Health

Thanksgiving is a time when we come together with our families to celebrate the wonderful things that we are thankful for. My family sits down over a table covered with turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, and many other dishes. Before eating, we stand around the table holding hands while my father, the religious patriarch of the family, says a blessing. We begin eating course after … [Read more...] about Surviving Thanksgiving

“You can get the flu anytime during the flu season so it’s important to get the flu vaccine even late in the season,” says Nurse Practitioner Lauren Ellis.  Southeast Louisiana is getting hit hard by some of the highest rates of flu in the nation.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Louisiana is currently categorized as having widespread flu as … [Read more...] about Flu Shots: Better Late than Never

It happens around the same time every year for me. Shortly after Halloween ends, stores replace their spooky decorations with cornucopias and turkeys in anticipation of Thanksgiving.  Some people completely bypass Turkey Day and have already put up their Christmas trees and decorations for what we call “the most wonderful time of the year”. For some, the holiday season … [Read more...] about Seasonal SADness

“San Francisco has been incredibly successful in the fight for decreasing the transmission of HIV. In fact, they were able to decrease the rate of HIV transmission by 50% in three years” says Dr. MarkAlain Déry, DO, MPH, FACOI.  “There is no doubt in my mind that New Orleans will do the same thing! Using simple public health interventions such as increasing the … [Read more...] about Second Generation HIV Doctor Leads Louisiana Fight Against HIV

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!