Health Education
CareSource understands that health information can be confusing. Not only do we want you to understand your health care options, we also want you to understand how to care for your health.
Please feel free to read some of these brief articles about how to take care of your health. And check back for new articles. If you would like us to feature a specific topic, please Tell Us.
She’s One Smart Mom. She’s Got text4baby!
If you’re pregnant or a new mom, there’s a new free service called text4baby that can keep you and your baby healthy.
Text4baby will send you 3 text messages each week to your cell phone with health tips to help you through your pregnancy and your baby’s first year. It’s FREE to sign up and the messages are free.
Text4baby is an educational service of the National Health Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition.
How it works
Registration is easy and can be done online here (http://www.text4baby.org/) or from your cell phone. Simply text the word BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to 511411. You’ll be asked to enter your baby’s due date or your baby’s birthday and your zip code.
Once you are registered you will start receiving free messages with tips for your pregnancy and caring for your baby. These messages are timed to your due date or your baby’s birth date. If your due date changes, you can text UPDATE to 511411 and enter your new due date.
If you want to stop receiving messages from Text4baby, you can text STOP to 511411. If you want to start the messages again, you will have to re-register by sending BABY to 511411 (BEBE to 511411 for Spanish messages).
Music as medicine
Did you know music has been used in medicine for years? And research shows that music can benefit your health. Studies show that listening to music you like can reduce stress, blood pressure and depression. It can also help you sleep better and reduce the amount of medicine you might need when in pain. So turn on your favorite tunes! Or visit your local library and borrow some new music to find some that helps you feel good.
How to prevent colds and flu
Your mother's advice is still the best for preventing colds and flu. Wash your hands! To make sure you kill all the germs: Get a paper towel and hold it under your arm. Wet your hands with warm water and apply soap. Rub your hands and your fingers for as long as it takes to sing the alphabet. Rinse your hands and use the paper towel under your arm to shut off the water. Use another paper towel to dry your hands.
Make your home healthy
Keeping your home healthy is one of the best things you can do for your health. You can make your home healthier without a lot of time or money. Add a house plant. Some plants remove smoke, chemicals and germs from the air. Add color. Colors can help change the way you feel. Open your windows when the weather is nice. The fresh air will prevent moisture buildup and remove stale air. Clean your heating vents and registers with a vacuum hose and wet wipe. And keep your rooms and stairs clear of clutter so people don't trip and fall.
Parenting a Child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
All children have trouble sitting still, like to daydream, or are easily distracted. Some children continue having these problems. This doesn't mean they are bad. It may mean they have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. If you have been told your child has ADHD, take your child to the doctor and make sure your child is properly tested. Give all medicine exactly as your doctor says and schedule all followup appointments. Don't forget to tell your child that you love him or her no matter what, even when you feel angry.