Coastal Health & Wellness September 2023 Coastal Wave

Galveston County Health District sent this bulletin at 09/25/2023 11:38 AM CDT

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Mark your calendars: Marketplace Open Enrollment starts Nov. 1

Open Enrollment for 2024 Health Insurance Marketplace coverage kicks off Nov. 1. If you don't have health insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, Health Insurance Marketplace can help you get coverage.

All offered plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions and preventive services including maternity care, mammograms and other preventive care services. You cannot be denied health coverage for having pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

The certified application counselors at Coastal Health & Wellness stand ready to assist Galveston County residents apply for coverage in the 2024 Marketplace. Give us a call at 409.949.3439 for assistance.

Learn more about Open Enrollment for 2024 Marketplace.

Now is the time to get your flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent becoming sick with the seasonal illness, and now is the time to get vaccinated. Flu outbreaks can start as early as October, and it's important to get the flu vaccine before the virus begins spreading in the community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body.

Children who need two doses of vaccine to protect against the flu should start the process soon since the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart. People 6 months and older should be vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination is especially important in high-risk groups including those ages 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions who are at higher risk for complications or even death if they get the flu.

Call us today at 409.938.2234 to schedule your flu vaccine appointment.

Coastal Health & Wellness receives recognition in TACHC newsletter

Coastal Health & Wellness was featured in TACHC's newsletter "Top Things to Know This Week for Community Health Centers" for its new school-based clinic.

Read the full newsletter here.

Halloween doesn't have to scare your smile away

Halloween is right around the corner, and for most children that means bags of sticky treats and candy. Check out these tips to enjoy the spooky holiday and maintain good dental health.

Avoid candy and treats that stick. Unless it's sugar free, candies that stay in the mouth for a long-time lead to an increased risk for tooth decay. Avoid beverages with added sugar and think twice before indulging in hard candies. The length of time sugary food lingers in your mouth plays a role in cavity development.

Candy can be hard to resist. If you can, try to eat Halloween candy and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after mealtime.

Mental Illness Awareness Week: 'Together We Care. Together We Share'

Millions of Americans live with a mental health condition. Mental illnesses affect all groups of individuals - either directly or indirectly - through family, friends or coworkers.

Oct. 1-7 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, a time to raise awareness of mental illnesses, share resources, and provide support to our communities.

This year's theme is "Together We Care. Together we Share," with a focus on the power of coming together in community to share and heal.

Learn more about Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Coastal Health and Wellness Fall Festival

Follow these dental hygiene tips for improved oral health

Who doesn't love a clean mouth? Fresh breath, strong teeth and healthy gums are all vital when it comes to good oral health, and that's worth celebrating.

October marks National Dental Hygiene Month.

Brush your teeth two times a day, for about two minutes each time, with fluoride toothpaste. Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and floss between your teeth every day. And, visit a dentist regularly - once or twice a year - for a checkup and cleaning.

Coastal Health & Wellness offers basic dental services for all ages from cleanings to tooth extractions. We also offer affordable dentures, root canals and crowns. Call us at 409.938.2234 to schedule a visit with our dental team.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each year in the United States, about 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we're encouraging women and men to practice early detection and treatment.

Breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women have no symptoms. That's why regular breast cancer screenings are incredibly important.

There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but there are things you can do that might lower your risk. Learn more about breast cancer, risk factors and how to lower your risk.

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