Ask PHN: Hernias

By Olivia Duffield
From PHN Issue 51, Winter 2023

Dear Prison Health News,
Intestinal hernias is a topic you could write an article on. Some points you could cover:
· What causes a hernia?
· How common are they?
· Other than discomfort, are they a problem if there are no complications?
· How often do complications occur?
· Is it possible (or safe) to live indefinitely with a hernia?

– Jon Tillman

Dear Mr. Tillman,
Thank you for this excellent suggestion. Hernias occur because of a tear or a weak spot in the tissue surrounding an organ. The muscle and tendons of the abdominal wall from the ribs to the top of the legs form a corset that holds the intestines in place. Some places in this corset tend to be weaker than others, and those places are typical sites of hernias. Inguinal (groin) hernias are the most common type. Researchers estimate that about 27% of men and 3% of women will develop an inguinal hernia at some point in their lives (NIDDK).

Continue reading →

An Open Letter to the INCARCERATED OF PENNSYLVANIA

By Anonymous
From PHN Issue 51, Winter 2023

It has been more than a year since the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections vaccinated its inmate population. Mask mandates have been lifted. The unvaccinated have been allowed off quarantine and spread throughout general population. And yet here we are, another year gone, and the pandemic restrictions limiting activity and quality of life within the prisons remain. The PA DOC has successfully used a deadly pandemic as a smoke screen to institute many of the wide-ranging and destructive restrictions it’s wanted all along.

Continue reading →

Breast Cancer SELF-EXAMS & SCREENING

By Frankie Snow
From PHN Issue 51, Winter 2023

It can be helpful to know the look and feel of your breasts so you are aware when changes occur. If you notice lumps, pain, or changes in size, talk with your doctor about further testing. Try to complete a self-exam once a month, usually seven days after the start of your period, or on the same date each month if you do not menstruate.

Continue reading →

Surviving Breast Cancer

By Chrystal Pfeifer
From PHN Issue 51, Winter 2023

My name is Chrystal and I have been on the inside since 1988. … Yes, 33 years! I have always, always been aware of the fact that we must take care of ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually. I was 24 when I entered and am now 56. I could write a book.

Continue reading →

Urge Surfing

By Ms. Gege
From PHN Issue 51, Winter 2023

Urge Surfing is a technique for managing your unwanted behaviors. Rather than giving in to an urge, you will ride it out like a surfer rides a wave. After a short time, the urge will pass on its own. This technique can be used to stop or reduce any unwanted behaviors or habits, including emotional reactions such as “blowing up” when angry, overeating, and other unwanted behaviors.

Continue reading →

Convict Chronicles: NO REGRETS

By Leo Cardez
From PHN Issue 50, Summer/Fall 2022

Regret runs through everything, and no man exists as he once was. People in custody have an intimate relationship with regret – left to face the suffering and damage we have left in our wake. It is as if we are stuck in a barrel at the bottom of the ocean with no options – there is nothing worse.

Continue reading →

Ask PHN: Colon Cancer

By Belinda Christensen
From PHN Issue 50, Summer/Fall 2022

Dear Prison Health News,
Thank you for having me on your mailing list. By the way, do you know anything about colon cancer? My father died of it in July of 1999, and one of my brothers died of it in 2013, so I know it runs in my family. I would highly appreciate learning more about it, if you can.
— Gabriel Fuentes, California

Dear Mr. Fuentes,
Thank you for your letter, and for the wonderful drawing. I’m very sorry to hear that your father and brother passed away from colon cancer. I’ve provided some information below about screening and prevention from the American Cancer Society and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, two organizations that work to educate people about cancer prevention and treatment.

Continue reading →

What To Know About MONKEYPOX

By Olivia Duffield
From PHN Issue 50, Summer/Fall 2022

You may have heard recently about an outbreak of a virus called “monkeypox” in the United States and elsewhere. As of July 2022, there have been over 3,000 recorded cases of monkeypox in the U.S. It was declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization on July 23, and, at this time, there have now been a few cases identified in prisons throughout the U.S.

Continue reading →

The “BIG THREE” and Depression

By Ethan Macks
From PHN Issue 50, Summer/Fall 2022

Do you ever feel like you just don’t want to wake up and face the day? Do you feel unmotivated and restless? In small amounts, this is normal for most people, but if you find yourself experiencing this almost every day coupled with self-defeating thoughts and a feeling that overall things are just not worthwhile, you may be seeing the early signs of something I am all too familiar with. Depression is widespread in prison, and you may be thinking to yourself, “What is there to look forward to in the penitentiary?” Unfortunately, that is exactly the problem. Prison breeds emotions like anger, sadness, and despair. On top of all the negativity that goes on, there are countless reminders of what’s going on in the outside world. Some people handle these feelings better than others, but I believe that most of you who are reading this can relate. I feel that with the right tools, you can recognize a low mood and remedy this issue before you fall into a very dark place. An isolated mind is your own worst enemy.

Continue reading →

Self-Care Tips From Contributors

From PHN Issue 43, Fall 2020

My Daily Health and Fitness Program
By Aging Graciously

My daily health and fitness program is simple, easy, and doable. I borrowed it from a Loma Linda University health article and would like to share it with you. It’s the acronym “NEW START”:

N is for NUTRITION: Eat your vegetables, fruits, and hot cereals on your food tray, along with your healthy snacks in your lunch box such as almonds and dried fruit

E is for EXERCISE, ENERGIZE: Walk, stretch, jog, move around

W — drink your required amount of WATER: This is mandatory

S — get your 30 minutes of SUNSHINE: Get outdoors

T — be TEMPERATE: Don’t overdo anything; use moderation

A — get fresh AIR: Early morning is best

R — get your REST: Sleep your 8 hours

T — TAKE TIME for prayer and meditation

Every day is a brand new day—a new start.