WINTER 2023 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 88 Don’t lose your Medi-Cal Having a baby? We’re here for you Know the signs of domestic abuse In this issue 7Page 6Page 2Page Long-term pain is also called chronic pain. There are ways to manage chronic pain without taking medication. This is called non-pharmacological pain management treatment. Treatment options include: ● Acupuncture. ● Behavioral therapy. ● Chiropractic care. ● Exercise. ● Physical therapy. These may not be the only options for you. Knowing your options can help you make the right choice to manage your pain. Talk to your doctor about what may be best for you. Lela Criswell, Member Engagement Manager TO LEARN MORE about options to manage pain without medication, visit the Kern Family Health Care Health Library at kernfamilyhealthcare.com and search “How to manage chronic pain.” HEALTH It’s that time of the year again to get this year’s new flu shot. We love to know you are protected with the flu shot. Call us today if you need help getting the flu shot: 800-391-2000 (TTY: 711). Non-pharmacological pain management Manage your pain without medicine
FAMILY HEALTH 2 Medi-Cal Take action to keep your Medi-Cal! Keep yourself and your family covered. Make sure that Medi-Cal has your current address, email and phone number, if anything has changed. For more information or to sign up for email and text message alerts, visit keepmedicalcoverage.org. Watch your mail for a renewal packet or a notice. 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 877-410-8812 (TTY: 711) for over-thephone assistance. ● Go in person to your nearest County Department of Human Services office. To find an office near you, go to kcdhs.org and go to the “About DHS” drop-down menu. From there you will select “Office Hours and Locations.” Learn more about Kern Family Health Care (KFHC) KFHC has member materials to help you. It is important to read these materials. KFHC Member Handbook The Member Handbook keeps you up-to-date about your health plan benefits. In the handbook, you may find what is covered and your rights as a member. KFHC Provider Directory This list will help you know who is in our plan to better serve you. Who is in our plan network: ● Primary care doctor (PCP). ● Health care specialists. ● Hospitals. ● Urgent care centers. ● Lab centers. ● Imaging (x-rays, CT scans and more). ● And more. How to get this information Your Member Portal account Create a secure Member Portal account and log in. Your account has booklets for you to read and self-service choices. Go to kernfamilyhealthcare.com and click on the Member Portal button to get started. The KFHC website Visit us at kernfamily healthcare.com. Click on “New Members” to review or print your KFHC Member Handbook or Provider Directory. A hard copy You can ask that KFHC mail you the items in hard copy (paper) format or in large print, braille and audio (when possible). Give us a call at 800-391-2000 to ask for your copy. You can also go online for up-to-date information at kernfamilyhealthcare.com. DO YOU NEED HELP? Please call us at 800-391-2000. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FAMILY HEALTH 3 Health education classes Kern Family Health Care (KFHC) has brought back in-person health education (HE) classes. Virtual classes will continue to be offered. Classes on the following topics are being offered: 1. Asthma management. 2. Diabetes prevention. 3. Diabetes and hypertension management (coming soon). 4. Nutrition and weight management. 5. Smoking cessation. Rewards such as gift cards are being offered for attending the classes. Members can request to sign up for HE classes by calling KFHC at 800-391-2000, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ask for the Health Education Department. Members can also request to sign up for classes via the Member Portal. Scan this QR code to learn more about KFHC HE classes and rewards programs. It includes the calendar of classes. What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria enter the system that carries pee through the body. Symptoms may include: ● Pain or burning while peeing. ● Feeling the need to pee with an empty bladder. ● Lower back or side pain. You can help stop UTIs by: ● Peeing after sex. ● Staying well hydrated. ● Taking showers instead of baths. ● Wiping front to back. UTIs are more common in females. Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of a UTI. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
FAMILY HEALTH 4 Care after hours Did you know that Kern Family Health Care has an Advice Nurse Line? You can call and speak to an advice nurse to help you decide what to do when you or someone in your family get sick or hurt. Our advice nurses can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can answer health care questions when you can’t reach your doctor. To speak with an advice nurse, call us at 800-391-2000, option 2. Kern Family Health Care has standards so that you receive timely access to care. The amount of time you should have to wait when scheduling your appointments with your doctor and other health professionals are to the right. If you have to wait longer than these appropriate wait times when scheduling an appointment, please give us a call at 661-632-1590 (Bakersfield) or 800-391-2000 (outside of Bakersfield), and we will help you schedule a more timely appointment. *Health care providers can be flexible in making appointments if a longer waiting time is not harmful to the member’s health. It must be noted in the member’s record that a longer waiting time will not be harmful to the member. TYPE OF MEDICAL APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT WAIT TIMES Routine doctor visits and follow-ups 10 business days* Specialists 15 business days* Mental health 10 business days* Urgent appointments for services that do not require prior authorization Within 48 hours* Urgent appointments for services that require prior authorization Within 96 hours* Ancillary services such as x-rays, lab tests and physical therapy 15 business days* Telephone wait times during normal business hours 10 minutes Triage – 24/7 services 24/7 services—no more than 30 minutes Initial prenatal care 10 business days Timely access to care
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 HEALTH Why Pap and HPV tests are important Have you been putting off your cervical cancer screening? That is understandable. But keeping up with these tests is worth your time. They can save your life. That is true even if you: ● Are not sexually active. ● Have had HPV vaccines. ● Have reached menopause. In fact, it is still possible to get cervical cancer even if these things are true for you. Getting tested helps to find cancer when it is more treatable. The screening tests for cervical cancer are the HPV test and Pap test. Pre-cancer changes can be found on the Pap test. The HPV test looks for infections that are more likely to cause cervical cancer. Most people should start testing at age 21. If you are 65 or older, ask your provider if you still need testing. Together with your doctor, you can determine what’s right for you. Call your doctor or KFHC today to schedule your screening! Sources: cancer.org; cdc.gov What you need to know about breast health Breasts change a lot over a lifetime. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, your period, weight changes and aging can contribute. Healthy breasts have milk systems and immune lymph nodes, which means some lumpiness is natural. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but any new bumps or changes in the skin or nipple should be examined by your doctor. One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But it is very treatable when detected early. Mammograms are the most common way to find breast cancer early, even before it can be felt. These are x-rays that look at the tissue by gently flattening the breast between two plates. By being proactive with your own health, you inspire others and can show up for your loved ones. Call your doctor or KFHC to schedule a mammogram today! Sources: cancer.org; nationalbreastcancer.org MEMBER REWARDS HAVE INCREASED! Check to see if you qualify for any of the rewards. For complete information on our rewards, check out kernfamilyhealthcare.com. 5
FAMILY HEALTH 6 Q Feeling down after having a baby? Having a baby can be such a happy time. But it’s also not unusual to feel a bit down or sad after giving birth. Those feelings are called baby blues. They usually go away in 1 or 2 weeks. Sometimes the feelings get more intense and last longer. When this happens, it’s called postpartum depression. Moms may: ● Feel really sad or anxious. ● Cry a lot. ● Not eat enough. ● Not be able to do things like take care of their baby. If you feel depressed or anxious, talk to your doctor. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can feel better. Bania Parra, BA, Health Education Specialist Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Pregnancy Association Q What is maternal mental health? Mental health is the well-being of how you think, feel and behave. It helps decide how you handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life. New and expecting mothers face different changes in their life. They face changes in their bodies, hormones and a new lifestyle. Maternal mental health issues usually happen during and after pregnancy. Three in four women are struggling with a mental health condition. You are not alone. Ask for help. Your doctor can suggest many ways to better your health and wellness. KFHC offers mental health services at no cost to our members. Nayeli Curiel, MSHCA, Health Education Specialist Sources: American Psychological Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Mental Health America; National Institutes of Health Q Surprise pregnancy? We’re here for you! Not all pregnancies are planned. If yours catches you by surprise, you may worry about all the changes it will bring to your life. First things first Reach out to a doctor as soon as you think you’re pregnant. They will do a pregnancy test. If a baby is on the way, start your prenatal visits soon! It’s the best for you and your baby. Keep in mind that KFHC can help you find a doctor, get a ride to the doctor and learn about services that can assist you in this journey. You come first Keep yourself healthy, physically and mentally. Both are vital for a safe pregnancy. Flor Del Hoyo Galvan, MPH Health Education Supervisor Health Education Corner
FAMILY HEALTH Domestic abuse Look out for these signs Abuse is never the victim’s fault. Domestic abuse is not always easy to spot. It happens when a person in a relationship tries to gain power and control over the other. Domestic abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional. It can also involve money or threats. People of all ages and backgrounds can be victims, including pregnant people. Abusers can: ● Yell or put their partner down (belittle them). ● Keep their partner from seeing friends or family. ● Limit their partner’s reach to money, the internet, phone or car. ● Blame their partner for their own outbursts. Abuse impacts witnesses too. Children who grow up as a witness are affected by this crime. HELP IS AVAILABLE. If you or a loved one is in an abusive relationship, talk to someone. If you don’t know who to turn to, call the Alliance 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 800-273-7713. Member language services KFHC gives easy reach to interpreter services at no cost to you, 24/7. 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 doctor visit. Call us at 800-391-2000 (or TDD/TTY: 711 if you are hearing-impaired). You can also check the Provider Directory to find the languages spoken by our doctors 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 (OPI) who speak more than 200 languages. ● American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. ● On-site, in-person interpreters who speak more than 140 languages (face-to-face). ● Video remote interpreting (VRI). ● After-hours interpreting. ● Alternative formats. Call us before your next visit if you need us to arrange for an interpreter. 7
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 Twitter at twitter.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 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Nicotine withdrawal Trying to quit smoking feels different for each person, but almost everyone will have some symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. When you stop, your body and brain must get used to not having nicotine. This can be uncomfortable, but nicotine withdrawal can’t hurt you—unless you give in and have a cigarette! 7 common nicotine withdrawal symptoms 1. Having urges or cravings to smoke. 2. Feeling irritated, grouchy or upset. 3. Feeling jumpy and restless. 4. Having a hard time concentrating. 5. Having trouble sleeping. 6. Feeling hungrier or gaining weight. 7. Feeling anxious, sad or depressed. Over time, withdrawal symptoms will fade, as long as you stay smoke-free. We can help you navigate the urges to want to smoke with our Fresh Start program. You will learn ways to quit for good in our group-setting classes. Be ready to make the Fresh Start to fresh air. Call 800-391-2000. PLUS, you will get rewarded with up to $300 in gift cards when you join our online classes. Ask for the Health Education Team. What are dyadic care services? Dyadic care services are family- and caregiver-focused care for children 0 to 20 years of age and their families. Dyadic care is meant to look at the stages in growth and learning such as: ● Sitting. ● Standing. ● Talking. ● How a person acts. ● And walking by a certain age. Dyadic care gives tools to treat a child’s stages of growth and mental health problems as soon as they are found. They are called “dyadic” because the parent or caregiver and the child are cared for together as a pair, or “dyad.” Dyadic care aims to stop a sickness before it starts for children, help child immunization rates and increase steps to handle a person’s health care. Dyadic care also helps a child’s health and safety by teaching parenting skills and helps the mental health care of parents.
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