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Allergies

Childhood Allergies

Childhood allergies are common and can start at any age. Although most allergies are mild, some cases can be serious and life-threatening. Learn more with North Texas Pediatrician Dr. Tania Diaz.…

Take Control of Your Asthma and Allergies

Is someone in your family sneezing, wheezing, or coughing? It might be asthma, allergies—or both. Keep reading to learn ways to control symptoms and breathe easier, indoors and out. …

American Heart Month Series: Heart Health Tips for Families

If you want to help your children avoid heart disease when they grow up, read this blog. We give you tips on how to start them on the right track while they are still young.…

American Heart Month Series: What Are Risk Factors of Heart Disease?

If you want to keep your heart, arteries, and veins as healthy as possible, there’s good news. You can take small steps every day to stay well and prevent disease.…

American Heart Month Series: What Is Heart Disease?

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.…

Childhood Fear of the Dentist: Here’s How to Help

Does your child have anxiety at the dentist? Here are a few ways to help them feel calmer and more confident. …

Nine Tips for Managing Asthma at School

Another school year is about to start. If your child has asthma, it’s important to make sure they have a plan to stay healthy during the school day. Get prepared by following these nine tips.…

Take Control of Your Asthma and Allergies

Is someone in your family sneezing, wheezing, or coughing? It might be asthma, allergies—or both. Keep reading to learn ways to control symptoms and breathe easier, indoors and out. …

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – What you need to know about this new member benefit

Starting February 1, 2022, Parkland Community Health Plan will offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. This benefit will be available to HEALTHfirst (STAR Medicaid) members through the Texas Health Steps-Comprehensive Care Program. See below for some common questions about these services.…

How to Stay Healthy After Giving Birth

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. …

Suicide in Children and Teens: What Are the Warning Signs?

Children and teens often keep their thoughts and feelings private. But the things they say and do can be clues about their inner struggles. While many young people might show the following behaviors, pay attention to how many are true for your child—and how often you notice them …

How to Balance Screen Time and Non-Screen Time

When does screen time become unhealthy? When your child spends too many hours on their favorite devices. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), too much screen time may lead to:…

Redeem Your Parkland Rewards

If you have a Parkland Rewards account, be sure to redeem your 2022-2023 points before August 31, 2023.…

Register for Our Member Portal and Get a Reward!

Did you know that Parkland Community Health Plan members can receive a $20 reward when they register in our NEW member portal?…

The Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

If you’re getting ready to welcome a new baby, you might be thinking about breastfeeding.…

10 Health Tips for First-Time Mothers

After those long months of pregnancy, your baby is here at last! Take a look at the tips below for ideas to ease the first few weeks and months of motherhood.…

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

In the United States, 1 in 5 children and teens are affected by obesity, meaning they are above a healthy weight for their age and height. How can you help your kids develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime?…

A Pediatrician Discusses Diet and Nutrition for Children

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.…

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Teens

If your child or teenager is overweight, they could be at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. When a person has type 2 diabetes, their body does not use insulin well. …

Texas Medicaid For Unemployment

How—and Why—to Apply for Texas Medicaid After Losing Your Job Did you lose your job—and your health insurance—since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic?…

Why COVID Vaccines Are Important for Minority Health

Have you had your no-cost COVID vaccine and boosters? It’s just as important as ever to get your COVID shots—especially if you are a member of a minority group. Read more here. …

Is it COVID, a cold or the flu?

Do you know the difference between the flu and COVID-19 or the common cold? Parkland Community Health Plan shares the differences between all three.…

Stay Healthy by Taking Care of Your Teeth

Did you know that good oral health (the health of your mouth, including your teeth and gums) is an important way to keep the rest of your body healthy?…

Childhood Fear of the Dentist: Here’s How to Help

Does your child have anxiety at the dentist? Here are a few ways to help them feel calmer and more confident. …

Do You Have Diabetes? Here Are Five Steps You Can Take to Control Your A1c.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you should check your A1c level every three to six months. Most people with diabetes have a target A1c level of less than 7%. Some special groups like pregnant women or older adults may have a different goal based on what their doctor recommends.…

Six Tips for Keeping Your Diabetes in Check

If you or child have diabetes, this can be a good time to get up to date with your recommended diabetes care. Learn six tips to keep your diabetes in check.…

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Teens

If your child or teenager is overweight, they could be at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. When a person has type 2 diabetes, their body does not use insulin well. …

Do You Have Diabetes? Here Are Five Steps You Can Take to Control Your A1c.

Five Easy & Fun Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

When families exercise together, they can develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. But exercise doesn’t have to be boring or feel like a chore! Here are a few ways to get in shape – and have fun doing it.…

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

Choosing a Medicaid Plan for Your Family

You applied for Texas Medicaid. Your application was approved. You are one step closer to better health for yourself and your family. But there are a few more steps you need to take. We’ve listed them here to help you get started right away. …

PCHP Explains: What is Service Coordination?

Managing your family’s care can be a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with several health issues. PCHP offers a service coordination program to help members manage their care. Brandy Tondjo explains the program. …

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Prepare for a Doctor’s Visit

From birth through late teen years, your child will visit the pediatrician often. Regular doctor visits are a normal part of growing up as healthy as possible. Make it easy for your child—and for you. Prepare ahead of time with these tips from Dr. Mary Strength, a pediatrician in North Texas. …

Three Easier New Year’s Resolutions for 2023

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. …

Free and Discounted Holiday Food Resources

Is your holiday food budget tight this year? Many communities offer free Thanksgiving meals before, on, or after the holiday. Check out these resources to find options close to you and your family. …

Get Help with Food and Groceries — Use Findhelp

Compared to a year ago, prices are up for cereal, meat, milk, produce, and more. The good news is Parkland Community Health Plan offers support through the Findhelp platform.…

Texas Medicaid For Unemployment

How—and Why—to Apply for Texas Medicaid After Losing Your Job Did you lose your job—and your health insurance—since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic?…

Texas Medicaid FAQ

Texas Medicaid FAQ: Everything you need to know about applying for Medicaid in Texas. Taking care of your physical and mental health is important. Health insurance helps many people stay healthy by making their care more affordable.…

Stay Safe and Healthy After a Hospital Stay

Your hospital stay is over—but your recovery could continue for weeks or months. No matter what sent you there, follow your doctor’s instructions and the tips below. …

Do You Have Diabetes? Here Are Five Steps You Can Take to Control Your A1c.

Five Easy & Fun Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

Stay Healthy by Taking Care of Your Teeth

Did you know that good oral health (the health of your mouth, including your teeth and gums) is an important way to keep the rest of your body healthy?…

Easy ways to exercise as a family

Exercise is important every season of the year. When we walk, dance, stretch, swim or exercise in other ways, we feel better in our minds as well as our bodies. This is true no matter how old you are.…

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Prevent Holiday ER Visits

With just a little more planning, you can prevent a trip to the emergency room during this busy time of year. Dr. Mariel Silva, a pediatrician in North Texas, explains why families end up at the ER—and how to avoid it. …

Free and Discounted Holiday Food Resources

Texas Medicaid Renewal: Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) is ending on May 11, 2023. This means that automatic renewal of Medicaid benefits is also ending. All Medicaid members must submit a renewal application to continue receiving benefits. See below for some common questions and answers about the end of automatic Medicaid renewal.…

Medicaid Renewals are Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Members will get renewal notices in a yellow envelope marked "ACTION REQUIRED" in red ink. When you receive the packet, complete and return it within 30 days. If you miss the renewal deadline, you will have to submit a new application. It’s much faster to renew your coverage than to submit a new application.…

Texas Medicaid For Unemployment

How—and Why—to Apply for Texas Medicaid After Losing Your Job Did you lose your job—and your health insurance—since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic?…

Texas Medicaid Renewal: Frequently Asked Questions

Medicaid Renewals are Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Texas Medicaid For Unemployment

How—and Why—to Apply for Texas Medicaid After Losing Your Job Did you lose your job—and your health insurance—since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic?…

Stay Healthy by Taking Care of Your Teeth

Did you know that good oral health (the health of your mouth, including your teeth and gums) is an important way to keep the rest of your body healthy?…

PCHP Explains: What is Service Coordination?

Five Easy & Fun Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

Suicide in Children and Teens: What Are the Warning Signs?

Teen Dating Violence: How to Help Your Child

Teenage relationships can also be heartbreaking—and even violent. The good news is you can help your teenager to protect themselves from unhealthy dating relationships.…

Three Easier New Year’s Resolutions for 2023

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. …

Free and Discounted Holiday Food Resources

Free Meals—and More!—for Pregnant Members

If you need some help with your food budget, we have good news. There are many food-related resources available to pregnant women and families in North Texas. …

Eating Outdoors? Read These Food Safety Tips

Late summer is the perfect time to enjoy meals outdoors. However, on hot days, it’s more important than ever to follow food safety rules. Otherwise, bacteria inside and on the surface of food items can grow to dangerous levels. …

Children with Disabilities and Bullying: What Parents Should Know

People of all ages can bully others. Almost everyone will experience it at some point in their lives. However, it is not a healthy or “normal” stage of development. About one in five children and teens report being bullied. If your child has a disability or special health need, they are more likely to be bullied, according to stopbullying.gov. …

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Prepare for a Doctor’s Visit

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Prevent Holiday ER Visits

Why COVID Vaccines Are Important for Minority Health

Have you had your no-cost COVID vaccine and boosters? It’s just as important as ever to get your COVID shots—especially if you are a member of a minority group. Read more here. …

Black Maternal Health Week: Doing Our Part to Help Prevent Premature Births

In observation of Black Maternal Health Week, Parkland Community Health Plan (PCHP), in partnership with Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI) want to highlight our efforts in Dallas to prevent preterm births, which is especially impactful on women in under-served communities. …

How to Stay Healthy After Giving Birth

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. …

What Happens During a Prenatal Doctor Visit?

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. Be sure to go to every recommended prenatal exam. During these visits, your provider will support you—every step of the way. …

Free Meals—and More!—for Pregnant Members

If you need some help with your food budget, we have good news. There are many food-related resources available to pregnant women and families in North Texas. …

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Prepare for a Doctor’s Visit

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Prevent Holiday ER Visits

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

Texas Medicaid Renewal: Frequently Asked Questions

Medicaid Renewals are Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

How to Apply for Medicaid and CHIP - Step by Step

You and your family might be able to receive free or low-cost health care through the Texas Medicaid (STAR) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). …

Texas Medicaid Renewal: Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Safe and Healthy After a Hospital Stay

Your hospital stay is over—but your recovery could continue for weeks or months. No matter what sent you there, follow your doctor’s instructions and the tips below. …

How to Apply for Medicaid and CHIP - Step by Step

You and your family might be able to receive free or low-cost health care through the Texas Medicaid (STAR) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). …

CHIP Renewal FAQs

Why do I need to renew my CHIP/CHIP Perinate benefits? In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) temporarily waived the renewal requirements for CHIP…

Three Easier New Year’s Resolutions for 2023

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. …

Reward Yourself—It’s Good for Your Health

It’s important to celebrate your successes often. Try out a few of the rewards mentioned. Keep yourself on track during the holidays—and into the new year. …

What Happens During a Prenatal Doctor Visit?

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. Be sure to go to every recommended prenatal exam. During these visits, your provider will support you—every step of the way. …

Six Tips for Keeping Your Diabetes in Check

If you or child have diabetes, this can be a good time to get up to date with your recommended diabetes care. Learn six tips to keep your diabetes in check.…

Plan Now for Back to School Health Checkups, Vaccines—and More

It’s time to get your child ready for back to school. Whether that means daycare, preschool, or K-12, Parkland HEALTHfirst (STAR Medicaid) and KIDSfirst (CHIP) can help!…

Do You Have Diabetes? Here Are Five Steps You Can Take to Control Your A1c.

Children with Disabilities and Bullying: What Parents Should Know

Eating Outdoors? Read These Food Safety Tips

How to Talk with Your Teenagers About Sex

As a parent, you know it’s important to talk to your children about preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This is especially true when they become teenagers.…

Five Easy & Fun Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

A Pediatrician Explains: The Importance of Sleep for Children and Teens

A good day begins with a good night’s sleep. It’s true for adults—and especially true for the youngest members of the family. Do you need help getting your baby, toddler, child, or teen on a better sleep schedule? Keep reading for some great advice from North Texas pediatrician Dr. Mary Strength. …

Five Easy & Fun Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

Reward Yourself—It’s Good for Your Health

It’s important to celebrate your successes often. Try out a few of the rewards mentioned. Keep yourself on track during the holidays—and into the new year. …

Four Stress Management Tips

The cause of stress is different for everyone. For one person, it could be from trying to pay rent. For another, it could be a result of a health issue. No matter the reason, keeping the negative effects of stress in check is important for your overall health. …

Suicide in Children and Teens: What Are the Warning Signs?

A Pediatrician’s Tips for Summer Safety

When you and your children are out in the high temperatures and bright skies of Texas, you have higher risk of illness and injury. …

What Families Need To Know About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer starts out small, but it can cause big problems. The good news is that, with a little effort, you can prevent it from starting—or spreading. Learn how to protect your family with these great tips.…

Keep Your Family Safe on Hot Texas Days

People of all ages can become seriously ill during hot days. However, babies and young children are at even higher risk. So before you head out for the day, check this list of summer safety tips.…

Get Important Medicaid Updates through YourTexasBenefits.com

If you have a HEALTHfirst (STAR Medicaid) or KIDSfirst (CHIP) plan, it’s important to make sure that Texas Health & Human Services (HHSC) has your current contact information on file. If the information is not current, you will miss important updates regarding the expiration of your healthcare coverage. …

The Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

If you’re getting ready to welcome a new baby, you might be thinking about breastfeeding.…

Plan Now for Back to School Health Checkups, Vaccines—and More

It’s time to get your child ready for back to school. Whether that means daycare, preschool, or K-12, Parkland HEALTHfirst (STAR Medicaid) and KIDSfirst (CHIP) can help!…

Looking for Easy and Convenient Access to Care? Try Telehealth.

Parkland Community Health Plan (PCHP) now offers telehealth services at no cost for all HEALTHfirst and KIDSfirst members age 0-21. This includes easy and convenient access to pediatricians through a partnership with telehealth provider KidzDocNow.…

Texas Medicaid Renewal: Frequently Asked Questions

Medicaid Renewals are Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

How to Apply for Medicaid and CHIP - Step by Step

You and your family might be able to receive free or low-cost health care through the Texas Medicaid (STAR) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). …

What Parents Should Know About Childhood Vaccines

The best way to treat childhood illnesses is to prevent them. Vaccines, also called vaccinations, were created to protect people of all ages from serious illnesses and diseases. To learn what vaccines are, how they work, and more, keep reading!…

Plan Now for Back to School Health Checkups, Vaccines—and More

It’s time to get your child ready for back to school. Whether that means daycare, preschool, or K-12, Parkland HEALTHfirst (STAR Medicaid) and KIDSfirst (CHIP) can help!…

Why COVID Vaccines Are Important for Minority Health

Have you had your no-cost COVID vaccine and boosters? It’s just as important as ever to get your COVID shots—especially if you are a member of a minority group. Read more here. …

Help for PCHP Members Affected by Severe Weather

This week’s winter storm could cause problems across North Texas. If you are a member of Parkland Community Health Plan, there are services available to help you. Important Phone Numbers For medical…

Five Easy & Fun Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

How To Quit Smoking

It can be very hard to quit smoking — but it’s one of the most important things you can do to help your baby to be healthy, before and after they’re born.…

How to Prevent Preterm Labor

A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks. When your baby is born after the 37th week of pregnancy, they have a chance to develop as fully as possible before birth. However, if you go into labor and give birth before your 37th week of pregnancy, your baby will be considered “premature” or “preterm.”…

Allergies

Childhood Allergies

Take Control of Your Asthma and Allergies

American Heart Month

American Heart Month Series: Heart Health Tips for Families

American Heart Month Series: What Are Risk Factors of Heart Disease?

American Heart Month Series: What Is Heart Disease?

Anxiety

Childhood Fear of the Dentist: Here’s How to Help

Asthma

Nine Tips for Managing Asthma at School

Take Control of Your Asthma and Allergies

Autism

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – What you need to know about this new member benefit

Behavioral Health

How to Stay Healthy After Giving Birth

Suicide in Children and Teens: What Are the Warning Signs?

How to Balance Screen Time and Non-Screen Time

Keep Your Child’s Brain Active During Summer Fun

Have the Spring Blues? These Tips Can Help

Benefits

Redeem Your Parkland Rewards

Register for Our Member Portal and Get a Reward!

Breastfeeding

The Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

10 Health Tips for First-Time Mothers

Childhood Obesity

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

A Pediatrician Discusses Diet and Nutrition for Children

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Teens

Easy Ways to Eat More Greens

Cinco de Mayo Avocado Recipe

C O V I D-19

Texas Medicaid For Unemployment

Why COVID Vaccines Are Important for Minority Health

Is it COVID, a cold or the flu?

COVID-19 and Mental Health Services – Are You Covered?

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

COVID-19 and Medicaid: What to Know About Testing and Other Services

FAQ About the COVID-19 Vaccine

Managing School During the Covid-19 Pandemic

We’re in this Together

Extended Access to Care for COVID-19

Governor Abbott Announces Approval Of 1135 Medicaid Waiver

Governor Abbott Announces HHSC Request Of Section 1135 Waiver To Support Health Care Workforce In Medicaid Program

Dentist

Stay Healthy by Taking Care of Your Teeth

Childhood Fear of the Dentist: Here’s How to Help

Diabetes

Do You Have Diabetes? Here Are Five Steps You Can Take to Control Your A1c.

Six Tips for Keeping Your Diabetes in Check

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Teens

Exercise

Do You Have Diabetes? Here Are Five Steps You Can Take to Control Your A1c.

Five Easy & Fun Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

Family Fitness in Five Minutes a Day

Five Tiny Diet Habits that Equal Big Health Benefits

10 Easy Home Exercises Parents Can Do With Kids

5 Free Apps to Help You Get Healthy in 2021

Easy ways to exercise as a family

Family

Choosing a Medicaid Plan for Your Family

PCHP Explains: What is Service Coordination?

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Prepare for a Doctor’s Visit

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

A Pediatrician Explains: The Importance of Sleep for Children and Teens

Family Fitness in Five Minutes a Day

Keep Your Child’s Brain Active During Summer Fun

Childhood Allergies

What Families Need To Know About Skin Cancer

Take Control of Your Asthma and Allergies

American Heart Month Series: Heart Health Tips for Families

How to Choose a Primary Care Provider

Easy ways to exercise as a family

Food Resource

Three Easier New Year’s Resolutions for 2023

Free and Discounted Holiday Food Resources

Get Help with Food and Groceries — Use Findhelp

Need some extra support? Try Findhelp.