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Real Treatment, Real Recovery Options for opioids, alcohol, and other substances Addiction changes how the brain works, making it very difficult to simply “stop” using substances, even when someone wants to. This is true for opioids, alcohol, and other drugs. Many people in our communities live with addiction in silence, believing it is a moral failure rather than a treatable health condition. Effective treatments exist, including medications that reduce cravings or prevent r

Care Without Shame Support for you or a loved one when substance use is a concern Alcohol and drug use touch many families, sometimes quietly and sometimes in very visible ways. Stress, trauma, work culture, and social traditions can all influence drinking or drug use. Because of shame or fear, people often hide their struggles, even from their doctors. Your health care team is there to help, not judge. Substance use is a health issue that can affect your heart, liver, brain,

Understanding Your Body’s Reaction to Food  Keeping cultural foods while staying safe Food is central to culture, celebration, and family. But some people notice that certain foods cause unpleasant or even dangerous reactions. Food allergies involve the immune system and can cause serious reactions like hives, swelling, and trouble breathing. Intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, often cause stomach upset, gas, or diarrhea but are usually less dangerous. Common foods in

Understanding Breathing Problems in the City How to recognize triggers in urban homes and neighborhoods Living in city environments means exposure to traffic pollution, crowded housing, pests, dust, and mold. These conditions can trigger allergies and asthma, which sometimes get mistaken for one another. Allergies often cause sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose, while asthma can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Many people learn to “live wi

Understanding Point‑of‑Care Testing Fast results to guide your care Point‑of‑care tests are quick checks done right in the clinic—like finger‑sticks for blood sugar or cholesterol, or rapid tests for flu, COVID, or strep throat. They provide results within minutes, helping your provider decide on treatment right away. This is especially helpful for people with busy schedules or transportation challenges. These tests do not replace all lab work, but they are powerful tools for

Small Tests, Big Impact How simple labs can protect your long‑term health Routine blood and urine tests can reveal problems long before you feel sick. They can show early signs of anemia, diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems, infections, and more. For many people, especially those with limited time or transportation, lab visits may feel like a burden, but they are an essential part of preventive care. Understanding that these tests are designed to keep you healthy (not ju

Breathing Easier on the Job  How to reduce damage from dust, fumes, and smoke Your lungs work hard every minute of the day, and many workplaces expose them to extra stress. Construction sites, factories, cleaning jobs, and kitchens may have dust, fumes, smoke, or strong chemicals in the air. Over time, this can lead to chronic cough, asthma, or other lung diseases. Smoking or vaping adds even more strain, especially when combined with workplace exposures. Taking steps to prot

Healing Safely and Getting Back to Work Finding the right balance between rest and activity Work injuries are common in jobs that involve heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or slippery or crowded conditions. Back strain, shoulder injuries, sprains, and cuts are just a few examples. Many workers keep going despite pain because they worry about losing income or their job. Your clinic team can evaluate injuries, suggest treatment, help with work notes, and guide your safe return

Protecting Your Body While You Work Practical advice for physically demanding jobs Many people in our communities work in construction, housekeeping, warehouses, restaurants, and other physically demanding jobs. These jobs can be hard on your body, especially your back, joints, lungs, and heart. Long hours, heavy lifting, and exposure to dust or chemicals increase the risk of injuries and long‑term health problems. The pressure to keep working—even while in pain—can make peop

Protecting Yourself from Serious Infections The shots that help keep you out of the hospital Vaccines are not just for children. As we age, our immune system changes, and certain infections can become much more dangerous. Vaccines help your body prepare to fight specific germs so you are less likely to get very sick, be hospitalized, or die from preventable diseases. For adults in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond—especially those with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, o

Early Detection Saves Lives What you should know about key screening tests Cancer can develop quietly, often with few or no symptoms in the early stages. Screening tests look for cancer or pre‑cancer changes before you feel sick, when treatment is more effective and often less aggressive. Many people in our communities delay screenings due to fear, lack of information, insurance concerns, or cultural beliefs. Understanding what screenings are recommended for your age and risk

A Yearly Check‑In That Puts You in Contro  Preventive care for adults in their 40s–80s An annual wellness visit is different from a sick visit. Instead of focusing on one problem, it looks at your overall health: past history, current conditions, risk factors, screenings, medications, and lifestyle. It is your chance to step back and look at the big picture—what is going well and what needs attention. For busy adults, especially those working multiple jobs or caring for other

Staying Safe When You Take Several Medications Helping older adults simplify and protect their health Tips for managing many medications ● Schedule a “medication check‑up” at least once a year with your primary care doctor. ● Bring all pill bottles, patches, inhalers, and over‑the‑counter products to that visit. ● Ask which medicines are essential and which might be reduced or replaced. ● Use a pill organizer with clearly marked days and times. ● Keep a written list of all me

Making Medical Visits Work for Your Whole Family Respecting elders while getting the information you need Tips for family–doctor visits ● Talk with your parent beforehand about their symptoms and questions. ● Decide who will speak during the visit and who will take notes. ● Make sure clinic forms list the family members your parent allows staff to speak with. ● Ask the doctor to explain diagnoses and treatments in clear, simple language. ● Request information about community

Understanding Your Mind as You Age How to recognize normal aging versus concerning signs It is normal to misplace your keys or forget a name from time to time as you get older. But more serious memory problems—such as getting lost in familiar places or repeating the same questions—can be signs of something more than normal aging. Many families hesitate to talk about memory changes due to fear, stigma, or beliefs that “it’s just old age.” Detecting memory problems early can he

Easy Steps to Reduce Falls Keeping you active, safe, and in your home A single fall can change everything, especially for older adults. Broken bones, head injuries, and fear of falling again can make it harder to stay active and independent. Many falls happen in familiar places—the bathroom, bedroom, or stairs—often due to simple hazards like clutter, poor lighting, or slippery floors. Falls are not just “part of getting older.” There is a lot you and your family can do to ma

Making Sense of Your Numbers Turning test results into actions that protect your health Many patients receive lab reports filled with numbers and medical terms that are hard to understand. Without clear explanations, it is easy to feel lost or worried, especially around results for cholesterol, kidney function, liver health, and blood sugar. These tests are powerful tools that can help you and your doctor decide what changes or treatments are most important. By learning which

Protecting Your Heart with Real‑Life Changes What adults in Latin American and urban neighborhoods should know Heart disease and stroke affect many families in our neighborhoods, sometimes at younger ages than expected. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors, and they often have no symptoms. You can feel fine while your arteries are slowly narrowing or becoming stiff. The foods we love—fried dishes, salty snacks, sugary drinks, and large portions—comb

Staying Safe When You Take Many Medicines Support for adults managing multiple prescriptions and remedies As people age or develop chronic conditions, it is common to take several medicines every day. Many also use over‑the‑counter pills, herbal teas, and traditional remedies passed down through family. Without a clear plan, it becomes easy to get confused, take duplicate drugs, or mix medicines that don’t work well together. Medication mix‑ups can cause dizziness, falls, con

Your Home Base for Everyday Health How one trusted clinic can guide your care In many families, health care happens only when something is seriously wrong, often at the emergency room or urgent care. But having a primary care doctor gives you a “home base” for your health—a place that knows your history, your culture, and your concerns. This provider coordinates checkups, medications, and specialist visits, helping you avoid confusion and gaps in care. For adults in their 40s