Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc. P.O. Box 27489 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Important plan information TC Standard U.S. Postage PAID Presbyterian Health Plan INSIDE Men: Enjoy better health 4 Keep your smile healthy 8 Your Summer 2026 for Turquoise Care members En español: Si usted desea obtener este boletín en español, llame al (505) 923-5200 o al 1-888-977-2333. Disasters, such as tornadoes, power outages, floods, and wildfires, can come up suddenly, sometimes without any warning. It can be difficult to know how to respond in the moment. But riding out these weather emergencies is more manageable when you have created a plan beforehand. Make a plan of action First, think about what sorts of disasters or emergencies are most likely to strike in your area. A good way to stay informed is to sign up to receive emergency alerts. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a free mobile app that offers alerts and safety tips. Next, form an emergency plan with your family and friends. A solid plan will include things like: • How you will communicate with others • Where you will take shelter if you need to evacuate, and how you’ll get there • Where and how you will meet up with others • What supplies to keep in your emergency preparedness kit As you create your plan, think about your specific needs and responsibilities. For example, do you have young children at school? Do you take medications that need to be refrigerated or use medical equipment that requires a power source? Are Create or restock your supply kit A basic emergency preparedness kit should have enough supplies for you to survive without help for several days. It should contain: •One gallon of water per person per day for at least a week •Nonperishable food •Can opener •First aid kit • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries • Flashlight • Garbage bags and ties • Moist towelettes • Hand sanitizer •Dust masks • Maps • Plastic sheeting •Duct tape and scissors •Mobile phone and chargers • Medications •Important documents, such as insurance policies, personal identification, passports, and bank account information Plan ahead for weather disasters there any pets in your household? Does anyone in the family have special dietary needs? Depending on your needs, you may want to add more supplies to your kit, like pet food, baby supplies, or extra clothing. Review and refresh your emergency kit on a yearly basis. You never know where an emergency could happen, so you may want to keep a basic kit in your car as well. Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
2 Self-care is all over social media, but the concept is often misunderstood. You may think it means taking luxurious bubble baths or getting pampered at the spa. Sure, these can be part of your self-care routine. But at its core, self-care — the regular steps you take to nurture your mental and emotional health — is so much more than that. Why is self-care important? These days, there’s no shortage of stressors in daily life. Sometimes it may feel impossible to keep up with the demands of work, family, finances, and current events. Even social activities and hobbies can feel like work. It can be easy to forget to take care of yourself, but over time, this self-neglect may: • Spike your stress • Make you feel exhausted and overwhelmed • Increase your risk of anxiety and depression • Negatively affect your relationships • Damage your physical health Self-care strategies for mental and Volunteer. You’ll feel good when you help a cause you believe in. Spend time with your pet. Their unconditional love can raise the feel-good chemicals in your brain. Say “ahhh.” Deep breathing exercises or yoga can help you unwind. Eat mood-boosting foods. Make sure your diet includes things like nuts; dark, leafy greens; beans; fresh fruits and vegetables; and fatty fish. Exercise daily. Aim for 30 minutes, and mix up your routine. If your mental health is at an all-time low and you’re in crisis, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at www.988lifeline.org. Self-care savvy Regular self-care helps you boost your mental and emotional well-being — and it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. You can tailor your routine to meet your needs, preferences, and time constraints while still reaping the benefits. Not sure where to start? These strategies can help. Try a few — or more. Get quality sleep. Most adults need seven or more hours each night.
www.phs.org/Medicaid 3 Get help with medication management Virtual Medication Management provides consultation, diagnosis, and medication treatment for behavioral health conditions. You will meet with a licensed psychiatrist with prescribing authority. Some conditions that can be treated include anxiety, stress-related mental disorders, and adult personality and behavior disorders, among others. Explore Virtual Medication Management Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: New Mexico What: Talk with a licensed therapist to get counseling for a variety of challenges. Meet with a psychiatrist if you need medications managed or prescribed. Must be 18 years or older. How: Go to www.phs.org/ virtual-pres and select “Virtual Medication Management.” Sources: American Psychological Association; HelpGuide; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration emotional wellness Check in with yourself. Pause; take a deep breath; and become aware of all your feelings, emotions, and physical senses. Ask yourself what you really need right now. Start a daily gratitude habit. Jot down or reflect on everything you’re grateful for. See a friend. Face-to-face contact helps you feel less alone. Get back to nature. Whether you’re hiking in the wilderness or walking through a city park, being outdoors in nature is a tried-and-true way to feel better. Journal. Devote time each day to writing down your emotions without judging them. Give therapy a try. It can help you learn to cope with and accept your emotions and heal from painful experiences.
4 Could you be doing more to take care of your health? If you’re like most men, the answer is probably yes. On average, men are more likely than women to make some unhealthy choices in their daily lives and to avoid seeing a provider like they should. Don’t be too hard on yourself if that describes you. Just know that it’s not too late to start taking care of your health, even if it’s been a while since you’ve seen a provider or perused a produce aisle. What’s in it for you? For starters, feeling great and living your best. In the big picture, it’s also about having more years to spend in better health with the people and activities you enjoy. Start with a primary care provider If you don’t already have one, schedule an appointment with a primary care provider (PCP). That’s a doctor or other medical provider you see (usually once a year) for checkups and other preventive care. Preventive care includes things like physical exams and recommended vaccinations and health screenings. Checkups and screenings can help prevent some health problems from ever starting. And they can help your provider find some health problems early, when they’re often easier to treat. Get ahead of health risks There are many things men, working with their primary care provider, can do to help guard against a variety of major health risks, including: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Even if you feel fine, you could have these conditions, major causes of heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Having your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels checked (ask your provider how often) can reveal these hidden hazards. How men can enjoy
www.phs.org/Medicaid 5 Both men and women get depressed. But men may be more likely than women to: HOWMEN feel depression Feel very tired and irritable Lose interest in their work, family or hobbies Have difficulty sleeping Sources: HelpGuide; National Institute of Mental Health Your options for colorectal cancer screening You have options when it comes to screening for colon cancer. There are home-based stool tests or a colonoscopy. Your healthcare provider can discuss the best option for you based on your medical history and preferences. • A home-based Cologuard® test* is completed every three years. Visit www.cologuard.com to request a Cologuard screening kit. • A home-based fecal immunochemical test (FIT)* is completed once a year. Contact your provider to request a FIT screening kit. • A colonoscopy is completed every 10 years. It’s the most comprehensive screening. Contact your provider to schedule a colonoscopy. *Home-based screening kits are intended to screen adults 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. This screening detects certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Talk to your provider about whether a home-based screening is right for you. Depression is a real and treatable illness. Yet men are often reluctant to talk about how they’re feeling or to seek help. Don’t ignore your feelings. Get help. To help ward off health risks: • Get regular exercise. You can start with little steps, like taking short walks throughout the day. • Eat a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; fat-free or low-fat dairy products; and lean protein such as poultry and beans. Use unsaturated oils, such as canola or olive, for cooking. Cut back on salt (sodium), added sugars, and saturated and trans fats. Colorectal cancer. Depending on your age and risk factors, it may be time to get checked. Screening can help prevent colorectal cancer by finding colon and rectal polyps, which can be removed, that can lead to the disease. Lung cancer. If you smoke, ask your provider to help you quit. You may also need a lung cancer screening test if you’re at least 55 years old and have a history of heavy smoking. Prostate cancer. Talk to your provider about the pros and cons of being screened for prostate cancer if you’re a middle-aged person. Most prostate cancers may grow slowly, but some may spread if left untreated. Obesity. Unwanted pounds can lead to heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Ask your provider what’s a healthy weight for you. Eating right and staying active can help you manage your weight. Every choice adds up. Choose a side of veggies instead of fries with your burger or a piece of fruit instead of cake for dessert. Depression. Tell your provider if you often feel sad, hopeless or have lost interest in things you once enjoyed. There are effective treatments for depression. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; HealthInAging.org; Men’s Health Network; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services better health
6 Vaccines are a crucial tool for keeping children healthy. This is key during their first years of life. For infants, toddlers, and children, immunization can prevent serious illnesses. It can also reduce hospitalizations. You can help protect families and communities from outbreaks. Recommended vaccines and schedule The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of vaccines for children from birth through 18 years of age. These vaccines protect against diseases such as: • Hepatitis B (HepB) • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) • Polio (IPV) • Pneumococcal disease (PCV13) • Rotavirus • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) • Varicella (chickenpox) • Influenza (flu): annual vaccination starting at 6 months • COVID-19: annual vaccination starting at 6 months Tips for parents and caregivers 1. Keep a record of your child’s vaccinations and bring it to every appointment. 2. Ask your provider if your child is due for any vaccines at each visit. 3. Download and review the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for children: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/ imz-schedules/child-adolescent-age.html. 4. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you have. Help prevent illness with vaccines These vaccines are given in a series of doses at specific ages. Parents and caregivers should work with their child’s provider to make sure they get the vaccines they need. Medicaid covers all recommended childhood vaccines for eligible children. Vaccines are provided at no cost. If you have questions, contact our Maternal Child Resource Line at (505) 923-2008. Common concerns Some parents worry about side effects or the number of vaccines their child gets. It’s important to know that vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and monitored by healthcare professionals. Mild reactions, such as soreness or a lowgrade fever, are normal and temporary. The risk of serious side effects is extremely low compared to the risk of diseases prevented by vaccines.
www.phs.org/Medicaid 7 Our Quality Improvement Program Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc., is committed to providing quality care and services to our members. We have a Quality Improvement Program (QI Program) that evaluates the care and services you receive. Our goal is to work to improve your experience. The QI Program includes: • Member activities • Quality and safety of clinical care • Quality of service • Annual goals, processes, and activities At the end of each year, we evaluate the QI Program to see how we did. We also look for what we can do to better serve you in the future. As Mark Twain said, “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” In 2025, we learned and created new ways to better serve you in 2026. Here are a few of our 2025 actions and results: • Members in the Diabetes Prevention & Healthy Weight programs lost 5% or more of their body weight on average. They also lowered A1C from 6.2 to 5.8. • We launched virtual maternity care with Ouma Health in 2025. Ouma now supports 53 members through at-home visits. Over 50% of maternity visits focused on pregnancy and postpartum mental health, helping moms feel supported every step of the way. • In 2025, our Outreach & Engagement team grew an outreach program to support families, preventive care, and care gap closure. This effort was to improve the member experience, strengthen compliance, and support better health outcomes. • Presbyterian ranked first in provider satisfaction among New Mexico health plans, according to the Provider Satisfaction Survey. • In 2025, Presbyterian achieved NCQA Health Equity Accreditation, scoring 100% for all products. Preventive Healthcare Guidelines Preventive Healthcare Guidelines (PHGs) help your providers check for and prevent common health problems. They include regular checkups, screenings, and vaccines that you and your family should get. Presbyterian creates these guidelines based on expert advice. They follow the Affordable Care Act and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines with an A or B grade. You can find the current Preventive Health Guidelines at www.phs.org/tools -resources/member/health -wellness-information. You can also request them by calling the Presbyterian Customer Service Center at the number on the back of your member ID card. There are different guidelines for adults, children (pediatrics), vaccine (shot) schedules, and women’s health: • Vaccine schedules follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). • Well-child exams, screenings, and guidelines follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Bright Futures. • Women’s health guidelines follow the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). You can visit these agencies’ websites for more information: • CDC vaccines: www.cdc.gov/vaccines • Bright Futures: brightfutures .aap.org/Pages/default.aspx • HRSA women’s guidelines: www.hrsa.gov/ womens-guidelines
8 Take care of your teeth and gums for a healthy smile Flossing Flossing removes bits of food and plaque that are stuck between teeth. Using dental floss once a day is enough, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). You can floss before or after brushing your teeth. Here is the ADA’s advice for using dental floss: • Use about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as you move along. • Hold the floss stretched tight between your thumb and first finger. • Guide the floss between your teeth with a gentle, rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums. • When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. • Hold the floss tightly against the tooth, slightly away from the gums. Gently rub the side of the tooth with an up-and-down motion, following the shape of the tooth. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, top and bottom. Don’t forget the back side of your last teeth (at the very back of your mouth). Brushing Brushing cleans away bacteria and plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. After breakfast and before bed, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush every surface of your teeth — tongue side, cheek side, and chewing surface. Brush for one minute on the top teeth and one minute on the bottom. Four ways to keep your smile Oral health has a direct influence on your overall wellness. Taking care of your teeth and gums is good for your mouth, your cardiovascular health, and much more. These habits will keep your whole family smiling:
www.phs.org/Medicaid 9 Remember to avoid snacking between meals, especially having sugary snacks and drinks that are bad for your teeth and gums. Eating and drinking healthy food and drinks Eating and drinking healthy food and drinks supports your oral health, says the ADA. Choose things such as: • Foods high in calcium, such as cheese, milk, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens, and almonds • Protein-rich foods, like meat, poultry, fish, milk, and eggs • Fresh fruit and vegetables, because they are high in water and fiber that help to clean your teeth • Plain water, especially water with fluoride, that your local utility may supply Rinsing with mouthwash Rinsing with mouthwash does not replace brushing and flossing, but it helps clean hard-toreach areas, according to the ADA. Mouth rinse gives you more than just fresh breath. It also helps to control plaque, reduce tooth decay, and prevent gum disease. When buying an over-thecounter mouthwash, look for products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. healthy
10 Make a meal plan for diabetes prevention A meal plan is your guide for when, what, and how much to eat. Your plan will help make sure you get the nutrition you need while keeping your blood sugar levels on target. It also assists with portion and weight control. A good meal plan will consider your goals, tastes, and lifestyle. A good meal plan will also: • Include more nonstarchy vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and green beans • Include fewer added sugars and refined grains, such as white bread, rice, and pasta • Focus on whole foods instead of highly processed foods Work to improve your health with the Path for Wellness Prevention Program. This program offers healthy weight management and diabetes prevention through food and healthy lifestyle changes. The program is for eligible Presbyterian Turquoise Care members at no added cost. It is designed to help members: • Build healthy habits • Lose or manage weight • Be more active • Reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes It’s easy and fun to take part — the program is available online or by phone. The classes are also available in Spanish. Take control of your health and well-being with NeuroFlow Onward by NeuroFlow is a digital tool that connects you to health information, self-guided exercises, tailored resources, and support services. It’s offered through Presbyterian Health Plan (PHP). Onward is available at no cost and is easy to use. Eligible PHP members can use it online or by mobile phone app. With Onward, you will be able to: • Receive customized health content; topics include healthy living, emotional well-being and mental health, recommended screenings, and more • Manage your overall health with personalized wellness journeys on topics such as: » Mental health » Lifelong health and wellness » Women’s health » Pregnancy » Chronic conditions » Smoking cessation • Track and monitor your progress and health patterns in focus areas like: » Mood » Sleep » Stress » Pain • Achieve your goals and feel your best through daily tools and activities Start your tobacco cessation journey with New Mexico Tobacco Quitline New Mexico Tobacco Quitline is a selfpaced tobacco cessation program. It is available at no cost through the state of New Mexico. Get the support and tools you need to help quit commercial tobacco and nicotine. A Quit Coach helps you form a plan to build quitting into your daily routine. With New Mexico Tobacco Quitline, you will: • Meet 1:1 with a coach to form a personal Quit Plan • Join group coaching sessions where you can ask questions, find answers to problems, and celebrate milestones • Access videos and articles to help you set goals and track progress • Reach out to your Quit Coach whenever you need extra support To learn more about the program and how to sign up: • Visit PHS.org/preventionprogram or • Call 1-855-249-8587 Get started with Onward by NeuroFlow today! Use the QR code or the link below to sign up for Onward by NeuroFlow: neuroflow.app .link/PHP123. For assistance with signing up or questions, please email NeuroFlow at support@ neuroflow.com, or call 1-855-296-7711. Sign up directly: • Visit www.quitnownm.org • Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800784‑8669), TTY: 711 or • Use the QR code
www.phs.org/Medicaid 11 Speak with a Presbyterian Nurse at any time You have access to PresRN, a nurse advice line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even on holidays. PresRN is an easy way to speak with a Presbyterian nurse if you are not feeling well and need advice or just have a general health question. A PresRN nurse will help you and your family on whether you require a trip to the emergency room or urgent care, a virtual visit with a provider, or self-care at home. The best part is all you need is a phone. Presbyterian nurses are happy to answer any questions. Please call even if you are healthy but need some advice. As part of your Presbyterian healthcare team, we let your provider, care coordinator, and health coach know of your health concern so that you will have continued care and follow up. We are here when you need answers! Call PresRN at (505) 923-5677 in Albuquerque or toll-free at 1-888-730-2300. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911. Presbyterian’s translation and interpretation services Communication is important to you and to us. That’s why we offer translation services if you need them. We want to make sure you have the information in the language or format you use so you can take charge of your own healthcare. We have bilingual staff and certified translator services if you want to use these services. These services are available to help you talk with providers, nurses, caregivers; learn about your health plan; and much more. Our translation and interpreter services include: • Language translation • Written materials translation • Telephonic interpreters • In-person interpreters • American Sign Language interpreters • Video remote interpreters It’s easy to request these services. Call the Presbyterian Customer Service Center at the number on your Presbyterian member ID card. Keep these numbers handy The Presbyterian Customer Service Center (PCSC) is available for members Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members can reach the PCSC at the following numbers: (505) 923-5200 or 1-888-977‑2333, TTY: 711 Children in State Custody: (505) 923-8417 or 1-844-233-4887, TTY: 711 Navajo/Diné members: (505) 923‑5157 or 1-888-806-8793, TTY: 711 Other important numbers PresRN: (505) 923-5677 or 1-888-730-2300, TTY: 711 New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (for a behavioral health crisis): 1-855-662-7474 (1-855-NMCRISIS) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7): 988 or 1-800-273-8255 Presbyterian Turquoise Care Ombudsman: Phone: (505) 923-5780 Email: ombudsman@phs.org Modivcare Transportation Services (24 hours a day, seven days a week) — you can call at any time for a reservation or for dischargerelated requests: (505) 923-6300 or 1-855-774-7737
Yourstory Your Story is published for members of Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc., and Presbyterian Insurance Company, Inc. P.O. Box 27489, Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Managing editor: fluentqc@phs.org Information in Your Story comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Such services are funded in part with the State of New Mexico. Presbyterian complies with civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of protected status including but not limited to race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation or gender expression. Free language assistance services are available to you. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services to provide information in accessible formats are also available free of charge. Call 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711) or speak to your provider. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. También están disponibles de forma gratuita ayuda y servicios auxiliares apropiados para proporcionar información en formatos accesibles. Llame al 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711) o hable con su proveedor. SHOOH: Diné bee yáníłti’gogo, saad bee aná’awo’ bee áka’anída’awo’ít’áá jiik’eh ná hóló̜. Bee ahił hane’go bee nida’anishí t’áá ákodaat’éhígíí dóó bee áka’anída’wo’í áko bee baa hane’í bee hadadilyaa bich’į’ ahoot’i’ígíí éí t’áá jiik’eh hóló̜. Kohjį’ 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711) hodíilnih doodago nika’análwo’í bich’į’ hanidziih. For more information, visit www.phs.org/nondiscrimination. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. MPC022613 Medicaid #TC7260 Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PresHealth Makes 12 servings. Ingredients 12 eggs 2 medium avocados, chopped 1 medium tomato, chopped 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1/4 teaspoon salt Sprinkle of paprika 1/2 jalapeño pepper, minced (optional) Directions • Hard-boil eggs by placing eggs in an even layer in large pot covered by 2 inches of cold water. Heat pan on high and bring to rolling boil. Immediately turn off heat, cover pot with lid and let eggs sit on hot burner for 10 minutes. • Transfer eggs to bowl of ice water to cool; peel eggs. • Slice eggs lengthwise and scoop out yolks; place yolks in large mixing bowl. • Add avocados to yolks and mash with fork until completely mixed. Avocado deviled eggs • Add remaining ingredients, except paprika. Stir to combine. • Carefully scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture into each egg-white half. • Sprinkle with paprika to garnish. • Top with jalapeño, if using. Eggs take longer to cook at higher elevations. Fresh eggs are more difficult to peel — so to make it easy (and end up with a smooth, perfectly peeled egg), buy your eggs one to two weeks before you plan to make this recipe, if possible. Nutrition information Serving size: 2 egg halves. Amount per serving: 130 calories, 10g total fat, 185mg cholesterol, 4g carbohydrates, 7g protein, 2g dietary fiber, 120mg sodium. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research What are advance directives? An advance directive (AD) is an important piece of your healthcare journey. It is a legal document that outlines your healthcare decisions. This gives directions to your providers if you are unable to make your own medical decisions. It is only used when you can’t speak for yourself. Anyone 18 years old or older can fill out an advance directive and have it put in your medical files. You can also give a copy to your provider. You can find out more on Presbyterian’s website: www.phs.org/ member-rights. You can also find an advance directive form to fill out.
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