SPRING 2026 Kern Legacy Health Plans Say goodbye to spring allergies You may love to see pretty flowers bloom in spring, but they can be a problem when you have allergies. Sometimes called hay fever, seasonal allergies are typically triggered by pollen. That pollen tends to come from trees and flowers, in the case of spring allergies. (Grass and weed pollens can be culprits in summer and fall.) When you are allergic to pollen, your immune system overreacts, triggering allergy symptoms. So how can you tell if you might have spring allergies? This time of year, you may start to notice symptoms such as: ● Sneezing. ● Runny or stuffy nose. ● Red, watery eyes. ● Itchy nose, eyes or mouth. Finding relief from allergies You don’t have to put up with spring allergies that are making you miserable. See a doctor if you have allergy symptoms. A doctor can use skin or blood tests to help pinpoint your specific allergy triggers, as well as create a treatment plan for you that may include: Taking allergy medicine as directed. A doctor may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medicines, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays, decongestants or antihistamines, to help relieve or prevent your symptoms. Avoiding allergy triggers. While it may not be possible to avoid pollen entirely, try to reduce your exposure to it as much as possible. For example: ● Check pollen forecasts before heading out. Try to plan your outdoor activities to avoid being outside when pollen counts are high. ● Keep your windows closed when a lot of pollen is in the air. ● Wear a mask and cover your hair if you must go outside during pollen season. ● Shower and change your clothes after being outside. Consider immunotherapy (allergy shots) If other treatments don’t work, allergy shots may help. The shots help your body gradually get used to an allergen so that you may have fewer and less severe symptoms over time. Get expert help with allergies If you don’t currently have a doctor to help treat your allergies, we can connect you to one. Call the phone number on the back of your ID card or visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com to find a contracted provider. Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America; National Institutes of Health Need an allergist? An allergist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats allergies, asthma and immune system disorders. They identify triggers like pollen, food or medications and provide treatments such as medication, lifestyle changes or allergy shots. Visit your Kern Legacy provider directory for a list of contracted providers at www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com.
Know the signs of a stroke Stroke symptoms come on suddenly, and every minute counts. Know the signs and immediately call 911 to get emergency medical treatment to help prevent disability or even death. What is a stroke? A stroke happens when oxygen-filled blood can’t reach parts of your brain due to a clot, narrowed blood vessels or a burst blood vessel that leaks blood into and around the brain. Strokes kill roughly 2 million brain cells during every minute of a stroke. Strokes can cause death, or they may cause paralysis and weakness, usually on one side of the body, along with problems with thinking, speech, memory, learning and more. Common stroke signs and symptoms Here’s what to watch for: ● Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg— particularly if it’s just on one side of the body. ● Sudden trouble speaking, difficulty understanding speech or confusion. ● Sudden problems seeing with one or both eyes, including vision loss, double vision, loss of peripheral vision or eyes that drift to one side. ● Sudden drowsiness. ● Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, difficulty walking, or falling. ● Sudden nausea or vomiting. Stroke symptoms can last for a few minutes or hours. Even if the symptoms don’t last long, call for help. These short-lived “warning strokes” could be followed by a major stroke within hours or days. Remember to act F.A.S.T. and B.E. F.A.S.T. To help remember the most common signs of a stroke, use these acronyms: F.A.S.T. F = Face drooping. When smiling, does one side of the face droop? A = Arm weakness. When raising both arms, does one arm drift downward? S = Speech difficulty. When repeating a simple phrase, is the speech slurred, slow or strange? T = Time to call 911. If you see any of these signs, call for emergency help right away. B.E. F.A.S.T. Some experts add the acronym “B.E.” before “F.A.S.T.” to remember these additional signs: B = Balance loss. Has the person fallen because they’ve lost their balance? E = Eyesight change. Have they lost vision, or do they have other vision problems? Don’t drive: Call 911 Don’t drive yourself or someone else to the hospital if you suspect a stroke. An emergency medical team can arrive faster and immediately begin lifesaving treatment. Plus, the team can alert the hospital so they can be prepared. Every minute counts. Spot a stroke F.A.S.T. to save a life and prevent long-term problems. Sources: AARP; American College of Emergency Physicians; American Stroke Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute on Aging Make an appointment If you are not experiencing an emergency but would like to speak with a provider about health concerns, call the phone number on the back of your ID card or visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com to find a contracted provider on your Kern Legacy Health Plan.
Diabetes and your eyes Watching birds flit through the trees, spotting friends at a party, reading a restaurant menu— you use your eyes for all kinds of things. It’s sometimes easy to take your sight for granted. But with diabetes, there are no guarantees, especially when it comes to your vision. People with diabetes are at increased risk for eye problems. That’s because when blood sugar levels get out of control, they can damage all your blood vessels, including the delicate ones in your eyes. Looking diabetes in the eye Diabetes, whether type 1, type 2 or gestational, can harm your: ● Retina, a light-detecting tissue in the back of your eye. ● Optic nerve, which transmits signals from your retina to your brain. ● Lens, which is normally clear. An eye disease called diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common culprit behind diabetes-related vision loss. It develops when damaged blood vessels in the retina start to weaken, swell and leak. In the early stages of DR, you may notice: ● Blurred or distorted vision. ● Dark spots. ● Blind spots. ● Difficulty seeing colors. Your retina grows new blood vessels to help repair the damage, but these new vessels are also weak. Over time, the ongoing damage can lead to partial or total blindness. Treatment—which includes eye injections, lasers and eye surgery—works well, especially when started early. Early treatment might even reverse some damage. But your best weapon against DR is regularly getting dilated eye exams. Dilated eye exams You should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. This exam is more than just a standard eye exam. During a dilated eye exam, your eye doctor: ● Puts drops in your eyes that cause your pupils to widen painlessly. ● Looks into your eyes using a special lens. ● Examines the entire eye to find signs of damage or disease. ● Talks with you about any vision problems you may be having. Early treatment for DR or other vision problems is vital to preserving your vision. Managing your blood sugar and blood pressure also goes a long way in protecting your eye health. Talk with your doctor about all aspects of your diabetes management, including eye health. Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Eye Institute Use your Kern Legacy benefits for yearly checkups Diabetes is a systemic condition that can have a profound impact on eye health, often without any early warning signs. Ophthalmology services play a critical role in preventing and managing these conditions. Annual comprehensive eye exams are essential because diabetic eye disease often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The most effective way to protect vision is through early detection and proactive management. Scheduling yearly eye exams, even when vision seems normal, is vital. For a comprehensive list of contracted ophthalmologists on your Kern Legacy Health Plan, visit www.kerncounty healthbenefits.com or call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card.
A new year is a time for fresh starts. There are many positive changes you could make to improve your well-being. But one you might overlook? Keeping a steady blood sugar level. Keep your energy even Steady blood sugar helps you avoid afternoon energy slumps, mood swings and lapses in mental focus—all things that can make it hard to stick to other healthy resolutions. Keeping your blood sugar steady might help you feel better and accomplish more each day. Here are a few strategies to work into your day. They may help you feel sharper and more productive as you work toward your other wellness goals. Have your morning meal. Eating breakfast helps keep blood sugar steady throughout the day. It can also help you manage hunger. Fuel your body. Choose a variety of foods, including fiber-rich complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods release their energy into your bloodstream slowly instead of spiking blood sugar. Complex carbs include whole grains, such as brown rice and whole-wheat bread. Pairing carbs with proteins (like skinless chicken or beans) and healthy fats (like nuts, seeds and olive oil) can also result in steadier blood sugar. For example, instead of just an apple, have an apple with peanut butter. Get to bed on time. Missed sleep can raise blood sugar levels as well as rob you of restorative rest. It may be one reason why sleep deprivation is linked to developing diabetes. Aim to get enough sleep every night—seven to nine hours. Keep moving. Being physically active may help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Sleep better, feel better Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night for a sound reason: Sleep is the cornerstone of health and well-being. It’s as essential to survival as food and water. With a good night’s sleep, you should feel rested and ready for action during the next day. Regularly missing out on a full night’s rest, however, can not only make you feel sluggish and tired, it can also harm your health. Consistently not getting enough sleep can put you at increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and many other conditions. It can also contribute to weight gain, inflammation and accidents, among other problems. Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health Help make new habits stick: Start by balancing your blood sugar Drink more water. Being dehydrated can spike your blood sugar by making it more concentrated. Have diabetes? Talk with your doctor If you have diabetes or prediabetes, steady blood sugar is even more important. It’s a crucial part of managing the disease. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for keeping blood sugar in your target range. Sources: American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Hydrocephalus Association; Sleep Foundation
ROTATOR CUFF TEARS A real pain in the shoulder The next time you reach up to brush your hair or grab something on a high shelf, say a silent thank you to your rotator cuff. This hardworking part of your shoulder makes it possible for you to lift and rotate your arm. It consists of four muscles that join together as tendons. Sometimes these tendons can fray and cause a partial or complete tear of the rotator cuff. A rotator cuff injury is painful—and common: Every year, almost 2 million people in the U.S. go to their doctors because of rotator cuff problems. How and why tears happen You can tear your rotator cuff suddenly in an accident—like if you lift something too heavy or fall and land heavily on your outstretched arm. You’re also at risk of a tear if you routinely move your shoulder in the same way over and over again—for instance, if you play a lot of tennis or work as a carpenter. But most often, rotator cuff tears happen slowly over time and are caused by the normal wear and tear of aging. They are particularly common in people who are middle-aged or older. Signs to watch for Rotator cuff tears that happen suddenly can cause intense pain. Tears that occur slowly over time usually also become progressively more painful. You may have a tear if you experience symptoms like these: ● Pain at rest and at night, especially if you’re lying on the injured shoulder. ● Pain when lifting and lowering your arm. ● Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm. ● A crackling sensation when you move your shoulder in certain ways. If you suspect a rotator cuff tear, see your primary care provider. Many tears can be effectively treated with nonsurgical methods, such as: ● Rest. ● Avoidance of certain activities. ● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication. ● Physical therapy. ● Steroid injections. If nonsurgical treatment doesn’t work, your provider may recommend surgery to fix the tear. You might also opt for surgery if your job or favorite sports activity depends on your ability to move your shoulder. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; UpToDate Don’t shrug off shoulder pain Common causes of shoulder pain include: SEPARATION The ligaments between the collarbone and the shoulder blade tear. DISLOCATION The ball at the top of the upper arm bone pops out of the socket. ROTATOR CUFF DISEASE This includes tendinitis and bursitis, which happen when tendons in the shoulder become inflamed, sore or swollen. FROZEN SHOULDER The muscles, tendons and ligaments inside the shoulder become stiff. TORN ROTATOR CUFF The tendon in the rotator cuff tears. FRACTURE A bone, usually in the collarbone or upper arm bone, cracks or breaks. If you’ve injured your shoulder and feel intense pain, get medical help ASAP. For injuries that cause less severe pain, it may be safe to wait a few days to see if it gets better. But if your pain persists, see your doctor. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Institutes of Health Make an appointment today! Don’t let shoulder pain bring you down. Make an appointment with one of our contracted orthopedic providers. Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the Member Services phone number on the back of your ID card for a full list of contracted providers.
Ultra-processed foods may harm your health Most Americans get over half their daily calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs), the American Heart Association reports. These foods are popular for a reason—they’re convenient, made to taste great and often more affordable. But they can also raise your risk for serious health conditions. UPFs are considered the most processed foods They’re multi-ingredient foods with additives meant to improve shelf life, appearance, flavor or texture. Examples include: ● Sugar-sweetened drinks. ● Ultra-processed meats, such as deli meat. ● Sweet or salty packaged snacks. ● Canned or instant soups. That said, some UPFs—for instance, vitamin-fortified foods—can support a healthy diet. How UPFs affect health risks Because UPFs contain a lot of salt, sugar and saturated fats, eating them regularly has been linked to health issues, such as: Worse brain health. Frequently eating UPFs is linked to problems with attention, planning and decision-making and to a higher risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Heart disease risk. The more UPFs a person eats, the higher their risk for high blood pressure and heart attack, possibly related to inflammation, oxidative stress and blood vessel damage. Diabetes. UPFs are often higher in calories and added sugars. Regularly eating UPFs can lead to weight gain, which increases the risk of both diabetes and obesity. Cancer. Studies have linked UPFs to certain types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, colorectal and ovarian cancers. Ease UPFs out of your diet You don’t have to avoid UPFs completely. But scaling back could help your health. Start with a few small changes: ● Read food labels. Choose foods low in saturated fat, sodium and added sugar. ● Cook at home for more control over ingredients. Pick a few nights a week to try new recipes or old favorites. ● Make small swaps. Here’s one: Try replacing deli meat with leftover roasted chicken. ● Keep healthy snacks on hand, where they’re easy to grab. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American College of Cardiology; American Heart Association; American Institute for Cancer Research; American Medical Association Standard U.S. Postage PAID Yakima, WA Permit No. 157 KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and members of KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS, 1115 Truxtun Ave., First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301, telephone 661-868-3182. Information in A LEGACY OF GOOD 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. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Kern Legacy Health Plans Need nutrition counseling? Your Kern Legacy Health Plan covers nutrition services for adults and children who are overweight or obese and have additional cardiovascular or diabetes risk factors. Speak with your physician to see if you would benefit from these services. To find a network provider, call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card or visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com.
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