Community First Blog

Celebrate Black History Month and the diversity and richness of the Black experience at these local cultural events. These events showcase Black excellence through Black literature, Black farmers, Black-owned businesses, and the diversity of African American life.

Black Americans face unique health challenges due to many different factors, such as less access to quality health care, bias in the health care system, and lack of resources such as affordable housing, healthy food options, and education. Health care providers need to understand these issues and work toward more equity for all.

Winter has arrived in South Texas! Winter storms are rare in our area, but it's wise to prepare for extreme weather. Winter storms can be severe and last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Here are some recommendations on preparing for colder weather. How to...

Enroll for 2026 now: Fill out an application, compare plans, and enroll in 2026 health coverage. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Enroll by January 15 for coverage that starts February 1.What Is the Health Insurance Marketplace®? The Health...

Here are some holiday events to consider, from free meals to holiday lights, to children’s activities. The spirit of Christmas and of the holiday season inspires wonder and kindness. All of these events and light shows are free to attend.

Clinical Contributor to this blog:Eva Y. Prieto, PhD, RN, AMB-BCDirector, Health Promotion and Disease Management Holidays can be fun. They can also stir up feelings of anxiety, stress, or even depression. Many people struggle to cope with intense emotions during the...

The ABCs may be as easy as 1, 2, 3, but the ABCs of Medicare can be confusing! Especially for someone new to Medicare health plans. Here are the ins and outs of what you need to know about those Medicare ABCs!What is Medicare? Before we get into the different parts of...

Did you know that there are several ways for families to get free food if they are in need? Here are some places and organizations providing free food in the San Antonio area and nearby.

Clinical Contributor to this blog:Jessica Yao, M.D., MBA, CHCQM-PHYADV, FAAFPChief Medical Officer Prediabetes is a yellow flag! It means you have a higher-than-normal blood sugar level, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes yet. In San Antonio, about 1...

Community First Health Plans is here to help you and your family stay safe and healthy this Halloween with these easy-to-follow safety tips. Whether you plan to trick-or-treat or celebrate at home, Halloween should be full of fun, not fright. Costume Safety Help your...

Fall is nearly here, and with it comes a host of exciting fall events. Let’s explore the best of autumn’s offerings in the area!

Mammograms save lives! Early detection plus starting treatment earlier equals a higher breast cancer survival rate.

Clinical Contributor to this blog:Eva Prieto, RNDirector of Health Promotion & Disease Management Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time to celebrate the rich culture, strong families, and amazing traditions of Hispanic communities, including the music, food,...

On July 22, we celebrate World Brain Day to acknowledge advances in brain science and promote brain health. Our brain is an incredible organ that can change and reorganize itself throughout our lives. There are many ways we can maintain sharp and healthy brains at...

In a crisis such as the recent floods in Texas, children and teens may feel sad, anxious, frightened, or confused. Talking to a trusted adult about what happened and how they are feeling is the best way to help them process their emotions.

 ✏️🍎 Start the new school year on the right foot! Mark your calendar for one of these local back-to-school events near you and get needed school supplies, giveaways, resources, and information to help prepare your student for a successful year. Be sure to check out...

Summer is in full swing, and many kids are spending time swimming, running around, and being active! Getting them to stop long enough to eat can be a challenge.  Here are quick and easy recipes for delicious, kid-approved grab-and-go goodies.Sweet Treats Watermelon...

Splash pads are great places to visit if you want to get your kids outdoors AND stay cool at the same time. Lucky for us, there are several splash pads spread out across San Antonio and surrounding areas.

Millions of people around the world get skin cancer every year. Treatment has improved greatly, yet skin cancer can still be deadly. Prevention is the best way to protect yourself.

Nothing beats the heat quite like a refreshing dip in the pool! Before you let your kids dive in, though, make note of these swim safety tips.

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ve scoured the city to find the fun, free events and activities to celebrate dad. Give the gift of unforgettable memories!

It’s official: school’s out! Dive into summertime fun with the family with this list of free or low-cost things to do in and around San Antonio.

Texas will see record high temperatures this week, even some of the hottest weather ever seen in May in recorded Texas history. Severe heat is dangerous and can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Extreme heat is the #1 cause of weather-related deaths...

  Clinical Contributors to this story:  Jessica Yao, M.D.  Community First Chief Medical Officer   Mary H. Garcia Holguin, MD  Community First Medical Director May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Taking care of your mental health is vital to your overall health and...

  Clinical Contributors to this story:  Jessica Yao, M.D.  Community First Chief Medical Officer   Mary H. Garcia Holguin, MD  Community First Medical Director Welcome to part 2 of our Mental Health Awareness Month blog series about moving your body for improved...

  Clinical Contributors to this story:  Jessica Yao, M.D.  Community First Chief Medical Officer   Mary H. Garcia Holguin, MD  Community First Medical Director Mindfulness brings us back to the present moment, to the sights, sounds, and smells around us. It's a way to...

  Clinical Contributors to this story:  Jessica Yao, M.D.  Community First Chief Medical Officer   Mary H. Garcia Holguin, MD  Community First Medical Director Sometimes life feels overwhelming, with work, school, family, social commitments, and world news. If we...

  Clinical Contributors to this story:  Jessica Yao, M.D.  Community First Chief Medical Officer   Mary H. Garcia Holguin, MD  Community First Medical Director Everyone needs help sometimes, and getting professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor for your...

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! If you’re looking for ways to celebrate mom (beyond breakfast in bed), you’ve come to the right place.

Easter is right around the corner, and if you’re searching for exciting ways to celebrate in and around San Antonio, look no further! From egg hunts to family-friendly festivals, there’s an event for everyone to enjoy. Hop on over to these fun spring activities and...

If you’re from San Antonio or the surrounding area, you probably know Fiesta as a huge city-wide event that brings us all together to celebrate our heritage, culture, history, and diversity.

Spring break is almost here! If you’re ready for a break from the daily grind BUT have no idea what to do or where to go while the kids are out of school, you’ve come to the right place.

Test-taking can be a stressful experience for many students, whether it’s a high-stakes exam (ahem, STAAR testing) or a simple quiz. Use these quick tips and tricks to help your child feel their best.

Flu, COVID-19, and allergy symptoms can feel very similar. It can be helpful to know the difference so you can get the right treatment at the right time.

  Clinical Contributor to this story:  Jessica Yao, M.D.  Community First Chief Medical Officer Teens are spending almost 5 hours a day on social media. So, how is social media use affecting your child's mental health and overall well-being? It's an important question...

So, what does science have to say about your favorite home remedies? Are our great grandparents handing down folk remedies, or does science support some of these “cures”? Let’s explore a few popular ones.

“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela All children have the potential to do extraordinary things! Texas A&M University San Antonio (TAMU-SA) and Community First recognizes the value of higher education to awaken...

Suicide is a complicated issue. It affects people of every race, nationality, ethnicity, and financial or marital status. Many factors can lead one to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. No two people experience the same struggle, so there is not one easy solution....

Understand preeclampsia risks, symptoms, and care during pregnancy. Early detection is key to a healthy pregnancy. Consult your doctor today.

We are lucky to have several fun, inclusive, accessible playgrounds and parks located throughout the San Antonio area where families and children of all abilities can enjoy themselves! Here are a few of the awesomely accessible, inclusive spaces in your neighborhood.

Mark your calendar for one of these local back-to-school events near you and get needed school supplies, giveaways, resources, and information to help prepare your student for a successful year.

Summer nutrition programs exist to close the gap for low-income families when the school year – and access to free school breakfast and lunch – ends during summer vacation. There are several places to find free food in the summertime and other no-cost food resources all across San Antonio and surrounding areas.

It’s official: school’s out! Dive into summertime fun with the family with this list of free or low-cost things to do in and around San Antonio.

Does your mood or energy levels tend to match the weather outside? Many people experience a natural ebb and flow with the changing seasons, but some face a more significant challenge known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Everyone gets sick at some point. This is a normal, expected part of life. The good news is that for most children, getting sick frequently is not a sign of a bigger problem.

If you or a loved one is having suicidal ideation or a mental health crisis, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately. If you or a loved one are in danger from a medical emergency, a fire, or dangerous criminal activity, call 911 immediately.

Our little ones can have big feelings! A new school year, a new grade, possibly a new school? These are all situations that can bring out those big feelings—all kinds of feelings. Don’t forget to add positive self-talk, AKA daily affirmations, to your children’s routine.

Many of us are searching for cheaper options and buying less at the grocery store as prices keep getting higher. However, there are still ways to stay nourished, keep your family healthy, AND save on your grocery bill.

The beginning of the year is an excellent time to schedule your annual wellness checkup. But if you’re feeling good and nothing seems wrong, do you really need to make an appointment?

‘Tis the season for holiday fun! However you may choose to celebrate this season, make time to check out these fun, FREE holiday events near you! There’s truly something for everyone.

School has been back in session for a couple of months now. Your child is most likely getting familiar with their new environment and routine, making new friends, navigating social situations, and adjusting to their new responsibilities.

As the weather begins to finally cool down, now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Luckily, San Antonio has no shortage of festive fall fun perfect for the whole family! We’ve put together a list of local autumn activities for all.

Unsure what to ask at your next annual health checkup? See where you fit in the two scenarios below and then check out what to ask at your health checkup for the top 5 questions to ask your doctor at your next visit.