Presbyterian | Spring 2020 | Your Story

www.phs.org/centennialcare 9 What a Community HealthWorker can do for you Who are Community Health Workers? Presbyterian Health Plan Community Health Workers (CHWs) work and live in the same communities as you. They are a great source to help you get what you need to stay as healthy as possible. CHWs are committed to helping you and your family improve your health by assisting you to find housing, food, utility assistance, transportation, and translation services, and to visit a healthcare provider. This service is confidential and provided at no additional cost to you. They can also help you better manage other health conditions such as pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, behavioral health, and substance abuse problems. What to expect from your CHW Once you let us know you want services, your CHW will call you to set up an appointment. They can meet you at home or talk with you on the phone. They will ask you questions so that they can know what services you want and need. Your CHW will help you make an action plan to talk about the services you want and need. CHWs can help you for as long as you want, but services usually last 30 to 90 days. How do I get CHW services? To ask for CHW services, you can call (505) 923-8567 or email chwincomingdocuments@phs.org . Presbyterian Health Plan offers CHW services in English and Spanish. Clear your head of allergy symptoms What you can do You can take steps on your own to feel better too. First, try to avoid allergens. Yard work can send pollen and mold into the air and up your nose. Ask someone else to mow the grass or rake up leaves. Keep an eye on pollen and mold levels. Stay indoors and keep windows closed when counts are high. Go to www.morehealth.org/ allergies for daily pollen and mold counts. Do you sneeze and sniffle whether or not you’re sick? That could mean you’re one of the 50 million Americans with allergies. Allergies can affect your eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and skin. They’re a sign that your immune system is overreacting to an allergen. Plant pollen is one of the most common allergens. Others include: • Mold • Dust mites • Pet dander Allergies might come and go with the seasons. Or they may be severe and yearlong. They can cause ear and sinus infections or asthma flare-ups. Your provider can help You may find relief with over- the-counter remedies. Saline nasal sprays, for instance, can help moisten your nasal passages. Other options include decongestants and antihistamines. But talk with your healthcare provider first. Some of these medications have side effects, such as drowsiness, or should be used only for a limited time. And some shouldn’t be used at all by people with high blood pressure or heart disease. Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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