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 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 Leo Cardez
From PHN Issue 54, Fall 2023
As I look around my inmate community, I see too many of us with rotting teeth. Some of that is due to genetics and age, and some of it is due to lack of real dental care and professional cleanings, but it is mostly because of our own lack of dental hygiene and care. Most of us should already know the basic dental care. Therefore, I am only going to cover a few tips:
Continue reading “Top Five Tips for a Healthy Mouth”By Kirby Sokolow
From PHN Issue 54, Fall 2023
On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the COVID-19 pandemic “no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).” Days later, the U.S.’s federal public health emergency (PHE) also ended.
These announcements left the world wondering: What does it mean to end a public health emergency? Do the two declarations mean the same thing? Is COVID finally “over”?
Continue reading “The End of the Covid Public Health Emergency: NEW APPROACHES TO AN ONGOING PANDEMIC”
Prison Health News 