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Taking care of your health: A guide for men

singhe — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:15:11 +0000

What Every Man Should Know About His Health

Did you know that about 1 in 7 men in the U.S. say their health is only fair or poor? You do not have to be one of them.

The truth is that many men wait too long to see a doctor. Some go years without a checkup. And by the time something feels wrong, it has often been building for a while.

The good news? Small steps can make a big difference.

Why checkups matter

You do not have to feel sick to see a doctor. That is actually the point of a checkup, to catch things before they become a problem.

A regular checkup can help find:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Signs of heart disease
Mental health concerns

Many of these conditions have no symptoms at first. A simple checkup can catch them early, when they are easier to manage.

What happens at a checkup?

A basic checkup usually includes:

A review of how you have been feeling
Blood pressure, height, and weight check
Blood work to check cholesterol and blood sugar
Cancer screenings based on your age, like colon and prostate cancer checks
A review of any vaccines you may be due for
A conversation about your lifestyle and any concerns you have

It does not take long. And it gives you and your doctor a clear picture of where your health stands.

Simple things you can do right now

You do not have to change everything at once. Start with one or two of these:

Schedule a checkup. If you have not seen a doctor in over a year, now is the perfect time.
Move a little more. Even a short walk every day helps your heart and your mood. Your phone or watch can help you track your steps.
Watch what you drink. Cutting back on sugary drinks and alcohol makes a real difference.
Talk about how you feel. Mental health is part of your health. It is okay to ask for help.
Get enough sleep. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours a night.

You do not have to do this alone

��ý is here to help you take care of your health. Not just when something goes wrong, but every step of the way.

If you are not sure where to start, talking to your doctor is the best first step.

Need help finding a doctor?

If you do not have a doctor or need help finding one, we are here to help. Call us today. Or :

CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)

STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)

Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)

Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)

Quick Resources

The post Taking care of your health: A guide for men appeared first on ��ý.

��ý Supports New Spanish-Language Platform in Houston

jwise — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:55:14 +0000

��ý Supports New Spanish-Language Platform in Houston

��ý is proud to support efforts that bring trusted, relevant information to the diverse communities we serve.

The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC) has launched a new Spanish-language program on Telemundo Houston, “Conversaciones con Dra. Laura Murillo”. The show will share stories, leadership insights, and helpful information for Hispanic families across our city.

This work is closely connected to ��ý through the leadership of our President and CEO, Lisa Wright.

Lisa serves on HHCC’s Board of Directors, helping guide efforts that strengthen the Hispanic community in Houston. Through her role, ��ý stays aligned with initiatives that expand access and create more opportunities for the people we serve.

This new program reflects a real need we see every day.

Many families face challenges finding clear, reliable information about their health. Language barriers and limited access can make it harder to understand care and available resources.

“Conversaciones con Dra. Laura Murillo” helps close that gap by bringing culturally relevant information directly to the community in Spanish, in a way that is easy to understand and part of everyday life.

At ��ý, this is the work that drives us. As a local, nonprofit health plan, we are committed to helping our members stay informed, supported, and confident in their care.

Through strong leadership and partnerships, we continue to support efforts that make information more accessible and help people take control of their health.

The post ��ý Supports New Spanish-Language Platform in Houston appeared first on ��ý.

��ý Partners with Blueberry Pediatrics

jwise — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:07:41 +0000

��ý Partners with Blueberry Pediatrics to Bring 24/7 Virtual Pediatric Care to Medicaid Families across southeast Texas

New collaboration brings enhanced pediatric care and the tools to diagnose and treat children from home

��ý, a local nonprofit managed care organization serving more than 454,000 members, and Blueberry Pediatrics announced a partnership to offer 24/7 virtual pediatric care to ��ý Medicaid members and their families.

��ý serves a large and diverse Medicaid population across southeast Texas, where families often face persistent barriers to timely care, including scheduling delays, long wait times, and limited after-hours availability. As a result, many families rely on urgent care or the emergency room for conditions that could be treated in more convenient, lower-cost settings.

To address this gap, ��ý is expanding pediatric care beyond traditional clinical settings and into the home through a new collaboration with Blueberry Pediatrics.

Blueberry Pediatrics provides 24/7 virtual care with board-certified pediatricians through secure messaging, video, and audio visits available in English and Spanish. The service is supported by in-home diagnostic tools that enable real clinical assessment from home. Every enrolled family receives a Blueberry medical kit, which includes a digital otoscope (earscope), pulse oximeter, and thermometer. These tools allow physicians to safely diagnose and treat a wide range of common childhood illnesses without requiring an in-person visit. Together, this combination of virtual care and at-home diagnostics helps families access pediatric care by giving them a convenient, cost-effective alternative to urgent care or emergency room visits.

“��ý is committed to improving access to care for the families we serve across Southeast Texas,” said Darrin Johnson, Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer at ��ý. “Our partnership with Blueberry Pediatrics expands our ability to deliver timely, high-quality pediatric care in a way that is convenient, accessible, and responsive to the real needs of our Members.”

By addressing the gap between when children get sick and when care is available, the Blueberry model helps reduce avoidable emergency department utilization and lower costs while improving the overall experience for families. Instead of waiting days for an appointment or rearranging schedules and missing work, parents can connect with a pediatrician immediately and get answers in real time.

“Too often, families are forced into high-cost settings simply because they can’t access care at the right time,” said Rich Berner, Chief Executive Officer of Blueberry Pediatrics. “We are privileged to be working with ��ý to change that by giving families in southeast Texas immediate access to pediatricians who can diagnose and treat a sick child in real time, from home. This, in turn, reduces costs for the plan in reduced ED use.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access, reducing avoidable costs, and delivering high-quality care for Medicaid families across Texas.

Eligible ��ý members with children up to 19 years old residing outside of Harris County will have access to Blueberry as part of their benefits during the initial rollout phase.

About ��ý

��ý (��ý) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) managed care organization licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance, serving the local community. Established in 1997 and based in Houston, Texas, ��ý provides affordable and no-cost health insurance plans for Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Plans (CHIP), STAR+PLUS Texas Medicaid for adults age 65 or older or adults with disabilities, Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) for eligible individuals who have both Medicare and Medicaid, and the Health Insurance Marketplace, to more than 454,000 residents of Texas. Committed to its mission, ��ý aims to improve the health and well-being of underserved Texans by opening doors to coordinated, high-quality, affordable health care and health-related social services. ��ý is URAC and NCQA accredited. For further information, visit ��ýHealthChoice.org.

About Blueberry Pediatrics

Blueberry Pediatrics provides 24/7 virtual pediatric care delivered by board-certified pediatricians using in-home diagnostic tools that enable real clinical assessment from anywhere. Blueberry partners with health plans to expand access, reduce avoidable emergency department utilization, lower costs, and improve health outcomes for children and their families.

The post ��ý Partners with Blueberry Pediatrics appeared first on ��ý.

Healthy Texan Week Recipes and Tips

jwise — Mon, 04 May 2026 19:05:04 +0000

Are you a CHIP or STAR (Medicaid) ��ý Member? This article is for our Marketplace and Medicare D-SNP Members. We have resources dedicated especially for you on The Sun.

Healthy Texan Week 2026: Easy, Affordable Ways to Eat Well All Week

Healthy Texan Week is about making small, realistic changes that fit your life. You do not need complicated recipes or expensive ingredients to eat well. Adding fruits and vegetables, making simple swaps, and staying active can help support your health over time.

Start with one small change today. It all adds up.

Healthy Texan Week is a great time to focus on simple habits that support your health. Eating well does not have to be expensive or complicated. Small changes, like adding more fruits and vegetables, choosing simple meals, and moving a little more each day, can make a real difference over time.

If you are not sure where to start, try adding one fruit or vegetable to each meal, using ingredients you already have at home, and choosing options that fit your budget like frozen or canned produce. Healthy choices should feel realistic for your daily life.

This week, we are sharing easy, affordable recipes for each day, along with simple tips to help you build healthy habits that last.

________________________________________

May 4 – Veggie Street Tacos with Fresh Salsa

Celebrate the start of the week with a colorful and simple meal.

Tip of the Day: Add one extra vegetable to your meal today. Even small changes, like adding peppers, onions, or tomatoes, can help you eat more balanced meals.

Ingredients:

Corn tortillas

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 zucchini, diced

1/2 onion, sliced

1 tomato, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Olive oil or spray for pan

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix the bell pepper, zucchini, and onion. Add a little salt and pepper.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with oil.

Add the veggies to the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes, until tender.

While veggies are cooking, warm your tortillas in another pan or in the microwave.

Once the veggies are ready, spoon them into the warm tortillas.

In a small bowl, mix the chopped tomato and lime juice. Spoon over the tacos as a quick salsa.

Recipe Tip: You can add taco seasoning to the veggies while they cook for extra flavor. Want more protein? Add black beans or shredded chicken if you have them on hand!

________________________________________

May 5 – Easy Veggie-Packed Quesadillas

A great way to use what you already have at home.

Tip of the Day: Build meals around what is in your kitchen. Using simple ingredients helps keep meals affordable and reduces waste.

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded cheese

Whole wheat tortillas

1/2 cup spinach or kale (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped (can be replaced with any veggies you have on hand)

Olive oil or spray for pan

Instructions:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with oil.

Place one tortilla in the pan.

Sprinkle cheese, spinach (or kale), and mushrooms evenly on top.

Place the second tortilla on top to make a sandwich.

Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown.

Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and cut into triangles.

Recipe Tip: Cook until the veggies are soft and the cheese is melted. Serve with salsa or plain Greek yogurt for a healthy dip.

________________________________________

May 6 – Summer Berry Yogurt Parfait

Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Tip of the Day: Swap sugary snacks for fruit and yogurt when you can. It is a simple way to make a healthier choice without changing your routine too much.

Ingredients:

1 cup low-fat yogurt

1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup blueberries

1/4 cup low-sugar granola or crushed whole grain cereal

Instructions:

In a cup or small bowl, add a spoonful of yogurt.

Add a layer of strawberries and blueberries.

Sprinkle a little granola or crushed cereal on top.

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Optional: Drizzle a little honey on top.

Recipe Tip: Let kids help layer the ingredients—it’s fun, hands-on, and encourages healthy eating!

________________________________________

May 7 – Homemade Dehydrated Fruit Snack

A naturally sweet treat for the whole family.

Tip of the Day: Make healthy food fun, especially for kids. Let them help prepare snacks or build their own meals to encourage better habits.

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh strawberries

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 200°F.

Wash the strawberries and remove the leafy tops.

Cut strawberries in half.

Place the strawberries cut-side up on a baking tray. Leave space between them.

Sprinkle with a small pinch of salt.

Lower oven to “Keep Warm” setting if your oven has it.

Place the tray in the oven. Bake for 3 hours total.

After 1.5 hours, flip the strawberries over.

Every 30 minutes, open the oven door for a few seconds to let heat and moisture out.

After 3 hours, remove strawberries and let them cool on a wire rack.

Recipe Tip: Cook them low and slow—don’t rush or overcrowd the tray. This helps them dry out instead of getting sticky or burnt. Opening the oven a little every half hour helps them dry evenly.

________________________________________

May 8 – Build-Your-Own Veggie Pizza

A fun way to get the whole family involved.

Tip of the Day: Let everyone build their own plate. This can help encourage trying new foods and make mealtime more enjoyable.

Ingredients:

Whole grain pita or flatbread

Tomato sauce

Shredded mozzarella cheese

Chopped veggies (like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, olives)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Place pitas on a baking tray.

Spread tomato sauce on each pita.

Sprinkle with cheese.

Let each person add their favorite veggies.

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Recipe Tip: Chop veggies into small pieces so they cook faster and are easier for kids to add to their own pizza.

________________________________________

May 9 – Summer Salad Bar

Simple, flexible, and great for using leftovers.

Tip of the Day: Use what you already have. Leftovers and simple ingredients can turn into a healthy meal without extra cost.

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped lettuce or spinach

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cucumber, sliced

1/4 cup shredded cheese

1/2 cup cooked beans or a boiled egg

Light vinaigrette or your favorite dressing

Instructions:

Place each ingredient in its own small bowl or section on a tray.

Let everyone build their own salad using the toppings they like.

Add dressing on top and enjoy as a meal or side dish.

Recipe Tip: Add a protein like chicken or sunflower seeds to help make your salad more filling.

________________________________________

May 10 – Fresh Fruit & Yogurt Brunch Board

A beautiful and healthy way to celebrate the moms in your life.

Tip of the Day: Healthy habits can include more than food. Take time to move your body, go for a walk, or take your mom on a walk to celebrate Mother’s Day and spend time together.

Ingredients:

1 cup grapes or berries

1 banana, sliced

1 apple or pear, sliced

1 cup low-fat yogurt

1/4 cup granola

Optional: whole grain crackers or mini muffins

Instructions:

Arrange all the fruit slices neatly on a large tray or plate.

Place the bowl of yogurt in the center.

Sprinkle granola over the yogurt or serve on the side.

Add optional crackers or muffins for variety.

Let everyone build their own plate!

Recipe Tip: Use a big plate or cutting board to make it feel special. It’s simple, affordable, and perfect for a meaningful breakfast or snack with family.

________________________________________

Celebrate Healthy Texan Week Your Way

Start with one small change today. It all adds up.

The post Healthy Texan Week Recipes and Tips appeared first on ��ý.

Healthy Texan Week Recipes and Tips

jwise — Mon, 04 May 2026 17:51:23 +0000

Healthy Texan Week 2026: Easy, Affordable Ways to Eat Well All Week

Start with one small change today. It all adds up.

This week, we are sharing easy, affordable recipes for each day, along with simple tips to help you build healthy habits that last.

________________________________________

May 4 – Veggie Street Tacos with Fresh Salsa

Celebrate the start of the week with a colorful and simple meal.

Tip of the Day: Add one extra vegetable to your meal today. Even small changes, like adding peppers, onions, or tomatoes, can help you eat more balanced meals.

Ingredients:

Corn tortillas

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 zucchini, diced

1/2 onion, sliced

1 tomato, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Olive oil or spray for pan

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix the bell pepper, zucchini, and onion. Add a little salt and pepper.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with oil.

Add the veggies to the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes, until tender.

While veggies are cooking, warm your tortillas in another pan or in the microwave.

Once the veggies are ready, spoon them into the warm tortillas.

In a small bowl, mix the chopped tomato and lime juice. Spoon over the tacos as a quick salsa.

Recipe Tip: You can add taco seasoning to the veggies while they cook for extra flavor. Want more protein? Add black beans or shredded chicken if you have them on hand!

________________________________________

May 5 – Easy Veggie-Packed Quesadillas

A great way to use what you already have at home.

Tip of the Day: Build meals around what is in your kitchen. Using simple ingredients helps keep meals affordable and reduces waste.

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded cheese

Whole wheat tortillas

1/2 cup spinach or kale (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped (can be replaced with any veggies you have on hand)

Olive oil or spray for pan

Instructions:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with oil.

Place one tortilla in the pan.

Sprinkle cheese, spinach (or kale), and mushrooms evenly on top.

Place the second tortilla on top to make a sandwich.

Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown.

Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and cut into triangles.

Recipe Tip: Cook until the veggies are soft and the cheese is melted. Serve with salsa or plain Greek yogurt for a healthy dip.

________________________________________

May 6 – Summer Berry Yogurt Parfait

Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Tip of the Day: Swap sugary snacks for fruit and yogurt when you can. It is a simple way to make a healthier choice without changing your routine too much.

Ingredients:

1 cup low-fat yogurt

1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup blueberries

1/4 cup low-sugar granola or crushed whole grain cereal

Instructions:

In a cup or small bowl, add a spoonful of yogurt.

Add a layer of strawberries and blueberries.

Sprinkle a little granola or crushed cereal on top.

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Optional: Drizzle a little honey on top.

Recipe Tip: Let kids help layer the ingredients—it’s fun, hands-on, and encourages healthy eating!

________________________________________

May 7 – Homemade Dehydrated Fruit Snack

A naturally sweet treat for the whole family.

Tip of the Day: Make healthy food fun, especially for kids. Let them help prepare snacks or build their own meals to encourage better habits.

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh strawberries

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 200°F.

Wash the strawberries and remove the leafy tops.

Cut strawberries in half.

Place the strawberries cut-side up on a baking tray. Leave space between them.

Sprinkle with a small pinch of salt.

Lower oven to “Keep Warm” setting if your oven has it.

Place the tray in the oven. Bake for 3 hours total.

After 1.5 hours, flip the strawberries over.

Every 30 minutes, open the oven door for a few seconds to let heat and moisture out.

After 3 hours, remove strawberries and let them cool on a wire rack.

Recipe Tip: Cook them low and slow—don’t rush or overcrowd the tray. This helps them dry out instead of getting sticky or burnt. Opening the oven a little every half hour helps them dry evenly.

________________________________________

May 8 – Build-Your-Own Veggie Pizza

A fun way to get the whole family involved.

Tip of the Day: Let everyone build their own plate. This can help encourage trying new foods and make mealtime more enjoyable.

Ingredients:

Whole grain pita or flatbread

Tomato sauce

Shredded mozzarella cheese

Chopped veggies (like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, olives)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Place pitas on a baking tray.

Spread tomato sauce on each pita.

Sprinkle with cheese.

Let each person add their favorite veggies.

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Recipe Tip: Chop veggies into small pieces so they cook faster and are easier for kids to add to their own pizza.

________________________________________

May 9 – Summer Salad Bar

Simple, flexible, and great for using leftovers.

Tip of the Day: Use what you already have. Leftovers and simple ingredients can turn into a healthy meal without extra cost.

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped lettuce or spinach

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cucumber, sliced

1/4 cup shredded cheese

1/2 cup cooked beans or a boiled egg

Light vinaigrette or your favorite dressing

Instructions:

Place each ingredient in its own small bowl or section on a tray.

Let everyone build their own salad using the toppings they like.

Add dressing on top and enjoy as a meal or side dish.

Recipe Tip: Add a protein like chicken or sunflower seeds to help make your salad more filling.

________________________________________

May 10 – Fresh Fruit & Yogurt Brunch Board

A beautiful and healthy way to celebrate the moms in your life.

Tip of the Day: Healthy habits can include more than food. Take time to move your body, go for a walk, or take your mom on a walk to celebrate Mother’s Day and spend time together.

Ingredients:

1 cup grapes or berries

1 banana, sliced

1 apple or pear, sliced

1 cup low-fat yogurt

1/4 cup granola

Optional: whole grain crackers or mini muffins

Instructions:

Arrange all the fruit slices neatly on a large tray or plate.

Place the bowl of yogurt in the center.

Sprinkle granola over the yogurt or serve on the side.

Add optional crackers or muffins for variety.

Let everyone build their own plate!

Recipe Tip: Use a big plate or cutting board to make it feel special. It’s simple, affordable, and perfect for a meaningful breakfast or snack with family.

________________________________________

Celebrate Healthy Texan Week Your Way

Start with one small change today. It all adds up.

Quick Resources

The post Healthy Texan Week Recipes and Tips appeared first on ��ý.

What do you know about Parkinson’s disease?

jwise — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:06:26 +0000

Are you a CHIP or STAR (Medicaid) ��ý Member? This article is for our Marketplace and Medicare D-SNP Members. We have resources dedicated especially for you on The Sun.

What do you know about Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder. It affects how a person moves. Each person may have different symptoms. The changes often happen slowly over time. Finding it early can help people manage it better.

If you think you or a loved one may have Parkinson’s, here are some early signs to watch for.

Five common movement signs

Shaking in your finger, thumb, hand, or chin while resting
Moving more slowly than usual
Swinging your arms differently
Stiff arms or legs that don’t loosen up
Smaller handwriting

Other possible signs

Feeling sad or worried
Not wanting to be around others
Feeling dizzy when you stand up
Losing your sense of smell
Trouble sleeping

Parkinson’s disease can be hard to diagnose.

Having one or more of these signs doesn’t mean you have Parkinson’s. There is no single test for it. Your doctor will look at many things. This may include a physical exam, your medical history, and your symptoms.

Good news: Help is easy to find.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be scary. But there are many ways to manage the disease. You can do a lot to feel better and enjoy life. We can help you find doctors, specialists, and local support.

Exercise.

Staying active is a great way to stay strong and improve your balance.

Eat well.

A healthy diet helps you feel, move, and live better.

Join a group.

Connect with others who understand what you’re going through

Keep your doctor up to date.

Regular follow-ups can help manage changes quickly.

Take the first step.

If you are worried, don’t wait. Getting help early can make a big difference. Talk to a doctor and get answers.

Need help finding a doctor?

If you don’t have a doctor or need help finding one, we’re here to help. Call us today.

CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)

STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)

Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)

Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)

More resources

You can learn more here:

The post What do you know about Parkinson’s disease? appeared first on ��ý.

What do you know about Parkinson’s disease?

jwise — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:03:12 +0000

What do you know about Parkinson’s disease?

If you think you or a loved one may have Parkinson’s, here are some early signs to watch for.

Five common movement signs

Shaking in your finger, thumb, hand, or chin while resting
Moving more slowly than usual
Swinging your arms differently
Stiff arms or legs that don’t loosen up
Smaller handwriting

Other possible signs

Feeling sad or worried
Not wanting to be around others
Feeling dizzy when you stand up
Losing your sense of smell
Trouble sleeping

Parkinson’s disease can be hard to diagnose.

Good news: Help is easy to find.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be scary. But there are many ways to manage the disease. You can do a lot to feel better and enjoy life. We can help you find doctors, specialists, and local support.

Exercise.

Staying active is a great way to stay strong and improve your balance.

Eat well.

A healthy diet helps you feel, move, and live better.

Join a group.

Connect with others who understand what you’re going through

Keep your doctor up to date.

Regular follow-ups can help manage changes quickly.

Take the first step.

If you are worried, don’t wait. Getting help early can make a big difference. Talk to a doctor and get answers.

Need help finding a doctor?

If you don’t have a doctor or need help finding one, we’re here to help. Call us today.

CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)

STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)

Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)

Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)

More resources

You can learn more here:

Quick Resources

The post What do you know about Parkinson’s disease? appeared first on ��ý.

Autism: What it is. What it isn’t.

jwise — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:54:01 +0000

Are you a CHIP or STAR (Medicaid) ��ý Member? This article is for our Marketplace and Medicare D-SNP Members. We have resources dedicated especially for you on The Sun.

Autism: What it is. What it isn’t.

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a difference in how the brain works. It can affect how a child talks, plays, learns, and connects with others.

Autism is called a “spectrum” because each child is different. Some children need more help. Others need less.

According to the CDC:

An average of 1 in every 31 (3.2%) 8-year-old children were estimated to have ASD in 2022.
ASD is 3.4 times as prevalent among boys (4.9%) as among girls (1.4%).
ASD is reported to occur in all racial and ethnic groups.

Autisim is not:

A learning disability
Caused by vaccines
Caused by bad parenting
A mental health illness

What you may notice

Autism starts early in life. A child with autism may:

Talk later than other children, or not talk yet
Have trouble going back and forth in a conversation
Avoid eye contact or play alone
Repeat actions, like rocking or lining up toys
Be very sensitive to sound, light, or touch

What you should know

Autism is not caused by bad parenting. It’s not something a child will grow out of. It’s not something to fix.

Children with autism can learn and grow. They just learn in their own way.

Signs to watch for

You know your child best. Talk to your child’s doctor if your child:

Does not respond to their name by 12 months
Does not use words by 16 to 18 months
Loses skills they once had
Avoids eye contact or social play
Gets very upset when things change

What to do next

If you have concerns, don’t wait. Early help can make a big difference.

Talk to your child’s doctor.

Ask for a simple check of your child’s growth and behavior.

Ask for a full check.

In Texas, children under age 3 can get a free check through Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). For older children, your public school can help with testing and support.

Start help early.

This may include speech help, daily skill help, or behavior support. These services help build skills and confidence.

Helping your child thrive

Focus on your child’s strengths. Keep routines simple. Use calm, clear words. Celebrate small steps. Most of all, remember this: your child is not broken. Autism is part of who they are. With the right help, children with autism can learn, connect, and live happy lives.

Need Help Finding a Doctor?
If you do not have a doctor or you need help finding one, we are here to help. Call us today.

• CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)
• STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)
• Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)
• Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)

More Resources:

You can find more help and information here:

The post Autism: What it is. What it isn’t. appeared first on ��ý.

Autism: What it is. What it isn’t.

jwise — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:40:06 +0000

Autism: What it is. What it isn’t.

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a difference in how the brain works. It can affect how a child talks, plays, learns, and connects with others.

Autism is called a “spectrum” because each child is different. Some children need more help. Others need less.

According to the CDC:

An average of 1 in every 31 (3.2%) 8-year-old children were estimated to have ASD in 2022.
ASD is 3.4 times as prevalent among boys (4.9%) as among girls (1.4%).
ASD is reported to occur in all racial and ethnic groups.

Autisim is not:

A learning disability
Caused by vaccines
Caused by bad parenting
A mental health illness

What you may notice

Autism starts early in life. A child with autism may:

Talk later than other children, or not talk yet
Have trouble going back and forth in a conversation
Avoid eye contact or play alone
Repeat actions, like rocking or lining up toys
Be very sensitive to sound, light, or touch

What you should know

Autism is not caused by bad parenting. It’s not something a child will grow out of. It’s not something to fix.

Children with autism can learn and grow. They just learn in their own way.

Signs to watch for

You know your child best. Talk to your child’s doctor if your child:

Does not respond to their name by 12 months
Does not use words by 16 to 18 months
Loses skills they once had
Avoids eye contact or social play
Gets very upset when things change

What to do next

If you have concerns, don’t wait. Early help can make a big difference.

Talk to your child’s doctor.

Ask for a simple check of your child’s growth and behavior.

Ask for a full check.

In Texas, children under age 3 can get a free check through Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). For older children, your public school can help with testing and support.

Start help early.

This may include speech help, daily skill help, or behavior support. These services help build skills and confidence.

Helping your child thrive

More Resources:

You can find more help and information here:

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What Is a Colonoscopy? Why Colon Cancer Screening Matters

jwise — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:59:51 +0000

What Is a Colonoscopy? Why Colon Cancer Screening Matters

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers. But it is also one of the most preventable.

Screening can help doctors find problems early before cancer starts or spreads.

One common screening test is called a colonoscopy.

This test lets doctors check the colon for growths that can turn into cancer. Finding and removing these growths can help keep you healthy.

What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy lets a doctor look inside your colon. The doctor uses a small camera on a flexible tube to check for

Polyps (small growths)
Irritation or swelling
Signs of cancer

Some polyps can turn into cancer over time. Doctors can remove them during the test to help prevent colon cancer.

Who Should Get Colon Cancer Screening
Most people should begin screening around age 45. Your doctor may ask you to get screened before 45 if you:

Have a family history of colon cancer.
Have certain digestive conditions.
Have had colon polyps before.

Talk to your doctor to decide what when you should get screened.

What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
Many people can feel nervous about the test. But screening is common and safe. During a colonoscopy:

You receive medicine to help you relax.
Most people feel little or no pain.
The test usually takes less than 1 hour.

Your doctor will tell you what you need to do before getting tested.

Signs to Talk With Your Doctor About
Some symptoms should be checked by a doctor. Talk with your doctor if you have:

Blood in your stool
Stomach pain that will not go away
Unexplained weight loss
Changes in bowel habits

These symptoms do not always mean cancer. But you should still talk to your doctor if experience any of these symptoms.

Screening Saves Lives
Colon cancer often develops slowly. Screening helps doctors find problems early. Early treatment can lead to better health outcomes.

If you are age 45 or older, talk with your doctor about screening.

• CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)
• STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)
• Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)
• Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)

Quick Resources

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