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Flu Shot Myths and Facts

Influenza, usually called “the flu,” is a virus that can make you very sick. Flu season—meaning the time most people get sick—starts in October and ends in May. Some common myths and facts about the flu are shown below. Use this information to make the right health choices for you and your family. …

Important Facts About HIV

HIV can be treated. But it must be treated for life. Without treatment, it can lead to life-threatening complications like severe infections and some kinds of cancers. …

Earn Rewards by Visiting the Doctor

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.…

Member Benefits Spotlight: Access to Care

Getting regular care is an important way to stay healthy. Parkland Community Health Plan offers several benefits and services that make it easier to access the care you need. NEMT benefits are available to all HEALTHfirst (STAR Medicaid) members. Services include no-cost rides to and from the doctor, dentist, hospital, drugstore, or other Medicaid service providers. …

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 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. …

Get Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Parkland Community Health Plan has partnered with Carelon Behavioral Health to offer mental health and substance use benefits. People of all ages and backgrounds become addicted to drugs and alcohol. This includes illegal drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. It also includes abusing prescription drugs, such as opioid pain medication or stimulants.…

How Asthma is Different in Adults and Children

Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and may impact a person’s ability to breathe. The good news is that it is usually easy to control with medication. Both children and adults can get asthma, but it may affect them in different ways. …

What Happens at a Dental Visit?

The best way to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible is to visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. Ask your dentist if you should come once a year or more often. …

Be In Control Program: Questions to Ask Your Case Manager or Doctor

PCHP’s Be In Control program helps members with chronic conditions to get resources that help them manage their health. If you’re part of the program, be sure to ask your case manager or doctor these questions. …

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

Parkland Community Health Plan (PCHP) 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.…

Help Your Child Stay Healthy with Preventive Care

If your doctor sees you on a regular basis, they will be more likely to find health issues quickly and keep them from getting worse over time. They can also identify chronic conditions that may require additional care throughout your child’s life.…

MinuteClinic Is Now Part of the PCHP Network

MinuteClinic will be part of Parkland Community Health Plan’s provider network! …

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. …

Have Anxiety? Here’s How to Feel Better

Need help with depression, anxiety, or other concerns? Life can be challenging. If you are worried about loved ones or have problems at work or home, you might have times of feeling upset, frightened, or anxious.…

A Pediatrician Explains: What Parents Need to Know About Animal and Pet Safety

Unfortunately, animals can—and often do—bite. Even if the wound seems small, it can become seriously infected.…

A Family Medicine Specialist Explains: How to Manage High Blood Pressure

Learn more about the importance of managing high blood pressure. Read this helpful information from Dr. Zafreen Siddiqui, MD, a family medicine specialist in north Texas.…

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. …

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. …

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.…

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. …

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. …

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. …

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. …

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!…

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.…

How to Choose a Primary Care Provider

Regular doctor visits are important for both kids and adults – and having a primary care provider (PCP) is a great way to stay focused on your health. What is a Primary Care Provider?A PCP provides…

What Is a Well-child Visit?

It’s important to schedule regular “well-child” visits with your family pediatrician. During these appointments, parents can check up on their child’s health and make sure they’re growing and developing normally. …

Common Milestones for Your Child to Reach by Age Five

At Parkland Community Health Plan, we want to help you to help your children be as healthy as possible, every step of the way. Below, we’ve listed a few of the developmental milestones to watch for by age five.…

Should I Go to the Emergency Room or to My Doctor?

Dr. Silva gives easy step-by-step instructions on how to make this important decision when you or a loved one is sick or injured.…

When To Go To The Emergency Room vs Urgent Care

When medical situations occur, we’re often faced with uncertainty about where to go for care, especially if the symptoms seem severe and our regular doctor’s office is closed. While the answer is not always simple, knowing the difference between walk-in clinics, urgent care and emergency care and where to seek treatment could save your life in a medical emergency.…