The Fidelis Care Blog

During National Health Center Week from August 2 to 8, Fidelis Care recognizes the community health centers that help New Yorkers access the care they need to live healthier lives. Across cities, suburbs, and rural areas, these organizations provide quality healthcare, connect people with important resources, and help improve the health of their communities.

Learning to swim is one of the most important skills a child can learn. Drowning is among the leading causes of death for children ages 1-4, with most of these incidents occurring in the family’s own pool. Luckily, children can start swim lessons as early as 6-12 months old. We know finding budget-friendly options can be challenging, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the free and discounted swim lesson options around New York State. Check in with your local YMCA or parks department for additional help. Free/Discounted Swim Lesson Resources: City Swim Project, based in Buffalo, offers free swim lessons

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an important part of staying healthy. They provide our bodies helpful nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber. You may have seen news reports about an illness called cyclosporiasis. People can get cyclosporiasis after eating food or drinking water that has a tiny germ in it. Sometimes, this can happen with fresh produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are still healthy choices. You can lower your risk of getting sick by washing, peeling and cooking them. What Are the Symptoms? The most common symptom is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include: Loss of appetite Stomach cramps Nausea Vomiting Tiredness Weight

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance shines a light on the unique challenges faced by Black, Hispanic, and other communities of color, while calling for action to improve access, trust, and quality of care. At La Casa de Salud, a Fidelis Care behavioral health grant recipient, we focus on the whole person. Mental health shapes how we think, feel, make decisions, and care for ourselves. When mental health is not supported, everything else becomes harder. The Reality: Need Is High, Access Is Not Mental health challenges are common, but care does not reach everyone equally. Black and Hispanic communities

Having open conversations about health can make a big difference and help break the stigma around asking for help or going to the doctor. Men’s Health Month is a perfect time to remind men and boys that taking care of both physical and mental health is important. Why Preventive Care Matters Many health problems can be treated more easily when they are found early. That’s why regular checkups and screenings are important. “A common myth I hear is, ‘If I feel fine, I don’t need to see a doctor,’” Senior Medical Director Dr. Jermel Hawkins said. “This is untrue. Many diseases are silent

The HEDIS® behavioral health F-series measures focus on timely transitions of care following behavioral health and substance use-related hospitalizations or emergency department visits.

Depression is one of the most common behavioral health conditions affecting adolescents and adults, yet many individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated.

Women's preventive screenings are essential for detecting health conditions early, improving outcomes, and supporting lifelong health.

Beginning with the mid-year risk score run in PY2027, CMS will exclude DOS 2026 diagnosis submissions on unlinked Chart Review Records (CRRs) from Medicare Advantage risk score calculations. Diagnoses not linked to an eligible encounter may no longer be reflected in member risk scores.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time of year for me because it is an opportunity to celebrate where we come from, the traditions that unite us, and the contributions that generations of Hispanic Americans have made to this country. At Goya Foods, our heritage is at the heart of who we are. Founded 90 years ago by Spanish immigrants, Goya has grown from a small family business into the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, while remaining deeply connected to the families and communities we serve.  For me, recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month goes beyond celebrating our food, music,