Fall 2025

Welcome to another edition of Whole You, a newsletter from Sunshine Health. In this edition, you’ll find:

• Information on scheduling your 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. Whether you're dealing with sniffles, a rash, or just need to talk to someone, telehealth lets you connect with a doctor or mental health provider by phone or video anytime, anywhere. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

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

Your 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.

Thanksgiving can be a very stressful time, which not only makes the holidays less pleasant but can also have a toll on your health. We have put together a few tips to help you celebrate a stress-free and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving this year.

1. Plan Ahead. Preparing a Thanksgiving meal takes time and a lot of preparation. To stay organized, start planning a few weeks ahead. Create a to-do list for the day of to help ensure you stay on track and are not forgetting anything. Checking items off help you will feel accomplished and stay motivated. 
2. Minimize Clutter. You will have a lot on your mind on Thanksgiving Day. Being organized and returning things where they belong will help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Clean up beforehand and have that extra space available during the day.
3. Keep It Classic. Stick to familiar recipes you know you are good at making to avoid surprises and the risk of having to create a second dish.
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. The holiday is about time spent with loved ones and giving thanks for all you have. Take a time to appreciate being together, by swapping funny stories or taking a post-meal walk. Create lasting memories and enjoy those around you.

Your nose is running. Your head is aching. But do you just have the flu or is it just a cold? Check out the symptoms below to help you understand the difference between a cold and the flu.

IT COULD BE A COLD IF YOUR SYMPTOMS ARE:

• Symptoms start gradually
• Fever lower than 100.3° F
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Mild to moderate cough
• Sneezing
• Feeling tired

IT COULD BE THE FLU IF YOUR SYMPTOMS ARE:

• Symptoms start suddenly
• Fever higher than 100.4° F
• Headache
• Cough with chest discomfort
• Fatigue or weakness
• Body pain
• Body chills

Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is your first stop for care. Be prepared and know your options for getting care when you need it:

• Call your 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 1-866-796-0530 (TTY 1-800-955-8770) to discuss your symptoms.
  
• Telehealth services is part of your 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 healthcare provider or call 911.

The holidays can be a joyful time for adults and children alike. However, for many young adults, they also bring added mental health struggles. 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 your child isn’t up for every holiday event, that’s okay. Honor those boundaries. Prioritize meaningful moments like lighting the menorah or opening gifts. 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. Try a Secret Santa or offer acts of kindness like mowing the lawn or writing a heartfelt card. 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 health starts with a simple step. A yearly check-up helps you stay on track, catch issues early and get answers at no cost.

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

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

Over time, your doctor gets to know your health. They can listen, spot changes and help you find the care you need or send you to a specialist if needed. Going to the same doctor often helps you stay in control of your health.

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’re 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 Sunshine Health 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 Sunshine Health account. Login to change your PCP today. Or, download our mobile app via your phone’s app store.

You deserve care that fits your life. We’re here to help. Visit Primary Care to learn more about finding the right doctor for you.