Supporting Youth Recovery: A Shared Journey Towards Healing and Hope

At Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC), we know that recovery isn't something you do on your own; it's a journey we take together toward healing and hope. This week, we want to talk about how important families and caregivers are in helping young people with their recovery.
As parents or guardians, it's crucial to recognize the subtle signs and signals that may indicate a young person is grappling with addiction or on the road to recovery. These challenges are complex and can manifest in various ways, from academic struggles to emotional turbulence.

Promoting Malaria Awareness and Prevention

According to the CDC's report, Florida and Texas have recently experienced an outbreak of locally transmitted Plasmodium Vivax Malaria cases. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through infected mosquitoes and continues to be a significant public health concern worldwide. This serves as a stark reminder that malaria isn't limited to specific regions and can affect any area where infected mosquitoes thrive, including New Jersey. Symptoms of malaria include cyclical fever with chills, headache, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect signs of malaria, we encourage you to visit www.henryjaustin.org/service or call 609-278-5900 to be seen by a provider.

High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy: Understanding the Risk and Protecting Your Health

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life, filled with joy and anticipation. However, it's also a period that demands careful attention to one's health, as certain conditions can pose risks to both the mother and the baby. High blood pressure during pregnancy, a condition known as gestational hypertension, deserves our attention. Recent studies have shed light on the greater risk of pre-eclampsia among black women in the United States (US).

Protecting Your Child’s Skin: Common Rashes and How to Prevent Scratching

School’s out and it’s time for your kids to enjoy the sunshine and fun! It's important to know about common skin rashes in kids. Skin rashes can be concerning, but most of them are harmless and can be treated easily. We'll focus on insect bites, poison ivy, and a contagious skin condition called impetigo. We'll also provide some helpful tips to prevent kids from scratching and making things worse.

Summertime Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Summer

While most people associate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with the winter months, when the lack of sunlight can lead to feelings of sadness and depression, it's important to recognize that SAD can also affect individuals during the summertime. Summertime SAD, also known as reverse SAD, is a lesser-known condition that can have a significant impact on mental health. In this article, we will explore the symptoms, causes, and coping strategies for dealing with seasonal affective disorder during the summer months.

Men and Women’s Health Awareness 

This year, National Women's Health Week begins on May 8 and National Men's Health Week on June 12. While men and women have the same goal of being healthy, it’s important to acknowledge the different biological and social factors of both genders as well as understanding the differences in order to take necessary steps for a healthier lifestyle.

Melanoma Awareness Month – Early Detection and Prevention for All Skin Tones

May is recognized as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention of skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide. It can be prevented by adopting healthy habits like wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, and staying out of the sun during peak hours. Moreover, regular skin check-ups with a dermatologist can help detect skin cancer early and increase the chances of successful treatment. Individuals must be proactive in protecting their skin and maintaining healthy habits, especially during the summer when people spend more time outdoors.

Updates to Henry J. Austin Health Center’s Mask Policy

As of April 18, 2023, Governor Phill Murphy announced that the state of New Jersey no longer has a statewide universal directive mandating people to wear masks in healthcare settings. Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC) will continue to monitor community transmission rates to ensure a safe environment for patients to receive care without risking exposure to the virus.

Fuel for the Future

National Nutrition Month is celebrated every March to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. This year’s theme is Fuel for the Future. “This message encourages us to think about making food choices that are both good for the future of our health as well as the health of the earth and the environment,” said Susan Jones, RDN, HJAHC resident nutritionist. By making sustainable food choices, we can help reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.

Empowering Women and Girls: Understanding the Impact of HIV/AIDS and Raising Awareness

March 10 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), a day to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS, specifically toward women and girls. This day also serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS, as well as it’s historical roots. One pioneer who vastly changed the view of the awareness of HIV/AIDS was Dr. Mathilde Krim, an immunologist and medical researcher who dedicated her career to public awareness of AIDS during a time when the public was still learning about the disease.