I’VE FALLEN AND I CAN’T GET UP! HOW TO MAINTAIN GOOD BALANCE AND FLEXIBILITY

By Troy Glover

From PHN Issue 56, Spring 2024

Prisoners perceive time differently in prison. In our imagination, that pecan tree in our backyard is still full, green, and vibrant. Those polyester butterfly-collared shirts I own are still in style. For prisoners, time seems to stand still.

Because many of us are serving long sentences, it is imperative that we try to maintain optimum health. The best way to do this is through proper nutrition and exercise. Many prisoners only focus on endurance and strength training. As we grow older, we need to incorporate another facet to that regime of wellness: balance and flexibility.

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SOY AND MEAT ALTERNATIVES

By Leah Owen-Oliner

From PHN Issue 56, Spring 2024

As special diets have become more mainstream in recent decades, so too have many prisons expanded their offerings. Although regional variation exists, as of September 2023, many state prisons and all 122 federal prisons in the United States offer a vegetarian option at each
meal. One of our PHN subscribers, Dale Wakefield, recently switched up his diet to receive the “alternative protein” tray; at his facility, these alternative options include non-meat proteins such as bean burgers, tofu burgers, and soy. He notes, “I feel a lot better physically and mentally since changing my diet, and maybe other people in prison might feel better as well if they did the same.”

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TO GRIEVE OR NOT TO GRIEVE

By Sensei Pitt

From PHN Issue 56, Spring 2024

20 Steps to the Courthouse

So you think you have been wronged by the system, a corrupt corrections officer, mistreatment by other prisoners, malpractice by medical, or denial of your religious rights, and you want to sue them. Now, what’s the first thing you need to do? Start with assembling your “Tool Box.” You will need to effectively record and litigate your issues. It will look like this:

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ANATOMY OF AMERICA’S WASTEFUL PRISON INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

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.

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Ask PHN: Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Testing

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.

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COVID-19 Update: RISING CASES AND UPDATED VACCINES

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).

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Holistic Corner: HERBAL REMEDIES

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.

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Cancer Fighters and Survivors at SCI-HUNTINGDON

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.

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It Happens More Than It’s Talked About

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.

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The End of the Covid Public Health Emergency: NEW APPROACHES TO AN ONGOING PANDEMIC

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”?

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