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 Be allergy-free this spring 4 Autism: Know the facts 6 Your Spring 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. Working out as a family is a great way to stay active and have fun together. When physical activity is fun, you and your crew are more likely to keep doing it — and to gain its many rewards. Exercise helps keep you and your kids fit and healthy. And it helps you all reach and keep a healthy weight. It also can boost your mood. Fun and easy workout ideas to help keep your family feeling great — Continued on page 2 Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. But many kids don’t get enough. Neither do adults. Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (like brisk walking) each week, plus muscle-strengthening activities. Active ideas There are many fun ways to be active with your family. To gain the most health benefits, try to perform most of your Make family time time active
2 PAPERLESS DELIVERY: Available for people 14 years old and older Did you know electronic delivery (e-delivery) is available to people as young as 14 years old? This means they can get email notices when important health plan or medical documents are ready. This makes it easier, faster, and more secure for you to stay up-to-date with your healthcare. Don’t have a myPRES account? Signing up is easy. Go to www.phs.org/myPRES to create a user ID and password. Please make sure you have an active email address. Already have a myPRES account? Make sure your email address on the “Contact Information” page is correct and has been verified. This will make sure you don’t miss any notifications. 1 2 3 Log in to your myPRES account. Go to the drop-down menu in the upper right side of the page and select “My Account.” Select “Communication Preferences” to set or change your delivery and language preferences. We continue to make more documents available online. Don’t miss out — sign up today. activities at a brisk pace. Need a little inspiration? Give these ideas a try. Play with your kids. How about hideand-seek? Or go to a playground to swing, slide, or play tag. Lace up your shoes or your boots. Go for a walk through the neighborhood. Take a hike on a public trail. Sign up for a 5K walk/run race. OK, this move may take time to work up to. But your family can start training together today. Host your own family Olympics. See who can jump rope the most times or do the most pushups. Head out for a bike ride. Make sure everyone wears a helmet and follows the rules of the road. Make family time active time — Continued from front page Go on a scavenger hunt. Challenge everyone to find an object with a specific color or a new bird, tree, or flower. The person who finds the most wins. Have a ball. You don’t need a field or a court to enjoy sports like football, basketball, or soccer. Just toss, kick, or dribble a ball in your yard or driveway. These suggestions may inspire you to think of even more ways to be active as a family! How to start receiving email notifications:
www.phs.org/Medicaid 3 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 selfneglect may: • Spike your stress • Make you feel exhausted and overwhelmed • Increase your risk for anxiety and depression • Negatively affect your relationships • Damage your physical health Self-care savvy Regular self-care helps boost your mental and emotional well-being — and it doesn’t have to be expensive or timeconsuming. 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. Exercise daily. Aim for 30 minutes, and mix up your routine. Eat mood-boosting foods. Make sure your diet includes things like nuts, leafy greens, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fatty fish. 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 strategies for mental & emotional wellness Spend time with your pet. Their unconditional love can raise the feelgood chemicals in your brain. Say “ahhh.” Deep breathing exercises or yoga can help you unwind. 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. 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. Start a daily gratitude habit. Jot down or reflect on what you’re grateful for. Volunteer. You’ll feel good when you help a cause you believe in. See a friend. Face-to-face contact helps you feel less alone. 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.
4 Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology ways to control seasonal allergies Say goodbye You may love to see pretty flowers bloom in spring, but they can be a problem when you have allergies. Sometimes called hay fever, seasonal allergies are typically triggered by pollen. That pollen tends to come from trees and flowers, in the case of spring allergies. (Grass and weed pollens can be culprits in summer and fall.) When you are allergic to 5 Create a barrier from the breeze Close the windows in your home and car, and keep them closed. Wash it off Hop in the shower and wash your hair after a trip outside. Watch the weather Hot, dry, and windy weather can move pollen. Monitor your triggers Check the news for pollen counts, and plan accordingly. Garden safely Have someone do yardwork for you, or use masks and medication. pollen, your immune system overreacts, triggering allergy symptoms. So how can you tell if you might have spring allergies? This time of year, you may start to notice symptoms such as: • Sneezing • Runny or stuffy nose • Red, watery eyes • Itchy nose, eyes, or mouth to spring allergies
www.phs.org/Medicaid 5 Finding relief from allergies You don’t have to put up with spring allergies that are making you miserable. See your provider if you have allergy symptoms. A provider can use skin or blood tests to help pinpoint your specific allergy triggers, as well as create a treatment plan for you that may include: Taking allergy medicine as directed. A provider may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medicines, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines, to help relieve or prevent your symptoms. Avoiding allergy triggers. While it may not be possible to avoid pollen entirely, try to reduce your exposure to it as much as possible. See the previous page for five tips to control allergies. Consider immunotherapy (allergy shots) If other treatments don’t work, allergy shots may help. The shots help your body gradually get used to an allergen so that you may have fewer and less severe symptoms over time. Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America; National Institutes of Health Get expert help with allergies If you don’t currently have a provider to help treat your allergies, we can connect you to one. Give us a call at the number on the back of your member ID card or visit www.phs.org to make an appointment.
6 There’s a lot of confusion, debate, and bad information out there about autism. To help clear things up, let’s bust some of the most common myths. Myth Autism is a single condition with a specific set of traits. Fact Autism is a complex spectrum — its full name is autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — not any one condition. It has many symptoms that range from mild to severe. Autistic people often have challenges with: • Social relationships • Language and other forms of communication • Understanding social cues • Repetitive behaviors • Limited interests Some autistic people need a lot of support throughout their lives, while others don’t. Autism is different for everyone who has it. Myth Only children are autistic. Fact Children don’t grow out of autism. Adults can be autistic too — about 1 in every 45 adults in the U.S. Some adults may have learned to navigate social situations or mask some symptoms of their condition, but they are still autistic. Myth Only boys can be autistic. Fact Boys are four times more likely to be autistic than girls, but girls can also be autistic. Autism: What it is & what Myth Vaccines cause autism. Fact Vaccines do not cause autism. Research shows that there is no connection between the two. Parents may notice autism symptoms starting to appear around the same time that kids start getting immunizations, but that’s only a coincidence. Myth Autism and intellectual disabilities go hand in hand. Fact An autistic person may be more likely to have an intellectual disability. However, these are two distinct conditions that sometimes — but not always — overlap.
www.phs.org/Medicaid 7 Virtual maternity care with Ouma Health It is important to see a provider throughout your pregnancy. This can help you to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Presbyterian Health Plan has partnered with Ouma Health to help members access virtual specialty maternity care. It is available wherever you are in New Mexico. Visits can be in over 100 languages, including American Sign Language. Most visits can be scheduled within one to three days. Turquoise Care members can have a virtual visit during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum for: First prenatal care visit Catch-up prenatal visits Postpartum care visits Behavioral health Substance use program Blood pressure or blood sugar monitoring it isn’t Myth Nerds are usually autistic. Fact Just because someone is brainy, especially talented, socially awkward, or introverted doesn’t mean they are autistic. And while autistic people may have unique gifts, they aren’t all geniuses. Myth Autism can’t be treated. Fact There is no one treatment for autism. Every autistic person is unique, and management depends on the support needs of the person. There are several approaches that can help kids and adults live better with their condition. These include: • Special education • Behavioral health therapy • Speech therapy • Occupational therapy • Training for parents • Medication • Treatment for co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, or intellectual disabilities • Accommodations at school or work The type and level of treatment depends on the person’s specific challenges and needs. Sources: American Psychiatric Association; American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Merck Manual If you think your child may be autistic, talk with their provider about an evaluation. To find out more, call (505) 923-2074. To schedule now, visit www.ouma.me/phs.
8 Sometimes getting to a healthcare appointment can be just as hard and stressful as the appointment itself. Whether it is timing, distance, availability, or something else, there are other options to see a provider. VirtualPRES delivers online care to help you feel better sooner. You can find primary care and urgent care online. You also have dermatology and behavioral health virtual options. Virtual Urgent Care. Presbyterian Virtual Urgent Care is there for minor ailments and injuries. These include coughs, flu symptoms, sprains, and more. Virtual Urgent Care is available for you 24/7, 365 days a year anywhere in the United States through either a Presbyterian Medical Group provider or a network provider. Virtual Primary Care. It can be hard to make it to a regularly scheduled primary care appointment. With Virtual Primary Care, you can establish and build a relationship with a virtual provider, making it easier to attend appointments. You can see your provider for general, chronic, and preventive care. This service is also available if you need a primary care appointment and can’t get in with your assigned provider. Virtual Dermatology. You can get online care for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. You can discuss your symptoms with a provider and receive a treatment plan over video. If a biopsy or removal is needed, you will be scheduled with a Presbyterian Medical Group specialist. Virtual Behavioral Care. Virtual Behavioral Health services include virtual talk therapy for counseling for a variety of things, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Virtual 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. Get care quickly with VirtualPRES
www.phs.org/Medicaid 9 VirtualPRES: Hours and other important information Presbyterian Virtual Urgent Care Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year Where: Anywhere in the United States What: For minor ailments and injuries such as coughs, flu symptoms, sprains, etc. How: Go to www.phs.org/virtual-pres and select “Explore Virtual Urgent Care.” Virtual Primary Care Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: New Mexico What: To establish care with a virtual provider for general, chronic, and preventive care; must be 18 years or older How: Go to www.phs.org/virtual-pres and select “Explore Virtual Primary Care.” Virtual Dermatology Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesday and Wednesday Where: New Mexico What: To get care for new and chronic conditions of the skin, hair, and nails How: Go to www.phs.org/virtual-pres and select “Explore Virtual Dermatology.” Virtual Behavioral Care and medication management Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for talk therapy and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for medication management 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 either “Explore Virtual Talk Therapy” or “Explore Virtual Medication Management,” depending on your needs. 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, and 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. Presbyterian’s translation and interpretation services Ready to improve your health and feel your best? 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. To learn more about the program and get more information about how to sign up: Visit www.phs.org/preventionprogram. Call 1-855-249-8587.
10 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 Manage pain safely with these guidelines Managing pain is a challenge many people face. Pain medicine can be an important part of staying active and feeling better. However, using pain medicine safely is key to ensure that it helps, not hurts you. How to use pain medicine safely Always follow your provider’s directions, and take your medicine exactly as prescribed. If you’re unsure about when or how to take your medicine, contact your provider or pharmacist. Keeping track of your doses with a list or phone reminder can help you stay on track. Remember to store your medicine safely, away from children and others who shouldn’t have access. Misusing pain medicine can lead to serious health problems. This could be things such as taking more than prescribed, using someone else’s medicine, or mixing it with alcohol or other drugs. If you notice you need more medicine to feel OK, or you’re taking it just to feel calm or normal, you’re not alone. Many people experience this, and support is available. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone Asking for help takes courage, and there is no shame in needing support for pain or substance use. It does not mean you are weak or a “bad person.” It means you care about your health. Your health plan and Magellan Behavioral Health are here for you with free and private services. You can call to talk to someone about pain, stress, anxiety, or concerns about medicine use. You can find help 24/7 at: • Magellan Behavioral Health Member Services: 1-800-424-1768 • New Mexico Crisis and Access Line: 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474), TTY: 711 Managing pain beyond medicine Gentle movement, stretching, or physical therapy can help manage pain. Relaxation and breathing exercises may also provide relief. Talk with your provider about other options, and keep regular check-ins to discuss what’s working and what isn’t. Pain is real, and it can affect every part of life. With the right help and support, you can manage pain safely and live a healthy, full life. If you or someone you know needs help with pain medicine or substance use, reach out today. Support is here, and recovery is possible.
www.phs.org/Medicaid 11 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. Onward users will be able to: 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 decide 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 1-888-730-2300 toll-free. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911. 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. Get started with NeuroFlow today! Use the QR code at right or this link 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.
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. MPC112517 Medicaid #TC7255 Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PresHealth Peachy peanut butter pita pockets Start your tobacco cessation journey with New Mexico Tobacco Quitline New Mexico Tobacco Quitline is a self-paced 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 one-on-one 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 Sign up directly: Visit www.quitnow.net or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, TTY: 711 (1-800-784-8669). You can also sign up by scanning the QR code. Directions • Cut each pita in half to make four pockets. • Warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. • Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the inside walls of each pita half. • Fill each pita half with apple, banana, and peach slices. Serve. Makes 4 servings. Ingredients 2 pita pockets (medium, whole-wheat) ¼ cup peanut butter (reduced-fat) ½ apple (cored and sliced) ½ banana (sliced) ½ peach (sliced) Nutrition information Serving size: ½ pita pocket. Amount per serving: 183 calories, 7g total fat (1g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 26g carbohydrates, 7g protein, 4g dietary fiber, 197mg sodium Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
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