The Fidelis Care Blog

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.

As we spend time outside this summer, Fidelis Care is sharing ways to help enjoy pest-free outdoor living. 1. Use insect repellent. Ticks and mosquitoes carry diseases and can cause serious health risks. Apply insect repellent to your skin and clothing to lower your risk. 2. Remove or avoid standing water. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Lower your chances of being bitten by removing standing water (birdbaths, ponds, and planters) from your backyard.

Providers, please remember to review content available in Provider Access Online (Fidelis Care's secure Provider Portal) and the rest of this Provider section of the Fidelis Care website.

We are committed to making it easier for providers to access the information and tools they need to support our members. Based on feedback and ongoing review, we are making several updates to the Provider section of fideliscare.org.

During Women’s History Month, Fidelis Care is proud to recognize our 2026 Women of Impact. These leaders and changemakers strengthen our communities every day and help expand opportunities, uplift families, and inspire meaningful progress. We celebrate them for the dedication and compassion that help move our mission forward.   Xiomara Castro  Site Director, Westchester Community Health Center-Yonkers  Xiomara Castro is dedicated to expanding access to quality, preventive healthcare in the Yonkers community. As Site Director of Westchester Community Health Center, she ensures patients receive comprehensive care that supports both physical and mental well-being. Passionate about serving vulnerable populations, Xiomara believes preventive care

  We all know it’s important to get a good night’s sleep. We usually notice how important sleep is when we don’t get enough of it. We feel tired, cranky and maybe a little sick. In fact, sleep is key to our well-being. Studies show that good sleep helps: Energy Keeping a healthy weight Heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and hormones The ability to fight off sickness and heal from injuries Focus, memory and other brain functions Mental health, like our moods and ability to cope with stress Good sleep isn’t just about how many hours you sleep. It’s also about how

For many years, doctors believed colorectal cancer — cancer of the colon or rectum — mostly affected older adults. That idea is changing fast. In the United States, colon cancer is rising in people under age 50. At the same time, it is going down in people over 50. Why? Because more older adults are getting screened. Doctors can find and remove small growths before they turn into cancer. Why Colon Cancer Is Often Missed in Young People Here’s one of the most important, and frustrating, parts of the problem. When a 70-year-old has belly pain or rectal bleeding, doctors quickly think about cancer.