The Fidelis Care Blog

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.

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

National Poison Prevention Week March 15-21. It’s a good time to talk about an important but often overlooked safety issue: accidental poisoning. Many poison emergencies happen at home, and adults can help prevent them. Here are a few simple steps to protect you, your children, and your loved ones. Common Poison Risks at Home Poisoning can happen when everyday items are used the wrong way or stored unsafely. Common causes include: Medications, both prescription and over the counter Cleaning products and laundry pods Pesticides and bug sprays Alcohol and vaping liquids Carbon monoxide from gas appliances Even small amounts of these items can

National Infant Immunization Week is April 20-27. If you’re the parent of a child under 2, it’s a great time to focus on keeping your baby healthy. Vaccines play an important role in children’s health, especially during their first two years, when they are most likely to get a serious illness. If you’ve had questions or felt unsure about vaccines, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of information out there, and it’s not all correct. Here are some key facts every parent or guardian should know. Fact: Infant vaccines are carefully tested and closely monitored. Vaccines recommended for babies in the United States

During Minority Health Month in April, we highlight the importance of reducing health disparities through education, prevention, and access to care. Across New York City and much of the country, communities of color typically see higher rates of preventable illness and disease-related death. When serious conditions like cancer are caught early, treatment can begin more quickly and outcomes are often better. Community Care of Brooklyn IPA (CCB IPA) is an integrated network of health and social services organizations in Brooklyn. We work alongside Fidelis Care to support Medicaid and Essential Plan members in getting quality care they can trust. Since 2018,

Do you suffer from allergies every spring? Then it’s time to play defense. Think of pollen as an opponent you’re trying to beat in a game. If you don’t have your defense team in line when the pollen attacks, then the pollen’s sure to win. You can improve your chances of staying in the game by getting your defense team ready. In allergy season, that means taking your medication early. Even if you don’t feel symptoms from spring allergies yet, starting medication early can help you feel better as allergy season gets worse. Allergy medications like antihistamines work best when they have time

Each April, Black Maternal Health Week calls national attention to one of the most persistent public health inequities in the United States. Black women remain three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, regardless of income or education. A significant portion of these deaths happen weeks or even months after childbirth, highlighting longstanding gaps in postpartum care and the broader social conditions that shape maternal health outcomes. In response to these realities, Divine Harlem, a community-rooted maternal health initiative based in Harlem and working across New York City, has developed a framework we describe as

Fidelis Care's annual provider satisfaction survey will launch this month and we hope you’ll take a moment to share your feedback.