When we think about allergies, many people assume they begin in childhood; but shellfish allergies often develop in adulthood, making them one of the most overlooked health risks, especially in areas where seafood is a staple.

An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a substance (called an allergen) as if it were harmful. With food allergies, that reaction can escalate quickly and, in some cases, become life-threatening.

Among all food allergies, shellfish is the most common in adults and the most common amongst children, followed by peanuts and tree nuts.

In this Mental Health Awareness Month post, we discuss mental health in the Black Community with a focus on anxiety disorders. After reading, you’ll learn about Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder, the two most common anxiety disorders experienced by Black adults. Practical tips are shared for supporting people experiencing anxiety. Understanding of mental health conditions and showing compassion to those who experience them will help destigmatize mental health in our community.

Health insurance helps protect you from high medical costs and gives you access to care when you need it. In this blog, we talk about the basics of health insurance to ensure our communities get access to the care they need.