The Fidelis Care Blog 

Health often takes a backseat for women. Preventive screenings are an important way to stay healthy. Breast cancer caught at its earliest stage has a survival rate of over 99%. Hypertension can silently damage your body for years before revealing itself through a heart attack or stroke.

The Asian American Cultural Alliance, Inc. (AACA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural exchange, uplifting immigrant voices, and building bridges through community engagement. I launched AACA alongside two co-founders: Yang Qu, who leads our efforts in mental health awareness, and Yi Li, a dance studio owner who brought creative energy to the organization’s early vision. Together, we created a space where cultural heritage and community well-being are inextricably linked.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than with any other type of cancer. There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. They all require medical attention, but melanoma is the most serious as it is most likely to spread to other parts of the body.

National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12, is a time to recognize the compassion and dedication provided by these healthcare professionals every day. In observance of the week, we checked in with Fidelis Care nurses Shay Dege, Matthew Garbutt, Kelsey Maslowski, Sherry MacQueen, and Dawn Pankey on why they chose the profession and what it means to them.

May is Healthy Vision Month. This is a great opportunity to learn how to keep your eyes healthy and safe. The National Eye Institute encourages you to: • Get an eye exam. This is the best way to check your vision and know if your eyes are healthy. Talk to your eye doctor about how often you should have one. • Live a healthy lifestyle. Maintain a healthy weight and eat foods like fish and dark leafy green vegetables to lower your risk of eye disease. Don't smoke. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body.