Health Education Resources
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Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina and is almost always linked to persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is common, long-lasting infection can cause abnormal cervical cell changes that may progress into cancer if they are not detected early.
Despite advances in prevention and treatment, cervical cancer continues to pose a serious public health challenge, particularly for Black women. Black women are more than one-and-a-half times as likely to die from cervical cancer compared to their white counterparts, highlighting the urgent need to address systemic barriers related to healthcare access, awareness, and education.
Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines for 2026
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends beginning cervical cancer screening at age 25 for people with a cervix at average risk. The preferred screening method for ages 25 through 65 is primary HPV testing every five years. If primary HPV testing is not available, co-testing (HPV test plus Pap test) every five years or Pap testing alone every three years is acceptable. Recent ACS updates and clinical news summaries also highlight the expansion of self-collected HPV samples in approved clinical settings. Screening may end after age 65 for individuals with adequate prior normal results. With modern screening and HPV vaccination, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers worldwide.
On this Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the messages are clear.
Get informed. Find out the facts about cervical cancer and the HPV that causes it. Help educate other women in your life too.
Get screened. Cervical cancer screening typically starts at age 30 and is repeated periodically.
Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses that should begin when a girl is between 9 and 14 years old.
Watch this short informative video
Sources: World Health Organization, American Association for Cancer Research, Mayo Clinic
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January is National Blood Donor Month and is an important time to remember the life-saving power of blood donation. As the winter months bring colder weather, the celebration of holidays, severe storms, illnesses, and increased travel, donor turnout is often lower, even as patient needs are still constant. Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion, with more than 42,000 units of red cells, platelets, and plasma used by patients every single day. These donations are essential for patients facing trauma, surgeries, childbirth complications, cancer treatments, chronic conditions and many other medical needs.
Blood donation from Black individuals is critical, especially for patients with sickle cell disease, as they often have unique red blood cell antigens (like the Ro subtype) that provide better matches, reducing life-threatening reactions, but there's a significant shortage of Black donors, with less than 3% of donors being Black despite making up 13% of the U.S. population.
How to Donate Blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Sources: American Red Cross, Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies
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The end of the year often brings reflection on what we’ve accomplished, what we’ve postponed, and how we want to feel stepping into the next chapter. When it comes to your health, one of the most powerful tools you have for setting yourself up for success next year is your health insurance.
If you’ve spent the past months managing pain, skipping follow-ups, or delaying a recommended procedure, now may be the perfect time to take action. By using your health insurance benefits before they reset, including any FSA and HSA funds, you can start the new year with renewed energy and a plan for lasting wellness. Whether it’s finally addressing that nagging shoulder pain, scheduling a tendon repair, or getting back into physical therapy, small steps now can lead to a stronger, healthier 2026.
1. Reflect on Your Health Goals
The end of the year is a natural checkpoint for many things, and it is also great time to check in on your health. Think about how your body has felt over the past several months, are there aches, stiffness, or limitations you’ve learned to work around? Maybe your shoulder pain flares up when you reach overhead, or you’ve skipped physical therapy sessions because life got busy.
Now is a good time to pause and take stock. Write down the goals that matter most to you, whether that’s moving without pain, building strength, or simply returning to favorite activities. This reflection isn’t about what you didn’t do, but about what you can still do to set yourself up for success in the months ahead.
2. Maximize Your Insurance Benefits Before They Reset
Many health insurance plans reset on January 1st, meaning that deductibles, FSA and HSA funds, and out-of-pocket limits start over. If you’ve already met your deductible this year, you may be eligible for certain procedures or treatments with significantly lower out-of-pocket costs before the year ends.
For patients managing chronic joint or tendon issues, this could be an opportunity to move forward with recommended treatments such as rotator cuff or tendon repair. These procedures are often planned rather than urgent, making the final months of the year a practical time to get them on the calendar.
Even if surgery isn’t on your list, consider scheduling follow-up imaging, physical therapy sessions, or consultations with your orthopedic specialist now. Clinics often fill up quickly in November and December, and a little planning can help you take full advantage of your benefits before they reset.
3. Take Advantage of Winter Recovery Time
For many people, fall and winter are naturally quieter seasons. Outdoor activities slow down, schedules ease up after summer travel, and there’s more time spent at home. This slower pace can make recovery from orthopedic procedures more comfortable.
Patients who plan their surgery in late fall often find they can rest and heal through the winter, then return to spring activities stronger and pain-free. A well-timed procedure now may mean you’re ready for golf, tennis, pickleball or gardening without discomfort when warmer weather returns.
Even if you’re not preparing for surgery, colder months can be a great time to focus on physical therapy or strength training to support joint and tendon health. Building stability and flexibility now helps reduce future injury risk.
4. Embrace New Innovations in Healing
Orthopedic medicine continues to evolve toward solutions that work with the body’s natural healing processes. Regenerative treatments, such as biologic scaffolds made from materials like hyaluronic acid, support new tissue growth to help repair damaged tendons more naturally.
For patients, this means a growing number of options that aim to reduce recovery time and improve long-term outcomes. Whether you’re discussing advanced implants, regenerative technologies, or personalized rehabilitation programs, today’s innovations are designed to help you get back to doing what you love, safely and with confidence.
A Fresh Start Begins Now
Health isn’t a short-term goal; it’s a lifelong investment. The final months of the year offer a unique opportunity to prioritize your wellbeing, make use of your benefits, and take proactive steps toward recovery. Whether that means scheduling a procedure, following up with your doctor, or simply making a plan for the year ahead, what you do now can make a meaningful difference in how you feel entering 2026.
Your next chapter in better health can start today, one smart, intentional choice at a time.
Source: Anika Therapeutics
