The Fidelis Care Blog

August is “Kids Eat Right Month.” It’s a time to encourage children to build healthy habits that can last a lifetime. With the school year approaching and routines shifting, it’s the perfect moment to pause and take a closer look at what our kids are eating—and how we can better support them. Healthy eating isn’t about strict rules or “perfect” meals. It’s about creating a balanced approach to food that fuels our children’s bodies and minds - one meal (and one snack!) at a time.

Each August, we celebrate National Health Center Week to recognize the people and places that help keep our communities healthy. Health centers are more than just clinics, they are trusted neighbors that provide comprehensive care to millions of families, regardless of their income or background.

Each year, National Breastfeeding Month in August offers a chance to celebrate the strength, resilience, and nurturing power of mothers, and to recognize the community efforts that make breastfeeding success possible. At Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. (OCO), we know that breastfeeding is about more than milk, it’s about connection, healing, and the foundation of lifelong health.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It’s a time to highlight the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from serious diseases. Staying up to date with recommended immunizations helps prevent the spread of illness and keeps everyone healthier. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about which vaccines are right for you and your family.

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.

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to set new goals for a healthier life. Keeping a healthy weight is one way to keep your body well. Obesity: A Growing Concern Obesity means having too much body fat, which can hurt your health. • According to the New York State Department of Health, almost 1 out of 3 adults in New York State is obese. • Obesity can lead to problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. • Obesity is often measured by body mass index (BMI). BMI considers a person's weight and height. Click here to find out your own BMI.

Have you recently started to experience feelings of sadness or depression? If so, you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that usually starts in the late fall or early winter. Factors like shorter days, less sunlight, and changes in biological or body rhythms may lead to SAD. It is estimated that SAD affects millions of Americans. Women are diagnosed with SAD more often than men. Know the Symptoms of SAD People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a person may be diagnosed with SAD if they experience

A new year can feel like a clean slate — and a lot of pressure. If you’ve ever made resolutions only to feel defeated by February, you’re not alone. As a physician, I see real, lasting change happen mostly not through big overhauls, but through small, steady steps that add up over time. Here are a few simple ways to care for your health this year. Aim for progress, not perfection.

As you know, Fidelis Care relies upon the receipt of membership information from the New York State Department of Health (SDOH) prior to issuing capitation payments.

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