The Fidelis Care Blog

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. It’s a time to spread awareness about the millions of people living with arthritis and share resources for help managing this chronic condition. At Fidelis Care, we’re committed to helping our members navigate their health with confidence, and that includes supporting those affected by arthritis.

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.

As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside families during some of their most vulnerable moments. We tend to view childhood as a carefree time that evolves into stress and anxiety once the pressures of adulthood set in. However, that is not the case. One thing remains clear: mental health is just as important as physical health — and this is especially true for children. Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to reflect on how we can better support young people and break down the barriers that prevent them from thriving.

With baby boomers turning 60 and older, more family members are helping to care for aging parents or loved ones. It’s a big job, but there are ways to make it easier and keep your parents living independently for as long as possible. Caring for aging parents can mean helping with things at home or in the community—like cooking, cleaning, or just being there for them. It’s not always easy, though.

Do you feel tired a lot? Sleep, stress, and hormones all work together to keep us healthy and happy. When they get out of balance, it can cause problems for our body and mind. If we learn how they connect, we can find ways to feel better.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, but it’s something you can prevent. Stay healthy by: * Getting vaccinated * Having regular preventive tests or screenings * Practicing safe sex Preventive tests and screenings are offered at no additional cost to eligible Fidelis Care members.

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.