Winter 2026

Welcome to another edition of Whole You, a newsletter from Sunshine Health.

In this first edition of 2026, you’ll find:

• How to eat healthy on a budget
• Why managing stress is important to your health
• And more

Did you miss our last newsletter? Read the last newsletter.

Flu season is here! Sunshine Health wants to help you stay healthy. Can’t get to the doctor? Your benefits include telehealth visits. Get non-emergency medical help over video or phone anytime, anywhere with telehealth. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Visit telehealth to learn more.

Many things in your life can cause anxiety and stress. Anxiety is a feeling of fear or worry that takes over your daily life. High levels of stress can affect your health.

Anxiety and stress may cause:

• Low energy levels
• Trouble sleeping
• Increase in alcohol or tobacco use
• Bad temper
• Headaches
• Constant worry

Some things can make feelings of anxiety worse. Worries about getting sick, losing a job, or being evicted can cause a lot of stress.

If you feel like your stress has taken over your life, it may be time to get help. Getting help is an important step to managing stress. Your primary care provider can help you find out if you need professional help with your anxiety. There are many options when it comes to your mental health needs. You can:

• Speak with your primary care provider.
• Speak with a licensed counselor.
• Visit benefits to understand your healthcare benefits.  
• Call Sunshine Health Member Services at 1-866-796-0530 to be connected to services that can help.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Resources are available to help support you and your family. You can use our Find-A-Provider Tool to find behavioral health services and more near you.

If you have been diagnosed with anxiety, sign up for Your Wellness Journey emails and texts. Learn more about how Sunshine Health benefits and resources can help manage chronic conditions.

Did you know that people who plan before they visit the store can save hundreds of dollars on food every year? Many people think healthy eating is too expensive. There are lots of ways to eat healthy on a budget. Making the choice to start eating healthy is step one. Step two is knowing what to buy and getting a shopping plan in place.

Make a List - and Stick to It

Making a list cuts down on buying things you really don’t need. Check the weekly ads of the stores in your area to find the best deals on healthy options. Everyone knows fruits and vegetables are good for you. But buying items in season and frozen options can help you save money. For meat, check for price per pound deals and consider buying larger portions and freezing what you don’t use. Don’t get hung up on the packaging. Many times store-branded items are more affordable than brand name items.

Check the Labels

Frozen and canned food items can be healthy! Read food labels and choose items with lower salt and sugar. This is a good way to make sure what you are buying is healthier. Look for:

• Vegetables in water with low salt
• Canned fruits in water, not syrup
• Frozen veggies without sauces
• Frozen, no sugar added fruit
• Low sodium soups that are broth based rather than cream
• Instant whole grain rice rather than flavored rice packets

Buy Items You Can Use More Than Once

Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Get creative and think about how you can cook once but eat twice. For example, whole chickens are usually a low-cost protein source that can be used for multiple meals. Bake the chicken with veggies for dinner one night, then use the leftovers for tomorrow’s meal. From tacos to stir-fry to soup, the possibilities are endless!

Buy in Bulk

Going in with a friend or family member to purchase large quantities of items can help keep your spending down. If you don’t have anyone to share bulk items with, break them down into smaller quantities. Freeze the portions for fast and easy use later.

Don’t Forget About the Sunshine Health Food Pantry

Our Sunshine Health Community Connection Centers are here to help you stock your pantry with shelf-stable foods at no cost to you.

Visit our monthly food pantry the third Thursday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

All are welcome* on a first-come, first-served basis, no appointment needed. Find a Sunshine Health Community Connections Center near you.

*You do not need to be a Sunshine Health member to receive food.

Lots of kids and teens feel worried about things like money, school, or what’s happening in the world. Sometimes it can make them feel sad or tired. But there are easy ways to feel better and take care of their mind.

• Take Breaks from Screens: Too much social media can cause stress. Suggest short “tech breaks.”
• Move & Eat Well: Even 15 minutes of walking and healthy snacks can boost mood.
• Sleep Matters: Good rest helps their mind and body.
• Connect with Others: Encourage time with friends or groups that share interests.
• Be Kind to Themselves: Fun activities like music, drawing, or sports can help.
• Try New Things: Learning a skill or exploring nature can bring joy.
• Start Small: Little steps like writing one good thing each day can make a big difference.

If your young adult feels very sad, tired, or worried all the time, encourage them to talk to someone they trust. Remind them that they do not need to make big changes overnight. Small, healthy habits can help them feel strong and happy. Everyone’s journey is different.