Health

Halloween is almost here! It is by far my favorite holiday. It’s the one time of the year that we can be someone completely different than our everyday selves and no one judges you. If you’re like me, you spend months preparing your costume, making sure that this year’s Halloween look is better than the last. But sometimes, there is a beauty in the simplicity of a … [Read more...] about I’m a Ghost! Can you see me?

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic illnesses that impact how they live, work and play in their daily life.  While some health problems are genetic, experts believe that a lot of illnesses are influenced by poor diets, work stress, trauma or lack of exercise.   Currently in the United States, more than 30 million Americans have diabetes.  1.5 million new … [Read more...] about Free Patient Program Helps Battle Chronic Illnesses

“Do it when you’re ready and have a strong support system in place,” recommends Vanice Zenon to anyone considering coming out to family, friends, or co-workers.  “A strong support system can be invaluable to anyone considering disclosing their sexual orientation for the first time to others.”  Zenon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Access Health Louisiana’s … [Read more...] about The Importance of Good Support When Coming Out

“Mom! Dad! I have something to tell you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with me!” How wonderful would a conversation like that be! What if we lived in a world where there was no such thing as “different”? October is one of my favorite months. It’s my birthday month. I have a twin so I figured since I don’t have my own day, I get to celebrate the entire month. It’s also … [Read more...] about Coming Clean about Coming Out

HIV PrEP has the potential to revolutionize HIV prevention in the U.S. and worldwide. For many, the daily pill can offer up to 99% protection from acquiring HIV. So why are so few people taking it? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1.2 million would benefit from PrEP in the US, but as of 2016 only 77,000 reported PrEP use. As an HIV prevention … [Read more...] about PrEP 2.0: Daily vs. On-Demand Dosing

It happens all the time. You walk into the bar and lock eyes with a guy. Time stands still. You exchange smiles before turning back to your group of friends. After a few drinks, you find yourself next to him on the dance floor. Rihanna’s We found love plays in the background as you slowly begin to dance with him. Then you kiss and the deal is set! You know you aren’t sleeping … [Read more...] about We Broke Up! And I’ll Be Ok!

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, they are known as the bacterial STIs. If you haven’t heard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the US is experiencing the highest levels reported for the past 20 years. Although the rise started before HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) was approved in 2012 for use in the US, the rate of increase since 2013 has … [Read more...] about Is PrEP Fueling the Rise in Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

If you’re one of the nearly two million Louisiana residents covered by Medicaid, changes are ahead.  Currently, Louisiana’s Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) has contracts with five Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) tasked with overseeing the healthcare of its Medicaid patients.  With contracts expiring at the end of 2019, MCOs have spent the past six months … [Read more...] about Medicaid – Who’s In and Who’s Out?