Spring 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of Whole You – a newsletter from Sunshine Health. In this issue, we have tips to help you beat seasonal allergies, how your pharmacist can help you manage your health and what foods can help you 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 member, you have access to Allergy Services through your benefits to help you fight these conditions.

Here are more ways to help you get through allergy season more comfortably.

1. Consider allergy testing. Ask your primary care provider (PCP) about the benefits of allergy testing. Testing helps your provider to pinpoint the triggers and the severity of your reaction. Allergy testing has come a long way. Your results will help you and your provider make a plan to help you best manage your allergies. Don’t forget that allergy testing is also part of your 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. Do outdoor activities when counts are lower, in the evening.
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 day before you even step outside.
4. Breathe easier inside. Open windows expose you to 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. Take a bath or shower before going to bed. This will lessen pollen buildup on your sheets.
5. You are what you eat. Many people don’t realize that certain foods can increase allergic responses and inflammation. If you notice your allergy symptoms getting worse, take note of the food you ate. Sugars, wheat, dairy and processed foods can increase the onset and intensity of allergic reactions. Drink plenty of water to flush and hydrate your system.

As a Sunshine Health member, you get $50 per household each month to order the Over-the-Counter (OTC) items. You can get items like toothpaste, pain relievers, diapers, feminine products and more sent right to your door. 

Visit the OTC Benefit page to learn more.

Sometimes life can be stressful. Staying healthy can help you fight the side effects of stress. Did you know certain foods can help? Check out these five foods that may help you reduce some of the tension you’re feeling.

1. Add Avocado. Adding B-vitamin rich avocados to your diet can help elevate your mood. Avocados contain mono-saturated fat and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. They have also shown to ward off hunger making you less likely to grab a sugar-filled treat instead. Try it on a tasty turkey sandwich or on top of your salad!
2. Bring Blueberries. These tiny berries pack a powerful punch. Their high levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants have been linked to improved thinking. They’re also rich in vitamin C – another natural stress buster. Toss a few in your morning yogurt or pack in your lunch for dessert for that daily boost!
3. Nibble on Nuts. Many nuts, like almonds, walnuts and pistachios, may boost your immune system because of their concentration of vitamin E and zinc. Nuts also contain B-vitamins that help your body combat stress. Try spreading almond butter on a piece of whole wheat toast for a morning treat! Or simply package up a serving size of your choosing for an afternoon snack.
4. Feed on Fatty Fish. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps keep your cortisol and adrenaline levels from rising when you’re feeling tense or anxious. Fish like salmon, herring and albacore tuna are good choices. Pair a grilled or baked fillet with your favorite green vegetable and you’ll have a stress-fighting, nutritious meal.
5. Fill Up on Oatmeal. This complex carbohydrate helps your brain produce serotonin. This feel-good chemical can help you overcome stress. Go with thick-cut instead of instant oatmeal to get soluble fiber that keeps you fuller for longer. Then you’ll be less likely to grab a sugary treat. Make a big batch on the weekends, then heat it up during the week for a quick and easy meal or snack.

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 also provides Teladoc Mental Health, a flexible and fully digital program for members. It offers customized tools and support for stress, depression, sleep and more. Sign up today.

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 medications or your overall health. Here are five ways you can look to them for help.

1. Identify Side Effects. Knowing what to expect from your 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 you 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 symptoms and let them know any other medications you are taking. They can help pick the best over-the-counter option for your symptoms. You can use your $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 you fight off illness.
4. Coordinate Change. Your pharmacist can talk to your provider if you would like to switch or stop one of your medications. They can walk you through the pros and cons of making a change. This will help you understand how it will impact your 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 benefits. Call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1-866-796-0530 (TTY 1-800-955-8870) and they can help with your symptoms and give you next steps.

With the changing weather, why not change your surroundings? The space you live in affects the way you feel. Spending your time in a messy area can cause stress that barely registers in your conscious mind. Ready to renew your energy? Cut down on clutter with a few steps. Some of these ideas might seem strange. Give the methods a try and see how you feel! 

Commit. Decide that you are going to tidy your space. If you want, tell someone close to you about your plans. It’s important to keep promises to yourself. Having a friend or family member to keep you accountable is helpful, too! 

Imagine. What do you want your living space to look or feel like? Take some time to picture your home as a place you want to be. Write down a detailed account of your ideal living situation. This will move you closer to your goals. 

Categorize. Tidy by category. Use this order: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items and sentimental items. Find every item in your home that fits in a certain category. Put them all in a pile. 

Discard. Move through each item in the pile. Hold each item in your hands. Does it “spark joy”? If you don’t feel happy to have it, thank it for its service and let it go. You can donate it to a local clothing drive or Salvation Army store. This step is about sharpening your ability to know what you want in your life. Stop holding onto many objects that you don’t enjoy. It’s better to have fewer items that you really like and use.

Do you need help finding food, housing or another resource? It’s just a few clicks away.

Sunshine Health Connects makes it easy to access free and reduced-cost programs and services in your area. The tool connects you to community-based organizations that offer different types of support.

Finding help is easy with our free, online tool. Search our network of more than 5,000 partners throughout Florida. Just enter your ZIP code. Then you can search for help with these topics:

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