Health Blog

17 April 2026 Critical Questions: Do I need insurance to become a patient? No. You can receive care with or without insurance. What if I can’t afford to pay? You may qualify for reduced costs through a sliding fee scale. Can I bring my children or family members? Yes—community health centers typically provide care for all ages. What if I don’t have all my documents? You should still reach out. Staff can help you figure out next steps. How to Become A Patient At New Horizon

9 April 2026 Critical Questions: How do I know if I need behavioral health help? If you feel persistent anxiety, sadness, stress, or changes in sleep, mood, or daily functioning, you may benefit from behavioral health support. What are the most common behavioral health symptoms? Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, mood changes, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty coping with stress. Do I need a diagnosis to seek behavioral health care? No. You can seek support even

24 March 2026 Critical Questions: Can I see a doctor without insurance? Yes. You can see a doctor without insurance. Community health centers like New Horizon Health Center offer affordable care based on your income. Is care available for families and children? Absolutely. Community health centers provide care for patients of all ages, including pediatric visits, women’s health, and chronic condition management. What services are included at community health centers? You can

17 March 2026 Critical Questions: How long does an eye exam take? Most routine eye exams take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the tests needed. Can an eye exam detect other health problems? Yes. Eye exams can sometimes reveal signs of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health concerns. Do I need an eye exam if my vision seems fine? Yes. Many eye diseases develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. How do I schedul

26 Feb 2026 Critical Questions: Can I go to the doctor without insurance? Yes. Community health centers like New Horizon Health Center provide care for all patients, regardless of insurance. How much does a visit cost without insurance? Costs vary, but sliding fee programs reduce fees based on your income. Do I need proof of income to be seen? No. You can still receive care, but proof of income determines eligibility for discounts. Is this only for low-income patients? No. Se

5 Feb 2026 Critical Questions: Is the FreeStyle Libre 3 being recalled? Yes. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall—the most serious type—for certain FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors due to inaccurate low glucose readings. Not all sensors are affected, only specific lots. How do I check if my FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor is recalled? You can check by visiting Abbott’s recall website ( freestylecheck.com ) and entering your sensor

4 Feb 2026 Critical Questions: Why is preventive care important for heart health? Preventive care helps detect early signs of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other risk factors before they become serious. Regular checkups allow healthcare providers to monitor changes over time and support long-term heart health through early intervention. What are simple ways to improve heart health? Simple habits like staying physically active, managing stress, getting enough sleep,

31 Dec 2025 Critical Questions: Will health insurance premiums increase in 2026? Yes. Health insurance premiums are expected to rise in 2026 as federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies expire at the end of 2025. In areas like Brownsville and Cameron County, increases may be higher than the national average, making coverage less affordable for many families. What happens if I can’t afford health insurance? If you can’t afford health insurance, you still have options for car

2 DEC 2025 Critical Questions: Why is the flu shot important every year? The flu virus changes each year, which is why an annual flu shot is recommended. The vaccine helps reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications like pneumonia, especially for high-risk groups. When is the best time to get a flu shot? The best time to get a flu shot is before flu season peaks, ideally in the fall or early winter. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provid

14 Oct 2025 October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and here at New Horizon Health Center, we’re celebrating smiles of all ages! Good oral hygiene is one of the most important ways to protect your overall health. This month, we’re shining a light on the daily habits and professional care that help keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. Why Dental Hygiene Matters Your mouth is more than just your smile; it’s the gateway to your body’s overall well-being. Poor oral health

11 Aug 2025 Critical Questions: What is National Recovery Month? National Recovery Month is observed every September to raise awareness about substance use disorders, celebrate individuals in recovery, and highlight the importance of accessible treatment and support services. What are the signs of a substance use disorder? Common signs include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, difficulty controlling use, neglecting responsibilities, and continued use despite negative

11 Aug 2025 Critical Questions: What are the benefits of breastfeeding for babies? Breastfeeding provides ideal nutrition with the right balance of vitamins, fats, and proteins for a baby’s growth. It also strengthens the immune system, helping protect against infections, allergies, and chronic conditions later in life. What are the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers? Breastfeeding can help the body recover after childbirth, reduce postpartum bleeding, and support weight

15 July 2025 Critical Questions: Why are back-to-school physicals important for children? Back-to-school physicals help identify potential health concerns early, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and support a child’s overall growth and development. These checkups also help children start the school year healthy and ready to learn. Are school physicals required for enrollment? Many schools require a physical exam and updated immunization records for enrollment. Requiremen

12 June 2025 June is Men’s Health Month, a time to focus on your health and well-being. At New Horizon Health Center, we’re committed to helping men live longer, healthier lives through preventive care, education, and support. Many men put their health on the back burner, but regular check-ups and screenings can prevent serious conditions. Health screenings are a key part of staying health, helping to catch diseases early—even before symptoms appear—so that treatment can begi

12 May 2025 Each year, National Women’s Health Week serves as an important reminder for women and girls to make take charge of their health and make it a priority. At New Horizon Health Center, we’re here to support every step of your wellness journey- from routine screenings to pregnancy planning and beyond. Key Screenings Every Woman Should Know Early detection saves lives. That’s why regular check-ups and preventive screenings are essential to maintaining long-term health

14 Apr 2025 April is Counseling Awareness Month: Supporting Mental Health for Patients at New Horizon Health Center New Horizon Health Center is recognizing Counseling Awareness Month this April, a time to highlight the importance of mental health care which focuses on helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. New Horizon is excited to grow and expand our behavioral health services and we remain committed to providing compassionate, whole-person care for every member of