Dallas Patient Navigator Program

Flu season is here, and that means it’s time to get your annual vaccine! A flu shot doesn’t just protect you from the flu, it helps protect your community too. People with certain chronic conditions like COPD, heart disease, or diabetes are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. In fact, 90% of adults hospitalized with the flu have an underlying medical condition. That’s why it’s important for everyone to get a flu shot every year.
For more information on safety and eligibility for the flu vaccine, please visit cdc.gov/flu.

There are plenty of places in the DFW area to get a flu shot for free or at a low price.
Pharmacies: Most insurance plans will cover vaccinations at your local pharmacy.
Parkland: At Parkland Health clinics you can walk in and get your flu shot on Wednesdays (head over to their page for details).
County Health Department: Call your local health department to ask about flu shots!
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Many modern and urban spaces are associated with chronic stress, exposure to environmental hazards, and physical inactivity. A report by the WHO European Healthy Cities network shows that greenery has the potential to enhance our health in a multitude of ways: physical, psychological, and social!

Skin protection is extremely important in the summer time, because prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin cancer as well as other skin conditions.
Many individuals experiencing homelessness spend a lot of time outside, especially during the hottest hours of the day, from 10am-4pm. This puts them at even higher risk for skin conditions caused by the sun.

For anyone going outside this summer, remember to cover up, find shade, and use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher!
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This week, we wanted to feature one of our fellows: Avery Hager!
Avery has recently been awarded the Schweitzer fellowship for PNP. The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship is a program that prepares the next generation of professionals to serve and empower vulnerable communities to live healthier lives. Congrats Avery, and thank you for your hard work!

Technology has become a very integral part of our daily lives. While it’s clear that using devices can offer a lot of benefit, it’s important to realize that extended technology use can carry with it negative health impacts such as:
- decreased ability to focus
- reduced aerobic fitness and postural issues
- increased feelings of isolation and other negative emotions
To maintain a healthy relationship with technology, try to set screen limits, take frequent breaks, and use the do not disturb setting.

“You need an ID to get an ID” is a commonly-used phrase in social work, reflecting just how hard it is to get an ID if you don’t already have some form of ID.

Without an ID, it becomes exponentially harder to find a job, apply for housing, receive government assistance, and even receive medical care in some situations. For someone who is experiencing homelessness, getting an ID can be a life-changing first step to finding housing.
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We are so happy to announce that all adults in Texas are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine! Getting all Texans fully vaccinated is such an important step in controlling this pandemic, and now vaccines are available to any adult who chooses to get one.

For more information on vaccine safety and efficacy, please visit cdc.gov.
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Staying hydrated is a necessity, especially with the warmer temperatures coming our way. But how much water should you drink? And why do you need to drink it?
Many recommend drinking 4-6 cups a day for healthy individuals. This need might change for those with certain health conditions such as thyroid, heart, or kidney problems, or certain medications.
Water is important for many of your body's functions, including:
- Carrying nutrients to your cells
- Aiding in digestion
- Normalizing blood pressure
- Maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance
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When we think of sunlight, we may be inclined at first to think of the damage it can do -- however, sunlight can be greatly benefiical to your health in small and safe doses!

Sunlight can:
- improve production of vitamin D, a nutrient that is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system
- set your body's internal clock, which helps you sleep better at night
- aid your emotional well being and mental health

To stay safe while getting your daily sun, always wear sunscreen and try to avoid times with significant sun exposure (10 AM - 3 PM).

It’s not too late for individuals experiencing homelessness to file to get their stimulus check! If you go to your local IRS office with a valid form of ID and request an EIP return, they’ll put your stimulus on a debit card!

Please reach out to us with any questions you have about how to access the stimulus payment, and we’ll do whatever we can to help!

Link to find a local IRS office: https://apps.irs.gov/app/officeLocator/index.jsp
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Many individuals experiencing homelessness have one or more jobs, but even with a job, it can be difficult to afford a place to live.

When looking for a job, individuals experiencing homelessness face many barriers that are usually not considered by those who have a home and transportation. Some of these barriers are clothing and transportation for interviews, access to a phone/computer, and difficulty obtaining a drivers license or ID.
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What should we eat in a day?
Harvard University's Healthy Eating Plate serves as a guide for structuring a healthy, quality meal schedule. Some recommendations include:
- Make most of your meals fruits and vegetables (1/2 of your plate)
- Incorporate whole grains (1/4 of your plate)
- Proteins such as fish, poultry, beans, and nuts (1/4 of your plate)
- Drink water, coffee, or tea
- Stay active

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