The Fidelis Care Blog

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Fidelis Care sat down with one of the experts in our provider network, Dr. Katherine Cartwright of Albany Obstetrics and Gynecology, to learn and share about this painful condition affecting one in 10 women in their reproductive years. Q: What is endometriosis? Dr. Cartwright: Endometriosis is when cells that look and act like the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus. Most of the time these cells are in the pelvis — on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the outer surface of the uterus. They can also show up on the bladder or bowel. More rarely, they’re

National Poison Prevention Week March 15-21. It’s a good time to talk about an important but often overlooked safety issue: accidental poisoning. Many poison emergencies happen at home, and adults can help prevent them. Here are a few simple steps to protect you, your children, and your loved ones. Common Poison Risks at Home Poisoning can happen when everyday items are used the wrong way or stored unsafely. Common causes include: Medications, both prescription and over the counter Cleaning products and laundry pods Pesticides and bug sprays Alcohol and vaping liquids Carbon monoxide from gas appliances Even small amounts of these items can

During Women’s History Month, Fidelis Care is proud to recognize our 2026 Women of Impact. These leaders and changemakers strengthen our communities every day and help expand opportunities, uplift families, and inspire meaningful progress. We celebrate them for the dedication and compassion that help move our mission forward.   Xiomara Castro  Site Director, Westchester Community Health Center-Yonkers  Xiomara Castro is dedicated to expanding access to quality, preventive healthcare in the Yonkers community. As Site Director of Westchester Community Health Center, she ensures patients receive comprehensive care that supports both physical and mental well-being. Passionate about serving vulnerable populations, Xiomara believes preventive care

  We all know it’s important to get a good night’s sleep. We usually notice how important sleep is when we don’t get enough of it. We feel tired, cranky and maybe a little sick. In fact, sleep is key to our well-being. Studies show that good sleep helps: Energy Keeping a healthy weight Heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and hormones The ability to fight off sickness and heal from injuries Focus, memory and other brain functions Mental health, like our moods and ability to cope with stress Good sleep isn’t just about how many hours you sleep. It’s also about how

For many years, doctors believed colorectal cancer — cancer of the colon or rectum — mostly affected older adults. That idea is changing fast. In the United States, colon cancer is rising in people under age 50. At the same time, it is going down in people over 50. Why? Because more older adults are getting screened. Doctors can find and remove small growths before they turn into cancer. Why Colon Cancer Is Often Missed in Young People Here’s one of the most important, and frustrating, parts of the problem. When a 70-year-old has belly pain or rectal bleeding, doctors quickly think about cancer.

To help vulnerable individuals who struggle with extreme heat, NY State of Health is again offering free air conditioners through its Essential Plan Cooling Program.

Fidelis Care will host three Provider Office Hours in May 2026. During the webinar, Fidelis Care staff will be available to share information, provide an overview of provider resources, and answer your questions.

National Infant Immunization Week is April 20-27. If you’re the parent of a child under 2, it’s a great time to focus on keeping your baby healthy. Vaccines play an important role in children’s health, especially during their first two years, when they are most likely to get a serious illness. If you’ve had questions or felt unsure about vaccines, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of information out there, and it’s not all correct. Here are some key facts every parent or guardian should know. Fact: Infant vaccines are carefully tested and closely monitored. Vaccines recommended for babies in the United States

During Minority Health Month in April, we highlight the importance of reducing health disparities through education, prevention, and access to care. Across New York City and much of the country, communities of color typically see higher rates of preventable illness and disease-related death. When serious conditions like cancer are caught early, treatment can begin more quickly and outcomes are often better. Community Care of Brooklyn IPA (CCB IPA) is an integrated network of health and social services organizations in Brooklyn. We work alongside Fidelis Care to support Medicaid and Essential Plan members in getting quality care they can trust. Since 2018,

Do you suffer from allergies every spring? Then it’s time to play defense. Think of pollen as an opponent you’re trying to beat in a game. If you don’t have your defense team in line when the pollen attacks, then the pollen’s sure to win. You can improve your chances of staying in the game by getting your defense team ready. In allergy season, that means taking your medication early. Even if you don’t feel symptoms from spring allergies yet, starting medication early can help you feel better as allergy season gets worse. Allergy medications like antihistamines work best when they have time