-ups like Pap smears
  • Bumps in the throat or mouth
  • Itching or discomfort in the genital area

Most HPV cases can be prevented with the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to help protect both males and females from HPV.

Can HPV be Cured?

There is no cure for HPV. Treatments can help manage the symptoms of health problems caused by HPV.

  • Genital warts can be treated by your PCP, or with medication.
  • Cervical precancer can be treated. Routine Pap smear tests can identify problems before cancer develops. Remember, prevention is always better than treatment.
  • Other HPV-related cancers are also more treatable when diagnosed and treated early.


Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

Both boys and girls should get the vaccine starting at age 9. Getting the vaccine early offers the most effective protection against HPV and can help prevent certain cancers. The vaccine can be given to people up to age 26. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about the HPV vaccine.

If you are between 26 and 45, talk with your PCP to see if the vaccine is right for you. If you already have HPV, the vaccine can still protect against other strains of HPV.

Depending upon your age, the vaccine is given in either two or three doses.

The HPV vaccine is covered under the Vaccines for Children program for Medicaid and Child Health Plus members. The vaccine is also covered for members in Fidelis Care's Essential Plan and Ambetter from Fidelis Care's Qualified Health Plans.


Sources

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/human_papillomavirus/    

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet   

https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/treatment.htm#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20treatment%20for,grow%20in%20size%20or%20number.

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