lifestyle health happiness Issue 2 I 2018

Transcription

1 Sunflower lifestyle health happiness Issue 2 I 2018 H9870_ADVG001583

2 Welcome to the Passport Advantage Newsletter Healthy Living Importance of the Annual Doctor Visit Letter from the Editor Hello Members, As summer gets closer, it brings many events. The healthier you are, the more events you can enjoy. This newsletter is full of tips to help anyone enjoy summer. But I also want to remind you of the great benefits you have as a Passport Advantage member. You can get a pair of eyeglasses, (lenses and frames) worth up to $250. We also offer dental benefits. You can get two dentist check-ups a year. And if you need them, dentures are covered (every five years). I hope these benefits help you have a better summer and a healthier life. Thank you for being a member, and stay healthy. Kathleen Sosa Director, Health Plan Operations Editor Summer is a great time to see your primary care physician (PCP). You should visit your PCP once a year to check your health. These visits not only help you stay healthy, they allow your doctor to flag early signs of trouble. They usually check blood pressure, weight, and anything else you may need. Before a visit you can prepare by doing the following: Make a list of all your medications Make a list of any health concerns Bring a copy of your medical records and a list of doctors you ve seen in the past It s a good idea to take a Health Risk Assessment (HRA). An HRA is free and can be done online or on the phone. It estimates your overall personal health. This can identify risks, and tell you how to lower your risks in the future. Passport Advantage members can find the HRA on the website or call member services at (TTY/TDD users, please call 711.) 1 Passport Advantage (HMO SNP) Sunflower

3 Travel & Safety SUMMER SAFETY TIPS1 Summer is full of great outdoor activities. But if you re not paying close attention, some of them can be dangerous. Check out these tips to beat the heat. Beat The Bugs Many hair sprays, soaps, perfumes, and other scents can attract mosquitoes and other biting bugs. Use DEET bug spray to stay protected from disease carrying ticks and mosquitos. Shield Yourself From The Sun Use broad-spectrum sunscreen even if it s cloudy to protect yourself from the sun. If you re spending a lot of time outside, cover up with a wide brim hat and sunglasses. Don t Get Thirsty When it s hot out, drink water every 20 minutes to stay hydrated and prevent heat stress and heat stroke. If you re sweating, drink a sports drink to replenish electrolytes. Tell Someone Always let someone know where you re going and when you will be back. If anything happens to you, people will know where to find you. TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW Dehydration A loss of water in your body. It can be serious if not treated. Warning signs: Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, confusion, and passing out. Treatment: Call your primary care physician (PCP) or 911. Drink plenty of water and sports drinks the contain electrolytes. Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke Dangerous rise in body temperature caused by working outside in the heat. Warning signs: Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat, heavy sweating, fainting, dizziness, rapid pulse, muscle cramps, nausea, headache. Treatment: Move to a cool, shady place, and drink plenty of cool fluids such as water or Gatorade. Call 911, move to a cool place, and take off heavy clothes. Lower your body temperature by soaking your clothes with water and drinking water or sports drinks until help arrives. REFERENCES: Issue

4 Healthy Living Starting An Exercise Program 5 Get comfortable If you re new to exercise, find a low-key gym with people like you. Get active Do what you like to do. Don t do an exercise you don t enjoy just because it fits your age. Start slow You can never be too old or inactive to start exercising. Start with a simple walking every night after dinner. Change it up Try new routines doing the same thing every day can make you lead to injuries and boredom. Create goals Write down goals and try your best to stick to them. Get support Tell your friends and family about your workout plans. Finding a workout buddy can make your routine easier. Mind old injuries If you ve had a major injury, talk to a trainer to create a routine that fits your life. It s not about weight Don t focus on weight. Focus on the benefits like better sleep, more energy, and reduced risk for diabetes and heart disease. If you need help, talk to a trainer to find what best fits your life. REFERENCES: how-to-start-an-exercise-routine-if-youre-over-40/ 3 Passport Advantage (HMO SNP) Sunflower

5 Health Monitoring Dealing With A Loved-One With Dementia We ve all known people with memory issues or dementia. Depending on how you know them, the situation can range from uneasy to devastating. Dementia and memory issues often make talking to a loved one difficult. Though you may feel uneasy, imagine how they feel. Here are some tips on how to speak with a person with memory issues: It takes them more time to grasp what you say, so be patient. Try not to finish their sentences while they think. Helping them with a word is okay, but watch their reaction and see if it is all right to do again. Don t always correct the person. They are in a different place mentally. If you notice they are getting mad, introduce familiar topics like talking about something in the room or outside the window like a picture, a pet, some food, or the garden. Changing their location can also help. Keep in mind that a warm smile or gentle touch will often mean much more to them than the words they have trouble understanding. It may seem easier to avoid talking, but don t. Talking is good for people with dementia and their caregivers. Though it can be hard at times, it s good for everyone involved. Remember, you may be in the same situation in the future. Tips For Eating More FRUITS & VEGGIES 4 Shop In-Season Most fresh fruits and vegetables are less expensive when in-season. Buy In Bulk When there are specials on fruits and vegetables, buy extra which can be frozen for later. Don t Shop When Hungry You may be tempted to buy things that are not on your list. Healthy Eating Comparison Shop Bigger isn t always better. Check prices and get the best value for what you will use. Don t Waste Store you fruits and veggies properly so they don t expire. Spoiled foods cost money and nutrients. Prepare Fruits & Veggies Adding variety while saving money Prepare more so you have leftovers. Leftovers are often healthier than other quick meal options. Substitute meat. Replacing half the meat in a recipe with beans or vegetables reduces fat, increases fiber, and saves money. Don t get takeout. Keep canned and frozen fruits and vegetables on hand for a quick-fix meal. REFERENCES: fruits-and-vegetables-on-a-budget Issue

6 Health Monitoring Managing Your Diabetes 3 Carry Your Glucose Meter Without your meter, you won t know your blood sugar levels. Always have your meter on you. Store your meter in the same place, so you ll always know where to find it when you need it. Celebrate The Victories It can be very hard to get your glucose number within your doctor s recommended range. Celebrating when you reach these goals can help you have a better attitude towards diabetes. Keep An Eye On Your Eyes Diabetes puts your eyes at risk, especially if your blood sugar runs high. Getting your eyes dilated for your yearly exam is a must. The eye doctor will check for any eye damage you may experience. Stay Organized Keep track of doctor visits, medicine and supplies. Tests such as a Hemoglobin A-1-c test will show your average blood sugar over the past 3 months and will tell you how well your diabetes is being controlled. An organized list or calendar can make sure you stay on track at all times. Use phone notifications to add extra reminders so you never miss an appointment. Don t Stress Stress can raise your blood sugar levels. Calm yourself in stressful situations by practicing breathing techniques. Or create a happy place to think about. Work Out Exercise is good for people with diabetes. It lowers your blood sugar and stress levels. Simple workouts like walking can help keep your diabetes in check. REFERENCES: Passport Advantage (HMO SNP) Sunflower

7 Well-Being WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK If you think you should see a doctor, always call a nurse line or your doctor s office first. This can save you time and money. The nurse may offer remedies to try, or you may be told to visit your doctor or an urgent care clinic. The emergency room is designed to deal with life threatening situations. You should only go to the ER if you think you have a health emergency or if a doctor sends you! If an emergency room doctor gives you medicine or advice, make sure you follow up with your primary doctor. Be prepared by keeping phone numbers for the nurse line, doctor, and urgent care on your fridge. You don t want to spend time searching for numbers. If it is serous, don t wait. Passport Advantage offers Care for You Nurse Advice Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Additional Information We Want to Hear From You! At Passport Advantage, we are always here for you and your loved ones. Let us know what you want to learn about in our next newsletter by calling us at (TTY/TDD users, please call 711). Issue

8 5100 Commerce Crossings Drive Louisville, KY Health and wellness or prevention information. PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL US POSTAGE PAID LOUISVILLE, KY PERMIT #712 This is an Advertisement Contact Our Member Services TTY (TTY/TDD users, please call 711) Available from 8 am to 8 pm EST Monday Friday from February 15 to September 30 and 7 days a week from October 1 to February 14. Passport Advantage is an HMO Special Needs plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Kentucky Medicaid program. Enrollment in Passport Advantage depends on contract renewal. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare, and resides in Jefferson, Hardin, Bullitt, or Nelson County. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. This premium is covered as long as you remain a full-dual Kentucky Medicaid enrollee. Premium, co-pays, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. Passport Advantage (HMO SNP) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al (TTY: 711). 注意 : 如果您使用繁體中文, 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 請致電 (TTY: 711).