Could your child benefit from mental health help? Mental health disorders can happen to people of all ages, and some behaviors in children and teens may signal a more serious problem. What’s just a stage, and what’s cause for concern? Mental health is an important part of your child’s overall well-being. Seek help if your child’s or teen’s behavior lasts for a few weeks or longer. And seek help if the behavior is distressing for your child or your family. Mental health: Help your treatment succeed Many Americans are affected by mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Your health care provider will help you make a treatment plan. You can also take these wellness steps. They can help you gain a sense of control and might help your treatment succeed. Exercise your options. Regular physical activity can have a mood-boosting effect by increasing levels of endorphins, which are feel-good brain chemicals. For maximum mental health benefits, seek out activities you enjoy, even if it’s just dancing to your favorite music or playing fetch with a dog. Aim for 30 minutes of activity on most days. Take medication regularly, as directed. Some medicines can take time to work. Don’t stop taking a medication without talking with your provider, even if you feel better. If you have concerns about a medication, talk to your provider so you can work together to adjust the amount or find a substitute. Connect with others. Our brains crave companionship. Meeting up with another friendly face in person, whether it’s meeting someone for coffee or walking your dogs together, can help you feel better. Fuel your brain. A healthy diet can help improve the way you think and feel. Mood-boosters include leafy greens, beans and fresh fruit. They also include foods rich in healthy fats, such as salmon and tuna, walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, and avocados. Avoid or cut down on sugary snacks, alcohol, caffeine and fried foods. Make sleep a priority. Your brain needs sleep to recharge. Aim for seven to nine hours of shut-eye each night. To set the stage, power down your electronic devices an hour or so before bedtime and postpone important discussions or brainstorming until tomorrow. Relax by reading by a soft light, taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music before bed. Sources: HelpGuide; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services SUMMER 2025 Kern Legacy Health Plans May is
Take action If you suspect a heart attack, follow these steps without delay: ● Call 911 immediately. ● Do not attempt to drive yourself or others to the hospital. ● Act without hesitation. Taking swift action in the event of a suspected heart attack can make a significant difference. What to know about heart failure If you or someone you love has heart failure, the diagnosis can be scary. The condition is serious, but many people learn how to manage heart failure and live normal lives. What is heart failure? It might surprise you to learn that heart failure doesn’t mean that the heart has stopped working. When someone is diagnosed with heart failure, it means their heart’s ability to pump blood is impaired. Heart failure is a chronic condition that worsens over time—if it’s not managed. There are two types of heart failure. Leftsided heart failure usually happens first. Congestive heart failure is a kind of heart failure that calls for fast treatment. The terms heart failure and congestive heart failure are often used interchangeably. Heart failure vs. heart attack With heart failure, the heart isn’t pumping blood out of the heart as vigorously as it should. When this happens, your cells can’t get enough oxygen. Heart failure symptoms come on gradually. It’s a chronic condition. When you have a heart attack, blood flow to the heart is slowed dramatically or completely blocked. It’s a health emergency. Call 911 or go to the hospital if you think you’re having a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include: ● Chest pain. ● Upper body pain. ● Dizziness. ● Shortness of breath. Symptoms of heart failure Symptoms vary depending on what kind of heart failure you have and how severe it is. Mild heart failure may have no noticeable symptoms outside of hard exertion. Symptoms to watch for include: ● Shortness of breath. ● Swelling in the legs. ● Fatigue. ● Excessive coughing. ● Weakness. ● Trouble concentrating. ● Difficulty walking. ● Sudden weight change. Risk factors Past heart conditions, such as a heart attack, increase your risk of heart failure. Another issue that raises your risk is metabolic syndrome. You may have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of these health concerns: ● Large waistline (abdominal obesity). ● High triglycerides. ● Low HDL (good) cholesterol. ● High blood pressure. ● High fasting blood sugar. Other common issues that can raise your risk of heart failure include: ● Coronary artery disease. ● High blood pressure. ● Type 2 diabetes. ● Smoking. ● Hyperactive thyroid. ● Being severely overweight. ● Excessive alcohol or drug use. If you’re diagnosed with heart failure, your health care provider will talk to you about treatment options. Lifestyle changes are almost certain to be among their recommendations. You’ll be encouraged to adopt a healthy eating pattern, stay physically active and reduce stress. Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute If you have questions about heart failure, make an appointment with one of our contracted cardiologists. Visit www.kerncountyhealth benefits.com or call the phone number on the back of your Kern Legacy Health Plans ID card for a list of providers.
8 tips for controlling your blood pressure Take high blood pressure seriously. Over time, it can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, as well as damage your kidneys and eyes. The good news is that in most cases, you can take steps to reduce your blood pressure to healthier levels with your health care provider’s help. Get checked You can have your pressure taken at your health care provider’s office, with a pharmacy’s digital blood pressure machine or with a blood pressure monitor you use at home. For the most accurate measurements: ● Avoid smoking, eating, drinking or exercising within 30 minutes of the measurement. ● Sit with your feet flat on the floor and don’t cross your legs. Sit so that your back is supported. ● Rest your arm on a table at chest level. ● Don’t talk while your blood pressure is being measured. What is a good blood pressure reading? A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mm Hg, usually called “120 over 80” by your provider. The first number is your systolic blood pressure—the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second is your diastolic blood pressure—the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. The most recent guidelines by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association list high blood pressure—also called hypertension—as 130/80 mm Hg or higher. High blood pressure can be caused by: ● Unhealthy lifestyle choices, like not getting enough regular physical activity. ● Conditions such as diabetes and obesity. ● Being pregnant. 8 ways to take control 1 Keep a daily log of your blood pressure readings, taken at the same time each day, to track your progress. 2 Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. That’s about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. 3 Don’t smoke. 4 Eat a healthy diet. Limit sodium and alcohol, which raise blood pressure. 5 Maintain a healthy weight. 6 Learn ways to reduce your stress levels. 7 Take your blood pressure medication as prescribed. 8 If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels and follow your recommended treatment, including medication. Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention To schedule an appointment with a Kern Legacy Health Plans provider, please visit the official website at www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com. Alternatively, you can refer to the contact number provided on the back of your member ID card to request a comprehensive list of contracted providers within the network. We strive to ensure that accessing quality health care services is a seamless and efficient experience for all members.
May is also recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month—a vital time to focus on prevention, early detection and education about risk factors, such as prolonged sun exposure and tanning bed use. If you notice any changes in your skin, schedule an appointment with your Kern Legacy Health Plans provider promptly. To access a list of contracted dermatologists, refer to the phone number on the back of your ID card or visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com. Taking proactive steps now can make all the difference. Sunny days can make outdoor activities fun for you and your family. But they can also come with hazards. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin and lead to skin cancer. Prolonged heat exposure makes your body work harder and can put your health at risk. To play it safe, keep these five tips in mind: 1 Choose the right time. Morning and evening tend to be coolest. The sun’s UV rays are the strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Limit your outdoor activity during these hours. If this is not possible, try to stay in shaded areas or use an umbrella. 2 Wear protective clothing. Protect your skin by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Look for clothing options that provide UV protection. 3 Slather on sunscreen. Check the packaging first to make sure your sunscreen is at least 30 SPF, water-resistant and broadspectrum. Apply sunscreen to areas that are not covered by clothing, including the top of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head. Reapply after two hours or after swimming or sweating. 4 Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids while you are outdoors. Water is a great choice. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to hydrate yourself. 5 Recognize signs of heat-related illness. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the three main types of heat-related illness. Heat cramps most often occur in your stomach, arms and legs. Heavy sweating, cramps, dizziness and vomiting can be symptoms of heat exhaustion—and that means it’s time to move to an air-conditioned location, remove extra clothing or take a cool bath. High body temperature, rapid pulse and confusion are symptoms of heatstroke, a life-threatening emergency. If you suspect heatstroke, call 911 and try to cool your body. Check your skin These simple steps can help keep you safe from the sun and heat. And that can help prevent skin cancer. But sun damage adds up over time, so it’s also important to perform regular skin self-exams. Check your body from head to toe for new or suspicious spots on your skin or any new itching or bleeding. If you spot signs of skin cancer, call your provider or schedule an appointment with one of our contracted dermatologists. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American Academy of Family Physicians; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Shield yourself from sun and heat
Could it be melanoma? How to recognize this skin cancer Many of us may not be too keen on taking an up-close-and-personal look at our own bodies, but there’s a very good reason to do just that: It’s one of the best ways to discover melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Though less common than other skin cancers, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. It can even be fatal if diagnosed at a late stage. But if found before it has had a chance to grow, melanoma is very treatable. How to spot melanoma Melanoma can look different on different people. Oftentimes it’s mistaken for a mole, freckle or age spot, so knowing the difference is important. To help recognize this type of skin cancer, doctors have come up with some simple guidelines called the ABCDEs of melanoma. So if you find a spot on your skin and wonder if it could be melanoma, ask yourself these questions: ● Asymmetry. Does one half of the spot look different than the other? ● Border. Does it have an irregular or undefined border? ● Color. Does it have different shades of tan, brown or black, or parts that are white, red or blue? ● Diameter. How big is it? Melanomas are usually bigger than a pencil eraser, but they can be smaller. ● Evolving. Has the spot changed shape, size or color? Get to know your skin Here are six simple steps to check your body for melanoma: 1 In a full-length mirror, look over the front and back of your body, raising your arms to check your sides. 2 Closely examine your forearms, underarms and palms. 3 Check in between your toes and the soles of your feet. 4 Use a hand-held mirror to help you see the back of your neck and scalp. 5 Part your hair to get a closer look at the skin on your head. 6 Lastly, use the hand-held mirror to check your back and buttocks. And remember, while self-examination can help detect melanoma, it’s important to see your health care provider if you have any spots that you think might be melanoma. Only your provider can diagnose this type, or any type, of skin cancer. So don’t wait. If you find something, make an appointment with your provider. The earlier melanoma is found and treated, the better. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American Cancer Society Protect yourself from skin cancer Use a body mole map It can be helpful to record anything you find during a self-exam on a body mole map, a diagram where you can draw your moles and spots. This helps you spot changes and warning signs quickly. Practice sun safety Being alert to signs of cancer is one part of taking care of your skin. The other is daily sun safety. Don’t forget to: ● Wear protective gear. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants, hats, and sunglasses can keep the sun off your skin and eyes. ● Use sunscreen. Slather broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) over any skin that sees the sun. ● Seek shade. Trees, awnings and umbrellas are your friends when you want to protect your skin. Talk to an expert To make an appointment with a dermatologist, visit us at www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the number on the back of your ID card for a list of contracted providers. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Kern County Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help! In challenging times, having access to the right support can make all the difference. That’s when your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) comes in. Designed to empower you and your household members, the EAP offers a range of tools, resources and professional services to help address everyday challenges and more complex issues alike. Mental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, and the EAP is here to support you in maintaining emotional balance and resilience. Whether you’re managing stress, coping with anxiety or depression, navigating personal or professional relationships, or striving to improve your overall mental health, the program provides confidential counseling, expert advice and tailored resources to suit your needs. Access to these services can be pivotal in building a healthier, more fulfilling life. Available 24/7 at no additional cost, the EAP ensures that you and your loved ones have round-the-clock access to the help you need, when you need it. Everything you share remains strictly confidential, allowing you to seek assistance with confidence and peace of mind. This invaluable resource allows you access to up to three visits with a counselor per person, per issue, per year. You also have the choice of in-person or virtual counseling sessions, including text and chat options. We encourage you to explore everything your Employee Assistance Program has to offer. Take the first step toward prioritizing your mental health and well-being, and discover the array of services that can help you lead a healthier, happier life. Call your 24/7, toll-free EAP number at 844-416-6386 or go to www.anthemeap.com/ county-of-kern to get started. 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. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Kern Legacy Health Plans
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