Pregnancy is often seen as a happy, exciting time 鈥� but many people experience worry and stress in addition to the excitement. It鈥檚 completely normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed at times. But when sadness or anxiety starts to affect your daily life, or makes it hard to take care of yourself or others, it may be a sign of prenatal depression. Prenatal depression is common, affecting about 1 in 10 pregnant women. It鈥檚 important to recognize the signs and get help early鈥攗ntreated depression during pregn...
The start of a new year is the perfect time to make changes involving health and wellness. For many people, that means making resolutions鈥攂ut developing new habits can be a challenge. Have you set any resolutions for the new year? If so, keep reading for ways to help make those resolutions stick. Make Your Goal Personal Start with a resolution that is important to you. You may find it easier to stick with a new habit when you believe the goal is meaningful. For example, losing weight is a co...
After your baby is born, the first days and weeks back home can be exhausting. It鈥檚 important to take extra-good care of yourself as you recover from childbirth. Your labor and delivery might be normal. However, you should watch for signs of infection, high blood pressure, and other symptoms. Otherwise, you could end up back in the hospital! Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the symptoms listed below. 鈥淧ostpartum depression鈥� feelings, such as: Extreme anxiety Lack of interest in things yo...
Is your child ready for eyeglasses? Texas Medicaid covers it. Do you need a pregnancy checkup? Texas Medicaid covers that, too. In fact, Medicaid has a long list of services to help you and your family stay healthy and well. Medicaid benefits include: dental care allergy medicine vaccinations (shots) birth control hearing tests rides to the doctor and more! Top Medicaid Benefits for Children Dental Care You should take your child to the dentist every six months, starting when they are 6 months old. Your...
Have you heard of opioids, but aren鈥檛 sure what they are or why people use them? Keep reading for a list of frequently asked questions about opioids and their potential risks. What are opioids? Opioids, also known as narcotics, are strong medicines that help treat moderate to severe pain. They are often used after surgery or for injuries, chronic headaches, or backaches. They include both prescription medications and illegal drugs (such as heroin). Common prescription medications containing op...
Does your child or teen have a tough time controlling their emotions, making friends, or coping with life situations? If so, they鈥檙e not alone! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 children have a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder and might benefit from psychotherapy. This type of therapy 鈥� which can be used instead of or in addition to medication 鈥� may be right for your child. What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy can help children and teens understand ...
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. That鈥檚 why PCHP gives members access to providers and resources that help them manage their mental health and get alcohol and drug use under control. On September 1, 2025, PCHP is changing the way your behavioral health services (services aimed at supporting mental health and substance use service needs) are managed. Your benefits aren鈥檛 changing. PCHP still has you covered! How will this change affect you...
Moms and Dads鈥攊t鈥檚 time to get your child ready for back to school. Whether that means daycare, preschool, or K-12, 星空传媒 STAR and CHIP plans can help! Your STAR or CHIP coverage offers: well-child checkups vaccines sports physical exams vision exams and eyeglasses dental checkups ADHD and behavioral health hearing tests and hearing aids Well-Child Checkups Babies and toddlers should see the doctor several times a year. After age three, most children will need a checkup only once a...
If you need immediate help, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. Feeling suicidal? Call the 9-8-8 Lifeline. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, it鈥檚 important to get help as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to plan ahead so you鈥檒l know what to do in an emergency. See below for some resources to help you get prepared and respond quickly when needed. Local and National Behavioral 星空传媒 Resources PCHP Member Services PCHP鈥檚 Behavioral 星空传媒 team is here to help...
Have you been through a major health event recently, like being pregnant or having a medical or mental health emergency? You may be feeling stressed 鈥� especially if you don鈥檛 have family or friends nearby to help. Whether you鈥檙e pregnant, a new mom, recovering from a trip to the emergency room, or experiencing stress and loneliness, everyone can use a little extra support. That鈥檚 why 星空传媒 is happy to offer the free Pyx 星空传媒 program to our members age 18 and older. A Hel...
If you have a behavioral health condition, it鈥檚 important to visit your provider regularly to make sure your treatment is working. And if you have other medical issues, it is important to balance those needs with your mental healthcare. What is Care Coordination? Care coordination happens when all of your providers have the same information about your health needs and preferences. When your behavioral health, medical, and pharmacy providers all have access to your health records, they can work together ...
The holiday season is often a magical time for children. It can be exciting to see the twinkling lights, open gifts, and take a break from school. But the holidays can also bring up intense emotions and high stress for children and families. If you鈥檙e a parent or caregiver, it鈥檚 important to make your child鈥檚 mental health a priority during the holidays. Check out these tips to help your family have a joyful 鈥� and emotionally healthy 鈥� holiday season: 1. Stick to a Routine. Children do best when they ha...
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also called 鈥淎DHD,鈥� is a common medical condition. Research shows that about one in 20 people have ADHD. However, many people with ADHD may not know they have the condition. ADHD usually starts in childhood. Children with ADHD may have trouble staying in their seat at school. They may struggle to get their homework done and have a hard time waiting their turn or not interrupting others. Adults with ADHD often have less hyperactivity than children. However, they ...
When a child goes through puberty, they experience many changes until they reach sexual maturity. Parents will notice both physical and emotional changes during this time. For example, on average, girls have their first periods around age 11 or 12. Around the same age, boys may start growing several inches a year and notice their voice cracking and, eventually, deepening. Puberty lasts several years. It can start as early as age eight for girls and age nine for boys. During these stages from elementary ...
You may know that good prenatal care is important for the health of your baby. It鈥檚 also important for new moms to keep getting regular care after birth 鈥� so they can stay healthy, too. Jeanne Bandelaria, a pediatric physician assistant in North Texas, explains why postpartum visits are so important, and what to expect when you visit your doctor for a checkup. When Should I Schedule My Postpartum Checkup? New moms should schedule a postpartum checkup within three weeks after giving birth, followed by a ...
The start of a new school year can be an exciting time. But for students with behavioral health issues, it can also be challenging. Going from a relaxed summer routine to the demands of a school schedule can make it harder to cope with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For students with anxiety and depression, medicine can help stabilize their mood, reduce symptoms, and improve overall well-being. Students with ADHD may rely on medici...
Is your child excited about the start of a new school year鈥攐r are they nervous? They may be feeling a little of both. Whether they are preschoolers leaving home for the first time or preteens facing a change of teachers or schools, children of all ages may struggle with back-to-school 鈥渏itters.鈥� Here鈥檚 how you can help to ease their way into a new school year. Talk about their feelings Small children can have big fears about school. They may be afraid of meeting new teachers and strange children. ...
星空传媒 offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to STAR members diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This benefit is available through the Texas 星空传媒 Steps-Comprehensive Care Program. See below for some common questions about these services. What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? ABA is a treatment that can improve social, communication, and self-regulation skills in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? A...
Living with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes can be tough 鈥� especially when your physical health starts to affect your mental well-being. You may have to deal with complications and changes to your lifestyle 鈥� and sometimes, the stigma associated with your condition can make it harder to manage. Not knowing how your health may change in the future can be stressful, too. All of these things can cause mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Recognizing Mental 星空传媒 Symptoms When it ...
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. If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about one in six Americans reports they had this struggle, also called 鈥渟ubstance use disorder.鈥� Some signs of substance use disorder are: Not being able to reduce o...
Children and teenagers have a wide range of experiences鈥攁nd that leads to a wide range of moods. As they grow, young people must learn to manage changes in their bodies, hormone variations, school and social stress, and many other life events. In response, it is normal for them to feel happy, sad, angry, excited, irritated, inspired, and other emotions. For people with bipolar disorder, shifts in moods, activity levels, energy, and thinking are extreme. Bipolar disorder may also be called 鈥渕anic depress...
After giving birth, it鈥檚 normal to feel some 鈥渕oodiness.鈥� You will probably lose sleep while caring for your new baby. In addition, your hormone levels drop and your body starts producing breast milk. These changes can be hard on your body and mind. Almost all mothers will have times where they feel weepy, cranky, worried, or sad. If you get support and can catch up on sleep, your mood swings should improve after a week or two. However, if you develop depression after giving birth, recovery is much more...
As children grow into their pre-teen and teenage years, they can become overwhelmed with stress and strong emotions. This includes feelings of anger, anxiety, hopelessness, loneliness, sadness, and more. Some pre-teens and teenagers react to these strong emotions by injuring themselves. Self-injury can mean: Scratching or cutting their skin with sharp objects. Hitting themselves with their fists or hard objects. Pulling out their hair. Burning themselves. What are the warning signs of self-injury? Many ...
Parents usually take their children to the doctor when they don鈥檛 feel well, or if they need help with a certain condition. But regular doctor visits are an important part of your child鈥檚 care, too 鈥� even when they鈥檙e healthy. 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鈥檚 life. Preventive care can include: Well...
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. However, if these feelings are occurring more often鈥攐r you don鈥檛 know why you feel scared or worried鈥攜ou might have a condition called 鈥済eneralized anxiety disorder.鈥� Anxiety disorders can run in families. If one of your parents has an anxiety disorder, you are more likely to develop one at some point. In addition, you might notice signs of anxiety...
Talking about mental health is not always easy. 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 鈥� and that can severely affect their life. Being open about your mental health struggles can help you find resources and get the treatment you need. When you talk about mental health challenges in the same way as physical conditions like cancer or diabetes, it helps the topic seem mo...
Summer is the perfect time to be mindful鈥攖o slow down, close your eyes, and enjoy the 鈥渉ere and now.鈥� According to the American Psychological Association , mindfulness means being aware of your internal state and your immediate surroundings. When children and adults make mindfulness part of their everyday routine, they learn to observe their own thoughts and feelings without judging them. Mindfulness is free of charge and you can practice wherever you are. Best of all, the exercises can lead to lower st...
You鈥檝e probably heard of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. It is one of the most common disorders among school-age kids, and it can continue into adulthood. People with ADHD have trouble paying attention and staying focused. Many are also hyperactive and compulsive. Boys are three to four times more likely to have ADHD than girls. Symptoms People with ADHD have a pattern of being hyperactive, impulsive, and/or not paying attention. Symptoms may include: Not pa...
The teen years can be tough. If your child is in middle school or high school, you might notice they feel pressure to look a certain way. They might even start to skip meals or try to lose too much weight, too quickly. For some teens, these behaviors out of control until they develop a dangerous eating disorder. The good news is you can help your teen avoid鈥攐r recover from鈥攅ating disorders. Learn more. Read this helpful Q&A with Dr. Mary Strength, a pediatrician in north Texas. What is the typical a...
Taking Care of Your Mental 星空传媒 If you have mental health needs, it鈥檚 important to deal with them, especially before they get worse and become a crisis. No mental health journey is the same 鈥� but the information below can help you lead a peaceful life. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are some of the most common mental health conditions. These conditions can be managed with counseling and/or medication. Most people who have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can successfull...
You may have heard about autism or know someone who鈥檚 been diagnosed with it. It鈥檚 a condition that that can be hard to deal with and understand. Tamara Gavin, 星空传媒鈥檚 Vice President of Behavioral 星空传媒, shares some facts on what autism is 鈥� and what parents can do if their child is diagnosed. 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 troubl...
If you have diabetes, it鈥檚 important to manage your condition to lower the chance of complications. A combination of medicine, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and managing stress are all part of a healthy lifestyle that can help with diabetes control. One of the most important things you can do is keep track of your hemoglobin A1c. The A1c test is a blood test that鈥檚 usually done to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes. It measures the overall control of your blood glucose (blood sugar) over the...
Activity and movement are easy ways to help yourself live a healthier life! Physical activity is important for everyone, no matter your age. Experts recommend about 60 minutes of daily activity for kids, and between 150鈥�300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week for adults. And yes, an hour or more can seem very daunting. But read on 鈥� there are ways to make it fun for the whole family! There are wonderful benefits for kids and adults: Maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developi...
About one in five children and teens report being bullied. If your child has a disability or special health need, they are more likely to be bullied, according to stopbullying.gov . You can help your child by: Learning about the different types of bullying Making it easier for your child to discuss their experiences Finding school-based and other resources to help prevent鈥攐r stop鈥攂ullying First, it鈥檚 important to understand the definition of bullying. Bullying can be verbal, social, or physical, such as...
Eating more fruits and vegetables. Drinking more water and less soda. Getting your heart rate up and your stress level down. It takes a lot of small steps to reach big health goals. How can you keep yourself motivated over the weeks and months? Rewards! It鈥檚 important to celebrate your successes often. Try out a few of the rewards below. Keep yourself on track during the holidays鈥攁nd into the new year. Keep your long-term rewards in mind The small health goal you meet today gets you one step closer to y...
Are you afraid of the dentist? It鈥檚 a common fear . For many people, dental anxiety starts in childhood. Adults or children who are afraid of the dentist might be tempted to skip cleanings and other routine care. When cavities and other problems are caught early, they are much easier to treat. Best of all, regular visits to the dentist can prevent cavities, infections, and other problems from starting in the first place. Does your child have anxiety at the dentist? Here are a few ways to help them feel ...
Growing up can be tough. The challenges of school, friends, and family can set the stage for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. When mental health struggles are extreme, they can lead to thoughts of suicide. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, teens, and young adults ages 15 to 24. The good news is depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts can be treated. Your child, teen, or young adult can feel hopeful and happy again. How can you help? The first step...
Do your children spend many hours a day reading or watching screens? If so, they鈥檙e not alone. Screen time can include viewing computers, tablets, TVs, games, and phones. Children use them for entertainment, education, and socializing. These activities can be a healthy way to spend time. When does screen time become unhealthy? When your child spends too many hours on their favorite devices. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), too much screen time may lead to: Po...
School starts in August鈥攂ut there鈥檚 still plenty of summer left! That means it鈥檚 the perfect time for the whole family to relax with a good book or fun learning activity. In fact, when you encourage your child to read, learn and explore during summer break, you help them start the school year stronger. Are you looking for no-cost or low-cost educational activities in Dallas and nearby counties? You鈥檙e in luck. Families in North Texas have many resources for in-person and online learning. Just a few loca...
American Heart Month is almost over. However, there鈥檚 still time to learn about heart health for yourself and your family. Have you followed our special three-part series this month? Be sure to check out the first and second blogs: 鈥淲hat Is Heart Disease 鈥� and 鈥淲hat Are Risk Factors of Heart Disease?鈥� Today鈥檚 blog is the final in our series. If you want to help your children avoid heart disease when they grow up, keep reading. Here, we give you tips on how to start them on the right track while t...