[August 17, 2012]

Starting the School Year Off With a Check-Up Makes a Big Difference, Says Californians for Patient Care

As California's students prepare to head back to school, independent patient-advocacy group Californians for Patient Care reminds parents they can help their kids start the year off right by getting an annual health check-up.

"With the new school year fast approaching, we want to remind parents that good health can make all the difference in a child's school year. Missing even a few days of school each year due to preventable illness can put kids - and parents who have to miss work to stay home with them - at a disadvantage," says Carmella Gutierrez, president of Californians for Patient Care.

"The organization reminds families without adequate health insurance and who might be concerned about the affordability of preventive care, that there are many facilities throughout the state offering health services at little or no cost which can help their kids get and stay healthy. Those of us at Californians for Patient Care can help you find the care you need, when you need it," Gutierre adds.

People can access this network of low-cost and no-cost healthcare providers, services and programs by clicking on the blue button at www.calpatientcare.org or by visiting www.myhealthresource.org. After typing in basic search information, Californians can find a comprehensive list of local healthcare facilities that provide primary care, dental, mental health and vision services to people with minimal or no health insurance. Along with information on local healthcare service providers, Californians for Patient Care also provides information on chronic disease management, how to shop for health insurance, information on new research studies and links to helpful organizations and websites.

"Kids in California are facing all kinds of health challenges, including teen obesity and high asthma rates," said Gutierrez. "Our kids deserve the best possible circumstances in which to thrive and it all starts with good physical and mental health."

Californians for Patient Care is a nonprofit organization based in Sacramento dedicated to protecting the interests of patients and ensuring all California consumers have fair and equitable access to high-quality healthcare. For more information, visit www.calpatientcare.org.

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