SUMMER 2024 HEALTH Standard U.S. Postage PAID Yakima, WA Permit No. 162 Know your ride benefits You can help stop tooth decay Don’t forget to renew Medi-Cal! 8Page 4Page 2Page In this issue Fruit forward Add cubed melon or fresh or frozen berries. Add slices of orange, lemon or lime, or squeeze in some juice. One cool combo: Lime and cucumber Herbal infusion Fresh herbs, like basil and mint leaves, add unique and flavorful notes. One sweet pairing: Mint and watermelon Sources: American Heart Association; American Institute for Cancer Research Go H2O! Stay hydrated with these tasty twists on water TURN TO PAGE 5 for more about how water helps your body. If plain water doesn’t entice you, how about giving it a refreshing change? Here are some naturally healthy flavor enhancers—and you can also have fun experimenting with what you have on hand.
FAMILY HEALTH 2 Need language services? Kern Family Health Care (KFHC) provides interpreter services at no cost to members. This is for all members, along with those 21 years of age and under. Our team can help you get an interpreter for your next health care visit. You can also check the Provider Directory to find the languages spoken by our providers and their staff. KFHC has many ways to help meet your needs, such as: ● Staff who speak English and Spanish. ● Over-the-phone language interpreters who speak more than 200 languages. ● American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. ● On-site interpreters who speak more than 140 languages. ● Video remote interpreting. ● After-hours interpreting. Please call us today. Our team is ready to help you talk to your doctor. Know your transportation benefits Did you know that your benefits will cover a ride to your medical appointment? Here are a few common questions about your transportation benefit. Q. Can I take a child with me? A. Yes, you can. You may also take a caregiver with you if needed. Q. What are my options if my ride is not here? A. Call the Transportation Department as soon as you know your ride is not showing up. There may still be time to schedule another ride. If not, call your medical provider to reschedule your appointment as soon as possible. Then contact the Transportation Department to reschedule your ride. Q. Can I ride with my elderly parent? A. Yes, you can. Your benefit covers your parent and your parent’s caregiver for the ride. Remember to… 1. Schedule your ride as soon as you have your appointment date. 2. Have your KFHC ID number handy when you call to schedule your ride. 3. Be waiting and watching for your ride at least 15 minutes before your pickup time.
FAMILY HEALTH 3 Help stop fraud! Help us stop health care fraud. Here are some kinds of fraud: ● Someone uses a KFHC member ID card that does not belong to him or her. ● Someone gives the wrong information on forms on purpose. ● Someone visits many doctors and/or pharmacies for the same drug. ● Someone tries to get medicines that a doctor didn’t order. ● Someone uses KFHC transportation for rides not related to Medi-Cal benefits. Do you know someone doing these things? If so, give us a call at 800-391-2000. You can report anonymously. What’s new? You may start getting text messages from KFHC asking if you got services from your doctor(s). Please answer with “yes,” “no” or “I don’t remember.” This will help us make sure doctors are reporting your visits correctly. Member rights If you are unhappy with a decision KFHC made about an authorization or medication request, or you have a service or quality of care complaint against KFHC or a provider, please contact us first. You can call 661-632-1590 inside of Bakersfield or 800-391-2000 outside of Bakersfield. You can also visit our website, kernfamilyhealthcare.com, or log in to your KFHC Member Portal account. You may call the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) for help if: ● Your grievance is an emergency. ● You are not happy with KFHC’s decision. ● It has not been resolved in 30 days. The DMHC’s toll-free number is 888-466-2219. Its TDD line (for people with hearing and speech impairments) is 877-688-9891. You may also call the DHCS Office of the Ombudsman toll-free at 888-452-8609.
FAMILY HEALTH 4 Tiny teeth have a big impact Did you know tooth decay is the most common childhood disease? Cavities can put children at risk for infection. They can also cause pain that may keep a child from eating, playing, sleeping or focusing well. Cavities can affect the whole family, too, with time off work and school. More than half of California’s children have cavities by kindergarten. What can you do? 1. Take your child to a dentist by age 1 or from the time their first tooth shows. 2. Your child’s medical doctor can paint fluoride on their teeth, right in the office! 3. You can help prevent cavities at home too. All ages can brush twice a day, even those cute baby gums! You should also limit sugary drinks and snacks. Try whole fruits or veggies and water instead. Check out these easy Popsicle recipes: ● Whole-fruit Popsicles: superhealthykids.com/ whole-fruit-popsicles. ● Healthy Popsicles: sarahremmer.com/ healthy-popsicle-recipes -for-kids. 4. Watch for dark spots on the teeth. See a dentist right away if you find this. Explore these resources for helpful info on your child’s teeth: ● American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. ● CDC Kidtastics: Smile! ● CDC Children’s Oral Health. ● Healthychildren.org. Did you know? KFHC rewards you for keeping up with your health visits! Check to see if you can get any of these gift card rewards. ● New members: Get $25 for a wellness visit within 120 days of joining with KFHC. ● Annual well care: Get $25 for a wellness exam between 3 and 21 years of age. ● Baby well care: Get up to $160 for six well-baby visits between birth and 15 months. ● Blood lead screening: Get $25 for getting your baby a blood lead test before they turn 2 years old. ● Prenatal: Get $50 for a visit with your doctor within the first three months of pregnancy. ● Postpartum: Get $30 for a visit with your doctor within one to 12 weeks after giving birth. ● Chlamydia: $25 for women 18 to 24 years of age who get a test for chlamydia. ● Breast cancer screening: $25 for women 50 to 74 years of age who get a mammogram. ● Cervical cancer screening: $25 for women 21 to 64 years of age who get a Pap smear test. ● Health education classes: –Asthma—Breathe Better classes: $15 per class. –Quit smoking—Fresh Start classes: $25 per class. –Nutrition—Eat Healthy, Be Active classes: $20 per class. –Diabetes management—DEEP classes: $25 per class. (Class is only for those 18 years of age or older.) For information and rules on our rewards, check out kernfamilyhealthcare.com.
NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE Discrimination is against the law. Kern Family Health Care follows State and Federal civil rights laws. Kern Family Health Care does not unlawfully discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently because of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Kern Family Health Care provides: ● Free aids and services to people with disabilities to help them communicate better, such as: Qualified sign language interpreters Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats) ● Free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as: Qualified interpreters Information written in other languages If you need these services, contact Kern Family Health Care at 1-800-391-2000 between 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. If you cannot hear or speak well, please call the California Relay Service at 711. Upon request, this document can be made available to you in braille, large print, audiocassette, or electronic form. To obtain a copy in one of these alternative formats, please call or write to: Kern Family Health Care 2900 Buck Owens Boulevard Bakersfield, CA 93308 1-800-391-2000 711 (California Relay Service) HOW TO FILE A GRIEVANCE If you believe that Kern Family Health Care has failed to provide these services or unlawfully discriminated in another way on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation, you can file a grievance with Kern Family Health Care’s Discrimination Grievance Coordinator. You can file a grievance by phone, in writing, in person, or electronically: ● By phone: Contact Kern Family Health Care’s Discrimination Grievance Coordinator between 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday by calling 1-800-391-2000. Or, if you cannot hear or speak well, please call the California Relay Service at 711. ● In writing: Fill out a complaint form or write a letter and send it to: Discrimination Grievance Coordinator Kern Family Health Care 2900 Buck Owens Boulevard Bakersfield, CA 93308 ● In person: Visit your doctor’s office or Kern Family Health Care and say you want to file a grievance. ● Electronically: Visit Kern Family Health Care’s website at www.kernfamilyhealthcare.com. OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS – CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES You can also file a civil rights complaint with the California Department of Health Care Services, Office of Civil Rights by phone, in writing, or electronically: ● By phone: Call 916-440-7370. If you cannot speak or hear well, please call 711 (California Relay Service). ● In writing: Fill out a complaint form or send a letter to: TM —Continued on the next page
TAGLINES TAGLINES English Tagline ATTENTION: If you need help in your language call 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Aids and services for people with disabilities, like documents in braille and large print, are also available. Call 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). These services are free of charge. اﻟﺸﻌﺎر ﺔ ��� بﺎﻟﻌ (Arabic) �� ﻳُﺮ اﻻﻧتبﺎە: إذا اﺣﺘﺠﺖ � إ اﻟﻤﺴﺎﻋﺪة بﻠﻐﺘﻚ، ﻓﺎﺗﺼﻞ بـ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) . ﺗﺘﻮﻓﺮ ﺎ � ﻀ � أ اﻟﻤﺴﺎﻋﺪات واﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت ﻟﻸﺷﺨﺎص ذوي اﻹﻋﺎﻗﺔ، ﻣﺜﻞ اﻟﻤﺴتﻨﺪات ﺔ �� اﻟﻤﻜﺘ ﻘﺔ �� بﻄ ﻞ �� ﺑ واﻟﺨﻂ ي . � ﺒ � اﻟ اﺗﺼﻞ بـ 1-800-391-2000 .(TTY: 711) ﻫﺬە اﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت ﺔ . � ﻣﺠﺎﻧ Հայերեն պիտակ (Armenian) ՈՒՇԱԴՐՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ: Եթե Ձեզ օգնություն է հարկավոր Ձեր լեզվով, զանգահարեք 1800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)։ Կան նաև օժանդակ միջոցներ ու ծառայություններ հաշմանդամություն ունեցող անձանց համար, օրինակ` Բրայլի գրատիպով ու խոշորատառ տպագրված նյութեր։ Զանգահարեք 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)։ Այդ ծառայություններն անվճար են։ �� ស�� ល់���ែខ� រ (Cambodian) ចំ�ំ៖ េបើ អ�ក ្រតវ� �រជំនួយ ��� របស់អ� ក សូម ទូរស័ព� េ�េលខ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)។ ជំនួយ និង េស�កម� ស្រ�ប់ ជនពិ�រ ដូច�ឯក�រសរេសរ�អក្សរផុស ស្រ�ប់ជនពិ�រែភ� ក ឬឯក�រសរេសរ�អក្សរពុម� ធំ ក៏�ចរក�នផងែដរ។ ទូរស័ព� មកេលខ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)។ េស�កម� �ំងេនះមិនគិតៃថ� េឡយើ ។ 简体中文标语 (Chinese) 请注意：如果您需要以您的母语提供帮助，请致电 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)。另外还 Deputy Director, Office of Civil Rights Department of Health Care Services Office of Civil Rights P.O. Box 997413, MS 0009 Sacramento, CA 95899-7413 Complaint forms are available at http://www .dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Language_Access.aspx. ● Electronically: Send an email to CivilRights@dhcs.ca.gov. OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS – U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES If you believe you have been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex, you can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights by phone, in writing, or electronically: ● By phone: Call 1-800-368-1019. If you cannot speak or hear well, please call TTY/TDD 1-800-537-7697. ● In writing: Fill out a complaint form or send a letter to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 509F, HHH Building Washington, D.C. 20201 Complaint forms are available at http://www .hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html. ● Electronically: Visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ ocr/portal/lobby.jsf. —Continued from the previous page
7/21 ស្រ�ប់ជនពិ�រែភ� ក ឬឯក�រសរេសរ�អក្សរពុម� ធំ ក៏�ចរក�នផងែដរ។ ទូរស័ព� មកេលខ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)។ េស�កម� �ំងេនះមិនគិតៃថ� េឡយើ ។ 简体中文标语 (Chinese) 请注意：如果您需要以您的母语提供帮助，请致电 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)。另外还 提供针对残疾人士的帮助和服务，例如盲文和需要较大字体阅读，也是方便取用的。请致 电 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)。这些服务都是免费的。 (Farsi) ﻓﺎرﺳﯽ زﺑﺎن ﺑﮫ ﻣطﻠب ﺗوﺟﮫ: اﮔر ﻣﯽ ﺧواھﯾد ﺑﮫ زﺑﺎن ﺧود ﮐﻣﮏ درﯾﺎﻓت ﮐﻧﯾد، ﺑﺎ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) ﺗﻣﺎس ﺑﮕﯾرﯾد. ﮐﻣﮏ ھﺎ و ﺧدﻣﺎت ﻣﺧﺻوص اﻓراد دارای ﻣﻌﻠوﻟﯾت، ﻣﺎﻧﻧد ﻧﺳﺧﮫھﺎی ﺧط ﺑرﯾل و ﭼﺎپ ﺑﺎ ﺣروف ﺑزرگ، ﻧﯾز ﻣوﺟود اﺳت. ﺑﺎ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) ﺗﻣﺎس ﺑﮕﯾرﯾد. اﯾن ﺧدﻣﺎت راﯾﮕﺎن اراﺋﮫ ﻣﯽ ﺷوﻧد. िहंदी टैगलाइन (Hindi) �ान द� : अगर आपको अपनी भाषा म� सहायता की आव�कता है तो 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) पर कॉल कर� । अश�ता वाले लोगों के िलए सहायता और सेवाएं, जैसे ब् रेल और बड़े िप् रंट म� भी द�ावेज़ उपल� ह�। 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) पर कॉल कर� । ये सेवाएं िन: शु� ह�। Nqe Lus Hmoob Cob (Hmong) CEEB TOOM: Yog koj xav tau kev pab txhais koj hom lus hu rau 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Muaj cov kev pab txhawb thiab kev pab cuam rau cov neeg xiam oob qhab, xws li puav leej muaj ua cov ntawv su thiab luam tawm ua tus ntawv loj. Hu rau 1-800391-2000 (TTY: 711). Cov kev pab cuam no yog pab dawb xwb. 日本語表記 (Japanese) 注意日本語での対応が必要な場合は 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)へお電話ください。点 字の資料や文字の拡大表示など、障がいをお持ちの方のためのサービスも用意していま す。 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711)へお電話ください。これらのサービスは無料で提供し ています。 한국어 태그라인 (Korean) 유의사항: 귀하의 언어로 도움을 받고 싶으시면 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) 번으로 문의하십시오. 점자나 큰 활자로 된 문서와 같이 장애가 있는 분들을 위한 도움과 서비스도 이용 가능합니다. 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) 번으로 문의하십시오. 이러한 서비스는 무료로 제공됩니다. ແທກໄລພາສາລາວ (Laotian) ປະກາດ: ຖ້າທ່ານຕ້ອງການຄວາມຊ່ວຍເຫຼືອໃນພາສາຂອງທ່ານໃຫ້ໂທຫາເບີ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). ຍັງມີຄວາມຊ່ວຍເຫຼືອແລະການບໍລິການສໍາລັບຄົນພິການ ເຊັ່ນເອກະສານທີ່ເປັນອັກສອນນູນແລະມີໂຕພິມໃຫຍ່ ໃຫ້ໂທຫາເບີ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). ການບໍລິການເຫຼົ່ານີ້ບໍ່ຕ້ອງເສຍຄ່າໃຊ້ຈ່າຍໃດໆ. Mien Tagline (Mien) LONGC HNYOUV JANGX LONGX OC: Beiv taux meih qiemx longc mienh tengx faan benx meih nyei waac nor douc waac daaih lorx taux 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Liouh lorx jauv-louc tengx aengx caux nzie gong bun taux ninh mbuo wuaaic fangx mienh, beiv taux longc benx nzangc-pokc bun hluo mbiutc aengx caux aamz mborqv benx domh sou se mbenc nzoih bun longc. Douc waac daaih lorx 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Naaiv deix nzie weih gong-bou jauv-louc se benx wang-henh tengx mv zuqc cuotv nyaanh oc. ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਟੈਗਲਾਈਨ (Punjabi) ਿਧਆਨ ਿਦਓ: ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀ ਭਾਸ਼ ਾ ਿਵੱਚ ਮਦਦ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ ਤ� ਕਾਲ ਕਰੋ 1-800-391-2000
Русский слоган (Russian) ВНИМАНИЕ! Если вам нужна помощь на вашем родном языке, звоните по номеру 1-800-391-2000 (линия TTY: 711). Также предоставляются средства и услуги для людей с ограниченными возможностями, например документы крупным шрифтом или шрифтом Брайля. Звоните по номеру 1-800-391-2000 (линия TTY: 711). Такие услуги предоставляются бесплатно. Mensaje en español (Spanish) ATENCIÓN: si necesita ayuda en su idioma, llame al 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). También ofrecemos asistencia y servicios para personas con discapacidades, como documentos en braille y con letras grandes. Llame al 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Estos servicios son gratuitos. Tagalog Tagline (Tagalog) ATENSIYON: Kung kailangan mo ng tulong sa iyong wika, tumawag sa 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Mayroon ding mga tulong at serbisyo para sa mga taong may kapansanan,tulad ng mga dokumento sa braille at malaking print. Tumawag sa 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Libre ang mga serbisyong ito. แท็กไลน์ภาษาไทย (Thai) โปรดทราบ: หากคุณต้องการความช่วยเหลือเป็นภาษาของคุณ กรุณาโทรศัพท์ไปที่หมายเลข 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) นอกจากนี้ ยังพร้อมให้ความช่วยเหลือและบริการต่าง ๆ สําหรับบุคคลที่มีความพิการ เช่น เอกสารต่าง ๆ ที่เป็นอักษรเบรลล์และเอกสารที่พิมพ์ด้วยตัวอักษรขนาดใหญ่ กรุณาโทรศัพท์ไปที่หมายเลข 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) ไม่มีค่าใช้จ่ายสําหรับบริการเหล่านี้ Примітка українською (Ukrainian) УВАГА! Якщо вам потрібна допомога вашою рідною мовою, телефонуйте на номер 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Люди з обмеженими можливостями також можуть скористатися допоміжними засобами та послугами, наприклад, отримати документи, надруковані шрифтом Брайля та великим шрифтом. Телефонуйте на номер 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Ці послуги безкоштовні. Khẩu hiệu tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) CHÚ Ý: Nếu quý vị cần trợ giúp bằng ngôn ngữ của mình, vui lòng gọi số 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Chúng tôi cũng hỗ trợ và cung cấp các dịch vụ dành cho người khuyết tật, như tài liệu bằng chữ nổi Braille và chữ khổ lớn (chữ hoa). Vui lòng gọi số 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Các dịch vụ này đều miễn phí. 7/21 LONGC HNYOUV JANGX LONGX OC: Beiv taux meih qiemx longc mienh tengx faan benx meih nyei waac nor douc waac daaih lorx taux 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Liouh lorx jauv-louc tengx aengx caux nzie gong bun taux ninh mbuo wuaaic fangx mienh, beiv taux longc benx nzangc-pokc bun hluo mbiutc aengx caux aamz mborqv benx domh sou se mbenc nzoih bun longc. Douc waac daaih lorx 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Naaiv deix nzie weih gong-bou jauv-louc se benx wang-henh tengx mv zuqc cuotv nyaanh oc. ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਟੈਗਲਾਈਨ (Punjabi) ਿਧਆਨ ਿਦਓ: ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀ ਭਾਸ਼ ਾ ਿਵੱਚ ਮਦਦ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ ਤ� ਕਾਲ ਕਰੋ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). ਅਪਾਹਜ ਲੋਕ� ਲਈ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਸੇਵਾਵ�, ਿਜਵ� ਿਕ ਬ�ੇਲ ਅਤੇ ਮੋਟੀ ਛਪਾਈ ਿਵੱਚ ਦਸਤਾਵੇਜ਼, ਵੀ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹਨ| ਕਾਲ ਕਰੋ 1-800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). ਇਹ ਸੇਵਾਵ� ਮੁਫਤ ਹਨ|
FAMILY 5 HEALTH Protect your body against the heat Did you know that every cell in the human body uses water? Your body uses water to get rid of waste and stay at a healthy temperature. At the same time, we are always losing water by using the bathroom, sweating and even breathing! When you think of summer, spending time outside may come to mind. This means getting sweaty. For kids and adults, it’s extra vital to drink lots of water so your fun isn’t spoiled. If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to plan the safest ways to enjoy yourself this summer. Children can have high blood pressure too! With very young children, a medical condition might be present. Always talk with your doctor if you feel any of these: ● Swelling in the legs and feet. ● Headaches. ● Blurred vision. ● Fast heartbeat. ● Nosebleeds. The best defenses to keep in mind for the whole family are a healthy diet with lots of water and fun activities that get everyone moving. Sources: American Medical Association; Mayo Clinic GIVE US A CALL to learn more about our health education classes: 800-391-2000. Hey there, summer fun is here! The heat is going up, and the sun is shining brighter. It’s of great value to keep summer safety in mind while you’re having a blast. Fun parties will start soon, and bounce houses (jumpers) will be ready for the kids. Make sure the kiddos are bouncing safely, and make sure they drink plenty of water. Many times, we think any drink will quench our thirst, but water is the No. 1 drink that keeps you hydrated. Keep an eye out for hyperthermia, which is just a fancy word for overheating. Stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing and take many breaks in the shade to keep cool. Another fun way to stay cool is to splash in the pool. Always have adult supervision when playing in the water. The best thing to have in the pool is a life jacket for safety when exercising or enjoying outdoor water fun. Summer heat and play don’t mix. Play it smart by dressing in breathable fabrics and drinking plenty of water. So go ahead: Soak up the sun, but also plan for summer fun safety, because memories are always better when they’re safe ones!
FAMILY HEALTH 6 Q How can I get active this summer? Longer days and warmer temperatures provide opportunities for the whole family to go outside and be active! Try walking, swimming, biking, skating or jumping rope. Gardening, pushing a stroller or walking the dog counts too. Tips to keep in mind ● Drink water before, during and after physical activity. ● Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. ● Take frequent breaks in the shade. ● Eat light, healthy pre- and post-workout snacks that can also help you stay cool. ● If you find you just can’t handle the heat, don’t skip out on your workout or physical activity time! Find activities you can do in your home or at work. ● Try to avoid exercising outside in the early afternoon. It’s often hottest between noon and 3 p.m. ● Check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine or moving your workout outdoors, if you have any chronic diseases or any medical concerns. Bania Parra Health Education Specialist Source: American Heart Association Q Can older adults improve their mental health by bonding with children? Older adults and children tend to live different lives. Technology and the way people live changes by age. This means older adults may not bond with children as often. But there are many benefits to different age groups bonding. Studies have shown special bonds forming between older adults and children in a few days. Older adults showed better mental health by learning new technology skills, less anxiety and a better mood. Children showed better social and thinking skills. Spending more time with family and friends is a good choice. Volunteering is another way to meet new people of all ages and build a sense of purpose. Mental health is a part of overall health. Good mental health can help older adults live independently. Remember, mental health does not become less important with age. Nayeli Curiel Health Education Specialist Sources: AARP; National Council on Aging; National Institute of Mental Health; Healthcare magazine; The Live-in Care Hub Health Education Corner
FAMILY HEALTH 7 California Children’s Services California Children’s Services (CCS) is a state program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Children up to 21 years old can get the health care and services they need through this program. CCS connects you with doctors and a trained health care team who know how to care for your child with special health care needs. If your child is approved for CCS, your child will still be a KFHC member while in this program. CCS covers chronic medical conditions such as cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, heart disease, traumatic injuries and other severe health problems. CCS also provides physical and occupational therapy services that are offered at public schools. Case management is offered to assist families with navigating the health care system and coordinating medical care with specialists and children’s hospitals. Transportation assistance is also offered. Sources: California Children’s Services; Kern County Public Health Services Department Kern Regional Center Kern Regional Center (KRC) is a private, nonprofit social service agency. It provides supports and case management services to people with developmental disabilities. KRC serves people residing in Kern, Inyo and Mono counties. To receive KRC services, a person must have a developmental disability. This may include an intellectual disability, epilepsy, cerebral palsy or autism with major disabling conditions related to their developmental disability. KRC also provides services and supports for infants and toddlers up to age 3 with developmental delays and/or certain risk conditions. KRC’s services are based on the person’s needs. They are intended to make the most of their independence and quality of life. KRC services include: ● Free diagnosis and screening for KRC services. ● Help with planning and accessing needed services and resources. ● Case management services and early intervention services. ● Self Determination Program. ● Foster Grandparent Program. ● Respite and supported living services. ● Supported job/day program for adults, housing placement and more. To learn more, visit kernrc.org. You can call KRC at 661-327-8531. Source: Kern Regional Center TO LEARN MORE, talk to your child’s primary care provider or call the Kern County CCS program at 661-868-0504.
Keep your Medi-Cal. Renew today! Keep yourself and your family covered. Make sure that Medi-Cal has your current address, email and phone number, if it has changed. Watch your mail for a renewal packet or a notice once a year. When you get your packet or notice, you may submit the information online, by mail, by phone or in person: ● Log in to your BenefitsCal account at benefitscal.com. ● Mail your completed packet or needed information to P.O. Box 511, Bakersfield, CA 93302-9985. ● Call 800-391-2000 (TTY: 711) for help over the phone. ● Go in person to your nearest County Department of Human Services office or to Kern Family Health Care, 2900 Buck Owens Blvd., Bakersfield CA 93308. We post current health care news and tips to help you and your family stay healthy. You can also get important member updates and see what Kern Family Health Care is doing in your community. Follow us on X at x.com/_KFHC Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/KernFamilyHealthCare Watch the Kern Family Health Care channel on YouTube HEALTH FAMILY HEALTH is published as a community service for the members, friends and patrons of Kern Family Health Care, 2900 Buck Owens Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93308, telephone 800-391-2000. Information in FAMILY HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Editorial Board Chief Executive Officer Emily Duran Chief Medical Officer Martha Tasinga, MD Chief Operating Officer Alan Avery Chief Compliance and Fraud Prevention Officer Deborah Murr, RN Senior Director of Marketing and Member Engagement Louis Iturriria Senior Director of Wellness and Prevention Isabel Silva 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. TAKE ACTION T O KEEP yourself and your family covered!
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