To view and download the health education materials, please click on the topic and select your preferred language. If you would like to receive member materials in another language or format, we can help.
Asthma is a common lung disease that inflames, narrows, and causes spasms in the airways. It results in problems with breathing.
Asthma does not have a cure, but it can be controlled with medical care and knowing your triggers. Schedule a time with your doctor to talk about your asthma. Your doctor is your partner in taking care of this disease.
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Low back pain is a very common problem. Although painful, most low back injuries are only minor. Some back pain comes from hard work or normal aging.
Sadly, your back cannot stop working and take a break. Yet, if you ignore early warning sign of back pain, it may get worse. Report any severe or lasting back pain to your doctor. You can work with your doctor to find out which exercises would be best for you.
You may feel down once in a while or struggle with your emotions when life becomes stressful. Sometimes the feelings are so strong and long-lasting that you may need to seek a professional to help you cope.
If you think you need help, please see your doctor soon. You can also find a behavioral health care provider.
Breast milk helps your baby grow strong and healthy. Breastfed babies have fewer ear problems, colds and certain allergies. They also are less at risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Breastfeeding is good for mothers too! It helps build a special bond between mother and baby. It can also reduce the risk for anemia (not enough blood cells), osteoporosis (bone loss), and some cancers.
Doctors say most moms should feed their babies only breast milk for the first six (6) months. Moms should continue to breastfeed for at least 12 months, or longer if both child and mother desire. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding up to two (2) years of age or beyond.
Breastfeeding support: Alliance breastfeeding helpers provide expert, no-cost support by phone or in your home. Members can simply call one of the helpers listed below or call Alliance Health Programs for a referral. All helpers are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). They can access an interpreter to assist a member in a non-English language.
The Alliance covers breast pumps when needed. Just ask your doctor, your baby’s doctor or one of the Alliance IBCLCs about getting a pump. To request a pump, they can fill out the Breast Pump Request Form. You can call an Alliance IBCLC at the numbers above if you need help learning to use your pump.
It’s important to take care of your mouth and teeth starting at a young age.
Follow these tips to keep your mouth and teeth healthy:
Diabetes is a condition that causes your blood glucose, or sugar levels to become too high. Over time, too much sugar in your blood can cause serious problems. There is no cure, but there are a lot of things you can do to live a healthy life with diabetes.
Below are a few tips on how you can live well with diabetes:
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Reaching and staying at a healthy weight is one of the best ways to reduce your risk for health problems like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. It can help you feel better. You will have more energy for the things you love in life.
Learn how to keep your heart healthy and your cholesterol and blood pressure normal to avoid heart diseases.
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Age or disability may bring changes to how you manage your daily life. These changes can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone.
You can download this easy-to-read form in many languages. Complete the Advance Directive Form with your loved ones. It will inform your doctor and family and/or friends how you want to be cared for when you no longer can make decisions for yourself.
Members with Medi-Cal may be eligible for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). IHSS is a government-funded program. It assists aged, blind, and disabled people who, without this care, could not remain safely in their homes.
To apply in Alameda County, please call 1.510.577.1900 (all languages).
For help with housing, travel training, legal referrals, assistive devices, caregiving and much more, please contact:
Toll-Free: 1.800.510.2020 (all languages)
Phone Number: 1.510.841.4776 (all languages)
People with hearing and speaking impairments (TTY): 1.510.848.3101
www.thecil.org
Phone Number: 1.510.881.5743 (all languages)
People with hearing and speaking impairments (TTY): 1.510.881.0218
www.crilhayward.org
For more information please view our community resources.
There are many ways to parent. Our cultural background, past experiences, and a child’s age and personality can impact our parenting styles. In spite of how diverse we are, there are some common practices that help children behave well and want to learn and achieve.
Below are some basics of parenting:
Prenatal care (the care a woman gets before the birth of a baby) and postpartum care (the care a woman gets after the birth of a baby) can help ensure the health of the mom and the baby. You can consult with your doctor or midwife to get help with making decisions about your pregnancy. They can help guide you on topics such as vitamins, tests and screenings to track your baby’s growth, and plans for care for your baby after birth.
Keep you and your baby healthy by going to all your prenatal and postpartum visits.
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If you smoke, now is a good time to quit, for yourself and for the ones nearest to you. Smoking can cause problems and diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
With the proper support and information, you can quit. Some people quit cold turkey (all at once). Others do it by slowly cutting back on cigarettes. Many people have found success with quitting when they seek help. Talk to your doctor about quitting and medicines that can help. You can also get phone support by calling the California Smokers’ Helpline.
Accidents may seem beyond our control. However, we can prevent most injuries by knowing the dangers and taking simple steps for safety.
Sexuality is part of being human. Take time to learn about how to have healthy relationships. This way you can make choices that are healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your sexual health. They can help provide the answers you need.
Substance dependence or addiction is the need for alcohol or drugs. A person continues to drink or use drugs in spite of problems in their life.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one might have a problem with alcohol or drug use, please talk to your doctor. You can also call the Alliance behavioral health care provider Beacon Health Options toll-free at 1.855.856.0577.
Shots (also referred to as vaccines and immunizations) protect children and adults against many serious diseases.
Babies and young children should receive shots on a regular basis to be up-to-date on their vaccines. Your doctor or clinic should track when babies and young children need their next shots.
Adults also need to be up-to-date on their vaccinations, especially the flu shot.
The website links below are in both English and Spanish.
The California Immunization Registry (CAIR) keeps track of the shots you and your child get from doctors. Most clinics and medical offices have access to the registry. The Registry makes life easier for doctors and parents/guardians.
Schools can look into the registry to make sure your child has shots. If you or your child changes to another clinic or medical office, that new office/clinic can see your shots. This prevents needless repeats of shots you or your child already had.
To learn more, please visit CAIR.
Regular checkups (also called well-care visits) are a part of good health care. We urge you to see your doctor within 120 days of joining the Alliance. After that, your schedule should be worked out between you and your doctor.
During these checkups, your doctor gets to know facts vital to your health. Your doctor may order screening tests to check for diseases. You also may get vaccines to help prevent illness (see Vaccines to learn more). People of all ages need well care: babies, children, teens, and adults.
Website links below are in both English and Spanish.
Babies see doctors often. There are many checkups during the first year of life and vaccine/shots at most of those checkups.
Learn more about well-baby visits at:
Healthy children do better in school. They are able to focus and learn, and they have fewer sick days.
Usually children need updates on their vaccines:
Your child will also need an exam in order to play a sport.
Learn more about well-child visits at:
Adults should get well-care visits every year or as often as your doctor directs. At the visits you will be asked about your health history, get a physical exam, and discuss your health goals. You will also get needed screening tests and vaccines.
Learn more about adult well-care visits:
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