Healthy Eating for South Texans

Your nutrition is our mission!

Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) cares about your nutrition and well-being. Our Nutrition Program offers the following nutritional assistance and services, at no cost:

  • Healthy recipes

  • Educational classes

  • Cooking demonstrations

We hope you find the sites and resources below helpful, but please remember to consult a physician with any questions or concerns regarding a health condition or diet. If you have any other questions please contact Member Services: 1-877-324-7543

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes, also known as GDM, is diabetes during pregnancy. When you have diabetes, your body cannot use the sugars and starches it takes in as food to make energy. This results in the collection of extra sugar in your blood. Most pregnant women are tested for GDM at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational Diabetes usually goes away after delivery; but if you have it, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a health condition that typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. Symptoms may include swelling, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in vision. Keep in mind, there may also not be any symptoms.

You are at high risk for preeclampsia if you are obese, diabetic, have history of high blood pressure, pregnant with multiples, or are older than 35. Having preeclampsia can also increase the risk of having a premature birth. Please contact your healthcare provider right away, if you notice any symptoms of preeclampsia.

Maternal Anemia

Anemia occurs when your blood does not have a normal level of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body. Signs may include weakness, low energy, pale skin, dizziness, and headaches. You can help prevent anemia by eating a healthy diet rich in Iron. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and further treatment needed.

  • Women (ages 19-50 years): Need 27 mg of iron per day if pregnant.
  • Women (ages 19-50 years): Need 9 mg of iron per day if breastfeeding.
  • Foods that help with anemia

Nutritional Consultation

DHP offers Nutritional Consultations to moms-to-be. To request one, contact Member Services at 1-877-324-7543. DHP Moms-to-be can also learn more about taking care of themselves and their babies by attending one of our baby showers. If you have already given birth and would like nutritional information, click here.

Diabetes

Anemia

Anemia occurs when your blood does not have a normal level of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body. Signs may include weakness, low energy, pale skin, dizziness, and headaches. You can help prevent anemia by eating a healthy diet rich in Iron. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and further treatment needed.

  • Men (ages 19 years and older): Need 8 mg of iron per day.
  • Women (ages 19-50 years): Need 18 mg of iron per day.
  • Older women (ages 51 and older): Need 8 mg of iron per day.
  • Foods that help with anemia

Hypertension

High Blood Pressure, or Hypertension, causes the blood pressure in the artery walls to be abnormally high. If untreated, it may lead to heart attacks and strokes.

A heart-healthy diet is key to managing high blood pressure and lowering your risk of heart disease.

Food Allergies