Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc. P.O. Box 27489 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Important plan information CC Standard U.S. Postage PAID Presbyterian Health Plan INSIDE Mental health crisis? Call 988 4 Flu protection you can count on 6 Yourstory Winter 2022 We all know it’s important to take care of our physical health. But sometimes we forget that our emotional health needs just as much attention. When you’re emotionally healthy, you feel good about yourself. You have good relationships. You’re aware of your emotions and know how to deal with them. You can cope with stress, anger and sadness. And you’re not afraid to get help from a medical professional when you need it. Here are five tips for improving your emotional health: 1. Accentuate the positive. Try to keep negative emotions and thoughts to a minimum. Focus on what’s good in your life — and what’s good about you. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and remember the good things you’ve done. 2. Lower your stress levels. Chronic stress is unhealthy for your mental and physical health. To help you manage your stress levels, try to: ● Get regular exercise. Aim for 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. ● Set priorities. Aim to find a healthy balance between work and play — and between activity and rest. ● Try relaxation methods, like yoga or deep breathing exercises. 3. Get good sleep. Getting sufficient amounts of quality sleep is vital for your mental health. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night. When you don’t get enough sleep, it affects your mood, energy, concentration, and ability to cope with stress. 4. Be mindful. This means being aware of what’s going on around you and accepting it without judgment. When you’re mindful, you live your life in the present. Being mindful takes practice. To get started: ● Inhale through your nose to a count of four, hold your breath for one second, then exhale through your mouth to a count of five. Repeat frequently. ● Go outside for a walk and take notice of all that’s around you. ● Read books or listen to podcasts on mindfulness. 5. Strengthen your social connections. Our connections with others may help us live longer and healthier lives. Make time to visit with friends and family, even if those visits are virtual. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; HelpGuide; National Institutes of Health Don’t neglect your emotional health En español: Si usted desea obtener este boletín en español, llame al (505) 923-5200 o al 1-888-977-2333.
2 How to boost relaxation with mindfulness Does stress ever get the best of you? We all tend to feel frazzled some days. Since too much stress can be hard on the body and mind, it’s important to find ways to cope. One way that can help: practicing mindfulness. Simply put, mindfulness involves being present in the moment and conscious of your sensations, thoughts and feelings, according to the American Psychological Association. Mindfulness may help counter stress by helping us achieve a state of relaxation, in which the mind and body are calm. If you want to give mindfulness a try, here are some ways to get started: Practice slow breathing. While seated or lying down, gently rest one hand on your stomach. Slowly breathe in through your nose and out your mouth, feeling your stomach rise and fall beneath your hand until you feel relaxed. Progressively relax your muscles. Starting with your feet and moving to your shoulders, tense and then relax one muscle group at a time. Notice how good it feels to release the tension. Be aware of the sensations in your body too. Imagine your breath flowing to your feet, knees, arms, and so on. Take a mental vacation. Visualize a scene (real or imagined) that makes you feel calm. Maybe that’s a favorite vacation beach or a mountain lake. Engage in mindful exercise. Take a short walk or bike ride, focusing on the rhythm of your movements and the scenes around you. More stress busters Consider combining mindfulness with these other stress-reducers: ● Use a journal to pinpoint causes of daily stress. Jot down things you’re grateful for to keep stress in perspective. ● Make time for fun, whether that’s working on a hobby, watching a movie, playing a game, or doing whatever else you enjoy and makes you feel relaxed. ● Let it out. Talk about your stress — with a loved one, a friend, a spiritual advisor, or your provider. Source: HelpGuide Your Care. Your Choice. Having a choice in your healthcare is important to you and to Presbyterian Health Plan. That is why we have worked to add convenient facilities to our network throughout the state. Finding a more convenient location for things like labs, diagnostic screenings, and X-rays — just to mention a few — just got a little easier. Just visit www.phs.org/yourcareyourchoice to find care options and provider-specific info for common services you might need. We’re committed to helping you find quality services at lower costs. Mind over stress:
www.phs.org/centennialcare 3 It can be hard to talk to your provider about feeling sad or hopeless. Instead, many people pretend everything is fine. They avoid talking to their provider about symptoms like irritability, eating or sleeping too much (or too little), or feeling worthless or guilty. These can all be symptoms of depression. Depression can be more serious than just “feeling sad” or going through a rough spot in life. When you talk to your provider about your symptoms, your provider may recommend treatment for depression. Treatment can be a mixture of counseling, self-help or lifestyle changes, and/or antidepressant medication. Most people with depression respond well to treatment when they follow their provider’s directions and take their medications as prescribed. Often, providers recommend that people continue taking their antidepressant medication for at least six months. Depression affects your brain, so antidepressants are prescribed to try to balance the chemicals in your brain to ease your depression symptoms. Be patient — sometimes it can take a while to find which medication and dose works for you. Ask your provider about any side effects you need to be aware of. Side effects like sleepiness and weight gain often subside over time. Notify your provider about any side effects that you notice, especially if your depression gets worse. Sometimes people stop their medication early because they feel better. Feeling better means the medication is working. People may stop taking their medication for many reasons. These can include worries about side effects, thinking the medication isn’t working, or a Don’t ignore thoughts or remarks about death or suicide! If you or someone you love is talking about death or suicide and/or is feeling hopeless, find help right away. This may mean going to the nearest emergency department. New Mexico Crisis & Access Line Available 24/7: 1-855-662-7474 Peer to Peer Warm Line Call or text to connect with a peer: 1-855-466-7100 Call: 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Text: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Available 24/7: 1-800-273-8255, or dial 988 I feel better, so why should I keep taking antidepressants? negative stigma. If you stop taking your medication too early, your depression can come back, even worse than it was before. Quitting your antidepressant medication too soon can cause headaches, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. If you and your provider determine that your depression has been successfully treated, you might work together to wean yourself off your medication safely. Depression can come back. If you’ve had depression before, you may be more likely to get it again. Even when you start feeling better, ongoing therapy and medication treatment can help you stay better. Keep talking to your provider about what you are feeling. Together, you, your provider, and your support network of friends and family will help you get through depression.
4 Help is on the line If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there’s now a simple way to get help: Call, text, or chat 988. Dialing 988 will reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) from anywhere in the U.S. The Lifeline connects people to trained counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is free and confidential. The Lifeline’s previous number, 1-800-273-8255, will continue to be available. And you can chat online at www.988lifeline.org/chat. Call for yourself — or a friend Help lines connect you with a live, caring person. When you call 988, you’ll talk to a trained crisis counselor near your area code. Counselors will listen and ask questions. They won’t judge. Instead, they will offer advice and ways to keep you safe. They can also help you get immediate assistance if needed. When you call or text 988, you will be connected to a counselor who will help you through any emotional crisis. If you need more resources, they will help find or direct you to those resources. If needed, 911 or other emergency services can be called upon. 988 will also have translation services for non-English speakers and options for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Lifeline is also for people who worry that a family member or friend is thinking about taking their own life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, family and friends are often the first to notice the signs that someone is thinking about suicide. SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program It can be hard to stay connected to those around you. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) works to help eligible members across the country stay connected. Through SafeLink Wireless, eligible members have access to: ● A smartphone ● Unlimited talk and text ● 25 GB of data and 5 GB of hotspot Centennial Care members automatically qualify at no additional cost. Apply today at www.safelink.com or call 1-800-SafeLink (1-800-723-3546). If you or someone you love is talking about death or suicide and/or is feeling hopeless — find help right away. This may mean going to the nearest emergency department. New Mexico Crisis & Access Line, available 24/7: 1-855-662-7474 Peer to Peer Warm Line Available for non-crisis calls: 1-855-466-7100 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24/7: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
www.phs.org/centennialcare 5 What to know when taking antipsychotic medications Medications aren’t just for treating an illness or to keep us from getting sick. Some medications are used to help your brain and body function better. When your mind and emotions make it hard to keep friends, a job, or even keep track of your daily life, sometimes antipsychotic medications are what your brain needs. They can help you do the things you want to do in life. Especially if you’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia, taking your antipsychotic medication as prescribed can help you think more clearly and avoid hospitalization. Whether you’ve been prescribed antipsychotic medication for bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophrenia, taking your prescribed medication every day can help you stay stable and function in your day-to-day life. If you are unhappy with the side effects of your medication, it is important to work closely with your provider to find the right medication for you. You also should not stop your medications without talking to your provider first. While antipsychotic medication can make a big difference in your life, it’s important to keep an eye out for side effects like raised blood sugar and possible heart problems. Your provider will be checking your blood glucose levels at least once a year. You and your provider will determine what to do next if you start to develop diabetes or heart conditions. And what if you already have diabetes? You can still use antipsychotic medication, with your provider’s help. While it’s not easy to manage both diabetes and your mental health, it’s easier to manage your mental health and diabetes while taking antipsychotic medications. You will have blood tests to check your A1C level and your cholesterol to watch for any changes. Likewise, if you have heart disease and take antipsychotic medication, you and your provider will both want to keep an eye on your cholesterol to watch for changes. To protect your health, make sure to talk to your provider about cholesterol, blood glucose, and A1C tests, which should happen at least once a year while you are taking antipsychotic medications. Always talk with your provider if you have any questions or concerns and do not stop or alter your medication without first discussing it with your provider.
6 COVID-19 vaccines and at-home tests COVID-19 precautions have loosened in many places but it is still important to stay safe. You should continue to stay home if you feel sick. Take precautions — such as wearing a mask — if you have a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition. Another way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on any boosters. Everyone 6 months and older can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Those 5 years and older can get the booster, as of September 1, 2022. An updated booster is available to better protect against COVID-19 and its variants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the updated Pfizer booster for those 12 years and older. It recommends the updated Moderna booster for those 18 years and older. Where to get COVID-19 tests All New Mexicans can access mail-order or pick up free athome COVID-19 tests through the New Mexico Department of Health. Find them and testing locations at findatestnm.org. Presbyterian Centennial Care plan members can access COVID-19 test in the following ways. ● Eligible members can receive COVID-19 at-home over-thecounter (OTC) test kits through the Optum Store. Test kits are $0 cost share using your pharmacy benefit as payment. This means you can have at-home test kits delivered right to your door. Visit the Optum Store online at https://store.optum. com/shop/category/tests-devices/covid-19-home-tests. ● Eligible members can also visit a Walgreens, Walmart, Rite-Aid, Safeway, Kinney Drugs, or Sam’s Club pharmacy to pick up an at-home COVID-19 test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with no copay through the pharmacy benefit. For all other network pharmacies, a member will need to pay for the test and then file a claim for reimbursement online or with the At-Home Over-the-Counter (OTC) Test Kits Reimbursement Form on www.phs.org. COVID-19 tests are free, except for testing required for employment purposes such as weekly testing due to a vaccine exemption. PHP will cover up to eight FDA-approved tests per member per month. For any questions or help with ordering your COVID-19 at-home test from the Optum Store, members can contact our Pharmacy Customer Service Center team at 505-923-5200 (choose option for pharmacy) Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and isolate from others in your home. Reach out to your provider for information on treatment and medication options that may be available. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; New Mexico Department of Health Testing is a critical part of our fight against COVID-19. If you have symptoms or feel sick, you can take an at-home test or visit a pharmacy or testing location. Don’t let the flu get to you! Each flu season, only about half of Americans get an annual flu vaccine. It’s no wonder millions of us get sick or even end up in the hospital because of the flu. The upside? Getting a flu shot is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself and others stay healthy. Who should get a flu vaccine? The vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. You should especially get a flu shot if you’re pregnant or have a chronic condition — such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes — unless your provider recommends otherwise. When you get a flu shot, your body develops antibodies that help fight off flu viruses. The vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related provider visits each year. If you do get sick with the flu, the vaccine can help prevent serious illnesses. Don’t like needles? Ask your provider or pharmacist about
www.phs.org/centennialcare 7 SYMPTOMS COVID-19 ALLERGIES COLD FLU Cough Common Rare Common Common Shortness of breath Common No (unless it triggers asthma) No (unless it triggers asthma) No (unless it triggers asthma) Sneezing No Common Common No Runny or stuffy nose Common Common Common Sometimes Sore throat Common Sometimes (usually mild) Common Sometimes Fever Common No Sometimes Common Chills Common No No Sometimes Fatigue Common Sometimes Sometimes Common Headache Common Sometimes Rare Common Body aches Common No Sometimes (usually mild) Common Diarrhea Common No Rare Sometimes (in children) Nausea or vomiting Common No No Sometimes (in children) Loss of taste or smell Common Sometimes Rare Rare Take action! Call 911 if you or a loved one has emergency warning signs for COVID-19. These include trouble breathing, lasting pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, trouble waking up or staying awake, and bluish lips or face. WHICH IS IT: COVID-19, allergies, cold, or flu? Your symptoms may differ. Call your doctor if you’re concerned about any unusual or severe symptoms. Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; World Health Organization the nasal spray flu vaccine or a jet injector, a device that delivers vaccines through the skin as a high-pressure stream of fluid. Stop the spread In addition to getting a flu shot, practice these healthy habits to help stop the spread of germs: ● Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, then toss out the tissue. ● Wash your hands often with soap and water. ● Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. That’s how germs find their way into your body. Is it too late? It is good to get the flu shot early in the flu season. If you haven’t had a chance to get your shot yet, there’s still time. You can get a flu shot anytime during flu season, which typically lasts until April. If you have questions about the flu shot, talk to your provider or pharmacist. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
8 Let EPSDT help you monitor your child’s development Early detection and prevention can help treat many health problems. There are a number of screenings and tests you might be familiar with, while some might be new to you. For parents or guardians, one example you might hear from your child’s provider is EPSDT. EPSDT stands for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment. This screening can help detect and provide treatment for conditions that may impede the growth and development of children. Early: Finding problems early Periodic: Checking children’s health at periodic times Screening: Providing physical, mental, developmental, dental, hearing, vision, and other screening tests to detect potential problems Diagnostic: Performing tests to follow up when a risk is identified Treatment: Control, correct, or improve health problems found All children under 21 who are eligible for Medicaid are able to get screenings and treatment for their physical and mental illnesses or conditions. Age-appropriate assessments, known as “screens,” will be provided at certain ages as they grow up. Treatment for all medically necessary services found during an EPSDT screening is also covered. When a screening indicates a need for further tests or assessment, the child may be referred for diagnosis and treatment. Talk with your provider for referrals if there is a need for extra services. Sources: New Mexico Department of Health Talk to your child’s provider about questions you may have. Attending your well-baby and well-child visits can help ensure your child is meeting milestones and staying healthy. What is covered? EPSDT benefits help children with a variety of health conditions. These benefits include: • Early intervention for developmental delays • Hospital services • Vision and hearing services • Dental care • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy • Laboratory tests, X-rays, and other imaging tests • Pharmacy services (including some over-thecounter medicines) • Medical supplies • Prosthetics and orthotics • Nutrition consultations • Reproductive healthcare • Home health and personal care services • Case management • Outpatient mental health testing and counseling • Psychiatric hospital services • Residential treatment • And more
www.phs.org/centennialcare 9 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, 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 member ID card. When to take your child to their first dentist appointment The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children go to their first dental appointment by the time they turn one year old. This helps establish a foundation for good dental and oral care, and even gets your child used to going to the dentist. This may help them have less fear and anxiety about the dentist as they get older. Typically, lower front teeth will start to come in between 6 to 10 months of age. Upper teeth may come in a few months after that. Some children get teeth earlier or later, so don’t be worried if your child hasn’t gotten a tooth by the time they turn one. You should still visit a dentist as they can help determine if there are other factors at play. At the first dental appointment, the child’s oral health will be addressed. Their dentist may: ● Address oral habits such as finger or thumb sucking or using a pacifier ● Ask about teething and drooling ● Assess any first teeth that have appeared ● Discuss diet and oral health, even starting different foods ● Suggest limiting juices ● Remind you no bottles in the crib or bed at nap or bed time ● Teach you how to help your infant/ toddler care for their teeth and use a toothbrush As your child grows, you can help them practice healthy dental habits. This includes regular dental check-ups, limiting sugar intake, and brushing their teeth twice a day. As parents and guardians, you are your children’s best teachers for healthy choices. Going to the dentist for your own oral care will model what your child can do for their own care as they grow. Sources: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Schedule your child’s annual dental visit today.
10 Get help for migraines A migraine can make it next to impossible to work, manage household responsibilities or do just about anything else. That’s something you may know all too well if you’ve recently started getting these severe headaches. Here’s what else you should know: Migraines are manageable, and a variety of options are available today to treat them. Get it checked out If you haven’t done so yet, your first step should be to see your provider. They can usually tell if you’re having migraines based on your symptoms. Migraines tend to involve intense bouts of throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Migraine episodes can last for several hours or even days. During a migraine attack, many people get an upset stomach. Light, sounds and movement can make a migraine worse. Many people also experience visual disturbances, called auras, prior to getting a migraine. They might see flashing lights or heat waves. Medicines for migraines Some medicines treat migraine attacks when they occur, while others help prevent migraines in the first place. Preventive medications. You take these medicines — such as erenumab, lasmiditan, and ubrogepant — every day to help prevent a migraine. And while you may know Botox injections as a wrinkle treatment, they can be another option for preventing migraines. Medicines that stop migraine pain. They’re taken at the first sign of a migraine to keep it from getting worse. Options include triptan drugs and ergotamine. In addition to prescribing medicines, your provider may suggest lifestyle changes that may help you manage migraines, such as: ● Keeping a regular sleep schedule ● Avoiding migraine triggers — things like certain foods and drinks, stress, loud sounds, and bright lights or smells ● Keeping a journal of what you were eating and doing when you got a migraine can help you identify triggers ● Losing excess weight, if you’re overweight ● Exercising and finding other ways to manage stress Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Presbyterian’s Path for Wellness Diabetes Prevention Program It can be hard to build healthy habits. Changes like eating more healthy foods and being more active can be hard to apply to your life. But these changes can have a big impact on your health. Do you want to learn more ways to build healthy habits? Do you want to lose or manage weight and feel your best? You may be eligible for the Path for Wellness Prevention Program. The program is offered at no additional cost to eligible members with prediabetes or certain risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. It is designed to help members: ● Lose or manage weight ● Get more active ● Reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes It’s easy and fun to participate — the program is now all by phone or online. Over one year, participants learn how to change bad eating habits, deal with stress, stay motivated and more. Those who have prediabetes or certain risk factors for Type 2 diabetes may be able to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes. Sources: Paths to Health NM Find out if the Path for Wellness Diabetes Prevention Program is right for you Visit Presbyterian’s Health and Wellness webpage at www.phs.org/toolsresources/member/health-wellness-information.
www.phs.org/centennialcare 11 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 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 Routine transportation (for nonemergency medical transportation): 1-855-774-7737 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 Centennial Care Ombudsman: Phone: (505) 923-5780 Email: ombudsman@phs.org Tools you can use! Need a ride? Schedule your next ride to your provider in less than a minute! Did you know you can save time and book your medical trips using the Itineris Passenger mobile app? The Itineris Passenger app will change the way you schedule your next trip appointment by giving you the power to do it in the palm of your hand. Features include: ● Quickly schedule each trip in under a minute ● Remembers your previous rides for faster selection ● Automatically maps your trip with a timeline itinerary ● Cancel upcoming trips with a simple click ● Receive status noti cations of your scheduled trip ● No more calling to book your trips ● Wheelchair service available The easy-to-use Itineris Passenger app is supported on the iPhone and Android only. To register for this service, please visit your app store to select the Itineris Passenger app for free. myPRES: Be in the know myPRES is our secure member site that allows you to view important information about your Centennial Care health plan. With myPRES you can: ● Look up your benefit plan information ● Request a new Centennial Care Member ID Card ● Send a question to the Presbyterian Customer Service Center ● View your claims ● Check your eligibility ● Check on your prior authorization requests ● And much more Register for myPRES today: Go www.phs.org/mypres and click REGISTER NOW. Video visits Video visits and telehealth help you stay healthy while staying safe. Talk to your provider from the comfort of your own home. Make an appointment today through your myPRES account at www.phs.org. If you need help logging into your account, call the number on the back of your Presbyterian ID card. PresRN Speak with a Presbyterian nurse if you are not feeling well and do not know what to do. PresRN phone calls are free and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our nurses are happy to answer general health questions when you are healthy too. Centennial Care Members can call PresRN at (505) 923-5677 or 1-888-730-2300.
Terrific turkey meatloaf Makes 8 servings. Ingredients 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 1⁄2 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and chopped 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 6 tablespoons fat- free, reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 teaspoon tomato paste 2 pounds ground turkey (mix of dark and light meat) 3⁄4 cup breadcrumbs 2 eggs, beaten 1⁄3 cup ketchup Directions • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. • In skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms in oil. Add thyme and season with salt and pepper. • Cook until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. • Add Worcestershire, broth and tomato paste and mix thoroughly. • Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. • In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs and onion-mushroom mixture. • Mix well and shape into a rectangular loaf in shallow baking dish. Brush ketchup on top. • Bake 90 minutes or until meat is cooked through and internal temperature is 165 degrees. • Serve hot. Leftovers may be served cold in sandwiches. Nutrition information Amount per serving: 260 calories, 12g total fat (3g saturated fat), 13g carbohydrates, 26g protein, 0g dietary fiber, 270mg sodium. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research Help your teen cope with cabin fever The weather outside is frightful. And your teen is less than delightful. That can happen when kids are stuck in the house for days. So how can you help your teen cope with being cooped up — without getting on everyone’s nerves? 1. Help them to stick to a schedule. Even if school’s out or they’re learning from home, they should wake up, exercise, get dressed, and have meals at the same times every day. Kids are reassured by structure. 2. Give your teen some space. It’s natural for teens to seek privacy from their family. Let them carve out their own time for friends, fun projects, listening to music, or just being on their own. 3. Extend your teen’s media time. While your teen is stuck at home, their online time is bound to increase. You can work with them to come up with a plan that is flexible and fair. Let them be part of the planning process so that they’re on board with the solution. 4. Come up with family projects. Let your teen take the lead. They could start a decluttering challenge to gather items to donate. Or they could digitize the family photo albums. Or maybe they’d want to plan a future family vacation. 5. Feed their curiosity. Help your teen find something new to learn about. Maybe you know a good book they haven’t read yet. Or you could help them find online tutorials for skills like drawing, sewing, writing or coding. 6. Help them stay active. If weather permits, a walk or run outside can help burn off energy and lift their mood. If they’re stuck indoors, help them find online workouts. Or they can create their own using items around the house. Sources: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; American Academy of Pediatrics 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 applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al (505) 923-5420, 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711). Díí baa akó nínízin: Díí saad bee yáníłti’go Diné Bizaad, saad bee áká’ánída’áwo’d66’, t’áá jiik’eh, éí ná hól=, koj8’ hódíílnih (505) 923-5420, 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711). Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/PresHealth 2022 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. MPC092243 Centennial Care #5116
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