El Paso Health | About Your Health | Winter 2019

Staying healthy during the winter season Help for risky behaviors Teen years can be a stressful time. Some of the stressors that young people go through include family problems, parents that are not supportive, bullying, and anxiety or depression. Many young people become involved in risky behaviors because of these stressors. Some of these risky behaviors include high-risk driving, violence, self-injury or suicide, drug use, unhealthy eating, and sexual behavior. Teens are less likely to think about the risks and benefits of doing these behaviors. As a parent, you should know that education and counseling are offered as part of the Texas Health Steps medical and dental checkup. Your doctor can discuss these risky activities with your teen and help you know and think about them and their effects. Texas Health Steps also requires teens age 12 to 20 years of age to receive mental health screenings at each yearly medical checkup. Discuss with your doctor healthy coping strategies, such as knowing what the stressors are and learning how to deal with them. They can help the teen to take care of their body through such things as exercising, eating well, and having healthy relationships with their family and friends. Source: Texas Health Steps (txhealthsteps.com ) family health W e hope you had a very happy holiday season. The winter season is a very busy time of year for many of us. We want our members and their families to be happy and safe. No matter the season, your health and well-being should always come first. Here are some ideas to help you be happy and safe: ■  ■ If you are receiving services, continue to go. ■  ■ Be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. ■  ■ Be patient. ■  ■ Ask for help. Things you can do to help you with this busy time of year: ■  ■ If you spent more than you should have, make a plan. ■  ■ Exercise or go for a walk or run. ■  ■ Know what you can and cannot do. ■  ■ Do not take on more than you can handle. ■  ■ Pick up a hobby or join a church or community group. El Paso Health also has a Behavioral Health Crisis Line available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: STAR: 1-877-377-6147 CHIP: 1-877-377-6184 El Paso Health is here to help. Please call us, and someone will be happy to assist: 1-877-532-3778 915-532-3778 2