Presbyterian | Summer 2019 | Your Story

Upcoming events Presbyterian offers events and classes to promote the health of patients and communities across the state. These are listed at www.phs.org under “Events.” Upcoming events include: Diabetes care testing: July 23 and August 16 Location: Presbyterian HealthPlex 6301 Forest Hills Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Adults 18 to 75 with diabetes can get a reward (one gift card) for having their A1c, retinal eye exam and/or urine protein test. Mammograms are also being offered. Call (505) 923-5017 for more information. Got Shots? events happening in New Mexico: July 27– August 17 Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc., is a proud partner of Got Shots? Partnering with the New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Primary Care Association, and the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, this event will have your kids get ready for back-to-school by making sure they are all up-to- date on their shots. Got Shots? will provide shots to all kids regardless of health insurance status or provider. Visit www.immunizenm.org to find a participating provider in your county. For additional questions, contact the NM Immunization Coalition office at (505) 272-5796 . Back-to-school time… again ? During the summer months, when relaxing in the pool and the kids are on school break, the last thing on our mind may be thinking about taking our kids to see their primary care provider (PCP). Taking your child to see their PCP can help make sure that your child is healthy, is up-to-date with their immunizations (shots), and is ready to go back to school in August. At your child’s visit, the PCP will make sure your child is ready for the new school year by doing various screenings. Wonder if your child can see the whiteboard in the classroom? Ask the PCP to complete a quick vision screening. Want to make sure your child has a bright, white smile for picture day? Make an appointment with a dentist listed in the provider directory—no referral is needed! Is your child active and involved in school sports? Simply take the school form with you to your child’s PCP visit so that your child can get their sports physical done. Having your child see their PCP on a regular basis will improve your child’s health and well-being for many years to come. Your child’s visits with their PCP gives you the chance to ask questions or talk about issues that you have about your child’s well-being, mental health, or development (growth). For example, you can ask the PCP about your child’s eating habits, behavior, or sleeping problems. PCP visits are also a great way for your child to learn more about healthy eating habits and physical activity. Let your child’s PCP know if they play sports, ride bikes, or exercise. Does your child love fruit but has a hard time eating their veggies? Share this with your child’s PCP, too! By keeping track of your child’s diet and physical activity, you can help prevent your child from being overweight—a national health problem that can put your child at serious risk for health issues as they grow older. Your child’s PCP can tell you what the recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) for your child’s height and weight should be. Every child provider visit is a chance to find any health risks and avoid them to make sure your child is on their way to excellent health! Together, you and your child’s PCP can be sure that your child is more than ready for back-to-school! Source: American Academy of Pediatrics www.phs.org/centennialcare 3