( ENSPIRE Health & Wellness ) Fidelis Care Offers Health And Wellness Support And Co-Hosted Webinar To Raise Awareness About Black Maternal Health
ENSPIRE Contributor: Megan Grosfeld
In Long Island City, New York, on April 13, 2022, Fidelis Care raised awareness about the health disparities that affect minority communities. In honor of National Minority Health Month this month, Fidelis Care shared the following guidance from Senior Medical Director, Dr. Jermel Hawkins, Jr., to help communities of color take control of their health and wellness.
Stay Active – Regular exercise can help boost moods, contributes to the maintenance of a healthy weight, and improves sleep. It lowers the risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Black and Hispanic Americans experience higher rates of diabetes, so prioritizing movement is important. It is recommended to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week.
Eat Healthy – Improving eating habits can result in better health and prevent diseases. Fruits and veggies make great snacks throughout the day and give you a boost of energy. Minorities often face higher rates of elevated blood pressure and obesity – both are risk factors for cardiovascular health events like heart attacks.
Get Regular Screenings – Regular checkups help increase the chances of living a longer, healthier life. Regular visits to a primary care provider and screenings can help prevent certain medical conditions or detect them early when they are easiest to treat.
Focus on Mental Health – Mental wellness plays a significant role in an individual’s overall well-being. Supporting mental health decreases the risk of more serious health conditions such as heart attack and stroke. It’s also important to get enough sleep and practice relaxation exercises such as meditation or yoga. It’s also important to talk about stressful events with a supportive person and build a list of positive coping tools.
Get Vaccinated and Boosted – COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, protect communities of color from COVID-19. For information on getting your free booster shot, talk with your doctor or pharmacist – or visit vaccinefinder.org.
Black Maternal Health Webinar set for April 15
During Black Maternal Health Week, Fidelis Care teamed up with Northwell Health to co-host a webinar, “Awareness and Advocacy for Better Health Outcomes.” The webinar highlights the importance of access to quality maternal health care, explores the roots of maternal mortality among Black women, and features insights from physicians, a Nurse Care Manager from Fidelis Care’s BabyCare program, and community leaders.
For more information about the Fidelis Care BabyCare program visit fideliscare.org/babycare.
“Fidelis Care remains committed to health equity and to addressing the social determinants of health that impact Black maternal health outcomes,” said Dr. Vincent Marchello, Chief Medical Officer. “We are proud to partner with Northwell Health on the Black Maternal Health webinar as we collaborate to reduce racial disparities and prevent maternal deaths and complications.” The health plan remains committed to health equity and to addressing the social determinants of health impacting minorities.
About Fidelis Care:
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.4 million members statewide, this plan promotes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.
Contact: [email protected]
Related Articles: Dr. Andrea Alexander’s New Book To Combat Black Maternal Mortality, DHS Worker Invents Brush Bibs for Better Cleaning of Baby Bottle, ‘Black Babies Awareness Month’ Spotlights Racial Inequities Among Children, Letters to Black Mamas: A Campaign for Validation, Love, and Support
