by Michel Deforge
From PHN Issue 34, Fall 2017
Eating healthy did not even feel realistic, or possible, when I started trying to overcome the obstacles. I now believe that the physical and psychological benefits make it easy. Continue reading “Eating healthier meals in prison”
By Leo Cardez
From PHN Issue 34, Fall 2017
As the winter approaches, I find myself getting tired and moody. It starts as early as September and gets really bad in January. Although I’ve never been officially diagnosed, I’m sure I suffer from some degree of SAD (seasonal affective disorder). As I look around my cell block, I don’t think I’m the only one. The good news is I’ve found that some small tweaks to my daily routine (tips and tricks) can help keep my spirits high. Continue reading “Beat the Winter Blues”
By Lucy Gleysteen
From PHN Issue 33, Summer 2017
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. There are different kinds of hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E). Hepatitis C is a disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (hep C), which lives in the blood and affects the liver. The liver is the body’s filter and processing plant. Often, when people are infected with hep C, they do not develop any symptoms. Rarely, soon after infection, some people will develop an upset stomach, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, grey-colored stool, joint pain, and yellow skin. Out of everyone living with hep C, 75% to 85% will remain infected until they take curative treatment. Only 15% to 25% of people infected with the virus are able to clear it on their own. Long-term or chronic hep C infection can increase an individual’s risk for liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and liver failure. Continue reading “Tips for Hepatitis C Prevention”
by Theresa Shoatz and Suzy Subways
From PHN Issue 33, Summer 2017
Sometimes it’s hard to get medical care when you need it behind the walls. For readers who have family, friends or a partner on the outside to help, here are some suggestions for them to try. You may want to clip this article and send it to them. Continue reading “When Someone on the Outside Has Your Back”
by Eric Ward
From PHN Issue 33, Summer 2017
If you have HIV, your prison should treat you during the time you are incarcerated. There is no cure for HIV, but taking the HIV meds will allow you to live longer and with fewer symptoms. Taking your HIV meds as prescribed can also reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to other people. Continue reading “HIV Drug Resistance and the Importance of Taking Your Medications”
by Julie Carney
From PHN Issue 33, Summer 2017
Diabetes is a group of diseases caused by too much sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Our bodies have a hormone, insulin, which is produced by our pancreas, that helps move glucose out of the blood and into our cells. In diabetes, less glucose enters into the cells, and instead it builds up in the blood, causing high blood sugar. In Type 1 diabetes, the body makes no insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin or can’t use it well. In Gestational diabetes, a person gets diabetes when they are pregnant, increasing their risk of Type 2 diabetes after the pregnancy. Continue reading “Managing Diabetes”
by Alexandra S. Wimberly
From PHN Issue 33, Summer 2017
Have you ever tried yoga? Ever been curious about what yoga is or if it might be something that you would like to try? The following is a short introduction to yoga, along with a few yoga practices to try. One of the great things about yoga is that it can be practiced anywhere and needs no special equipment—just your mind, your body, and your attention. Continue reading “Yoga for Beginners”
By Mark Morales
From PHN Issue 32, Spring 2017
Editors’ Note: People in prison have a right to informed consent, according to the Handbook of Correctional Mental Health. For psychiatric medications, this means the healthcare provider who prescribes a drug must explain why they’re giving you the drug, and what the risks and benefits might be. They need to tell you about any other drugs that you could possibly take to treat the condition, because you may have more than one option to choose from. They also need to tell you the risks and benefits of not taking the drug, so that you can make an informed choice. This discussion and your consent to be given the drug should be documented in the medical record. You have a right to refuse treatment. Continue reading “SSRIs/Antidepressants: What You Need to Know”
By Tracey Hamilton
From PHN Issue 32, Spring 2017
The primary fear most people express about getting tattooed in prison is that they may contract the HIV virus, which may cause AIDS. HIV is only one of many viruses that can be transmitted. Syphilis, tuberculosis, strep, staph, and hepatitis are just a few of the other diseases to take into consideration. Continue reading “Safety and After-care for Prison Tattoos”
by Suzy Subways
From PHN Issue 32, Spring 2017
Flint, Michigan residents and Native Americans at Standing Rock, North Dakota are demanding that their drinking water be protected from chemical poisons. The world has begun to hear their words: “Water is Life.” People in prison are speaking up too. Continue reading “Polluted Prisons: When the building you live in is bad for your health”
Prison Health News 