Healthy skin: Check to protect 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 Save more, stress less 6 Does your child have depression? 8 Your Summer 2025 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. For more details about scheduling a Presbyterian virtual care visit, go to www.phs.org/virtualcare. Virtual Dermatology makes it easy to get care for skin, hair, and nails. You can talk to a provider over video from wherever you are in New Mexico. Not all issues can be treated over video. If needed, the provider may refer you for in-person care. Things you can talk about through video include: • Warts — small, rough bumps on skin • Acne — clogged pores or hair roots • Hair loss • Vitiligo — loss of color in certain areas of skin • Scars or rashes — raised or flat areas of healed skin • Rosacea — visible blood vessels • Psoriasis — itchy, scaly patches • Eczema — itching, pain, or skin rashes • Contact dermatitis — red, itchy rash • Moles or suspicious spots — raised or flat areas of skin that are darker than the rest of the skin If a biopsy or removal is needed, our providers will schedule you with a Presbyterian Medical Group specialist. Keep skin healthy during the summer months. Protecting your skin every day will help lower your risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is a disease that causes cells in the skin to grow out of control. Protect your skin from the sun anytime you are outside. • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. • Wear sunglasses. • Use an umbrella or a hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck. • Avoid indoor tanning beds or sunlamps. Skin changes that should be checked out include: • Changes in the color, size, or shape of a spot or mole • Spots or moles that itch or bleed • Unusual spots that look different from other spots • A spot that becomes raised or looks shiny • A new spot that appears suddenly If you notice a change, you can make a dermatology appointment. Presbyterian offers Virtual Dermatology for both adults and children. You can usually get an appointment within two weeks. Virtual Dermatology appointments are $0 for Medicaid members.
2 Going outdoors? Grab your sunglasses Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement. They protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light, which can raise your risk of eye cancers and other problems. Blocking UV light UV light comes from the sun. UV light still seeps through clouds on gloomy days. During the winter, snow and water reflect UV light from the sun. It is vital to protect yourself all year-round. Sunglasses protect your eyes and the sensitive skin on and around your eyelids. Sunglasses can reduce aging effects, such as wrinkles or “sunspots.” Choosing sunglasses Sunglasses can be made to meet your vision needs. Look for the following when choosing sunglasses: • Lenses with 99% to 100% protection from UVA and UVB light • Comfortable sunglasses that stay in place and cover the skin around your eyes • Sunglasses that fit your lifestyle — for example, polarized lenses that protect against the reflection of light from sand, snow, or water People of all ages need protection against the effects of UV light. See your eye doctor if you experience vision trouble or need prescription sunglasses. Sources: American Optometric Association; National Eye Institute This summer, make health a family focus For many across New Mexico, summer is a time for outdoor activities. There are backyard barbecues, picnics at the park, and family vacations that center around food. When spending time with loved ones this summer, think about ways you can get healthy together. Here are some ideas to help you get started. • Prepare healthy foods for barbecues and picnics. Choose lean, grilled meats along with healthy options like fruits and vegetables. Pick low-sugar and lowcalorie drinks. • Get the family moving. Head outside for a game of soccer or basketball, or just go for a family walk. Or stay inside and play an active game. • Create a family health buddy program. Accountability works. Encourage family members to pick a “health buddy.” This is someone they can talk to or text when they need help or just to celebrate a healthy win with. Join the Path for Wellness Prevention Program for more ideas for healthy eating and activities. This program offers healthy weight management and diabetes prevention to eligible Presbyterian Turquoise Care members at no extra 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 participate — the program is available online or by phone. The classes are also available in Spanish. To learn more about the program and learn how to sign up: Visit www.phs.org/preventionprogram or call 1-855-249-8587.
www.phs.org/Medicaid 3 Catch cancer early Getting regular breast cancer screenings is one of the best ways to catch cancer early, when it is easiest to treat. A mammogram is a quick, safe procedure that uses low-dose X-rays to create images of the inside of the breast. A radiologist will review and analyze the images and send the results to your healthcare provider. The best part? Mammograms typically have no side effects and only take a few minutes. Mammograms are effective. They can detect breast cancer before you experience symptoms. They can even distinguish breast changes or lumps that are too small to feel. By getting regular screening mammograms, your provider can track changes in your breast tissue over time. This helps with early detection and gives you more treatment options if needed. According to the American Cancer Society, the rate of invasive breast cancer in females has increased by 1% each year from 2012 to 2021. In New Mexico, it is estimated that 1,850 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. While the rate of breast cancer has increased over the years, there is good news. The rate of breast cancer deaths has gone down, and survival rates are going up. This is in large part due to early detection methods, such as screening mammography. Lifestyle choices like a healthy diet and body weight, staying active, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco can lower your cancer risk. Breast cancer screening is a valuable tool to add to your cancer prevention tool kit. It’s important to talk to your provider for their suggestion on when you should have your screening mammograms. Act today for a healthy tomorrow. Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Presbyterian virtual care makes getting care easy from anywhere in New Mexico With busy summer schedules, it can be hard to keep up with your healthcare. Presbyterian virtual care makes it convenient to get care from wherever you are in New Mexico. Now is the perfect time to use virtual care, also called telehealth or telemedicine, to get the care you need. You can easily schedule an appointment and talk with a provider over video. Don’t have a primary care provider (PCP) or need to find a new one? You can establish and build a relationship with a provider online using Virtual Primary Care. You can use a Virtual Primary Care visit for: • Preventive and general care • Diagnosis and management of chronic care conditions • Medication management and review • Prescription orders and refills, including birth control • Lab and radiology orders • Referrals to specialists and in-person primary care, when needed We also offer Virtual Urgent Care and Virtual Behavioral Health options. Visit www.phs.org/virtualcare to make an appointment and learn more.
4 Make time for yourself From family obligations to work responsibilities, chances are you have a lot on your plate. But one thing you can’t afford to skimp on is self-care. We’re talking about taking time for yourself to engage in habits that help you live and feel your best. What follows are a few good ways to be good to your body and your mind. Keep in mind that many of these tips can help improve both your physical and your mental health. For your mind Try a relaxation technique. Here’s one: When you feel stress coming on, find a quiet place to close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Take a break. Do your best to set aside time each day (even just a few minutes) to do something you enjoy. Maybe that’s listening to music, reading a book, or spending time working on a hobby. Reach out. Having social connections is good for our mental health. Talk with close friends and family about any stress in your life. Ask for their support. Say thanks. Try writing down one thing you’re grateful for each day. Daily expressions of gratitude may boost your mood. For your body Eat healthy foods. Along with giving you energy to focus, good nutrition may help reduce your risk of some chronic conditions. One simple change is to eat vegetables and fruit every day. Other good foods include whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Get enough sleep. Snooze at least seven to nine hours at night. Help yourself to a good night’s rest by sticking to a sleep schedule and avoiding watching TV or scrolling through your social media feed close to bedtime. Be active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Walking is often ideal. But the best activities are those you enjoy and can sustain.
www.phs.org/Medicaid 5 Get started today — sign up for NeuroFlow! Use the QR code below to access NeuroFlow and sign up, or visit neuroflow.app.link/ PHP123. For help with signing up or technical questions, please email NeuroFlow at support@neuroflow.com, or call 1-855-296-7711. Take charge of your health and well-being with NeuroFlow At Presbyterian Health Plan (PHP), we are committed to supporting your overall health and well-being. PHP offers NeuroFlow, a tool that connects you to health information, self-guided exercises, tailored resources, and support services. It is available at no cost. The program is easy to use and is offered online or by mobile phone app to eligible PHP members. Here are some ways NeuroFlow can help you on your journey. • Receive health content on topics such as healthy living, emotional well-being and mental health, recommended screenings, and more. • Manage your overall health with personalized wellness journeys on topics such as: » Navigating mental health » Lifelong health and wellness » Women’s health » Pregnancy » 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. Ask for help if you need it If you need help maintaining or improving your well-being, you can talk with your primary care provider. Doing so is especially important if you’re feeling overwhelmed. And if you are in crisis and need to talk with someone right away, you can call or text 988 (the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) to connect with a trained counselor. Sources: American Heart Association; American Psychological Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Alliance for Mental Health; National Institute of Mental Health
6 Do you worry about money? More than eight in 10 U.S. adults do, the American Heart Association reports. And too much stress can affect your physical and emotional health, as well as your bottom line. When financial worries overwhelm Overwhelming stress, no matter the cause, takes a toll on the body. It can cause physical and emotional symptoms, including: • Sleep problems and fatigue • Headaches • Gastrointestinal issues • Increased risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease • Depression and anxiety • Anger and irritability Unchecked, these symptoms can damage your relationships and lead to unhealthy coping strategies, like drinking alcohol, gambling, or overeating. Save more, stress less: Strategies for financial wellness Have a long-range savings goal. Setting aside six months of living expenses as an emergency fund is a good goal. Consider having a portion of your money automatically deposited to a savings account each month. Set small goals. Small changes can add up. For example, removing one nonessential expenditure, like a daily stop at a coffee stand, can give you a few extra dollars each week to put toward a debt. Make a realistic budget. You’ll want to prioritize essentials like housing, groceries, and healthcare, of course, but it’s OK to allow yourself a few extras, if you can. Reducing extra spending is often crucial to improving a financial situation, but a toostrict budget may backfire and lead to impulse spending. Track your finances. Carefully examine your income, spending, and debt for at least one month. Review your bank and credit card statements and keep notes or receipts for everything you buy. This step will give you a better sense of where your money goes, as well as help you start to feel more in control. Boost your financial wellness Financial worries may not always be avoidable. But there are strategies you can use to make your finances — and your stress — more manageable. Whether you’re dealing with last holiday’s credit card debt or other money problems, these tips can help get you started:
www.phs.org/Medicaid 7 Get help from a pro. If you need help with a financial problem, talk to a financial counselor. Some groups may offer free debt counseling or other services. Speak up about stress If you are overwhelmed by stress or concerned about how it is affecting your health, it’s important to tell a healthcare provider. Call the number on the back of your member ID card or visit www.phs.org to make an appointment with one of our providers. Sources: American Heart Association; HelpGuide
8 Kids have a lot on their minds. It’s normal for them to feel troubled, sad, and negative at times. However, if these feelings persist longer than usual or seem especially intense for your child, you may wonder if they are experiencing depression. Does your child have depression? What parents can do Talk to your child. Ask them what they are feeling. Help create trust by listening more than you talk and avoiding judgment. Be patient if your child isn’t ready to open up yet. Get help from your child’s provider. It’s important for your child to be assessed for depression. The provider can guide you toward an effective course of treatment. Treatment can include therapy, medication, or both. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in kids who are treated with antidepressants. Talk to your child’s provider about this risk. If you suspect that your teen is at risk for suicide, dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, text TALK to 741741, or visit www.988lifeline.org. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Food and Drug Administration What is depression? Depression is a common disorder. In fact, one in five teens has depression at some point. It’s less common in younger children, but it’s still a serious condition at any age. Symptoms of depression in children and teens include: • Feeling sad and irritable most of the time • Losing interest in activities • Eating or sleeping a lot more, or a lot less, than usual • Having trouble concentrating • Being more withdrawn and quieter than usual • Lacking motivation for homework, chores, or other tasks • Feeling hopeless or worthless • Crying frequently • Using drugs or alcohol • Showing signs of self-harm, such as cuts, burns, or bruises Depression symptoms typically occur every day and last longer than two weeks. Be aware that kids may try to hide their symptoms.
www.phs.org/Medicaid 9 Make sure your child is up to date on vaccines Vaccines can help keep your child healthy. They can also help keep other children healthy this school year. Below is a list of the vaccines children need to attend school. Make sure they are up to date before returning for the 2025 to 2026 school year. Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP/DT/Td) Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): » Seventh- to 12th-graders require proof of one dose of Tdap, regardless of when the last Tdap-containing vaccine was given. » Children 7 to 9 years old who receive one dose of Tdap as part of the catch-up series require one additional dose at age 11 to 12 for seventh-grade entry. Polio (IPV) Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) Hepatitis B (HepB) Hepatitis A (two doses required for kindergarten through second grade) Pneumococcal (PCV) Varicella (VAR): » For kindergartners through ninth-graders: Receipt of vaccine, titer, or laboratory-confirmed diagnosis is required as proof of prior disease. » For 10th- to 12th-graders: Receipt of vaccine, written proof of immunity by a physician/healthcare provider, or laboratory titer is required. » For all newly diagnosed varicella cases: Lab confirmation of disease is required. Meningococcal (Men ACWY): » One dose is required for entry to seventh to 11th grade. » Two doses are required by grade 12 and recommended at age 16. Recommended but not required: Influenza, COVID-19, and HPV vaccines are not required for school entry but will continue to be strongly recommended, as getting these shots is considered a best practice. Anxiety: Different from depression Anxiety is another common mood disorder, but it has different symptoms. Children and teens who have anxiety feel extreme fear and may worry about certain things or situations, such as: • Social situations and school • Being separated from their parents • The future in general • Specific things, like taking tests, certain animals, or getting shots Feelings of anxiety can be overwhelming. They also can cause physical symptoms, like a pounding heart, sweating, dizziness, stomachaches, or trouble breathing. Anxiety disorders are treatable. If you suspect your child has anxiety, talk to them about what they’re going through and enlist their provider’s help.
10 It’s human nature to want to fit in with others. Standing out or being different can be uncomfortable, especially for children. That’s one reason kids are susceptible to peer pressure. Some kinds of peer pressure are good for children. For example, your child’s friends might encourage them to excel on a test, project, or audition. But if your child is being urged to break the rules, go against their values, or even break the law, that’s negative pressure. As a parent, you can help your child know what to say and do when they experience peer pressure. And being involved in their lives can help you spot red flags. Coping skills for your child These tips can help your child deal with peer pressure: Keep good company. Although your child probably can’t avoid all peer pressure, they can reduce it by staying away from kids who coerce others to do things they don’t want to do. It’s also good for your child to have friends who are comfortable saying no to peer pressure. Develop a healthy sense of self-worth. Kids who feel good about themselves can resist peer pressure more easily. Having self-confidence helps them be assertive. Talk to a trusted adult. If your child is struggling with peer pressure, they should confide in a teacher, counselor, or parent. A trustworthy grown-up can help your child cope. In addition, you can help your child by: Role-playing. Practice a variety of peer-pressure scenarios with them. Give them several replies they can use in real-life situations. Creating an escape plan. If your child feels uncomfortable or unsafe, come up with a plan, such as a code word they can text to you when they need immediate help. Being involved in their lives. Monitor your child’s internet use. Talk to them about advertising and social media, which are two major forms of online peer pressure. Get to know your child’s friends and their parents. Serving as a role model. Demonstrate good behavior and talk to your child about your values. Therapy can help your child deal with peer pressure too. You can try in-person or virtual therapy. To make an appointment with a therapist, visit www.phs.org or call the number on the back of your member ID card. Sources: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics Help your child deal with peer pressure
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, 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 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, or 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
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. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. MPC022505 Medicaid #TC7150 Peach and basil salad with fresh mozzarella Grow your own herbs The most tastefully dressed dishes are wearing fresh herbs. But these culinary darlings can be pricey to purchase. To grow them at home, plant your favorites in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water them as needed — but skip the pesticides. Basil, chives, and parsley thrive in containers. Mint is easy to grow, too — though it can invade your garden, so keep a close eye on it. Snip leaves as you need them. To save some for the future, rinse leaves; place them one-deep on a tray; and dry in a dark, well-ventilated room. Drying intensifies flavor — so use two-thirds to three-fourths less. Sources: AARP; University of Missouri Extension Directions • In large mixing bowl, combine peaches, mozzarella, and basil. • Drizzle on oil and vinegar, add salt and pepper, if using, and toss gently until evenly coated. • Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 4 hours. Nutrition information Serving size: 1/4 of recipe. Amount per serving: 240 calories, 14g total fat (7g saturated fat), 15g carbohydrates, 15g protein, 2g total fiber, 410mg sodium. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research Makes 4 servings. Ingredients 1 pound peaches, sliced into wedges, then cut crosswise (frozen may be used) 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into ¾-inch cubes 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, torn into medium pieces 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons rice vinegar Pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper, optional Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PresHealth
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