The Fidelis Care Blog

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.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women who have made a big difference in our world. In healthcare, many women have broken barriers and helped improve the way we care for people. Their hard work and ideas changed medicine and saved lives.   Florence Nightingale is known as the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean War, she worked to make hospitals cleaner and safer. Her efforts lowered death rates and showed how important hygiene is in healthcare. Later, she started a nursing school and set standards that nurses still follow today.   Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the

March is Social Work Month, a time to recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise of social workers who make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. At Fidelis Care, our social workers play a vital role in supporting members through life’s challenges, connecting them to resources, and advocating for their well-being. To celebrate their impact, we sat down with five of our incredible social workers to learn more about their experiences, what inspires them, and how they approach this important work every day.   What inspired you to enter social work as a career?   Maura Conway, Senior Care Manager: My

If you often have stomach pain, bloating, or trouble going to the bathroom, you are not alone. Many people live with a condition called irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. IBS affects how food moves through your intestines. It can make your stomach feel uncomfortable or even painful at times. The good news is that IBS is not dangerous, and it does not lead to serious diseases. What does IBS feel like? IBS can feel different for everyone. For many people, it starts with stomach pain or cramping. You might feel bloated, like your stomach is full or tight. Gas is also common. You may

Each April, Arab American Heritage Month is a meaningful time for me to reflect on my roots in Morocco, my journey, and the values that shape both my personal and professional life. As someone with proud Arab roots, I carry with me a deep appreciation for family, resilience, hospitality, and hard work. These values guide me every day. Growing up connected to my Arab heritage taught me the importance of community. In our culture, relationships matter. We check on one another, we support one another, and we show up when it counts. That sense of responsibility toward others has had a

With all the increases in technology, it’s easy to forget that healthcare starts with the people who show up every day wanting to make a difference. At Fidelis Care, we are proud to work with caring and conscientious doctors across New York State.

The following sections of the Fidelis Care authorization grids have been updated effective May 1, 2026.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Fidelis Care sat down with one of the experts in our provider network, Dr. Katherine Cartwright of Albany Obstetrics and Gynecology, to learn and share about this painful condition affecting one in 10 women in their reproductive years. Q: What is endometriosis? Dr. Cartwright: Endometriosis is when cells that look and act like the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus. Most of the time these cells are in the pelvis — on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the outer surface of the uterus. They can also show up on the bladder or bowel. More rarely, they’re