By Bryant Arroyo
From PHN Issue 55, Winter 2024
America! America!
Land of the free, a society filled with justice and equality.
This is a clear example of hypocrisy,
unless they forgot to include me,
and millions of others kept in captivity.
Confined behind tall walls and razor wires,
with the nation of prisoners constantly rising higher.
Countless amounts will never be released,
except in a body bag once deceased.
By M. Ali
From PHN Issue 55, Winter 2024
Dear Prison Health News,
If you would be so kind (if you haven’t already done so), please explain the variety of sexually transmitted diseases such as trichomoniasis, herpes I vs. II, etc.
— Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for this great topic suggestion. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which develop due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common, impact people of all genders, and can result from any type of sexual activity (vaginal, anal, oral, etc.). STIs can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so it’s important to get tested if you believe you may have been exposed. The good news is STDs are preventable, and most are treatable as well. Talking to your partner about STDs and how to stay safe while having sex is an important way of protecting your health. Prevention is always better than treatment.
By Lily HA
From PHN Issue 55, Winter 2024
As of October 2023, there has been another surge in COVID-19 cases. Since data reporting to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is more limited than it was earlier in the pandemic, it’s harder to know the size of the surge. Still, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have all increased since summer. When possible, wearing a mask, keeping physical distance between yourself and others, and getting tested if you feel sick or are around someone else who tests positive continue to be good ways to protect yourself and others.
New variants of the coronavirus continue to arise, as experts have expected. There are currently multiple sub-variants of the Omicron variant going around. So far, these new variants and sub-variants seem to have similar symptoms to and cause similarly severe disease as previous variants, although they are more transmissible (easier to get and pass on to other people).
Continue reading “COVID-19 Update: RISING CASES AND UPDATED VACCINES”Adapted by Hannah Calvelli
From PHN Issue 55, Winter 2024
A variety of herbs and plants may grow in prison courtyards. In preparation for Spring, we highlight a few of the holistic remedies featured in The Prisoner’s Herbal, a book by Nicole Rose. We acknowledge that not everyone may have access to courtyards, but we hope this information can be useful for some and interesting to many. Furthermore, while the herbs in this article may have medicinal properties, research and evidence on how well herbal medicines work is limited. We recommend that you speak with a medical professional to address any symptoms you are experiencing.
Continue reading “Holistic Corner: HERBAL REMEDIES”By Sterling Allan
From PHN Issue 55, Winter 2024
Note from PHN editors: This article is specifically about managing type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune problem usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. The author has a lot of experience managing his sugars. What works for him might not work for everyone.
Here in prison, I was able to maintain my A1C in the “normal” range for four years, despite how difficult it is. My purpose here is to share some key takeaways I’ve learned the hard way, so you can benefit from my pioneering efforts without the difficulties.
First, let me say that I no longer target a “normal” blood sugar average, which is 100 mg/dL on the glucometer. My motivation has come from what my doctor told me when I was first diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic two decades ago. He said I could live a full life if I maintained good control of my blood sugar.
Continue reading “TYPE 1 DIABETES EXPERT”Submitted by John Blue
From PHN Issue 55, Winter 2024
“Remember What We Are Fighting For”
We, the brothers, cancer survivors at Huntingdon in Pennsylvania, along with some of the medical staff, have started a cancer support group. We meet a couple times each month to help each other fight this monster that has come into our lives.
Continue reading “Cancer Fighters and Survivors at SCI-HUNTINGDON”By Chad Miller
From PHN Issue 55, Winter 2024
Please inform your readers that the point and purpose of federal laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are to protect you and your privacy.
Note: I have found when I deal with medical staff concerning my health, records, or services, I throw acronyms like “HIPAA” or “ADA” around and things begin to happen, such as appointments to be seen. I encourage all incarcerated readers to contact your law librarian, counselor or ombudsman at your institution and learn the standard operating procedures to get the staff to perform well. They hold us to a standard; I hold them to the written standards.
Continue reading “Tips for Navigating Healthcare in Prison”By T King
Coeffield Unit, Texas
April 2021
First, let me say Thank you so much, you guys are Awesome for what you do for us locked away.
I’m writing to get your take on an issue that happens more than it is talked about.
My name is T. King & I’m a lifer on the Coffield unit in Texas. The largest & one of the oldest joints in the Lone Star State. Being a maximum-security unit, movement is restricted, understandably, so you’re either locked in your cell or the day room & now during COVID-19 it’s 2 hours instead of 1 hour at a time. Sometimes you can get stuck in there 3-5 hours depending on if the count clears in time.
Continue reading “It Happens More Than It’s Talked About”By Troy Glover
From PHN Issue 54, Fall 2023
Testicular cancer is a rare form of cancer that most commonly, but not only, affects men aged 15 to 35. Those who are among the highest risk are people who have an undescended testicle or a family history of testicular cancer. This rare cancer directly affects the testicles but can also cause secondary effects. Treatment usually involves removing the affected testicle through surgery, but chemotherapy may be required alongside surgery in some cases. If the cancer has spread, additional treatment may be needed to treat the secondary cancers.
Continue reading “Self-Screening for Testicular Cancer”By Russell Auguillard
From PHN Issue 54, Fall 2023
Living with a mental illness often requires a person to create a schedule of activities, groups and therapy. Where you are, you can start now, with groups, therapy and approved programs that are operating through your prison or facilities. One common mental illness a person can be affected by and go through, but not even know that they have it, is antisocial personality disorder. One place they find themselves without even being conscious of it is in the prison system as first, second, or multiple-time offenders. You can do something about it starting today, by first beginning to manage your thoughts, then your life.
Continue reading “Living with a Mental Illness”
Prison Health News 