Winning Health | Gold Coast Health Plan | Issue 1 | Summer 2019

WINNING Compassionate care, accessible to all, for a healthy community. ISSUE 1, SUMMER 2019 Back to school, back to the doctor Where did the summer go? It’s coming to an end, which means it’s time for your child to head back to school. Chances are you’re buying school supplies and clothes. And before you know it, you’ll be filling out permission slips. But your to-do list isn’t complete unless you’ve scheduled a back-to- school doctor visit for your child. This might be a well-child visit. Or–if your child is an athlete–it might be a sports physical. In either case, it’s the only visit many kids and teens have with their Learn about your Medi-Cal benefits Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has Benefit Information Meetings each month throughout the county. These meetings are held in both English and Spanish. You will learn about your benefits and how to receive them, along with other resources. For meetings near you, visit GCHP’s website, GoldCoastHealthPlan.org , or call Member Services at 1-888-301-1228/ TTY 1-888-310-7347 . Standard U.S. Postage PAID Long Beach, CA Permit No. 2041 doctor each year. That’s why it’s so important. The doctor can give your child a physical exam and check for any hidden health problems. These visits are also a chance for your child to get immunizations. Your doctor will recommend the best timing for each shot. Most vaccines are given during your baby’s first two years. They help keep your child safe from 14 different diseases, some life-threatening. Later, when kids are between the ages of 9 and 13, they get the Tdap and meningococcal vaccines and two doses of the HPV vaccine. You can bring up any concerns you have about your child’s health and development. What’s a healthy weight for your child? How can you help your child eat better or exercise more? What’s the best way to discourage your child from smoking or vaping? Or to help them cope with peer pressure or other stressors? Any question you have is an important one. And as long as you speak up, your child’s doctor will guide you. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention