Does mealtime feel like a battle? Many parents face the same challenge. Your child refuses anything green. They turn down new foods. They only eat the same three meals. Picky eating is frustrating, but it doesn't have to last forever. Most children go through picky eating phases, and you can help your child try new foods and build healthy habits. Why Are Kids Picky? A study in the journal Pediatrics followed children ages 4 to 9 to understand why picky eating happens. The researchers found that habits k...
When you have asthma, it can be hard to manage your symptoms during the winter months. Learning to recognize and prevent asthma triggers can help you breathe easier and keep your symptoms under control. What Are Asthma Triggers? Asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, or chest tightness are often caused by something in the air that you breathe. These are called triggers. Triggers are different for every person. Common triggers include: Smoke from cigarettes, wood burning stoves, fi...
The start of a new year is the perfect time to make changes involving health and wellness. For many people, that means making resolutions—but developing new habits can be a challenge. Have you set any resolutions for the new year? If so, keep reading for ways to help make those resolutions stick. Make Your Goal Personal Start with a resolution that is important to you. You may find it easier to stick with a new habit when you believe the goal is meaningful. For example, losing weight is a co...
After your baby is born, the first days and weeks back home can be exhausting. It’s important to take extra-good care of yourself as you recover from childbirth. Your labor and delivery might be normal. However, you should watch for signs of infection, high blood pressure, and other symptoms. Otherwise, you could end up back in the hospital! Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the symptoms listed below. “Postpartum depression” feelings, such as: Extreme anxiety Lack of interest in things yo...
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27. If your budget is tight this year, plan now to enjoy one of the free holiday meals offered in communities throughout north Texas. We’ve included just a few of these events below. Be sure to use Google and social media to search for more community meals near you. Dallas and Fort Worth Feast of Sharing Bring the whole family to celebrate Thanksgiving at the Central Market/H-E-B Feast of Sharing in Dallas and Fort Worth. This free community event includes a holi...
For most people, technology is an important part of daily life. While it can be helpful in many ways, there are also times when it can be harmful, especially for children and teens. As a parent, you want to make sure your child is staying safe online and making healthy choices about the time they spend on electronic devices. Looking for tips on how to manage technology use? Try the steps below to get started. Define “healthy” technology use for your family. Set limits on how long your child ca...
During warmer times of the year, you might notice that you get thirsty more often. However, when you don’t have enough fluid in your body—also known as dehydration—you can feel many other symptoms besides thirst. Dehydration can lead to: headaches feeling weak or dizzy mental “fogginess” nausea constipation kidney stones urinary tract infections According to Harvard Medical School , water helps your body to: keep your blood pressure stable cool down on hot&nb...
Do you or your child take asthma medications through an inhaler? If so, using an asthma spacer can make a big difference. A spacer is a device that allows the asthma medication to go directly into your lungs. It is placed on the mouthpiece of your inhaler and creates “space” between your mouth and the medicine, allowing you to breathe in the medicine more easily. Spacers allow the medicine to go into your lungs and airways instead of staying in your mouth and throat. Who should use a spacer? E...
Summer vacation is here again! It’s a time for kids to rest and relax after a busy school year – but it’s also a great chance to keep your child ready for the classroom. Students often experience “summer brain drain” during the long break from school. This can mean that they end up falling behind on important skills like reading and math. The good news is that summer brain drain can be prevented! Here are a few ways to make sure your child has a summer break that’s fun – and full of opportunities to lea...
March is National Nutrition Month, which makes it a great time to think about healthy dishes for your family to enjoy! Check out these recipe ideas from Parkland’s executive chef, Adam Schloemer: Turkey Taco Stuffed Poblano Peppers Servings: 6 Serving Size: 2 halves Ingredients : 6 poblano peppers 1 lb. ground turkey 1 small onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 packet taco seasoning ½ cup water ...
Is your child ready for potty training? It’s an exciting time. It’s also a major step in their growth from infancy to young childhood. Potty training can also be a time of frustration and “two steps forward, one step back.” The move from diapers to using a child-sized toilet can take three to six months or more. If you start potty training too early, the entire process can take even longer. (Staying dry overnight is unrelated to toilet training. If your child is unable to stay dry overnight and is at le...
A new year is beginning. It’s a great time to begin a new health habit—or begin again! When you make a New Year’s resolution, go easy on yourself. Set a goal that is small enough to stick to every day. Over time, small steps add up to big results. Here are three resolutions to consider, and some ways to make them easier to achieve. Drink more water Drinking more water is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to boost your health. How can you know if you drink enough water? According to the National Kidne...
Doctors, pharmacists, dentists, therapists. Those are just a few members of the team who keep you at—or working toward—your best. While each provider is needed, the most important member of your health care team is you. Ready to take charge of your health in 2025? Here are some ways to get started. Plan your 2025 appointments now The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to schedule routine appointments in advance. Call your doctor, dentist, and other medical providers in January and plan your visit...
You know to take yourself and your children to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. However, where would you go for treatment of injuries, infections, pain and other symptoms in your teeth or mouth? Parkland Community Health Plan covers certain types of dental emergencies, including care you or your children receive in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center. (Medicaid members can get routine dental care through their Medicaid dental plan – check your dental ID card to see which dental provi...
Your baby’s bath times may be some of your favorite moments of their first years. While you’re washing their skin and hair, you are also making time to bond with your new son or daughter. There’s another important goal for bath time—safety. Babies can drown in just a few inches of water. While drownings are rare, it is much more common for babies to suffer other types of injuries in the tub. Are you ready to make bath time as risk-free as possible for your baby? Read through the safety tips below. Start...
The holiday season is often a magical time for children. It can be exciting to see the twinkling lights, open gifts, and take a break from school. But the holidays can also bring up intense emotions and high stress for children and families. If you’re a parent or caregiver, it’s important to make your child’s mental health a priority during the holidays. Check out these tips to help your family have a joyful – and emotionally healthy – holiday season: 1. Stick to a Routine. Children do best when they ha...
Sometimes, staying healthy takes a little extra effort – and it’s nice when you can get rewarded for it! Parkland Community Health Plan’s Member Rewards program gives members the chance to earn reward points for completing health and wellness activities. Once you earn the points, you can use them to get gift cards and other items from a rewards catalog. One way to earn rewards: take charge of your health! When you take steps to understand and improve your overall health, it can have lasting benefits for...
High blood pressure can be a serious health problem for people with chronic conditions like diabetes. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a leading center for medical research, a person with high blood sugar (diabetes) is two times more likely to be affected by high blood pressure (also called hypertension) than a person who does not have diabetes. Two out of three adults with diabetes have high blood pressure. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. What is Bl...
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also called “ADHD,” is a common medical condition. Research shows that about one in 20 people have ADHD. However, many people with ADHD may not know they have the condition. ADHD usually starts in childhood. Children with ADHD may have trouble staying in their seat at school. They may struggle to get their homework done and have a hard time waiting their turn or not interrupting others. Adults with ADHD often have less hyperactivity than children. However, they ...
Is your child excited about the start of a new school year—or are they nervous? They may be feeling a little of both. Whether they are preschoolers leaving home for the first time or preteens facing a change of teachers or schools, children of all ages may struggle with back-to-school “jitters.” Here’s how you can help to ease their way into a new school year. Talk about their feelings Small children can have big fears about school. They may be afraid of meeting new teachers and strange children. ...
Want to help your children build dental care habits that last a lifetime? Start when they are young. From brushing to flossing, children can learn the basics in ways that are easy and fun. That means the habits are more likely to stick. Here are a few tips to try: Use colorful toothbrushes Toothbrushes are sold in a variety of colors. Some even feature cartoon or movie characters on the handle. Let your child choose their own toothbrush at the store. Buy fun floss picks When your child's teeth start to ...
Small changes can add up to big health benefits. Eating more “superfoods” is one of the easiest ways to get more nutrition into every meal—and snack. What is a superfood? The term is not scientific or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration or the Department of Agriculture . However, many people use the word to describe foods that, ounce per ounce, have more nutrients than others. These nutrients can include antioxidants, fiber, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and more. Ready to serve ...
It’s always been important to teach children about illegal drugs and drug addiction. When children understand how drugs harm people of all ages, they are more likely to avoid peer pressure and deadly mistakes. Wondering when you should start educating your young children? The best time is now. Every day, about five Texans die from a highly dangerous drug called fentanyl. Many of these victims are teenagers, who accidentally take fentanyl when they swallow pills that secretly contain the drug. According ...
The holiday season is here! At this busy time of year, it can be easy to forget about healthy habits, but it’s still important to take good care of yourself – especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes. Check out these tips for how to enjoy the holidays while managing your diabetes: Watch your serving sizes. It can be easy to overfill your plate during a holiday meal. Plan to fill half your plate with vegetables, and the other half with lean protein foods (such as tofu, turkey, or c...
Living with diabetes can be a challenge – but when you understand your condition, it’s easier to stay healthy. PCHP members have access to the Be in Control condition management program, which helps members manage chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. Keep reading to hear about how you and your family can handle diabetes every day. What is condition management, and how can a Diabetic Educator help? Condition management programs offer education, coaching, and other services that can help people be...
The earlier you catch signs and symptoms of cancer, the easier it is to treat. That’s especially true for breast cancer—the most common type of cancer in the United States. This rule applies to men as well as women. Although most people diagnosed with breast cancer are women, it does affect men—and the sooner it’s treated, the better. Your doctor will examine your breasts as part of your regular checkups. However, you should also check your breasts yourself at least once a month. Why are self-exams impo...
Are you—and your family—drinking enough water every day? Hot weather is hard on the human body. It can affect how much sleep we get, how much energy we have, and how well we recover from illness. This is especially true for young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions. One of the best ways to stay as cool and healthy as possible is to stay hydrated. Learn more about the importance of hydration from Dr. Mary Strength, a pediatrician in north Texas. How do bodies use water and ot...
Getting ready for a doctor’s appointment? Then you will be filling out paperwork, also known as “medical forms.” Whether you are seeing a medical provider for a pregnancy checkup, taking your children for their annual exams, or helping a senior family member get flu shots or other care, your visit will run more smoothly if you plan ahead for the paperwork. A few weeks before your appointment, take a few minutes to gather the information you’ll need. If you are missing something, you’ll have time ...
Using medicine for illnesses and injuries are a normal part of raising a family. This could include treating headaches, sore throats, infections, nausea, poison ivy, allergies, or many other conditions. Medicines come in many forms, including: Sometimes you will need a prescription from a doctor. You can also buy many medicines at your local store or pharmacy. These are called “over-the counter” drugs or medicines. To make sure you buy the right medicine, you will need to read the label. To learn more a...
Sleeping next to your baby may seem natural – but it can be dangerous for the baby. Every year in the US, about 3,400 babies die from sleep-related causes. Many of these deaths occur while newborns or babies are sleeping with parents or other caregivers. When you are extra tired from the demands of caring for a baby, it’s easy to fall asleep holding them in your own bed, on a couch, or in your favorite chair. Don’t do it! Keep your baby safe while they’re sleeping. Learn more with the safe sleeping tips...
Summer is the perfect time to be mindful—to slow down, close your eyes, and enjoy the “here and now.” According to the American Psychological Association , mindfulness means being aware of your internal state and your immediate surroundings. When children and adults make mindfulness part of their everyday routine, they learn to observe their own thoughts and feelings without judging them. Mindfulness is free of charge and you can practice wherever you are. Best of all, the exercises can lead to lower st...
Activity and movement are easy ways to help yourself live a healthier life! Physical activity is important for everyone, no matter your age. Experts recommend about 60 minutes of daily activity for kids, and between 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week for adults. And yes, an hour or more can seem very daunting. But read on – there are ways to make it fun for the whole family! There are wonderful benefits for kids and adults: Maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developi...
Eating more fruits and vegetables. Drinking more water and less soda. Getting your heart rate up and your stress level down. It takes a lot of small steps to reach big health goals. How can you keep yourself motivated over the weeks and months? Rewards! It’s important to celebrate your successes often. Try out a few of the rewards below. Keep yourself on track during the holidays—and into the new year. Keep your long-term rewards in mind The small health goal you meet today gets you one step closer to y...
Your hospital stay is over—but your recovery could continue for weeks or months. You might be back home after surgery. Maybe you stayed in the hospital for a serious illness or accident. No matter what sent you there, follow your doctor’s instructions and the tips below. We want to help you stay safe at home, so you don’t end up back in a hospital bed! Write down all instructions. New medications? Changes to current prescriptions? Write it down so you’ll remember. Make sure you have enough medication be...
Exercise is fun—and it’s good for everyone in the family. It’s especially good for growing bodies. Children and teens who are active can enjoy: better sleep better mood better grades Moving more can also help children and teens maintain a healthy weight – click here for some resources and tips. How much activity is best? According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion , children and teens should aim for an hour of exercise every day. Can’t squeeze that much into your busy life? The go...
School starts in August—but there’s still plenty of summer left! That means it’s the perfect time for the whole family to relax with a good book or fun learning activity. In fact, when you encourage your child to read, learn and explore during summer break, you help them start the school year stronger. Are you looking for no-cost or low-cost educational activities in Dallas and nearby counties? You’re in luck. Families in North Texas have many resources for in-person and online learning. Just a few loca...
Children seem to grow from babies to toddlers to school-age overnight. Growing bodies need good nutrition to stay strong and healthy. If children don’t get the proper nutrients in their food, they can have problems with attention, sleep—and many other health issues. These problems can last until they are teens and adults. What is a balanced diet for children? Every day, children need three meals and up to three nutritious snacks. Meals should follow the guidelines from MyPlate.gov . Do you and your chil...
You teach your child to look both ways before crossing the street. You use baby gates and keep medication, scissors and hot beverages up high, out of reach. What about environmental hazards? “Environment” means both indoors and outdoors. “Hazards” are substances in the air, in water or in everyday household items that can harm your child’s health. Watch as North Texas Pediatrician Dr. Mary Strength explains different types of environmental hazards and how children can be at higher risk from them. One co...
In March, we celebrate both National Nutrition Month ® and St. Patrick’s Day. That makes it the perfect month to focus on green foods. Call them veggies. Call them “salad fixins.” Whatever you call them, leafy greens and vegetables help people of all ages to grow and stay strong and healthy. What are the health benefits of green foods? Vegetables and leafy greens taste great. They are low-cost, especially in the spring and summer. Best of all, these foods have several health benefits: Low in calories, w...
February—American Heart Month—is an excellent time to learn about heart health for yourself and your family. This blog explains different types of heart disease. Watch for additional blogs covering risk factors and heart health tips for families. What is the heart? Your heart is a muscle. It is about the size of your fist. “Cardio” is a word that means heart. “Vascular” means the tubes or channels that move fluid, such as blood, through your body. Your heart is part of your cardiovascular system. Heart ...