Good nutrition is vital to good health! This March, AAHP joins the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in celebrating National Nutrition Month. AAHP encourages all Black Montgomery County residents to join us in learning how nutrition and physical activity can transform lives.

This year’s theme is “Personalize Your Plate.” There is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and health. We are all unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds and tastes! AAHP offers several education programs to help you understand what foods are best for you in your health journey.

Information on COVID-19 infections and deaths by zip code, age, race, gender, and residency, based on data from the Maryland Department of Health released on 2/12/2021.

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we join forces with others. NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the support of others.

As you work to achieve your 2021 health goals, be sure to have the basics down:

Do you have a trusted primary care physician (PCP)? A trusted PCP can help you navigate your health journey towards longevity and a better quality of life. According to Primary Care Progress, “adults in the U.S. who have a primary care provider have 19% lower odds of premature death than those who only see specialists for their care.” AAHP provides referrals to PCPs for AAHP clients as a critical part of chronic disease prevention and management strategy.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, Ana Langer, M.D., and Jewel Gausman, Sc.D., M.H.S., will present a webinar discussing their commentary piece “Sex and Gender Disparities in the COVID-19 Pandemic.” This webinar will be the first in ORWH’s new virtual speaker series, titled Diverse Voices: COVID-19, Intersectionality, and the Health of Women.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Marylanders can enroll in quality, affordable health plans through the Maryland Health Connection until March 15 for coverage throughout the year. All private health plans cover costs associated with testing, treatment, hospitalization.

Speaking of vaccines, did you know the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is 99% effective in preventing HPV (human papilloma virus), the virus that most often causes cervical cancer? HPV is an extremely common STD that consists of thousands of strains, some of which cause cervical cancer. Although cervical cancer is highly preventable, in the U.S., nearly 13,000 women are diagnosed each year and more than 4,000 die from it each year. Highly effective in preventing HPV infection, the HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for boys and girls ages 11 and 12.