Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and Black and Afro‑Latinx/e communities continue to face higher risks due to long‑standing inequities in access, diagnosis, and treatment. That’s why knowing the early signs of heart attack and stroke is more than medical knowledge — it’s community protection. It’s family protection. It’s legacy protection. This isn’t about fear. It’s about power.

 February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which aims to bring awareness to the existing racial disparities that affect the care of Black people with HIV/AIDS (PWHIVA). Profound racial disparities exist and persist in HIV testing and care in the United States, with Black Americans bearing a disproportionate burden of the epidemic. 

HIV has shaped conversations in Black communities for more than four decades — not just as a medical condition, but as a source of fear, silence, and stigma. That stigma didn’t appear out of nowhere. It grew out of historical trauma, misinformation, and the ways racism has shaped access to healthcare. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to shift the narrative. It’s a moment to honor our communities’ resilience, share accurate information, and create space

In many Black and Afro‑Latinx families, health is a shared responsibility. We cook together, celebrate together, carry stress together, and care for one another across generations. That’s why heart health isn’t just an individual issue—it’s a community one. Cardiovascular disease continues to affect Black and Afro‑Latinx communities at higher rates, not because of biology, but because of long‑standing inequities: limited access to care, food deserts, chronic stress, environm

When a community experiences a sudden or unexpected death, it shakes all of us. Moments like these remind us how fragile life is—and how important it is to make sure our wishes, values, and responsibilities are clearly documented long before a crisis. Advance care planning and end‑of‑life preparation are not about expecting the worst. They are about protecting the people we love, reducing stress during emergencies, and ensuring that our healthcare and financial decisions ref

Maternal Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to confront the realities facing pregnant and postpartum people in Idaho. Maternal morbidity, limited access to maternity care, and persistent disparities continue to place families at risk. The data is clear, and so is the path forward—if the state chooses it.

When perimenopause goes untreated, the consequences ripple far beyond hot flashes or irregular periods. Many women spend years bouncing between specialists, urgent care visits, supplements, and online programs—accumulating medical debt while still not getting answers. Others miss work because their symptoms are debilitating: insomnia, brain fog, anxiety, heavy bleeding, migraines, joint pain, and more.

Every few years, national dietary guidelines are updated to reflect the best available science on nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and long‑term health. These updates are meant to help people make informed choices — but if you’ve looked at the newest graphic, you’re not alone if you felt confused. The visual summary can feel oversimplified or even contradictory when compared to the detailed recommendations in the full guidelines.

GLP‑1 medications continue to transform obesity and metabolic care—and now, for the first time, the FDA has approved a semaglutide pill for weight management. While this expands access, it also raises important questions about cost, safety, compounding, and the future of generics. At Libélula Primary Care, we believe patients deserve clear, evidence‑based guidance to make informed decisions.

January marks Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, a national effort to reduce stigma, highlight evidence‑based care, and remind people that treatment is both available and effective. For many, this month is not about resolutions or pressure—it’s about possibility, safety, and support. At Libélula Primary Care, we believe treatment should never feel pushy, punitive, or one‑size‑fits‑all. Healing is most sustainable when it aligns with your goals, your pace, and your real

Every January, millions of people make resolutions with the best of intentions. “This year will be different.” “This time I’ll stick with it.” But here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough: most resolutions fade by February. Not because people lack willpower, but because resolutions often behave like fads—intense, exciting, and short‑lived. Real change doesn’t come from a burst of motivation. It comes from small, consistent, incremental shifts in daily habits.

Universal health coverage (UHC) is more than a policy goal—it’s a moral imperative. When people lack access to affordable healthcare, the consequences are devastating: Delayed care leads to worsening chronic conditions. Uninsured patients often avoid preventive visits, resulting in higher rates of hospitalization and emergency room use. Financial strain from medical bills can push families into poverty. The absence of coverage doesn’t just harm individuals—it dest

Every year on December 3rd, the world observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). In 2025, the United Nations theme is “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”. This day is a reminder that over 1.3 billion people worldwide—1 in 6 of us—live with significant disabilities. The observance calls for equity, accessibility, and inclusive health systems that recognize the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.

World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1, is more than a symbolic date—it is a reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. In Southern Idaho, recent public health reports show a sharp rise in HIV and AIDS cases, underscoring the importance of awareness, prevention, and compassionate care. Even though the official day has passed, the urgency remains.

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Yet for many, it can also be a season of deep grief. Whether it’s the first holiday after losing a loved one or the tenth, the absence can feel sharper against the backdrop of festive lights and cheerful gatherings. Grief during the holidays can feel especially heavy, as memories and traditions highlight the absence of loved ones.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often linked to smoking, but here in the Treasure Valley, environmental and occupational exposures also play a major role. This COPD Awareness Month, Libélula Primary Care invites you to explore the broader risks affecting our community—and the free resources available to help.

Men’s Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to spotlight mental health. Learn how to recognize symptoms, break stigma, and access affirming care—because mental health is health.

“Diabetes affects over 53 million adults in the U.S.—a staggering 15.8% of the population. But BIPOC communities face significantly higher rates of diagnosis and complications, often worsened by food insecurity and systemic barriers to care.”

Every October, we celebrate Health Literacy Month—a time to recognize the importance of helping individuals understand and use health information to make informed decisions. At Libélula Primary Care, we believe that empowered patients are healthier patients.

As a primary care physician and sister to a breast cancer survivor, I’ve witnessed both the clinical and emotional journey of breast cancer. At Libélula, we approach Breast Cancer Awareness Month not just with ribbons—but with action. We center prevention through lifestyle support, offer personalized screening based on the latest guidelines, and walk alongside patients through treatment and survivorship. Every story matters.