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ADHD

All About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

Most children act hyper, impulsive, or distracted at times. Sometimes, they may just be reacting to a stressful event or situation. A child with ADHD will show these behaviors more often and to a greater degree. It is important for your child’s doctor to rule out other potential causes first. …

A Pediatrician Discusses 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. …

How to Manage Your Behavioral Health

Many people worry that others will judge them or discriminate against them if they have mental health issues. This fear can stop someone from getting the help they need – and that can severely affect their life. …

How to Create Asthma Action Plans for Children

A good place to start? By creating an Asthma Action Plan. Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports coaches so they can help your child stay safe and healthy. …

How to Prepare for Emergencies When You Have Asthma or Diabetes

Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods, and other disasters can hit close to home. If you lost electrical power, would you be able to find your medication? If you had to evacuate, would you be ready to pack all medical supplies?…

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.…

PCHP Explains: What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that may cause children to have limited and repeated behavior, interests, or activities. People with ASD can also have trouble communicating or interacting with others. In most cases, symptoms will start to appear in early childhood. …

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.…

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?…

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. …

Easy Ways to Eat More Greens

In March, we celebrate both National Nutrition Month® and St. Patrick’s Day. That makes it the perfect month to focus on green foods.…

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.…

How to Manage Your Behavioral Health

How to Create Diabetes Management Plans for Children

Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports coaches so they can help your child stay safe and healthy.…

Regular Foot and Eye Exams Are Important When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States. It is also one the main causes of amputations. Losing your eyesight or a limb is a shattering experience for most people. The good news is you can lower the risk with regular foot exams and an annual eye exam with your doctor.…

How to Prepare for Emergencies When You Have Asthma or Diabetes

How to Create Asthma Action Plans for Children

How to Create Diabetes Management Plans for Children

Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports coaches so they can help your child stay safe and healthy.…

How to Manage Your Behavioral Health

How to Create Asthma Action Plans for Children

How to Create Diabetes Management Plans for Children

Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports coaches so they can help your child stay safe and healthy.…

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. …

Mindfulness for Lower Stress and Better Health

Mindfulness is free of charge and you can practice wherever you are. Best of all, the exercises can lead to lower stress and better health. …

A Pediatrician’s Tips for Safety During Summer Sports and Exercise

Have a safe and happy summer. Move your body! It’s essential to good health. As you plan your outdoor exercise, be sure to keep safety in mind. That way, you’ll prevent the accidents and injuries that can keep you from your favorite activities. …

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.…

A Pediatrician’s Tips for Safety During Summer Sports and Exercise

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 Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

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.…

10 Ways to Make Food Last Longer

How can you protect your food—and your family—during the warmer months? Take a look at the tips below for some easy ways to make food last longer.…

Everyone Needs Help Sometimes

If you have mental health needs, it’s important to deal with them, especially before they get worse and become a crisis. No mental health journey is the same – but the information below can help you lead a peaceful life. …

PCHP Explains: What is Autism?

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?…

A Pediatrician Explains: The Importance of Staying Hydrated

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. …

What You Need to Know About 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. …

How to Read Medicine Labels

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. …

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.…

10 Ways to Make Food Last Longer

How can you protect your food—and your family—during the warmer months? Take a look at the tips below for some easy ways to make food last longer.…

How to Protect Your Child's Vision

Just like adults in your family, babies and children can have problems with their vision. The good news is that most of these problems can be treated. Paying close attention to your child’s eyesight is the first step. The second step is to schedule vision screenings and eye exams.…

Texas Medicaid Renewal FAQs

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.…

A Pediatrician Explains: The Importance of Staying Hydrated

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. …

Redeem Your Parkland Rewards

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

How to Protect Your Child's Vision

How to Manage Your Behavioral Health

Mindfulness for Lower Stress and Better Health

Mindfulness is free of charge and you can practice wherever you are. Best of all, the exercises can lead to lower stress and better health. …

All About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Build a Balanced Diet for Your Growing Child or Teen

Good nutrition plays an important role that goes beyond the growth of muscle and bone. A diet that lacks essential nutrients or calories can directly affect heart and lung health, brain development, and immunity.…

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

All About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

How to Protect Your Child's Vision

A Pediatrician Explains: What Parents Need to Know About Eating Disorders

During the puberty years, a child’s emotional, mental, and physical identity is being defined. This process brings about many changes, and that can cause turmoil. As teens develop, they are fragile and can be susceptible to self-doubt about judgment from other teens. They want to fit in, and some will do whatever it takes to look and act like others. When that means losing weight, the pressure can lead to eating disorders. …

A Pediatrician’s Tips for Childproofing Your Home

If you’re like most families, you spend more time at home than anywhere else. So it’s no surprise that many childhood injuries, from cuts and scrapes to burns and falls, happen there. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to preventing serious accidents injuries at home.…

Quick Facts About Pregnancy

Do you want to get pregnant? Or do you want to avoid getting pregnant? Either way, it’s important to learn as much as you can about how your body works. This is good information to share with your daughters. Ready to learn? Take a few minutes to read through these quick facts about pregnancy. …

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.”…

What to Eat—and Not Eat—When You’re Expecting

Every day, you should try to get the nutrients your body needs so you can be as healthy as possible during your pregnancy. Keep reading for tips on which food and supplements provide these important vitamins and minerals.…

Quick Facts About Pregnancy

How to Prevent Preterm Labor

What to Eat—and Not Eat—When You’re Expecting

How to Create Asthma Action Plans for Children

How to Create Diabetes Management Plans for Children

Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports coaches so they can help your child stay safe and healthy.…

A Pediatrician Explains: The Importance of Staying Hydrated

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. …

A Pediatrician Explains: The Importance of Staying Hydrated

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. …

A Pediatrician’s Tips for Childproofing Your Home

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Build a Balanced Diet for Your Growing Child or Teen

A Pediatrician Explains: What Parents Need to Know About Eating Disorders

What Parents Should Know About Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Infants and Young Children

North Texas pediatric physician assistant Robert Smith shares important information about this common infection – and what you can do to prevent it. …

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

Texas Medicaid Renewal FAQs

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 FAQs

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…

How to Prevent Preterm Labor

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.…

How to Read Medicine Labels

Don’t Sleep with Your Baby. Here’s Why.

Learn more with these safe sleeping tips. Then, be sure to share this important information with everyone who helps to take care of your baby.…

A Pediatrician’s Tips for Childproofing Your Home

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.…

Don’t Sleep with Your Baby. Here’s Why.

Learn more with these safe sleeping tips. Then, be sure to share this important information with everyone who helps to take care of your baby.…

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

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.…

Everyone Needs Help Sometimes

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. …

Quick Facts About Pregnancy

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Build a Balanced Diet for Your Growing Child or Teen

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. …

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.…

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. …

Regular Foot and Eye Exams Are Important When You Have Diabetes

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…

ADHD

All About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

Allergies

A Pediatrician Discusses Childhood Allergies

Take Control of Your Asthma and Allergies

Anxiety

How to Manage Your Behavioral Health

Asthma

How to Create Asthma Action Plans for Children

How to Prepare for Emergencies When You Have Asthma or Diabetes

Nine Tips for Managing Asthma at School

Take Control of Your Asthma and Allergies

Autism

PCHP Explains: What is Autism?

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

Breastfeeding

10 Health Tips for First-Time Mothers

Childhood Obesity

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Teens

Easy Ways to Eat More Greens

COVID-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

Have the Spring Blues? These Tips Can Help

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

Depression

How to Manage Your Behavioral Health

Diabetes

How to Create Diabetes Management Plans for Children

Regular Foot and Eye Exams Are Important When You Have Diabetes

How to Prepare for Emergencies When You Have Asthma or 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

Doctor Visits

How to Create Asthma Action Plans for Children

How to Create Diabetes Management Plans for Children

How to Manage Your Behavioral Health

What You Need to Know About Medical Forms

Regular Foot and Eye Exams Are Important When You Have Diabetes

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

Emergency

How to Create Asthma Action Plans for Children

How to Create Diabetes Management Plans for Children

A Pediatrician Explains: How to Prevent Holiday ER Visits

Exercise

Mindfulness for Lower Stress and Better Health

A Pediatrician’s Tips for Safety During Summer Sports and 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

A Pediatrician’s Tips for Safety During Summer Sports and Exercise

PCHP Explains: What is Service Coordination?

A Pediatrician Talks About Preventing Childhood Obesity

A Pediatrician Discusses Childhood Allergies

What Families Need To Know About Skin Cancer

Take Control of Your Asthma and Allergies

How to Choose a Primary Care Provider

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.

Healthy Food Isn’t Out of Reach

Food Safety

10 Ways to Make Food Last Longer