A little kindness goes a long way As the holiday season approaches, Kern County Health & Wellness would like to take a moment to celebrate something that makes a difference all year long—kindness. The holidays are a time for celebration, family, traditions and reflection. They can also be a busy and sometimes stressful time of year. Between crowded stores, busy schedules, holiday preparations and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to forget to slow down and be patient with one another. Small ways to boost positivity A simple smile, a kind word, holding the door open, offering a helping hand or taking a moment to ask someone how they are doing can brighten another person’s day. We never truly know what someone else may be going through, and a small act of kindness can mean more than we realize. Kindness also has a way of spreading. When we treat someone with patience and compassion, they may be encouraged to do the same for someone else. Whether it’s recognizing a co-worker for their hard work, checking in on a friend, helping a neighbor or simply choosing to respond with understanding, these small moments can create a more positive environment for everyone. During a season that encourages giving, let’s remember that some of the most meaningful things we can give—our time, patience, understanding and kindness—don’t come wrapped in a box. Be kind to others and ourselves As we focus on being kind to others, it is equally important to be kind to ourselves. The holiday season often comes with high expectations, making it easy to feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin. Taking time to rest, set healthy boundaries, enjoy meaningful moments and prioritize your mental well-being is not selfish—it is essential. Giving yourself the same patience, understanding and grace that you offer others can help reduce stress and make the season more enjoyable and fulfilling. As Kern County employees, you have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that is available to support you when you need a little extra help. Whether you are dealing with holiday stress or simply need someone to talk to, your EAP can provide confidential resources and support. You can access services 24/7 by calling 844-416-6386 or by visiting www.anthemeap.com/county-of-kern. Remember, taking care of your mental health is an important part of taking care of yourself— and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. This holiday season, let’s make an effort to choose patience, compassion and kindness to others and to yourself. WINTER 2026 Kern Legacy Health Plans May you find joy in the little things, comfort in time spent together and lasting happiness in the memories you create. Best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season from Kern County Health & Wellness. A Legacy of Good Health
Your immune system is your body’s defense against infections, including flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19, which tend to circulate more in fall and winter. These respiratory illnesses can test your immune system. You can support your defenses and lower your risk of illness by: Getting immunized. Immunizations teach your immune system to recognize and fight germs. You need a flu shot every year. Ask your provider about RSV or COVID-19 vaccines. Protect yourself this flu season Getting a flu shot each year is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from seasonal influenza. The flu can cause serious illness, missed work and complications for individuals of all ages, especially young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions. As a Kern Legacy Health Plans member, your annual flu vaccine is covered when given by a contracted health plan provider or retail pharmacy, making it convenient to stay up-to-date on this important preventive service. By getting vaccinated, you help protect your own health and also help reduce the spread of influenza within your family, workplace and community. Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the phone number on the back of your ID card for a list of contracted providers. Fall respiratory season: Pointers for prevention Washing your hands often. Scrub for 20 seconds with soap and water. Viruses often enter the body when you touch something with germs on it and then touch your face. Boosting your immune system. A healthy lifestyle may help. Aim for seven to nine hours of nightly sleep, exercise regularly, eat a variety of healthy foods and manage your stress levels. Wearing a mask if you’re at high risk for respiratory illness complications. Cleaning and disinfecting. Focus on high-touch surfaces, such as faucets, refrigerators and doorknobs. Keeping your distance. Avoid close contact with people who have a respiratory illness. If you get sick, stay home to avoid spreading germs Common symptoms of a respiratory illness include fever, chills, tiredness, cough and a runny nose. Call your provider promptly if you’re at high risk for flu or COVID-19 complications and might be sick. If you test positive, you may receive antiviral medicines that can lessen the severity of your illness. You should also seek immediate care if you or your child has signs of a respiratory virus complication, including: ● Difficulty breathing. ● Dizziness or confusion. ● Severe chest or muscle pain. ● Seizures. ● Inability to urinate. ● Fever or cough that returns or worsens. In children, additional signs of a respiratory virus emergency include: ● Fast or troubled breathing. ● Bluish lips or face. ● Ribs that pull in with each breath. ● No tears when crying. ● Lack of alertness. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Lung Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Library of Medicine; Occupational Safety and Health Administration
How’s your CKM health? Steps to protect your heart, kidneys and metabolic system Your heart, kidneys and metabolic health are more connected than you might realize. These organs and systems work together to keep you healthy. For example: ● Your heart and vascular system circulate blood. ● Your kidneys filter waste. ● Your metabolic system creates and uses energy from food. If a problem develops in one of these systems, it can strain the others and lead to CKM (cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic) syndrome. What is CKM syndrome? CKM syndrome itself isn’t a disease. It’s a cluster of interconnected issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart or kidney disease. These conditions often happen together and make each other worse. Excess weight, for example, can often trigger other risk factors for CKM syndrome, including: ● High blood pressure. ● Abnormal cholesterol levels. ● High blood sugar. ● Decreased kidney function. As CKM syndrome progresses, it can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation (abnormal heartbeats) and peripheral artery disease (poor circulation in the legs and feet). Regular checkups and tests can help find CKM health problems. Ask your doctor about how often you should be seen and screened. One small change can make a difference If you do have risk factors or CKM syndrome, you can take action. When you make even one lifestyle change, it can help many areas of your CKM health. For example: Get moving. Try starting with 10-minute walks. You can increase the duration over time. If you smoke, commit to quitting. Ask your doctor about medicines and support. Eat well. Include a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables; whole grains; lean proteins (like skinless chicken); plant protein (like beans); and fewer salty, fatty and sugary foods. Get a good night’s rest—at least seven to nine hours of nightly sleep. Watch your numbers. Ask your doctor what a healthy weight is for you. And learn your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol numbers. If they’re not where they should be, talk to your doctor about how to manage them. Try making even just one of these changes today for a healthier tomorrow! Source: American Heart Association What is a nephrologist? Kidney issues can be complex to deal with. You often need a diverse healthcare team—including nurses, dietitians, technicians and other specialists—to manage your condition. Leading this team is a nephrologist—a doctor who specializes in kidneys. What does a nephrologist do? Nephrologists specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases. To do so, they often wear many hats. For instance, they: ● Interpret lab and imaging test results. ● Oversee dialysis treatments. ● Perform biopsies on the kidneys. ● Prevent, manage and treat kidney stones, masses and infections. But wait, there’s more! Nephrologists don’t just work on kidneys. They can help with many other conditions, too, like bladder issues or urinary tract problems. They even help with system-wide conditions like heart failure or inflamed blood vessels. Plus, before a kidney transplant, nephrologists help people manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Do you think you may need to see a nephrologist? Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and whether specialty care is right for you. Visit www.kerncountyhealth benefits.com or call the phone number on the back of your ID card to get a full list of contracted providers. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Physicians; National Cancer Institute; National Kidney Foundation
Depression isn’t the same as having the blues. It can steal your energy and keep you from taking care of the normal activities of your daily life. Depression isn’t a normal part of getting older, but some challenges that are more common with aging might raise the risk. For example, many older adults are living with chronic conditions, which can put their mental well-being at risk. Reduced mobility, chronic pain, feeling isolated or lonely, having financial stress in retirement, and coping with grief and loss all may raise the risk of depression as well. Your EAP is here to help Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support you through life’s challenges and help you focus on your mental health and overall well-being. EAP provides three free counseling sessions with a licensed provider near you. Getting started is easy: ● Visit www.anthemeap.com/county-of-kern. ● Scan the QR code at right using your phone’s camera. ● Call 844-416-6386 for assistance or questions. Additional mental health support You can also use your Kern Legacy Health Plans provider directory to find network providers who specialize in emotional health, mental health and overall well-being. To find a contracted provider, visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card. You don’t have to have it all figured out. It’s OK to slow down, take a breath and take care of yourself. Spot the signs People who are depressed often have feelings of sadness and other signs and symptoms that last for two or more weeks and interfere with daily life, including: ● Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless. ● Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. ● Not caring about anything anymore. ● Crying often. ● Feeling tired and slowed down. ● Having difficulty sleeping, concentrating or remembering things. ● Overeating or eating less than usual. ● Having unusual symptoms, such as frequent pain or digestive health issues. ● Having thoughts of death or suicide. Senior depression is sometimes overlooked Keep in mind that sometimes depression looks and feels different when you’re older. For example, if you’re struggling with the exhaustion of depression, you may think you’re just feeling tired because you’re getting older. And because depression can affect how you think, it may sometimes get mistaken for age-related memory and thinking problems. If you think you might have depression, tell your doctor. Your doctor may want to rule out any other underlying health issues that may be causing similar symptoms. If it is depression, your doctor can recommend treatments—like counseling, medications or both—that can help. Remember, depression is not a normal part of aging. Many older adults have excellent mental health. If you aren’t feeling like yourself, don’t ignore that. Talk to someone, including your doctor. Get the help you deserve. Sources: American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Alliance on Mental Illness; National Coalition on Aging
Feeling frazzled? Try these stress-busters Good mental health helps you live and feel your best. Consider taking everyday steps like these to reduce and manage your stress. Calm your mind. You might try closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths while focusing only on the present moment. Make time each day for things you enjoy. Maybe that’s a hobby or a leisure activity, like reading a book. Get enough shut-eye. Too little sleep can increase your stress. Engage your senses. Did you know that using your senses of sight, smell, touch, hearing or taste can soothe stress? Prioritize your tasks. What must be completed today? What can wait? Take a play break—you’re never too old. The endorphins your body makes during these upbeat moments can help relieve stress. Check in with your doctor too If your stress feels overwhelming, talk to your doctor. They can offer more advice to help you manage stress. Sources: American Heart Association; American Psychological Association; HelpGuide If you have a job, you probably have stress, and that’s not always bad. In moderation, stress can help you focus and get work done. But if your job is very stressful for a long time, especially when that stress seeps into other areas of your life, it could hurt your health and well-being. Over time, stress can cause a lot of problems. Body aches, headaches, stomachaches, trouble concentrating and sleepless nights are just a few of the ways work stress can show up outside the office. Stress can also make you feel angry, lonely, isolated and depressed. It’s even linked to serious conditions like heart disease. What causes work stress? It could be any number of things, including: ● Heavy workloads. ● Clashes with co-workers, supervisors or customers. ● Job insecurity. ● Lack of control over your work. ● Pressure to take on new or unexpected responsibilities. ● Having tasks to complete outside of normal work hours. Less stress and better work-life balance You can’t always avoid work stress. But these strategies may help you manage it and Managing job stress: Find your work-life balance set healthy boundaries between work and home: Protect your personal time. Can you avoid working late or checking work emails or taking calls in the evenings and on weekends? If so, you might turn those hours into quality time with your family. Find time for life outside of work. If all you do is work, you’ll burn out. Find time in your schedule for activities you enjoy. Plan a vacation or a long weekend. You might return to work recharged and with a fresh perspective. Review your job description. Ask your supervisor for an updated list of your duties. Some tasks you’ve taken on may belong to others. Don’t overload yourself. Try to avoid putting too much into one day. Figure out what must get done now, and move other tasks down your priority list. Take care of yourself. Do your best to get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat nutritious foods. Find a good listener. Friends, family and co-workers may lend an ear and offer support. If you feel overwhelmed by stress, you can also ask your healthcare provider for help. Sources: American Psychological Association; HelpGuide
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 healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Know your network: Always check that your doctor, specialist and facility are in your plan’s network before receiving care. Using in-network providers can help you avoid unexpected costs. Keep your ID card handy: Have your health plan ID card available when visiting your doctor, pharmacy or other healthcare provider. Use preventive care: Take advantage of covered preventive services, such as annual checkups, screenings and recommended vaccines. Staying up-to-date can help you stay healthy. Check before you schedule: Some services may require prior authorization. Check your benefits or contact Member Services before scheduling services to make sure you understand any requirements. Understand your costs: Before receiving care, know whether your service is subject to a co-pay, deductible or coinsurance. Understanding your benefits can help prevent surprises. Use your pharmacy benefits: Check your plan’s preferred pharmacies and formulary when filling prescriptions. Generic or preferred medications may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Keep your information updated: Make sure your address, phone number and dependent information are current so you receive important benefit communications. Check that your life insurance beneficiary is up-to-date: Make sure your life insurance beneficiary information reflects your current preferences and family situation. While you’re reviewing your benefits, confirm that any dependents enrolled under your coverage continue to meet your plan’s eligibility requirements. HAVE QUESTIONS? Understanding your health benefits and knowing where to go for care can help you make informed decisions about your health. If you’re unsure whether a service is covered, need help understanding your benefits or would like to find a contracted provider, visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the Customer Service number on the back of your health insurance ID card. We’re here to help you make the most of your health benefits! Kern Legacy Health Plans Timely notification: If a divorce is finalized, the former spouse must be removed from coverage effective the date the marriage ends, as they are no longer an eligible dependent. Newborns are automatically covered for 30 days after birth. To maintain coverage, enroll your child within 60 days of the birth. A Legacy of Good Health Important things to remember about your health benefits
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