Spring 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of Whole You – a newsletter from Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine, formerly known as Child Welfare Specialty Plan.

In this issue, we have tips to help you and your child beat seasonal allergies, how your pharmacist can help you manage your child’s health and what foods can help you and your child fight stress.

Did you miss our Winter 2025 newsletter? 

Allergy season has arrived! And with it comes pollen and allergens leaving many people longing for relief. As a Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine member, your child has access to Allergy Services through their benefits to help them fight these conditions.

 Here are a few tips to help your child get through allergy season more comfortably.

1. Consider allergy testing. Ask your child’s primary care provider (PCP) about the benefits of allergy testing. Testing helps their provider to pinpoint the triggers and the severity of their reaction. Allergy testing has come a long way. Your child’s results will help you and their provider make a plan to help you best manage your child’s allergies. Don’t forget that allergy testing is also part of your child’s Medicaid benefits.
   
2. Adjust your outdoor time. If it’s dry and windy outside, try to spend more time indoors. After it rains, pollen build-up on outdoor surfaces is less. That’s a better time to enjoy the outdoors. The time of day matters, too. Pollen counts are at their highest during morning hours.
3. Be in the know. Monitor the allergy index in your area with an app or weather website. Most TV stations broadcast allergy forecasts during weather segments. Check the night before so you know how pollen will affect your child’s day before they even step outside.
4. Breathe easier inside. Open windows expose allergen triggers. Make your air conditioning even more effective by using high-efficiency air filters. Change them often for the best quality air flow. Keeping your carpets and floors clean will lower allergy inducing pet dander and dust. If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, they have access to benefits like carpet cleaning, hypoallergenic bedding, and more. Visit our Asthma Guide for more information.
5. You are what you eat. Many people don’t realize that certain foods can increase allergic responses and inflammation. If you notice your child’s allergy symptoms getting worse, take note of the food they ate. Sugars, wheat, dairy and processed foods can increase the onset and intensity of allergic reactions. Make sure that they drink plenty of water to flush and hydrate your system.

Need plans for the summer? As a Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine member, your child can receive a $150 voucher to attend children’s camp. To qualify for this expanded benefit, your child must be aged 4-18 years old, enrolled in Care Management, and have completed an annual wellness exam.

For more information, contact your child’s Care Manager.

Learning how to help your child during overwhelming times is important. Here are some tips to help you manage your child’s – and your own – mental health.

1. Have healthy habits. Too much stress can take a toll on anyone’s body. Help your child develop healthy coping skills to protect them from harmful effects. When you can see that your child is feeling overwhelmed – whether from homework or even a game – encourage them take a break. Go on a walk together!
2. Pick up on patterns. Even your child can have stressful days. Help them record what they felt and how they reacted during these times in a journal. This way, you can find the patterns that can best help your child to manage their feelings.
3. Form a support system. Sometimes, your child may not want to talk to you. When this happens, it helps to have a “village.” When they know that they have trusted family and friends to listen, it may help them feel more relaxed. Even a quick chat with someone who cares can be helpful.
4. Find fitness. A great way for your child to take their mind off things and melt stress away is physical activity. Whether it’s making time for play through a favorite sport or simply having a dance party in the living room, movement is a great way to help manage your mental health.

Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine offers mental health resources for your child to use. Contact your child’s Care Manager to find out what resource may work best for them. If you don’t know who your child’s Care Manager is, call Member Services at 1-855-463-4100 (TTY 1-800-955-8770).

Kicking off your child’s day with a breakfast that’s high in protein will help keep their energy up and improve their metabolism. Check out these options that are sure to be a great way to start their day:

Oatmeal. Oatmeal is full of protein and fiber. You can prepare it many different ways. Increase protein even more by using milk instead of water to make it. Sprinkle fresh fruit and nuts on top to add some crunch and extra health benefits. Want a savory breakfast? Use oatmeal for your base, add some cheese and dust with pepper or other spices. Top with cut-up veggies like tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach. You can even toss in some turkey bacon or other lean meats to up the flavor and protein. The variations are endless!

Eggs. Eggs give you important nutrients like vitamins B2, B12 and D, iron and zinc. Eating eggs may help maintain healthy skin, improve the immune system and increase brain and liver function. Top your bowl of savory oatmeal with a freshly cooked egg. Try making hard-boiled eggs the night before for a quick breakfast to grab on your way out the door. You can even make a frittata ahead of time. Don’t forget to sneak some veggies into your morning meal!

Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt can help maintain muscle mass. It can also give new life to your hair and skin! Try creating your own peanut butter yogurt bowl. Start with yogurt as your base and add two tablespoons of natural peanut butter. Top off with chopped blueberries and bananas for fiber and potassium. Remember to choose plain yogurt to limit your added sugar.

Quinoa. People tend to think quinoa is more of a lunch and dinner food, but you can also enjoy it for your morning meal. It’s a great source of iron, magnesium, vitamin E and fiber. It can reduce your risk of diabetes. It can also improve bone health. And, just like oatmeal, it’s a great base for either a sweet or savory protein-rich meal.

Peanut Butter. This creamy spread is packed with protein. (It’s also full of healthy fat. Be sure to measure it out to keep calories in check!) Try peanut butter, strawberry and banana quesadillas. Spread one tablespoon of natural peanut butter across two whole-wheat tortillas. Place banana and strawberry slices on one tortilla and sprinkle with cinnamon. Top with the second tortilla and press gently to help them stick together. In a skillet on medium heat, add the quesadilla. Cook each side for three minutes or until golden brown.

Your pharmacist is more than just the white coat behind the counter when you pick up prescriptions. They are a valuable resource if you have questions about your child’s medications or your child’s overall health. Here are five ways you can look to them for help.

1. Identify Side Effects. Knowing what to expect from your child’s medicine is important. Your pharmacist can help you learn early signs of side effects. This is important for a new medication and when adding it to other medicine your child may take.
2. Recommend Relief. Ever get to the pharmacy and with all the options don’t know what to choose? Your pharmacist can help! Describe your child’s symptoms and let them know any other medications they are taking. They can help pick the best over-the-counter option for your child’s symptoms. Use your child’s $50 OTC benefit to pay for the medicine.
3. Give Routine Vaccines. Part of staying healthy is prevention. Your pharmacist can explain the benefits and side effects of routine vaccines. Routine vaccines include seasonal ones like flu, COVID-19 and RSV. At many pharmacies, you do not need an appointment and can get these vaccines to help your child fight off illness.
4. Coordinate Change. Your pharmacist can talk to your child’s provider if you would like to switch or stop one of their medications. They can walk you through the pros and cons of making a change. This will help you understand how it will impact your child’s overall health.
5. Determine Diagnosis. Many pharmacies have clinics. The clinics are typically staffed by pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. They can diagnose and prescribe medications for ear infections, rashes, and cold and flu symptoms. It’s convenient and easy! Most pharmacies can also check blood pressure and heart rate. Ask them to check if you have concerns.

If you’re not sure where to go for the care – ask a nurse! You have access to a nurse 24/7 as part of your child’s benefits. Call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1-855-463-4100 (TTY 1-800-955-8770) and they can help with your child’s symptoms and give you next steps.

Summer is just around the corner, which means your child is about to be home for the next few months. Although this can be an exciting time, we also know how parents/guardians fear hearing those two words from their child: “I’m bored.”

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these affordable activities that are sure to keep them entertained:

Swimming. Take a break from the summer heat and find a community pool. Remember to always put safety first. As a Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine member, your child can receive up to 8 swimming lessons. As a caregiver, you can also get swimming lessons through your child’s expanded benefits. Visit Benefits to learn more.

Sidewalk chalk. Does your child like being creative? Let them play with sidewalk chalk. Draw a landscape together or let them invite some friends over for a drawing contest.

Sensory play. Sensory play can help stimulate your child’s senses and improve their motor skills. Bubbles, play dough, finger paint and sand are great options.

Do an Indoor Scavenger Hunt. Too hot to play outside? An indoor scavenger hunt is a fun and creative way to beat the summer heat. Make a list of items your child can find around the house, and add some playful challenges to give their brain a workout!

After enduring a traumatic childhood, Isabella found a new home with her adoptive family. Discover how Ivonne, Isabella's Care Manager from Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine, supported Isabella and her family, helping her navigate and overcome her difficult journey.

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