The Fidelis Care Blog

In observance of National Minority Health Month this April, Fidelis Care is raising awareness about the health disparities facing minorities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), racial and ethnic minority groups throughout the United States experience higher rates of illness and death across a wide range of health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, and heart disease.

Anyone can get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) by being sexually active. Not all STIs have symptoms. Screening is important because you may not know that you're infected. If you have an STI, get treatment right away. It can help to prevent harmful long-term effects. You may also prevent giving the STI to others.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a painful condition that affects how food and fluids move through your intestines. IBS does not increase your risk of developing other intestinal conditions and is not life-threatening. IBS is also called irritable bowel, irritable colon, spastic colon, and nervous stomach.

As I reflect upon my life’s journey this Women’s History Month, I note several women who have influenced my career path. I am very blessed to have had a supportive mother, two grandmothers, and aunts who all prided themselves in working and caring for their families. They were active in the community and church as volunteers. I watched every single woman in my family hold a career and manage to take care of their household seamlessly. As a young girl, at every family event, I saw nurses, teachers, principals, researchers, political activists, and medical professionals all around me. Going to college was never a journey that I personally questioned. What I did question was, “What am I supposed to be?”

Resiliency defines my life. Throughout the years, I have drawn inspiration from phenomenal women who have modeled this quality for me and countless others. While in college, I had the privilege of meeting the acclaimed poet, Maya Angelou, and hearing her speak about overcoming enormous obstacles to create a life of which she was proud. Ms. Angelou survived segregation, racism, sexual abuse, and her own insecurities to inspire others to be their best selves. She used her talents and grit to become a civil rights activist and an accomplished author, professor, poet, director, and composer. Her message was one of love, hope, and courage. Ms. Angelou showed me how every person can rise from tragedy and hardship to live a meaningful life.