2001 - spring
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Nutrition: Eat, Drink and Be HealthyTRANSCRIPT
Spring 2001
~ NUTRITION information INSIDE ~~ Nutrition information inside ~
B l u e A n n ' s W i l d & W o o l l Y W e b S i t eB l u e A n n ' s W i l d & W o o l l Y W e b S i t e
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3
is published four times a year by theArkansas Blue Cross and Blue ShieldAdvertising and CommunicationsDivision for the company’s mem-bers, health care professionals andother persons interested in health
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INSIDETHIS ISSUE
~SPRING 2001~
A diet for life ............................................ 4-5Water anyone? ............................................. 5Healthy food, healthy pregnancy .............. 6-7Eating tips for seniors .............................. 8-9Very vital vitamins ................................ 10-11Kids and healthy eating ............................. 12Food addictions ......................................... 13Cancer and your diet ................................. 14Food Guide Pyramid ................................... 14Counting calories ...................................... 15Food allergies ............................................ 16Ageless Heroes honored ............................ 17Preventive Health Guidelines..................... 18Health Advantage Web info........................ 19Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act ..... 20ScriptSave ............................................ 20-21Emergency action plan .............................. 21Health Advantage customer info................ 22Searcy docs open free clinic ..................... 22Blue & Your Community ............................. 23Blue Online ................................................ 24
---------------------------4It’s springtime, and you are
either well on your way to reachingthe weight loss goal you set at thebeginning of the new year … or youhave already given up and gone backto your old eating habits.
Chances are that if you are in thefirst category, you decided to eat abalanced diet complete with foodfrom all food groups, control yourportion size and limit your intake ofsweets. If you are in the secondcategory, you probably tried a “fad”diet, became tired of eating ordrinking the same types of food, andgave up.
According to a recent report bythe U.S. Food and Drug Administra-tion, most diets can help people loseweight, but only moderate-fat, well-balanced weight-reduction plansseem to keep the pounds off for good.
The report, which is the first inan ongoing review of the morepopular diets, casts doubt on thenew, alternative approaches toweight loss, such as a high-protein,low-carbohydrate diet regimen.Traditional programs, recommendedby organizations such as the Ameri-can Heart Association and WeightWatchers, have scientific evidence toback up their success rates.
Approximately half of all Ameri-cans are consid-ered overweight orobese, puttingthem at
an increased risk for a variety ofserious medical problems. Thisstatistic has prompted the federalgovernment to study weight-lossprograms promoted through organi-zations, books and weight-loss“experts.”
So, why does a high-protein dietseem to work for some people? It isbecause in the short run, these dietsproduce a greater loss of body waterthan of fat, but the water is regainedwhen the diet ends. There is noevidence to support that bloodcholesterol or blood sugar levelsimprove under a high-protein diet.
If dieters stick to a high-proteindiet plan, despite the side effectswhich include foul acidic breath,fuzzy thinking and fatigue — addi-tional pounds will come off. How-ever, the majority of the loss ismuscle, not fat, leaving the dieterwith a higher percentage of body fat.
Carbohydrates are essential tothe body because they are brokendown into glucose and used forenergy or stored as glycogen. Glu-cose provides about half of thebody’s energy daily.
Low-carbohydrate and high-protein weight loss plans are tempo-rary fixes because they are notteaching healthier behavior. The
diets are not sustainable or healthy.Anne McGilvray, a
registered dietitian andinstructor with the
BAPTIST HEALTH
A diet for life –A diet for life –
“There are no
unhealthy foods
per se, just unhealthy
portions. If you eat too
many calories, it leads
to excess fat storage.”
5Health Management Center weight-loss program in Little Rock, encour-ages her patients to balance theirmeals and control bad eating habits.“People need to find a program thatthey can stick with for a lifetime,”she added.
“There are no unhealthy foodsper se, just unhealthy portions. Ifyou eat too many calories, it leads toexcess fat storage. People need tochange their eating habits,”McGilvray added.
“Many people are rushing tobookstores to purchase the latest dietbooks in hopes of losing weight fast.Many try out these diets without afull understanding of the negativeconsequences they may acquire in
Watch the TV phenomenon “Survivor” just once,and you’ll get an idea of how important water is. Whileit’s possible to live for weeks without food, a person canlast only a few days without water.
Water is the source of life. Up to 70 percent of thehuman body is made up of it. Body fluids that flowthrough all the blood vessels carrying nutrients andwastes are mostly water. Water fills cells and the spacesbetween them. It helps keep tissues healthy.
Water also:• Is required for many of the body’s chemical reactions.• Dissolves vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.• Lubricates joints.• Helps regulate body temperature. Perspiration (hot
body water) evaporates from the skin and cools thebody, which helps keep body temperature within atight range.
Water may not taste like “the real thing,” but it’simportant to drink it every day. Daily ingestion of waterwill help maintain good health. Adults should drink twoquarts (eight cups) a day; children should drink four to
eight cups daily, depending on age and size. Other fluidsand even some foods contain water, and these can helpmeet daily water needs. Milk, fruit juices and evencarbonated drinks are good water sources. Choosedecaffeinated colas though, because caffeine is a diuretic,which causes the body to lose water.
One of water’s most important functions in the bodyis helping maintain fluid balance. Minerals called electro-lytes dissolve in water, and they contain sodium, potas-sium and chloride. Electrolytes determine the balance offluid inside cells and out. An imbalance isn’t healthy.Edema (fluid retention) is the condition by which toomuch water is inside the cells. Dehydration is actuallythe condition by which too much water exists outside thebody’s cells.
Fluid balance can be impacted by medical conditionsand medications. For more information on how they mayaffect you, contact your physician.
— Source: www.healthanswers.com
the long term,” she said.McGilvray pointed out that high-
protein, low-carbohydrate dietersmay experience mild dehydration
(which may cause headaches, fatigueand increased strain on the kidneys).High-protein diets also are known toincrease urinary calcium loss, whichadds to the risk of osteoporosis.High-protein levels also may aggra-
Avoid fad diets andlearn to eat sensibly
vate existing gout, kidney stones andgall bladder colic.
“Carbohydrates do not makepeople fat. They are full of essentialvitamins and fiber that our bodiesneed to ward off disease,” she said.“Too many calories and too littlephysical activity cause people to storefat and gain weight. No one singlefood is bad for your health; all foodscan fit into your diet in moderation.”
McGilvray pointed out that it isimportant to remember that quickweight loss does not mean long-termweight loss. “The key to weight lossis moderation and increased physicalactivity. Remember, if the dietsounds too good to be true, itprobably is.”
Have you had your WATER today?Have you had your WATER today?
6G ood eating habits are especially important if you are planning a pregnancy or are already
pregnant. The foods that you eat are the main source ofenergy for your developing baby. Healthy food choicesprepare the mother-to-be for childbearing and breast-feeding as well as helping ensure a healthy baby.
An average nonpregnant woman needs between1,800 and 2,200 calories each day. When you arepregnant, you need about 300 more calories each day tostay healthy and help your baby grow. Gaining the rightamount of weight during pregnancy is important for thebaby’s health and development. Pregnancy is not thetime to lose weight. Discuss with your physician or nursethe right amount of weight gain for you. The amount ofweight gained depends on your weight before pregnancy.Usually, you can expect to gain about 10 pounds duringthe first 20 weeks and about 1 pound per week duringthe rest of your pregnancy.
Recommended Weight Gain in Pregnancy
Condition Weight Gain (pounds)Underweight 28-40Normal weight 25-35Overweight 15-25Carrying twins 35-45
Where does the weight go?In pregnancy, your body must store nutrients and
increase the amount of blood and other fluids itproduces. On average, here is where the weight goes:
7 pounds Maternal stores(fat, protein and other nutrients)
4 pounds Increased fluid4 pounds Increased blood2 pounds Breast growth2 pounds Uterus6-8 pounds Baby2 pounds Amniotic fluid
(fluid around the fetus)1 1/2 pounds Placenta
(tissue inside the uterus thatbrings nourishment from themother and takes waste awayfrom the fetus)
Healthy food choices
Eating a healthy dietThe best way to be sure you are getting a balanced
diet and that your baby is getting the right nutrients is tofollow the Food Guide Pyramid developed by the U.S.Department of Agriculture (see Food Guide Pyramid onPage 14). The pyramid stresses a diet that is wellbalanced and has vegetables, fruits and grain products.This is healthy advice for everyone, including pregnantwomen. Every diet should include proteins,carbohydrates (sugars and starches), vitamins, mineralsand fats. Additionally, be sure and take a vitamin pilldaily that has folic acid in it. Folic acid is a specialvitamin that can help prevent birth defects of the brainand spine. Foods that have folic acid include orangejuice, green vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals andenriched rice and whole wheat bread.
Vegetarian dietsA vegetarian diet that includes milk, cheese, eggs,
cereals, nuts and seeds in addition to vegetables andfruits can be adequate for a pregnant woman. Pregnantwomen on vegan diets (consuming no animal products)may need vitamin B12, vitamin D and zinc supplementsprescribed by their physicians.
CravingsPregnant women sometimes have cravings for certain
foods. On occasion, giving in to a craving should causeno problems as long as the rest of the woman’s diet iswell balanced and what she eats is not harmful. Somewomen, however, have a strong desire to eat things thatare not foods, such as clay or laundry starch. Thiscraving is called pica. If you have this kind of craving,
talk to your physician.
Breast-feedingMother’s milk is
the most balancedfood for babies andhelps them resist
disease andallergies.
During pregnancy, yourbody stores extranutrients to prepare youto nurse. Even so, whileyou are breast-feeding,you’ll need food for yourown body plus extrafood to produce milk foryour baby. You will needabout 200 more caloriesthan you needed duringpregnancy or 500 morecalories than you neededbefore pregnancy. It isimportant to maintainyour protein and calciumintake and drink plentyof fluids while breast-feeding.
Eating right and exercising during your pregnancyare two of the best things you can do for yourself andyour baby. If you are pregnant or thinking about gettingpregnant, talk to your physician and start eatinghealthy today.
— Sources: Baylor College of Medicine and The AmericanCollege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
7for a healthy pregnancy
8… that the Federal DrugAdministration has standardizedcontent-related terms for use onfood labels? Examples include:
• Fat-free means that the productcontains no amount of, or onlytrivial amounts of one or moreof these components: fat,saturated fat, cholesterol,sodium, sugars and calories.
• Low-fat means that the foodcontains three grams of fat orless per serving.
• Reduced-fat means the foodcontains at least 25 percentless fat per serving than theoriginal food.
• Lite/light means that the foodcontains at least 50 percentless fat per serving than theoriginal food.
• High can be used if the foodcontains 20 percent or more ofthe Daily Value for a particularnutrient in a serving.
• Good source means that oneserving of a food contains 10 to19 percent of the Daily Value fora particular nutrient.
Did youknow ... ?
don’t drive anymore or do not havetransportation. Difficulty standing for
long periods of time orwalking also can be achore for them.• Difficulty cooking.Holding cookingutensils and pots andpans can be a chal-lenge for older peoplewith physical disabili-ties. Also, they mightnot be able to standfor long periodsof time.• Not enoughmoney.Living within thefinancial constraintsof a fixed incomecan result in theelderly spendingtheir grocerymoney on rent,
utilities or other necessi-ties, and buying cheap foods with littlenutritional value.
How can the elderly developbetter eating habits?• Make eating a social event and eat
with family and friends wheneverpossible.
• Participate in senior citizen groupmeal programs in your community orhave meals delivered to your home.
• Ask your doctor which medicationsyou are taking that might affect yourappetite, and ask if you could takesubstitute medications.
• Try adding spices and herbs to foodsto add flavor.
• If chewing or swallowing your foodis a problem, try other foods. Forexample, instead of fresh fruit, tryfruit juices and soft canned fruits.Rather than eating raw vegetables,
G etting proper nutrition can be a challenge for people of all ages,
but it is especially challengingfor the elderly.The elderly arefaced withneeding nutrient-dense diets, butrequire fewercalories becauseof the decline intheir activitylevels and energyneeds. Studiesshow that dietquality slowlydeclines for peoplepast age 74.
Common factorsthat contributeto malnutritionin the elderly:• No appetite.
Loneliness,inactive lifestyles and depression cancontribute to a decrease in appetite.Decreased senses of taste, smell andvision can result in less enjoyment offood. Often medication can affect thesense of taste, irritate the stomachlining or have other unpleasant sideeffects that might suppress the appetite.• Difficulty in chewing.
Ill-fitting dentures can inhibitchewing. Physical disabilities also cancause problems eating or swallowingwithout assistance.• Upset stomach.
Upset stomach and bloating arecommonly experienced among theelderly. As a result, foods like milk,cabbage or broccoli that may cause anupset stomach, should be avoided.• Unable to shop.
Grocery shopping might be aproblem for an older person if they
Eating healthy as we ageEating healthy as we age
9drink vegetable juices and eatcreamed and mashed vegetables.Eat ground meat or other high-protein foods like eggs, milk, cheeseand yogurt. Instead of sliced bread,try cooked cereals, rice or breadpudding.
• Rather than avoiding foods like milk,cabbage and broccoli that tend tocause an upset stomach, try substi-tuting cream soups, pudding, yogurtand cheese for milk. Green beans,carrots and potatoes make greatsubstitutes for cabbage and broccoli.
• If you have problems shopping orcan’t drive, check with your localfood store about making deliveries toyour home. Check with your churchor synagogue for volunteers; ask afamily member or neighbor to helpor consider hiring someone.
• If cooking is difficult for you, trybuying frozen dinners or foodsalready prepared by the store (thatare low in fat and sodium) that youcan cook or heat in a microwaveoven. Ask a family member or friend
if they might cook for you or, ifpossible, move to a facility that willprepare meals for you.
• You can save money by buying low-cost foods like dried beans and peas,rice and pasta that are very nutri-tious. Use money-saving coupons,
look for sales and buy store-brandfoods since they often cost less.
Choose the right foodsAlways read food labels. Try
to select foods that are low infat and cholesterol, reduceyour sodium intake, includeadequate fiber in your dietand drink at least eight cupsdaily of water or liquids (likefruit juice and milk) thatcontain water and other nutrients.
By eating the recommendeddaily servings of foods from each of thefive food groups in the Food GuidePyramid (see Page 14), people of allages should receive the necessarynutrients needed for a healthy diet.Vitamin/mineral supplements arenecessary only if you are not eatingenough foods to meet yournutritional needs and only thenafter consulting with your doctor.
Find a solutionJust remember that even the
most nutritious meals are of novalue if left uneaten. So, if you orsomeone you know is not gettingproper nutrition, identify thesource of the problem and thenwork toward a solution andremember … there is a solution ifyou’re willing to find it.
For more information about nutri-tion programs in your area or organiza-tions that provide home-deliveredmeals to the elderly, contact your localArea Agency on Aging. Consult yourdoctor before beginning any diet planand always follow your doctor’s advice.
— Sources: Nutrition News Focus andthe Columbia-Presbyterian MedicalCenter in New York City
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
10 How do vitamins affect your health? What foods supply the vitamins you need?
Vitamin A — Vitamin A isnecessary for normal eyesight,body tissues, growth and boneformation and resistance toinfection. Vitamin A is foundin liver, fish liver oils, whole orfortified milk, eggs, carrots anddark-green leafy vegetables.Signs of deficiency include
poor night vision, loss of appetite, susceptibility toinfection and changes in skin and teeth.
Vitamin B-1 — Vitamin B-1 (thiamin) is vital for thenormal functioning of all body cells, especially nerves. Italso helps the body break down carbohydrates, proteinand fat for energy. Vitamin B-1 is found in oysters, greenpeas, organ meats, lean cuts of pork, dried beans andpeas, collard greens, oranges, whole-grain breads andcereals, peanuts and peanut butter. Signs of deficiencyinclude fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, nauseaand weakness.
Vitamin B-2 — Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) is necessaryfor the normal release of energy from carbohydrate,protein and fat in food. It also is important fornormal growth and development. Vitamin B-2 isfound in dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, enrichedand fortified grains, cereals and bakery products, andgreen vegetables, such as broccoli, turnip greens,asparagus and spinach. Signs of deficiency includesoreness of the mouth, lips and tongue; burning anditching of the eyes; loss of vision; and sensitivity to light.
Vitamin C — Vitamin C is necessary for the formation ofcollagen, a protein that gives structure to bones,
cartilage, muscles and blood vessels, andcontributes to the proper
maintenance of capillaries, bonesand teeth. Vitamin C promotesthe healing of wounds, bonefractures, bruises, hemorrhagesand bleeding gums. Vitamin C is
found in green and red peppers,collard greens, broccoli, spinach,
tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, oranges and othercitrus fruits. Signs of deficiency include bleeding gums,nosebleeds and wounds that are slow to heal.
Vitamin D — Vitamin D is essential in the formation andmaintenance of bones and teeth by regulating theabsorption and use of calcium and phosphorus, and italso aids in the maintenance of a healthy nerve andmuscle system. Vitamin D is found in sunlight, fortifiedmilk and margarine, eggs and butter. A prolonged lack ofVitamin D results in changes in the bones of children andadults.
Vitamin E — Vitamin Eprotects fats and Vitamin Ain the body from ruin bydestructive oxygenfragments. It stabilizes cellmembranes and protectstissues found throughoutthe body. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, margarine,nuts, wheat germ and green leafy vegetables. Signs ofdeficiency include anemia in infants and nerve damagein adults.
Biotin — Biotin is used by thebody to manufacture and breakdown fats, amino acids andcarbohydrates. Biotin is foundin liver, egg yolk, soy flour,cereals and yeast. Signs ofdeficiency include skininflammation, depression,
conjunctivitis, hair loss, elevated blood levels ofcholesterol, anemia, loss of appetite, tingling andnumbness in the hands and feet, nausea, lethargy,muscle pain and enlargement of the liver.
Folate — Folate (folacin, folic acid) is necessary for thenormal growth and maintenance of all cells, and its mainfunction is to maintain the cells’ genetic code. Folate isfound in many foods, but sometimes much of it isdestroyed during cooking or food processing. Folate isespecially rich in liver, legumes and green, leafyvegetables. Signs of deficiency include anemia, poorgrowth, digestive disorders, malnutrition, diarrhea, lossof appetite, weakness, irritability, sore tongue,headaches, heart palpitations and behavioral disorders.
VERY VITAL
11Pantothenic Acid — Pantothenic Acid is a B-complexvitamin required for the breakdown of fats,carbohydrates, and protein for energy. It also functions inthe production of fats, cholesterol, bile, vitamin D, redblood cells and some hormonesand neurotransmitters. PantothenicAcid is found in meat, poultry,fish, whole grain cereals andlegumes. Signs of deficiencyinclude fatigue, heart and digestiveproblems, respiratory infectionsand skin inflammation. Lack ofcoordination may develop undersevere conditions.
— Source: www.WebMD.com
In the human body, calcium is king. It is one ofthe most important minerals for the growth,maintenance and reproduction of the human body.Your bones, teeth and blood all need calcium forgrowth and maintenance. Besides being necessary,calcium is the most plentiful mineral found in thehuman body. Teeth and bones contain the majority of thebody’s calcium.
Milk and dairy products are the most significantsources of calcium. Items such as yogurt, cheese andbuttermilk contain a more efficiently absorbed form ofcalcium. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli,collards, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens and
bok choy or Chinese cabbage are good sources ofcalcium. Other sources include shellfish, almonds,Brazil nuts and dried beans.
Examples• 8-ounce glass of milk = 300 milligrams of calcium
• 2 ounces of Swiss cheese = 530 milligrams of calcium• 6 ounces of yogurt = 300 milligrams of calcium• 6 ounces of cooked turnip greens = 220 milligrams• 3 ounces of almonds = 210 milligrams
Side effectsHigh calcium intake normally does not cause toxic
effects. However, an increased risk ofkidney stones has been associated withchronically high calcium intake. Lowcalcium intake for prolonged periods oftime can lead toosteoporosis, lossof the jaw boneand secondaryoral healthproblems,hypertensionand otherdisorders.
Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for CalciumInfants (0 to 6 months) 400 milligramsInfants (6 to 12 months) 600 milligramsToddlers and preschoolers (1 to 5 years) 800 milligramsSchool age (6 to 10 years) 800 - 1,200 milligramsAdolescents (11 to 24 years) 1,200 - 1,500 milligramsAdult non-pregnant women (25 to 50 years) 1,000 milligramsPregnant or breast-feeding women 1,200 milligramsPostmenopausal women taking estrogen supplements 1,000 milligramsPostmenopausal women NOT taking estrogen supplements 1,500 milligramsAdult men (25 to 65 years) 1,000 milligramsAll men and women over 65 1,500 milligrams
Why is calcium important in your diet?
All about fiberFiber, also called roughage, can be found in
whole-grain breads, popcorn, fresh fruit, rawvegetables and legumes. A diet rich in fiber reducesthe risk of disease by decreasing the time it takes forfood to exit the gastrointestinal tract. This action mayreduce cholesterol levels, help in the control ofblood-sugar levels and lower the risk of cancer.Everyone should try and get between 20 and 30grams of fiber in their diet per day, slightly more forthose over age 65. The American Dietetic Associationrecommends that seniors, or those who have hadgastrointestinal surgery, seek the advice of theirphysician when adding fiber to their diets.
VITAMINS
Why is calcium important in your diet?
Did youknow ... ?• One child out of every five is
considered overweight.• During the last 20 years, the
number of overweight childrenhas increased by more than 50percent.
• The average American childspends approximately 24 hourseach week watching television.
• Overweight children are moreprone to medical diseases, lowself esteem, depression andrejection by peers.
• Overweight children have an 80percent chance of being anoverweight adult if both parentsare overweight.
• The most common reasonschildren become overweight are
genetic factors,lack of physicalactivity, unhealthyeating patterns ora combination ofthese factors.
12
• Cheese on toast with a juice box• Peanut butter on a flour tortilla and a carton of milk• Yogurt topped with granola or fruit• A breakfast bar and a box of calcium-fortified orange juice• Slice of leftover cheese pizza and fresh orange slices
— Source: USDA/ARSChildren’s Nutrition
Research Center at theBaylor College of Medicine
in Houston, Texas.
• Takeout foods make up 35 percent of the averagefamily’s meals.• Three or more cans of soda are consumed daily by two-
thirds of teenage boys.• Obesity in children has more than doubled since the 1970s.
• A recent government report showed that school lunches are
leaner and more nutritious than they were a decade ago.
• Studies show that kids who eat a nutritious breakfast do
better in school, are more attentive, feel better and are
more likely to engage in physical activities.• Based on current knowledge, 30 percent of the caloric
intake of children over the age of 2 should come from fat.
Tips for helping kids eat
healthier
Tips for helping kids eat
healthier
1. Resist the tendency to let your kids “be in charge” of what
they eat.
2. Become familiar with the Food Guide Pyramid (see Page 14) for
young children, and keep the shelves stocked with items from
each food group.
3. Spread out some of the recommended servings from the Food
Guide Pyramid so you can include them, not only at mealtime,
but in snacks as well.
4. Pack healthy lunches for school. A healthy lunch might be milk,
a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apple wedges and carrot
sticks with yogurt dip.
5. Offer a variety of foods and serve reasonable child-sized por-
tions that won’t overwhelm your child — he or she might even
go back for seconds.
6. Don’t make your kids “clean their plate.” That’s asking them to
ignore their own body’s natural signals that tell them when they
are full, and might possibly even lead to eating disorders.
7. Limit the amount of beverages your child can drink between
meals. Beverages will spoil their appetite for meals and snacks.
8. Dessert should be just another part of a healthful meal and not
set up as a “reward.”
F A S T F A C T SF A S T F A C T S
Quick and healthybreakfast ideas
for kids
Quick and healthybreakfast ideas
for kids
13Many people cannot get going
in the morning without a cup ofcoffee. Others openly confess tobeing “chocoholics.” Are thesefood addictions real? Are they
physiological and based on thebody’s needs for nutrients, or are they
psychological and based on emotional and social needs?And whether real or imagined, are food addictions badfor you?
Scientists and nutritionists disagree on the answersto these questions. Numerous studies have focused onthe pros and cons of caffeine and chocolate consumption,but no consensus has surfaced. Consumers would bewise to follow the old adage, “everything in moderation,”as they sip their lattes and nibble on chocolate truffles.
The American Dietetic Association warns that themore you avoid certain foods, the more you crave thosefoods. A dieter who has been disciplined for weeks mightsuddenly go on an ice-cream binge.
Certain foods produce pleasurable reactions, themost popular of those being coffee, tea and chocolate.What is it about these foods we crave?
Scientists have studied the effects ofchocolate in recent years. The findingsare, for the most part, that chocolatedoes have beneficial effects on people.The American Cocoa Research Institutehas summarized those findings:• Fat: The fat in chocolate comes from
cocoa butter, which is one of the highest naturalsources of stearic acid. Numerous research studieshave shown that stearic acid does not raise bloodcholesterol.
• Sugar: Chocolate candy does contain sugar but doesnot cause tooth decay. The tannic acid in chocolateinhibits the formation of dental plaque.
• Caffeine: Chocolate contains caffeine but in muchsmaller amounts than tea or coffee.
• Antioxidants: A 1997 study at the University ofScranton found high levels of polyphenolicantioxidants in cocoa products. Antioxidants arebelieved to help prevent heart attacks and may boostthe immune system.
Though chocolate has been implicated as a triggerfor migraines and a cause of pimples, scientific studies
have not proven this is to be true. Recent scientificstudies have shown no correlation between chocolateand migraines.
So, now that you feel good abouteating your chocolate, what about coffee?Again, the answer seems to lie inmoderation.
Caffeine is a stimulant that boostsenergy, fights fatigue and temporarilyincreases your heart rate, but the effectsare short-term. The American DieteticAssociation warns that caffeine also actsas a diuretic. If your only fluid intake iscaffeine-based, you may feel thirsty mostof the time. Do not use coffee, tea and softdrinks in place of milk, juice and water.
The good effects of caffeine includeincreased alertness and stamina (bystimulating the central nervous system);relief of certain types of headaches (byconstricting blood vessels in the brain);and reduction of muscle tension (by
increasing blood flow tomuscle cells).
Four out of fiveAmericans have two to fourcups of coffee per day.Americans consume 11pounds of chocolate perperson per year.
Are those statistics good or bad?Research indicates that a little coffee, tea,cola or chocolate is not going to hurt you.Such activities as drinking coffee andeating chocolate contribute to an overallsense of well-being, reduce stresshormones and strengthen immune response.
— Sources: American DieteticAssociation, National Institutes ofHealth, American Cocoa ResearchInstitute, American ChemicalSociety, University ofPennsylvania Women’s HealthNewsletter, and Associates forResearch into the Science of Enjoyment.
Food Addictions: Real or Imagined ?
Research shows dietcontributes to cancer risk14
According to the American Cancer Society,
research suggests that aboutone-third of all deaths fromcancer that occur in the U.S.each year is largely due to theadult diet, including its effecton obesity.
That means that for thoseAmericans who do not smoke,
healthy eating habits andphysical activity became the most
important modifiable factors ofcancer risk. Beginning a healthy
diet and exercise practices, at any time from childhood toretirement, can promote health and probably reducecancer risk.
Dietary factors, such as types of foods, foodpreparation methods, portion sizes, food varietyand overall caloric balance, can affect cancer risk.Cancer risk can be reduced by a diet that includes lots ofplant foods (fruits, vegetables, grains and beans), limitedamounts of meat, dairy and other high-fat foods, and abalance of caloric intake and physical activity.
The American Cancer Society recommends:1. Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages. Studies
have noted an association between alcoholconsumption and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Research shows dietcontributes to cancer risk
2. Be physically active; achieve and maintain a healthyweight. An imbalance of caloric intake and energyoutput can lead to being overweight or obese, and anincreased risk for cancers at several sites: colon andrectum, prostate, endometrium, breast (amongpostmenopausal women) and kidney.
3. Choose most of the foods you eat from plant sources.Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables eachday and other foods from plant sources, such asbreads, cereals, grain products, rice, pasta or beans.
4. Limit your intake of high-fat foods, particularly fromanimal sources. Choose foods low in fat; limit intakeof meats, especially high-fat meats. High-fat dietshave been associated with an increased risk ofcancers of the colon and rectum, prostate andendometrium. Whether these associations are caused
by the total amount of fat, the particular type of fat(saturated, monounsaturated or polysaturated),the calories contributed by fat, or some otherfactor in food fats, has not yet been determined.
Based on scientific evidence, the American CancerSociety also recommends a diet consistent in principlewith the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food GuidePyramid (see below). Although no diet can guaranteeagainst disease, the American Cancer Society believes byfollowing the best nutrition advice available, Americanscan reduce their risk of cancer.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has established the Food GuidePyramid to help Americans make healthy eating choices. The Food GuidePyramid recommends the following: six to 11 servings of bread, cereal,rice and pasta; three to five servings of vegetables; two to four servings
of fruit; two to three servings per day of milk,yogurt and cheese; two to three servings of
meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; andlimited intake of oils, fats and sweets.Parents should remember “6-3-2-2-2” whenplanning servings per day for their children.The Department of Agriculture also stressesthe importance of maintaining a healthyweight, limiting salt intake, and using
alcoholic beverages in moderation.
Food Guide Pyra midFood Guide Pyra midLimited
amounts
3-5
servings
2-4
servings
2-3
servings
6-11
servings
2-3
servings
CALORIES: How big
are they,
and why dowe countthem? 15
We hear people talk about them all the time. Theycount them, worry over them, run from them.
But just what are they, exactly, and how much ofthem do we really need?
Calories are units of energy and the amount neededvaries greatly per person.
Just as an old steam engine relies on coal, the bodyburns calories to stay alive and to move. It also usescalories to measure potential energy in foods. Threenutrients providecalories in food— carbohydrate,fat and protein(while not anutrient, alcoholcontains caloriestoo). All threecan be found ineach of themajor food groups. Some foods may contain all threecalorie-producing nutrients; some may have just one ortwo. But all three caloric nutrients provide energy to thebody. During digestion, they are absorbed into thebloodstream and converted to glucose (blood sugar).Glucose, by way of calories, is actually what the bodyuses to operate. Calories are the coal to the body’s steamengine; glucose is the heat produced by that coal thatactually makes the train run.
Energy not needed right away is stored — some of itas fat, some of it as glycogen (stored glucose) in the liverand muscles.
The body receives different amounts of calories fromeach nutrient:• Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram.• Fats provide 9 calories per gram.• Protein provides 4 calories per gram.
(Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram).This is how calories-per-serving are
calculated. Take a food consisting of only fatand containing 9 grams: 9 grams fat x 9calories per gram of fat = 81 calories.
So, now that we know what calories areand how to determine how many of themare in the foods we eat, how many do we need per day?
Active men and teenage boys require roughly 2,800calories to provide the body the energy it needs. Goingby the Food Guide Pyramid (see Page 14) issued by thedepartments of Agriculture and Health and HumanServices, 2,800 calories would represent:• 11 servings from the bread group.• 5 servings of vegetables.• 4 servings of fruit.• 2-3 servings from the milk group (teens should
have 3).• 3 servings (total of 7 ounces) from the meat group.
Active women, teenage girls, children and mostmen require about 2,200 caloriesper day. That, according to thefood pyramid, would represent:• 9 servings from the bread group.• 4 servings of vegetables.• 3 servings of fruit.• 2-3 servings from the milk group
(pregnant and breast feedingwomen should get 3 servings,while teenage girls and youngadults through age 24 need 4)
• 2 servings (6 ounces total) fromthe meat group.
Most women and some older adults need approxi-mately 1,600 calories. Broken down by the food pyramid,that entails:• 6 servings from the bread group.• 3 servings of vegetables.• 2 servings of fruit.• 2-3 servings from the milk group.
• 2 servings (5 ounces total) from themeat group.
Remember, a healthy diet requires allthree caloric nutrients. The American HeartAssociation recommends a diet in whichcalories come from:• 55-60 percent carbohydrates.• less than 30 percent fat (and less than 8-10
percent saturated fat).
CALORIES: How big
are they,
and why dowe countthem?
16Whether it’s peanuts or Gulf
Coast shrimp that don’t agree withyou, a serious reaction to a specifictype of food probably means you havea food allergy.
A food allergy is an abnormalresponse to a food that is triggered bythe immune system. A food intoleranceis an adverse food-induced reaction thatdoes not involve the immune system.Lactose (milk) intolerance is oneexample of food intolerance — a personwho is lactose intolerant lacks anenzyme that is needed to digest milksugar. The result may be gas, bloatingand abdominal pain.
With a food allergy, your bodyreacts to a certain food, usually bycreating immunoglobulin E (IgE)antibodies to the food. When theseantibodies react with food, histamineand other chemicals (called mediators)cause hives, asthma or other symptomsof an allergic reaction. If the same foodwere eaten a second time, the bodywould release massive amounts ofchemicals and histamines in order toprotect itself.
In adults, the most common foodsto cause allergic reactions includeshellfish, such as shrimp, crayfish,lobster and crab; peanuts; walnuts;fish; and eggs. In children, the mostcommon allergic reactions are eggs,milk and peanuts. Children are morelikely to outgrow allergies to milk or soythan to other foods.
Food allergies are treated byavoidance. Once the patient and his orher physician have identified the foodto which the patient is sensitive, thefood must be removed from the
No peanuts for me, thank you No peanuts for me, thank you
patient’s diet. To do this, patients mustread lengthy, detailed ingredient lists oneach food they are considering eating.The federal Food and DrugAdministration requires that allingredients in a food appear on its label.
The best treatment for a foodallergy reaction is a prescriptionmedication called epinephrine, alsocalled adrenaline; however, anyprescription medication should bediscussed with your physician.
There is no cure for food allergies.Strict avoidance is the only way toprevent a reaction. If you think you orsomeone in your family might have afood allergy, please contact yourphysician for more information.
— Sources: The National Institute ofAllergy and Infectious Diseases of theNational Institutes of Health and theFood Allergy Network.
Children are more
likely to outgrow
allergies to milk
or soy than to
other foods.
honorees named 17
I n late 2000 and early 2001, exceptional matureindividuals in Arkansas were honored as Ageless Heroes.Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advan-tage Medi-Pak HMO sponsored the program in Arkansaswhich is designed to honor inspirational mature indi-viduals who set examples of living life fully, with vigorand health.
Honorees were announced in six categories: “Vigorand Vitality” — demonstration of extraordinary physicalor mental abilities; “Community Involvement” — com-mitment to a community and its members; “Love ofLearning” — pursuit of knowledge by study or experi-ence; “Bridging the Generations” — earns admiration ofyoung person, able to reach into the future, connectingthe generations; “Against the Odds” — overcoming allobstacles, whether disability, illness or hardship; and“Business Champion” — fostering healthy, active agingthrough business practices, products or communications.
Northwest Arkansas honorees were: Elmo Hurst, 91,of Cotter; Don Pellmann, 84, of Mountain Home; EthelFreant, 89, of Mountain Home; Dorothy Sherwood, 78,of Springdale; John F. Cross, 66, of Eureka Springs;Harold A. Dulan, Ph.D., 89, of Fayetteville; Pat Musick,74, of Huntsville; Betty Schaffer, 72, of Bella Vista; andHoward Porter, 71, of Bentonville.
South Central Arkansas honorees were: CallieHelms, 84, of Arkadelphia; Jim Hogue, 76, of HotSprings; Mary Chestnutt, 83, of Hot Springs; GenevieveWilliams, 70, of Hot Springs Village; Patricia Lang,
M.D., 73, and Bill Glenn, 72, both of Hot Springs;Kathy Paul, 74, of Malvern; and Ruth Anderson, 70, ofHot Springs.
Central Arkansas honorees were: Bertalan M.Erdely, 90, of Conway; Arthur Sanders, 92, of LittleRock; Ruth Vest, 81, of Bald Knob; Charles Thompson,81, of Little Rock; May Hope Moose, 92, of Morrilton;Marge and George Caristianos, 76 and 80, of HotSprings Village; Edwin Noller, 78, of Little Rock; MaryProue, 69, of Little Rock; and the late Flo Hall of NorthLittle Rock.
Southwest Arkansas honorees were: Vance Elmore,86, of Magnolia; William Dean Tommey, 80, of ElDorado; John W. Teeter, 80, of Prescott; FrancesMcGraw, 86, of Ashdown (who was a 1999 recipient aswell); Steuart Cooley, 79, of Nashville; and J. FredJordan, CPA, 79, of Magnolia.
Northeast Arkansas honorees were: (left) Dr.William Bell, 77, of Jonesboro;(right) Rosetta Lockhart, 72, ofGregory; Elixa Morgan, 78, ofForrest City; J.D. Coleman, 77, ofBlack Oak; and the late FrankWilson Sr. of Wynne.
We celebrate all of the individuals who were nomi-nated for the Ageless Heroes Award program. We areproud to have such unique and special individuals in ourcommunities. These Ageless Heroes demonstrate how allstages of life can be fulfilling.
honorees named
Northwest Arkansas honorees (left to right): Musick, Hurst,Cross, Schaffer, Porter, Freant, Sherwood and Dulan.
South Central honorees (left to right): Helms,Glenn, Williams, Hogue and Anderson.
Central Arkansas honorees (left to right): the Caristianos, Proue, JohnHall for the late Flo Hall, Noller, Erdely, Moose, Sanders and Thompson.
Southwest Arkansas honorees (left to right):Elmore, Teeter, Cooley, McGraw and Jordan.
18 What are the ingredients to a healthy life?
Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise may helpHealth Advantage members (and others) feel and lookbetter. Preventive health care, visiting your physicianregularly and having recommended care before youbecome ill complete the recipe.
Health Advantage has implemented PreventiveHealth Guidelines to promote wellness among itsmembers. The guidelines, adopted fromrecommendations of the U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services and other leading clinical authoritiesand originally released in 1996, outline the minimumpreventive health screening criteria. The guidelines wererevised and distributed to Health Advantage primary carephysicians in November 2000. Additionally, the completeset of guidelines is available on the Health AdvantageWeb site at www.healthadvantage-hmo.com.
The list below includes recommended tests,assessments and immunizations. The associatedfrequency and age requirements also are included.Guidelines that were upgraded or added in 2001 arepneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children 0-24months, hearing screenings for newborns and bonemineral density screenings for those 65 and older.
Age 2 months — Exam, pneumococcal conjugatevaccine, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP), oral poliovaccine (OPV), hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), height andweight.
Age 4 months — Exam, hearing screening, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP), oral polio vaccine (OPV),hepatitis B (HBV), weight and height.
Age 6 months — Exam, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis(DTP), hepatitis B (HBV), weight and height.
Age 12-18 months — Hemoglobin and Hematocrit,vision screening, exam, hearing screenings, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP), oral polio vaccine (OPV),varicella vaccine (VZV/chicken pox), flu vaccine (Hib),weight and height.
Ages 2-6 — Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), exam (perphysician). Four to six years: diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP), oral polio vaccine (OPV), weight andheight, blood pressure, urinalysis, hearing and vision
Follow the Preventive Health Guidelines atwww.healthadvantage-hmo.com
screenings, and hemoglobin and hematocrit (once1-5 years).
Ages 7-12 — Exams (per physician), hearing screening,height, weight and blood pressure.
Ages 13-18 — Exams (per physician), hearing screening,tetanus-diphtheria booster (14-16 years), height, weight,blood pressure, and hemoglobin and hematocrit (once14-16 years).
Ages 19-39 — Exams, tetanus-diphtheria booster (every10 years), height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterolscreening, pap test (for females, every one to threeyears), and periodic clinical breast exams.
Ages 40-64 — Exams, tetanus-diphtheria booster (every10 years), height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterolscreening, pap test (every one to three years), clinicalbreast exam and mammogram (every one to two years).After age 50, a sigmoidoscopy (every four years) andfecal blood occult (annually) is recommended.
Age 65 and older (annual visit) — Exam, flu andpneumonia vaccine, tetanus-diphtheria booster (every 10years), height, weight, blood pressure, urinalysis, visioncheck, hearing check, cholesterol screening, pap test(every one to three years), breast exam and mammogram(annually), and bone mineral density screening.
If you are new to Health Advantage, or have notvisited your primary care physician, please make anappointment and establish yourself and your family aspatients. Be sure to provide your physician with anypertinent information about your health because if, atany time, you or your family need emergency care, yourphysician then will be able to coordinate your caremore efficiently.
The recipe for healthy living
19Provider Directory
The “Provider Directory” has a new look and morefunctionality. Members can select their health plan andthen choose to search for in-network physicians or otherhealth practitioners, hospitals or other health facilities, orpharmacies. They may search by city, county, region orname of the participating provider or facility. If they wantto do a quick search for an in-network provider or facilitywithout having to choose a health plan, they can typethe name into a box on the “Search” page.
Preferred Drug ListAnother section of the Web site should help
members understand why some drugs cost more thanothers. The “Preferred Drug List” section explains howthe three-tier formulary works and lists the drugs thathave the highest cost. A condensed version of thePreferred Drug List provides a guide for asking aphysician to prescribe a generic or lower-cost medication.
Health Plans and ServicesThe “Health Plans and Services” section
describes group health plans and Medi-PakHMO. Services available to members, such asSpecial Delivery for expectant mothers, also aredescribed under “Health Plans and Services.”
Customer ServiceUnder the “Customer Service” section, site visitors
will find:• “Wellness Discounts,” a directory of providers of
discounts for health clubs, weight-loss programs andsporting goods.
• “Glossary,” a list of health insurance terms.• “Fraud & Abuse,” information about how to report
insurance fraud, which drives up costs for everyone.
FAQThe “FAQ” (frequently asked questions) section
answers the most common questions our customerservice representatives receive about our products andservices. If customers don’t find answers there, they cango to “Contact Us,” where they will find phone numbersand e-mail addresses.
About Us“About Us” contains information about Health
Visitors to www.healthadvantage-hmo.com will finda totally new Web site withspecial sections for guests,members, employers,providers and agents. Thedesign of the new site, whichwent live in February, issimilar to the newwww.arkansasbluecross.com site, whichwent live in January.
GuestsGuests are directed to sections of the site of
particular interest to them, including “About Us” forcompany information and “Health Plans & Services.”
MembersHealth Advantage members will find several new
features under their gateway. For example, informationon appropriate referrals to in-network providers.Arkansas public school employees and Arkansas stateemployees have sections designed specifically for them.
Members also are linked to Blue & You for extensivehealth information for members and their families.
EmployersEmployers may find group administrator manuals for
Health Advantage.
ProvidersInformation for providers includes provider manuals
for Health Advantage and Medi-Pak HMO, a list ofnetwork development representatives, an introduction toAHIN, a BlueCard® guide and the publications forproviders — Providers’ News and Network. Providers alsohave access to “Clinical Practice Guidelines” ondepression, cardiovascular disease, high-risk pregnancy,diabetes, hypertension and migraines.
AgentsAgents may benefit from archived issues of Agent
Update and links to sections of the site that should helpthem serve their customers.
Preventive Health InformationThe “Preventive Health Information” section
contains a schedule of services recommended for theprevention and early detection of disease.
(continued on Page 24)
Health Advantage Web site goes LIVEHealth Advantage Web site goes LIVE
Women’s Health andCancer Rights Act20
T he Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of1998 introduced changes in current insurance coveragefor mastectomy.
In accordance with the law,all group and individual healthplans that provide medical andsurgical benefits for mastectomynow will cover reconstructivebreast surgery, if elected by thecovered individual following mastec-tomy, including:• Reconstructive surgery on the
breast on which the mastectomywas performed.
• Reconstructive surgery on the unaffected breast neededto “produce a symmetrical appearance.”
• Prostheses and treatment of complications of any stageof a mastectomy, including lymphedema.
The provisions of the Women’s Health and CancerRights Act of 1998 apply to all group health insurance
Women’s Health andCancer Rights Act
coverage effective on the first day of the plan year(which in most cases is the anniversary date of the group
contract) after Oct. 21, 1998. The lawwent into effect on all individualinsurance policies (UniqueCare Blue,UniqueCare, etc.) issued, renewed orin effect on or after Oct. 21, 1998.
These provisions apply to allpolicies issued by Arkansas BlueCross and Blue Shield, HealthAdvantage and USAble Adminis-trators and are subject to theapplicable co-payments, co-insurance, benefit limitations,
exclusions and benefit maximums.If you have questions about your insurance coverage,
contact your group benefits administrator or a customerservice representative at your local Arkansas BlueCross office.
AdvancePCS, formerly known as Advance Paradigm,Inc. (API), has a new name but the customers of Arkan-sas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its subsidiaries willnot notice a change in their service. The existing drugcards still are valid at participating pharmacies and allcustomer service numbers will remain the same.
Advance Paradigm is now AdvancePCS - - - - - - - - -Advance Paradigm and PCS Health Systems have
combined to form AdvancePCS, the largest and mostcomprehensive health improvement organization in theUnited States. Arkansas Blue Cross, throughAdvancePCS, contracts with more than 700 participatingpharmacies within Arkansas.
In November, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shieldprovided ScriptSave prescription drug discount cards toits 105,000 Medi-Pak members. In addition, ArkansasBlue Cross’ affiliate company, Health Advantage, gavethe ScriptSave card to its approximate 10,000 Medi-PakHMO members.
Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage recentlyreceived their first two monthly reports from ScriptSavereflecting the savings Medi-Pak and Medi-Pak HMOmembers have experienced in November andDecember 2000.
Medi-Pak members have had 50,130 prescriptions
filled and saved $360,871.42, for an average savings of$7.20 per prescription.
Medi-Pak HMO members have had 6,889 prescrip-tions filled and saved $43,108.21, for an average savingsof $6.26 per prescription.
Statewide Business Vice President Ron DeBerry said,“Clearly, the ScriptSave card is doing what we wanted itto do for our Medi-Pak members. It is helping defray thecost of prescription drugs. We can now begin addressingsome misinformation that has been communicated aboutthe ScriptSave program. As we do a better job of educat-ing the ScriptSave participating pharmacists, we think
Z
Members save more than $400,000 with ScriptSaveMembers save more than $400,000 with ScriptSave
21When you aren’t sure if it’s an emergency —1) Call your primary care physician (PCP). He or she
will help you decide whether you need emergencymedical care.
2) Follow his or her instructions. You may be told howto treat your problem at home and/or call your PCPfor an appointment. If it’s an emergency, your PCPwill tell you to go to the emergency room.
Common non-emergenciesIf your problem is not an emergency, you do not
need to seek emergency care. Problems that are usuallynot emergencies include the following:• Earache.• Cold and flu symptoms.• Sunburn or minor cooking burn.• Insect sting that does not cause breathing trouble.• Minor cut where the bleeding is under control (call
your doctor to make sure your tetanus shot is up-to-date).
• Skin rash.• Fever without convulsions (uncontrollable shaking).
The emergency room is not the right choice if youhave a minor medical problem because you may have towait since the most serious cases are treated first,medical records probably will not be available to help thedoctor figure out what is wrong with you and, in certainlimited circumstances, your plan may not pay for youremergency care.
An action plan for emergency situations
Common EmergenciesAn emergency medical condition is one of recent
onset and severity, including severe pain, that would leada prudent layperson, acting reasonably and possessing anaverage knowledge of health and medicine, to believethat the absence of immediate medical attention couldreasonably be expected to result in:1) Placing the health of the individual, or with respect
to a pregnant woman — the health of the woman orher unborn child — in serious jeopardy.
2) Serious impairment to bodily function.3) Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
Emergencies often include the following:• Severe bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of
direct pressure.• Sudden severe pain and swelling in a joint.• Blacking out (fainting).• Swallowing poison.• Choking.• A gaping wound (the edges don’t come together).• A broken bone.• Suddenly not being able to speak or move.• Severe chest pain along with sweating, shortness of
breath, spreading pain, nausea (feeling sick to yourstomach), vomiting (throwing up), dizziness or a fastor irregular heartbeat.
For the reasons above, the emergency room is thebest choice because you get treated right away. Theemergency room staff is specially trained to handle thesetypes of conditions, and a specialist (a doctor who istrained in a certain area of medicine) may be available ifyou need special care.
When you know it is an emergency —1) Go to the emergency room. If necessary, call 9-1-1 or
your police emergency number. (Use participatingfacilities as much as possible.)
2) Have the emergency room notify your PCP. Yourdoctor can call the emergency room with importanthealth information or may come in and help withyour care.
our Medi-Pak members will enjoy even more savings.”One specific point to be clarified is that ScriptSavehonors patient confidentiality and does not sell names,lists or any consumer information.
Health Advantage CEO David Bridges said, “It hasbeen a very positive experience to give our Medi-PakHMO members something they’ve requested — help withtheir prescription drug costs — and have it work so well.”
If you are a Medi-Pak or Medi-Pak HMO policy-holder who has questions about the ScriptSave cardor participating pharmacists, please call ScriptSaveat 1-800-700-3957.
22 Health Advantage
members —
take note!LAB WORK INFORMATION
If you have laboratory orradiology work performed in yourphysician’s office and you are aHealth Advantage member, pleaseremind them that if they send offyour tests to be read by anotherprovider, they should use a HealthAdvantage network provider. If yourphysician’s office uses an out-of-network provider, your claim maybe denied or processed on the lowerlevel of benefits if you are on apoint-of-service plan.
DEPO PROVERA
As of Jan. 1, 2001, DepoProvera is no longer covered byHealth Advantage. Memberscurrently taking Depo Provera forbirth control purposes have untilthe end of June 2001 to changeto an oral contraceptive or havetheir physician send in informationfor prior authorization. (Theremay be an exception given for
members taking Depo Provera formedical reasons.)
GET TO KNOW US
Got a few minutes? If you are anew member or have recently re-enrolled with Health Advantage,please read your benefit materialmailed to you. Changes may havebeen made to your plan, and beingfamiliar with your benefits willpossibly avoid claims delays ordenials. After reading your benefitmaterial, if you have any questionsabout your plan, please contact theHealth Advantage Customer ServiceDepartment or visit our Web site atwww.healthadvantage-hmo.com.We are here to serve you.
MRIS AND CT SCANS
Please note that Health Advan-tage contracts with hospitals to
provide members with MRI and CTservices. If you or your physiciando not use a participating HealthAdvantage hospital MRI or CT scan,these claims may not be eligible forcoverage or would be processed ata lower level of benefits, if yourplan is point-of-service.
UPDATE YOUR CHARTS
When you visit your physician,please remember to show your IDcard, and ask them to update yourchart or their system if their infor-mation doesn’t match your card. Ifthey file a claim with HealthAdvantage and misspell your name,have the wrong ID number or dateof birth, the claim cannot beprocessed.
E-MAIL HEALTH ADVANTAGE
When e-mailing inquiries to theHealth Advantage Web site, pleaseinclude your full name, member IDnumber and employer name.Insufficient information maycause a delay in responding toyour inquiry.
Beginning the first Sunday in March, agroup of physicians, nurses, social workers,psychologists and other volunteers beganoffering free medical care at a new clinic inSearcy, to those without insurance or otherthird-party payment options.
Ronald Baker, M.D., who is a participant inseveral Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and HealthAdvantage provider networks and who is on staff atWhite County Medical Center in Searcy, serves as themedical director for the new clinic, Christian HealthMinistries of White County. The walk-in clinic is openSundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and all staff members arevolunteers. The clinic is located at 104 E. Vine in Searcy,
and the phone number is (501) 305-3888.“This is the culmination of a two-year
project,” said Dr. Baker. “We want to treat patientswho are not getting medical care but who needtreatment for chronic medical conditions such asdiabetes and hypertension.”
People with any form of insurance, Medicareor Medicaid are not eligible for treatment. Besidesmedical care, free medications are dispensed on site.
“We want to treat the physical, emotional andspiritual needs of the patients,” said Dr. Baker. “We havesocial workers and psychologists available in addition tothe nurses and physicians. We hope to establish arelationship with the patients.”
Searcy physicians to staff free medical clinicSearcy physicians to staff free medical clinic
23Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield strives to be a
good corporate citizen. Our employees raise money andspend many hours helping those causes near and dear tothe hearts of Arkansans.
Ribbons on the RockRed Ribbon Week got off to a great start for the
Arkansans for Drug Free Youth organization as busi-nesses and service organizations came together for theannual “Ribbons on the Rock” carnival held Oct. 21.Hundreds of kids from around the state converged on thegrounds of the Little Rock Zoo to play games and winprizes. The event is held each year to give youth a funalternative activity and to celebrate kids who havechosen to be drug-free. Arkansas Blue Cross served as acorporate sponsor again this year and hosted a booth atthe carnival. Kids had the opportunity to shoot hoops forprizes including BlueAnn’s “Wild and Woolly HealthTips for Kids” coloring book, bandages, funny masks orcolorful spinning tops.
Hearty WalkingArkansas Blue Cross’ West Central Region staff
greeted heart attack and stroke survivors to the annualAmerican Heart Association’s Heart Walk in Fort Smithon Dec. 2. Arkansas Blue Cross was the exclusive RedCap Sponsor for the event and as such, the staff distrib-uted red caps and AHA pins to all survivors before theevent began. In addition, the staff gave away red bal-loons to the survivors to carry during the walk andprovided the children with other assorted balloons. TheAHA estimated that about 3,000 walkers participated inthe event, withbetween 75 and100 being heartattack or strokesurvivors —four of whomwere under theage of 10 andone child whowas 2 years old.It was bitterlycold the morn-
ing of the event, but those who turned out left with awarm feeling inside. The money raised will be used tofund research, professional and public education, com-munity service programs and support services.
Healthy ClassActArkansas Blue Cross’ Northeast Regional Office staff
along with St. Bernards Medical Center staff — andBlueAnn Ewe — helped kindergartners wrap up the fallsemester on a happy note before the holidays withHealthyClassActpresentationsin severalschools inNortheastArkansas.BlueAnn andassistantstook studentsthroughBlueAnn’scoloring bookand gavethem a chanceto listen toBlueAnn’s heart, jump rope with her and brush herteeth. Students each received a personal copy of thecoloring book to take home for a great holiday activity.Almost 1,000 kids were reached in December with ahealth and safety message ... just in time for New Year’sresolutions.
BlueAnn Ewe wants you!
To date, almost 10,000 elementary school-agedchildren have joined the free BlueAnn Health Club orBlueAnn Class Club through their homes or classrooms.The Clubs give parents and teachers resources to helpteach children about healthy habits.
The BlueAnn Health Club is recommended forelementary school-aged children (5 to 10 years old). TheBlueAnn Class Club is recommended for kindergartenand first-grade classrooms. To join, just call toll-free1-800-515-BLUE, and ask for the BlueAnn Club.
Sandi Hightower and ShawnAdkins, West Central RegionalOffice, greet survivors.
Dwayne Pierce, Northeast RegionalOffice, and BlueAnn Ewe, teachhealth and safety to kindergartnersat Blessed Sacrament School.
Searching for a participating doctor, dentist, hospitalor pharmacy is easy using www.arkansasbluecross.com orwww.healthadvantage-hmo.com. The “Provider Direc-tory” is accessible after entering any of the main sections(“Guests,” “Members,” “Employers,” “Providers,”“Agents”). Look for the link on the menu bar on the leftside of the pages.
The directory contains providers participating inArkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantageand Arkansas’ FirstSource health plans. To use thedirectory, click on the name of your plan. If you areunsure of which plan you have, look on your ID card.
When you click on your plan, you will see a drop-down menu listing the type of searches available:• physician or other medical practitioner (i.e., optom-
etrists, podiatrists, chiropractors and psychologists);• hospital or other medical facility/vendor (includes
outpatient surgery centers, rehabilitation centers,home health agencies and providers of durablemedical equipment);
• dentist (school or state employees will not have thischoice since their dental directory is accessible fromthe “Introduction” page.); and
• pharmacy.Once you select a search type, you can enter a name,
specialty, state, city, county or region. You can selectonly one location field. The radio button to the left of thefield you select will “turn on.”
If you want to search by region but don’t knowwhich region to choose, use the map at the bottom of thepage. If you click on Washington County, for example,the Region field automatically fills in with Northwest.
If you want to know if a particular doctor partici-pates in your health plan, you can search by name. Youcan search for providers named Jones in your city, forexample. You also can search for providers by namewithout entering a location.
If you are looking for a specialist, you can select thespecialty and then select your state, city, county orregion. The “Search Results” page will display a list ofthe specialists available in the location of your search foryour health plan. For example, you can search for
obstetricians in Arkansas. You also can search by spe-cialty without entering a location.
Editor’s Note: The Provider Directory is updatedfrequently. However, the information could have changedsince it was given to us. Even though a provider is listedin the directory, you might not be covered for thatprovider’s services. Consult your individual policy orgroup contract to determine whether you have dental,pharmacy or specific medical benefits. Also, rememberthat you must follow your health plan rules for referralsto specialists.
www.arkansasbluecross.com&
www.healthadvantage-hmo.com
(continued from Page 19)Advantage, including its history, vision, financialstrength and leadership. Special messages update visitorson company performance.
Legislative/Regulatory Update“Legislative/Regulatory Update” keeps members
updated on national and state legislation and issues thatcould affect health care coverage. A link to the BlueCross and Blue Shield Association’s national healthissues Web site enables visitors to search for their stateor federal lawmakers. Visitors may submit a form to jointhe BlueLink Team to become more informed or morepolitically active.
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue ShieldP.O. Box 2181Little Rock, AR 72203-2181