Fall 2025

Welcome to another edition of Whole You, a newsletter from Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine, formerly known as Child Welfare Specialty Plan. In this edition, you’ll find:

• Information on scheduling your child’s yearly check-up
• How to have a stress-free Thanksgiving
• Tips to know the difference between a cold and the flu
• And more!

Did you miss our last newsletter? Take a look.

As flu season ramps up, the last thing you want is to sit in a crowded waiting room with your sick child. Whether your child is dealing with sniffles, a rash, or needs to talk to someone, telehealth lets you connect with a doctor or mental health provider for your child by phone or video—anytime, anywhere. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Even better? Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine covers telehealth visits, so they’re free.

Your child’s primary care doctor may offer telehealth appointments—just give their office a call to ask. If they’re unavailable or closed, you still have options:

• Teladoc: Doctor visits over phone or video for nonemergency health issues like the common cold, allergies and more. Available 24 hours a day.
• KidzDocNow: On-demand video visits with pediatric doctors for nonemergency health issues like common injuries/illnesses, prescription refills, and referrals to in-person care. Available 24/7, every day of the year. No appointment necessary.
• BraveHealth: Virtual mental and behavioral health care for members 13 and older. Includes therapy, psychiatry and medication management* services. Text or call Brave Health at 1-305-902-6347, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.

Visit Telehealth Services to learn more.

*Brave Health does not prescribe stimulants or psychotropics.

The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also bring stress that affects both your well-being and your child’s. To help you enjoy a more peaceful and meaningful celebration, we’ve put together a few tips for a stress-free holiday:

1. Plan Ahead. Planning a gathering during the holidays takes time and a lot of preparation. To stay organized, start planning a few weeks ahead. Create a to-do list for you and your child to help ensure you stay on track and are not forgetting anything. Checking items off help you will feel accomplished and stay motivated.  You can also give your child some easy tasks to include them on the fun!  
2. Minimize Clutter. With so much happening during the holidays, a tidy space can help create a calmer environment. Take time to clear out items you no longer need and keep things organized to make room for celebrations. Encourage your child to tidy up their own space too—it’s a great opportunity to talk about giving, and they might even choose to donate toys they’ve outgrown to help others enjoy the season. 
3. Keep It Simple. Make foods you already know how to cook. This way, there won’t be any surprises, and everything will turn out great! When you use recipes you’re familiar with, even your youngest child can help out in the kitchen. It’s a fun way to spend time together and teach them something new.
4. Ask For Help. Do not be afraid to ask for help. You would be surprised how many people are willing to help, especially around the holidays. Ask your guests to bring the sides or their favorite desserts to make the feast a potluck!
5. Remember What’s Important. Holidays are about spending time with loved ones and appreciating what you have. Take a moment to connect—share stories, enjoy a walk together, or simply be present. These are the moments your child will remember most.

Your child’s nose is running. Maybe their head is aching. But does your child have the flu or is it just a cold? Check out the symptoms below to help you understand the difference between a cold or the flu.

IT COULD BE A COLD IF YOUR CHILD’S SYMPTOMS ARE:

• Starting gradually
• Fever is usually lower than a temperature of 100.3° F
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Mild to moderate cough
• Sneezing
• Feeling tired

IT COULD BE THE FLU IF YOUR CHILD’S SYMPTOMS ARE:

• Starting suddenly
• Fever usually higher than a temperature of 100.4° F
• Headache Cough with chest discomfort
• Fatigue or weakness
• Body pain
• Body chills

Your child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) is your first stop for care. But there is nothing worse than scheduling an appointment for your sick child. Be prepared and know your options for getting your child care when they need it:

• Call your child’s doctor’s after-hours line.
• Our 24/7 Nurse Advice Line is available at no cost to you. The nurse will listen to your concerns and help you decide what to do next. Call 1-855-463-4100 (TTY 1-800-955-8770) to discuss your child’s symptoms.
  
• Your child has access to Telehealth Services as part of their benefits. Check out our article earlier in this issue or learn more about telehealth services.

To learn more about the flu and how you can take steps to prevent it, visit Flu Vaccines. In case of a medical emergency, contact your child's healthcare provider or call 911.

The holidays can be a joyful time for adults and children alike. However,  they may also bring added mental health struggles to families, caregivers, and youth alike. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse.

Here are some tips on how to help your child or young adult manage their mental health during the holidays:

• Don’t Fake the Festive: If your child or a young adult in your life isn’t feeling festive, that’s okay. Let them know they don’t have to fake cheer. Acknowledge their feelings and remind them they’re not alone.
• Skip the Reindeer Games: Recognizing that the holiday season affects each person differently is the greatest gift you can give to anyone. If the people in your life aren’t up for every holiday event, that’s okay. Honor those boundaries. Prioritize meaningful moments and feel empowered to say “no” to the rest.
• Avoid Gift-Giving Anxiety: Gift-giving shouldn’t be stressful. Whether it’s money worries or fear of disappointing someone, help your child set a budget or get creative with non-financial gifts. Thoughtfulness matters more than price tags.
• Don’t Forget the Vitamin D: Less sunlight can dim our moods—especially with the shorter days in the winter. Even without seasonal affective disorder, getting outside midday or sitting near a window can help boost your child’s mood. Even adding bright indoor lighting and cozy traditions like candles and twinkle lights can also lift spirits.
• Healthy Habits Still Matter: Holiday treats are great—but don’t forget the basics. Make sure your child keeps up with fruits, vegetables, and protein, and don’t skip hydration. Even one glass of water can boost mood and energy!

Taking care of your child’s health starts with a simple step. A yearly check-up helps your child stay on track, catch issues early, and get answers at no cost.

Don’t Wait For A Problem To Put Your Child’s Health First

People often wait until they’re sick to see a doctor. But finding a doctor you trust with your child and going to their yearly check-up helps you stay ahead of your child’s health.

Over time, your child’s doctor gets to know their health. They can listen, spot changes, and help you find the care your child needs or send them to a specialist if needed. Going to the same doctor often helps you stay in control of your child’s health. Plus, when your child (aged 0 – 21 months) attends their annual wellness visit, they can receive a reward. Visit Well Child Visit to learn more.

We Make It Easy to Get the Care You Need

It can be hard to find time to go to the doctor — or even know where to start. But we’re here to help make it easy, even when you and your child are busy.

• No ride? We’ve got you. We offer no-cost rides to and from your visit through your Transportation benefit. Visit Transportation Services to learn more.
• Too busy? Try a virtual visit. It’s quick and fits your schedule. Plus, it is available at no-cost to you through your child’s Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine benefits. Learn more about telehealth services.
• Need a doctor? Use our Find-A-Provider tool to see nearby doctors taking new patients.
• Want to change your doctor? You can switch anytime through your child's Sunshine Health account. Login to change your PCP today. 

Your child deserves care that fits their life. We’re here to help. Visit Well Child Visits to learn more about the importance of finding the right doctor for your child.