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
Health
We Broke Up! And I’ll Be Ok!
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!
Is PrEP Fueling the Rise in Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
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)?
Medicaid – Who’s In and Who’s Out?
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?
The Responsibility of Optimal Sexual Health
“If you intentionally have sex with someone knowing that you have HIV or a STD and infect them, you could get into trouble with the law,” warns Nurse Practitioner Rhea Kyles. A warning that residents in the Big Easy need to take to heart. Criminal transmission of a STD covers different types of diseases. Most state laws always include HIV as well as other … [Read more...] about The Responsibility of Optimal Sexual Health
New Orleans Physician Educates Others Abroad about HIV
When the opportunity to educate medical students in Albania presented itself, Dr. MarkAlain Déry jumped at the opportunity. “In Albania, there’s a big issue with HIV and Hepatitis-C, sex, drugs and LGBT issues,” explains Déry, DO, MPH, FACOI. “These issues are glossed over and even ignored.” Déry, a leading Infectious Disease Physician who works for Access Health Louisiana … [Read more...] about New Orleans Physician Educates Others Abroad about HIV
Red Wine: Can it Lead to Better Sex & Health?
Can the type of alcohol you drink really improve your sex life? Even your overall health? Experts say yes. Summertime is a time for casual getaways, hitting the beach and fitting into that bathing suit you’ve been eyeing up all winter. Before you head out to look for love, remember knowledge is power when it comes to giving romance a boost and … [Read more...] about Red Wine: Can it Lead to Better Sex & Health?
Playing Smart – It’s About Sexual Health & Wellness
Let me introduce myself. I’m a primary care physician and HIV specialist. I have been in practice for 10 years and in that time a lot has changed in the field of HIV prevention and treatment. I work at Ochsner and am a staunch advocate for innovation to address health inequities experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. It’s my goal, in this and future articles, to share inspiring … [Read more...] about Playing Smart – It’s About Sexual Health & Wellness
Hep C treatment to become widely available in Louisiana
If Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards have their way, they are going to make hepatitis C history in Louisiana. The Secretary and the Governor were in New Orleans on June 26 at CrescentCare to roll out a statewide initiative with Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary James LeBlanc and representatives … [Read more...] about Hep C treatment to become widely available in Louisiana
PrEP Privacy – Delivered Straight to Your Door
The scary thing about healthcare for many people these days is not knowing how much you will pay out of pocket for you care, even if you have insurance. Access Health Louisiana (AHL), a nonprofit organization, makes healthcare affordable for everyone – insured, underinsured, and uninsured. One of the biggest expenses for many people is the cost of prescription drugs. As a … [Read more...] about PrEP Privacy – Delivered Straight to Your Door
