COVID-19 has continued to affect all of our lives and communities. Although everyone 12 years of age and older is now recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine, there is still some hesitancy among community members. Widespread vaccination… is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.

Breast Cancer is most often found in women, but men can get breast cancer too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found… in a man. Male breast cancer is typically more advanced when it is diagnosed because the tumor tends to be larger and the cancer is more likely to have spread to regional lymph nodes. Doctors attribute these later diagnoses to a general lack of awareness of male breast cancer, as well as the absence of widespread screening for the disease.

A primary care physician (PCP) or primary care provider is usually the first stop for medical care. The most important role of a primary care provider is to keep patients from getting sick in the first… place. This is called preventative care. The best preventative care means forming a relationship with a primary care physician and a team you like and trust. It is important to make the time to find a primary care physician who is your partner in your long-term care.

Infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) are the main cause of cervical cancer. A safe and effective vaccine against nine high risk HPV types is available. HPV vaccine should be administered routinely to all girls and boys… between the ages of 9 and 13 years of age. Catch up vaccination is also recommended up to age 26 and even age 45 for those who are at a higher risk. Vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV) in childhood is a significant step forward in reducing the spread of HPV and preventing cancers.

Over the years, there has been a growing interest in improving black men’s health and the health disparities affecting them. Yet the health of Black men consistently ranks lowest across nearly all groups in the… United States. Black men are more likely than other groups of the population to have undiagnosed or poorly managed chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancers, and heart disease and tend to delay seeking medical care. Interventions to improve these conditions and cancer outcomes among Black men are an essential component of closing the gap in health disparities.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Once a patient is diagnosed, they are considered a “Survivor”. Survivorship begins at diagnosis… and continues during treatment and through a person’s life. Because cancer treatments and overall journeys are different for everyone, survivorship is one the most complicated parts of having cancer.

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has now been widened for children ages 12 and up. COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives and communities. Everyone 12 years of age and older is now recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Get… a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.

So who is Equal Hope? It is a great name but what does Equal Hope do? Equal Hope is on a mission to help our community be our healthiest selves. Equal Hope offers free mammograms at… some of the best hospitals in Chicago – think Rush, think University of Chicago, Advocate Christ and we offer free cervical cancer screens too.

The current COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the increased number of Black youth experiencing anxiety and depression. In addition, the rate of suicide among this group is increasing faster than any other racial or ethnic… group. Yet, they are less likely to seek treatment. Mental health is very stigmatized in our society. We are told not to prioritize our mental health because there is something wrong with asking for help. Although awareness about mental health is increasing, many Black youth still suffer from mental health issues and cannot access the resources necessary to help them. Delays in seeking care can lead to negative consequences, such as emergency psychiatric hospitalizations and also becoming adults with unaddressed mental health issues.

The current COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the increased number of Black youth experiencing anxiety and depression. In addition, the rate of suicide among this group is increasing faster than any other racial or ethnic… group. Yet, they are less likely to seek treatment. Mental health is very stigmatized in our society. We are told not to prioritize our mental health because there is something wrong with asking for help. Although awareness about mental health is increasing, many Black youth still suffer from mental health issues and cannot access the resources necessary to help them. Delays in seeking care can lead to negative consequences, such as emergency psychiatric hospitalizations and also becoming adults with unaddressed mental health issues.

Health disparities disproportionately impact the communities on the south and west sides of Chicago. People living in these neighborhoods are at a higher risk for adverse health impacts due to social, economic, and environmental disadvantages. It… is important to implement strategies to promote health equity and improve access to healthcare resources to reduce health inequities, disease, and mortality rates.

The death rate from COVID-19 in the U.S. continues to rise as the nation struggles with a burst of cases in what’s become “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.” It is important for residents to… be educated on why the Covid-19 vaccine is important and safe for people to get to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. The flu vaccine and other vaccines are important as well to keep people safe.