Summer • 2026 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Salem, OR Permit No. 86 El Paso Health PO Box 971100 El Paso, TX 79997-1100 Taking your medicine the right way helps you stay healthy. Many people forget to take their medicine. Some people run out by accident. These tips can help you stay on track. Take your medicine at the same time every day. Pick a time that is easy to remember. You can take it when you wake up, at mealtime, or when you’re getting ready for bed. Use reminders. Set an alarm on your phone. You can also use a note on your fridge. A pillbox can help you see what you took that day. Refill your medicine early. Call your pharmacy a few days before you run out. Your pharmacy may send you text reminders. Some pharmacies can automatically refill your medicine for you each month. Talk to your pharmacist. If your medicine costs too much or makes you feel bad, ask your pharmacist for help. They can talk to your doctor about other choices. Stay on track with your medicines Ask questions. If you are not sure how to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist. They can explain it in a simple way. Taking your medicine every day can help you stay well and avoid the hospital. Your pharmacy team is here to help you.
2 resources Try our 24-hour Nurse Hotline Are you feeling sick but you’re not sure what to do? You can call our free, 24-hour Nurse Hotline any time at 1-844549‑2826 (TTY: 7-1-1). A nurse can help you understand what kind of care you may need. They can tell you if you need to: ■Stay home to rest. ■See your doctor the next day. ■Go to urgent care. ■Go to the Emergency Department. ■Call 911 if it is an emergency. They can also give you the names and phone numbers of night clinics that take El Paso Health members. We have nurses who speak English and Spanish. We can also get an interpreter for other languages. If you have questions about how the Nurse Hotline works or about your account, please call us at 1-833-742-3127. Thank you for being the best part of El Paso Health. Protect your personal care benefits Many STAR+PLUS members use personal care services every day. These services help with bathing, dressing, meals, and light cleaning. They help you stay safe and live on your own at home. Most attendants do good, honest work, but it is still smart to pay attention to the care you get. Your care plan or Service Coordinator can tell you which services are approved for you. Here are a few things to watch out for: ■Your attendant does not come at the planned time. ■Someone asks you to sign for hours you did not get. ■The help does not match your care plan. ■The care feels too fast or not what you expected. You know your daily life best. If something does not feel right, trust that feeling. Write down the visit days and times in a simple notebook. This helps you remember. If you have any worries, talk to your attendant or Service Coordinator. You will not lose your services just for asking questions or sharing a concern. You can also call the Texas OIG Fraud Hotline at 1-800-436‑6184 or El Paso Health Member Services at 1-833-742‑3127. Thank you for helping to protect STAR+PLUS services for yourself and other members.
3 wellness Summer in El Paso can be very hot. For people with diabetes, high temperatures can affect blood sugar, energy levels, and medications. The good news is that simple steps can help you stay healthy and safe this summer. Drink more water People with diabetes can become dehydrated faster in the heat. Drink water throughout the day, even if you are not thirsty. Try to limit sugary drinks, like soda and sweet tea, because they can raise blood sugar levels. Protect your diabetes supplies Heat can damage insulin, test strips, and glucose meters. Do not leave them in a hot car or direct sunlight. Keep medications stored at the correct temperature. Use an insulated bag if you are traveling. Check blood sugar often Summer activities and heat can cause blood sugar levels to change. Check your blood sugar as directed by your doctor. Keep a quick snack Summer diabetes care tips nearby in case your blood sugar gets too low. Stay active safely Exercise can help control diabetes. Walking, swimming, dancing, and stretching are good ways to stay active. During hot days, try to exercise early in the morning or later in the evening. Wear light clothing, and drink plenty of water. Enjoy healthy foods Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh foods like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, grilled chicken, and fresh salsa. You can still enjoy cultural foods while making healthy choices and watching portion sizes. Your Service Coordinator can help Your STAR+PLUS Service Coordinator can explain benefits, connect you with transportation, and help you get medical supplies or community resources. Small, healthy habits can make a big difference. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy a safe and healthy summer!
resources ABOUT YOUR HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of EL PASO HEALTH, 1145 Westmoreland Drive, El Paso, TX 79925, telephone 1-833-742-3127, website www.elpasohealth.com. Information in ABOUT YOUR HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health-care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. EPHSPM11122605-Summer 2026 Member Newsletter What is Project Vida? Project Vida offers help and support for families in our community. Its programs include: ■Affordable, low-income housing. ■Low-cost health-care clinics. ■Help with homelessness—programs that help people keep their housing. ■Early childhood education. For more information, call 915-465-1191. Routine laboratory tests are an important part of staying healthy. These tests help doctors learn how your body is working. They can also find health problems early, before you feel sick. Common laboratory tests include: ■Blood sugar checks. ■Cholesterol tests. ■Blood pressure monitoring. ■Complete blood counts. A urine test may also be ordered. These tests can help detect diabetes, heart disease, infections, and other health issues. Most lab tests are quick and simple. Some tests may require you to fast before your visit. Your doctor will tell you what to do before the test. Do not ignore routine lab work. Even if you feel fine, testing can help protect your health. Talk with your doctor about which tests are right for you and how often you should have them. As a STAR+PLUS member, you are encouraged to schedule routine lab work as part of your yearly wellness visit. A small test today can make a big difference for your future health. Remember routine laboratory tests
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