primetime · colon cancer: the cdc reports that colorectal (colon) cancer “almost always”...

PrimeTimeYOUR GUIDE TO HEALTHY LIVING SPRING / SUMMER 2017

WHY IS PREVENTIVE

CARE so important?

SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE your balance!

10 WAYS TO IMPROVE

your mood!

Medicare Advantage plan rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

by CMS

WHY IS PREVENTIVE CARE SO IMPORTANT

4

SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE

6

10 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD

7

LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES

8

HEART FAILURE: MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR DIET

10

TRAVELING WITH PRESCRIPTIONS

3


by CMS

SPRING / SUMMER 2017 EDITION

Our mission is to help you live a healthier life by providing easy access

to care, predictable expenses and reliable savings. We want your health

care experience to be second to none.

It’s the time of year for you to give us our annual checkup. In the weeks

ahead, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may send you a

survey to ask about your experience with your health care plan. If you

receive it, please take a few moments to fill it out. Your answers will

help us learn what we’re doing well for you and how we could improve

to be even better. Our goal is to provide you with a health care experience

that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

We’re not satisfied until you’re satisfied. Thank you for helping us make

your experience the best it can possibly be.

As always, your happiness and satisfaction with your plan are important

to us. To speak with one of our friendly representatives, just call

1-800-407-9069 toll free, TTY 711, 7 days a week.

Sincerely,

Roger Rodriguez

Chief Executive Officer

THANK YOU FOR BEING A MEMBER OF Medica HealthCare!

2 PRIMETIME | SPRING / SUMMER 2017

TRAVELING WITH PRESCRIPTIONSBe a savvy traveler!

TALK TO YOUR DOCTORYour physician should be in the loop when planning any trip that’s longer than a week or two. (Check with your doctor if this is necessary for you.) Share your destination, the trip’s duration and your general itinerary so your doctor can give you a medical “green light” for traveling.

PLAN AHEAD Make sure your current prescription bottles contain enough dosages for the entire duration of your trip, plus a few extra days in case you’re away longer than you planned. If you’re running short on medicine, your pharmacist may be able to coordinate with your doctors to get additional dosages — or help you identify and contact a pharmacy at your destination that can fill your prescription when needed.

FLY SMART If you’ll be flying for your trip and need to take medicine during the flight, your prescriptions must undergo security screening. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations advise travelers to keep pills or other solid medications in their original, clearly labeled pharmacy containers. If you have liquid medications, separate them from your other belongings before you go through the security checkpoint. It’s a good idea to keep medications in your carry-on in case checked luggage goes missing. For more detailed instructions, visit tsa.gov and type “prescription drugs” in the search window.

STAY ON SCHEDULE Whether you spend your vacation touring historical sites or relaxing under a beach umbrella, it can be easy to forget to take your medicine at the time directed by your doctor. Cue up important reminders by setting alarms on your smartphone, or take them at a set time, such as with a meal. Traveling can be a wonderful adventure — just be mindful of your medications along the way.

STAYING ON TRACK WITH YOUR MEDICATIONS

WHILE AWAY FROM HOME IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR DOING JUST THAT:

www.MedicaPlans.com 3

YOUR DOCTOR CAN DETERMINE IF YOU NEED ANY SCREENINGS.

Screenings are important to check for diseases before there may be any

symptoms. The earlier a health concern is found, the easier it may be to treat. Your doctor can also determine if any ongoing tests are needed to monitor a chronic condition. You can get a

checklist to take with you to your next doctor visit to help you and

your doctor create a preventive care plan together.

WHY IS

CAREso important?DID YOU KNOW THAT

SOME CONDITIONS AND

DISEASES HAVE WARNING

SIGNS THAT MAY NOT

BE OBVIOUS?

Preventive care is so important to staying on top of your health. Getting annual check-ups and necessary health screenings is one of the best ways for you to stay healthy.

THESE VISITS ARE AVAILABLE

TO YOU AT A $0 CO-PAY.

BREAST CANCER (MAMMOGRAM):

While irregular lumps may be a telltale sign of

breast cancer, there are other uncommon symptoms.

For example, alert your doctor if your breasts

become extremely itchy, red or swollen (any of

these may be a symptom of inflammatory breast

cancer), or if your nipples change in appearance,

feel painful or create discharge, according to the

American Cancer Society. In fact, any unusual

changes to your breasts or underarm area are

worth looking into.

BLOOD PRESSURE: With age, blood vessels can become stiffer

which may increase the chance of developing high

blood pressure. High blood pressure isn’t just an

unfortunate condition — it can have serious health

implications. For instance, about 70 percent of

people who experience their first heart attack have

high blood pressure, while 80 percent of people

who experience their first stroke have high blood

pressure, according to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately,

about one out of five adults with high blood

pressure don’t even know they have it, says

the CDC.


PREVENTIVE


1. COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAM: Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S., according to the American Diabetes Association. However, this vision loss may be preventable with regular eye examinations.

2. URINE TEST FOR PROTEIN: The CDC also chalks up diabetes as the leading cause of kidney failure. High blood sugar overworks the kidneys, which can lead to failure or chronic kidney disease. If it’s diagnosed early, treatment may slow the progression of the disease.

3. HEMOGLOBIN A1C (HBA1C): Uncontrolled blood sugar may damage the vessels that supply bloodto the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Routine HbA1C testing can monitor if blood sugar has been controlled in the past 8–12 weeks. This can be a guide if changes to diet, exercise or treatment are needed.

IF YOU DO HAVE DIABETES, here are three important screenings:

COLON CANCER: The CDC reports that colorectal (colon) cancer

“almost always” develops from abnormal growths

in the colon or rectum, which is why regular

screening tests beginning at age 50 are so

important. When these abnormal growths are

found and removed early enough, they don’t have

a chance to turn into cancer. Did you know that

a colonoscopy isn’t the only way to detect colon

cancer? A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or

sigmoidoscopy are other options. Talk to your

doctor to determine which screening option may

be right for you.

CHOLESTEROL LEVELS: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Our

bodies need some cholesterol — but when too

much ends up in our blood, it can lead to heart

disease and stroke. In fact, the CDC reports that

people with high levels of low-density lipoprotein

(LDL) cholesterol double their risk of heart

disease. The problem is that high LDL

cholesterol has no symptoms, so it’s impossible

to know if your cholesterol is too high unless

you get tested.

DIABETES:

THINK DIABETES ISN’T A SERIOUS DISEASE?

THINK AGAIN.

The disease, in which blood glucose

levels are above normal, causes

more deaths every year than breast

cancer and AIDS combined, and

it nearly doubles your chance

of having a heart attack,

according to the American

Diabetes Association. But there is

a reassuring fact, too:

Good diabetes control can reduce

your risks for complications related

to the disease. And the CDC reports

that moderate weight loss and

exercise can prevent or delay Type 2

diabetes altogether.

OSTEOPOROSIS: Osteoporosis happens when the creation

of new bone doesn’t keep up with the

loss of old bone. There’s a reason why

osteoporosis is often called the “silent

disease”: Unless you check your bone

health with a bone mineral density test,

you may not know that you have

osteoporosis until you suffer a broken bone,

according to the National Institutes of Health

(NIH). But who’s at the greatest risk for

developing osteoporosis? The NIH says

women get it more often than men, and the

older you are, the greater your risk. Other risk

factors include low activity level, smoking and

excessive alcohol consumption.

HOLD STEADY:

YOUR BALANCEsimple ways to improve


IT’S EASY TO TAKE BALANCE FOR GRANTED, BUT STAYING UPRIGHT IS NO SIMPLE MATTER FOR OUR BODIES.

Balance requires several complicated

systems to work in concert with one

another, almost like a symphony, says

Allen Towfigh, MD, Clinical Instructor of

Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical

Center. “As we get older, these

systems tend to become blunted

and slow and can result in a

greater likelihood of a fall.”

Some changes may also be

a result of loud noise, trauma

and infections, which destroy

sensitive hair cells within

the inner ear, according

to researchers at The

Rockefeller University,

New York. These

sensors do not grow

back once they’re

gone, leading to

hearing loss and

balance problems.

The good news is

there are some ways

to minimize and prevent

injuries from falls.

“In many cases, adults over age 65 are already dealing with arthritis or osteoporosis, which makes fractures from falls more likely,” says Steven McDaniels, director of fitness and athletics at Beacon College in Leesburg, Fla. This results in lost confidence, making it less likely the person will engage in physical activity to help reduce the risk of falls. McDaniels suggests spending two to three hours per week on low-impact activities such as yoga or gardening.

HERE ARE OTHER EXERCISES TO TRY four times a week, two sets each:

Single Leg Stance - On one leg, stand on the floor or a pillow for five to 10 seconds. One set equals 15 to 20 repetitions.

Stand on One Leg and Catch a Ball -While standing on one leg, have a friend toss a ball to you to catch. One set is 15 to 20 repetitions of both legs.

Heel to Toe Walk -Walk in a straight line by putting the heel of one foot in front of the toes of your other foot. Do this for 15 to 20 steps.

Step Up to Balance - Step onto a platform (6 to 12 inches high) with one leg, keeping toes pointing forward. Then step back down and repeat with opposite leg. One set is 15 to 20 repetitions on each leg.

STRENGTH & BALANCEexercises:

“It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before you begin an exercise program,

especially if you have issues with vision, arthritis or

osteoporosis,” says McDaniels.

1 Go for a walk outside.

2 Sing along to music.

3 Write down five things

you’re grateful for.

4Buy (or pick) yourself flowers.

5 Look up jokes on the Internet

and have a good laugh.

6 Have a five-minute dance party

in your living room.

7Accomplish one item

on your to-do list.

8 Commit a random act of kindness.

9Spend time playing

with your favorite pet.

10 Call a loved one.

10 WAYS to boost your

MOOD

IS BAD MOOD DEPRESSION?It’s normal to feel sad and lonely sometimes, but when is that feeling actually depression?

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), experiencing five of these symptoms for at least two weeks may indicate depression: A depressed mood (sad or irritable)

Lack of interest in most activities

Noticeable weight and/or appetite change

Decreased energy

Difficulty sleeping (or sleeping too much)

Either restless activity or slowed movement

Feeling guilty or worthless

Difficulty focusing

Thoughts of death or suicide

RECOGNIZING DEPRESSION:

Certainly aging comes with obvious aches and pains, but some are harder to detect, and to accept. Depression in older adults is often overlooked or waved away, but according to the American Psychological Association (APA), in 2012 depression affected 15 to 20 percent of all older Americans.

This fact is worth paying attention to. Depression in older adults also can be accompanied by other illnesses, like diabetes, osteoarthritis and cardiac diseases, which can make it hard to diagnose. So how do you know if you’re truly depressed, and not just a little down? The Anxiety and Depression Association of America defines depression as “a condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated or disinterested in life in general.” A short bout of this is sometimes called “the blues.” But, when it lasts for two weeks or longer and starts interfering with life activities, such as spending time with family or doing activities you enjoy, that can be considered a major depressive episode. That’s when you should talk to your health provider. It’s not just your general mood that’s at stake. Your physical health can be harmed too. The APA says that depression can also compromise immunity, leaving the body more vulnerable to fight infections and cancers.

To learn more about what services and programs may be available to improve your emotional well-being, check the back of your member ID card for the Behavioral Health phone number. Or you can make an appointment to talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have.

RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLEto help improve your health and well-being.


IF YOU HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES, OR HAVE BEEN TOLD YOU’RE AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING IT,

YOU KNOW THAT SMALL BUT NECESSARY CHANGES IN YOUR LIFESTYLE CAN BRING ABOUT

big and beneficial results.

You Can Do This! If you are prediabetic, the good news is that with the right changes you may actually be able to reverse or delay the development of diabetes. If you already have diabetes, the good news is that you can live well with this condition. You can take charge of this condition. You can minimize its effects on your body. It will take work. It will take time making changes. It will take discipline and commitment,

but it can be done!

living wellWITH DIABETES

What exactly does it take

to manage your diabetes?

While there are a lot of

things you can do to live

better with diabetes, there

are 5 fundamentals:

1. DETERMINATION

2. DOCTORS

3. DRUGS

4. DATA

5. DIET

Go to your doctor

visits, take your

drugs, monitor

your health data

— which is just a

fancy way of

keeping track of

your key health

numbers — and

manage your diet.

Be determined to

stick with it every day.

You do these things

well and you can

own this thing!

BUT how do you start MAKING THOSE CHANGES?

AND how do you maintain them FOR THE LONG RUN?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise each week. This is particularly important for those with diabetes. If you have diabetes, here are a few tips to make sure you exercise safely:

Start with a plan. Talk to your doctor to see if you should check glucose levels before, during and after exercise, and to find out what symptoms to watch for if your blood sugar gets too low or too high.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace in case of an emergency.

Wear comfy shoes and check your feet before or after exercise for signs of problem areas.

Schedule time to exercise. If you don’t have 30 minutes to spare, split your workout into three 10-minute sessions.

Buddy up with friends or family members. Being accountable to others may help you stay on course.

Keep track of your activities and check off your goals.

Vary your routine with activities such as brisk walking, biking, water aerobics, dance or group classes.

TIPS FOR

MANAGE DIABETES

safe exercise:

with the “5D’S”


Your doctor may tell you to practice good foot care if you have diabetes. This is because high blood sugar can damage nerves in your feet. This may lead to a loss of feeling in your feet. As a result, a cut or sore can become infected before you notice it. Call your doctor right away if a sore on your foot does not start to heal after a few days. Checking your feet every day may help you prevent a small foot problem from becoming serious. Here are some tips for you to take better care of your feet.

WASH AND CAREFULLY DRY YOUR FEET EVERY DAY.

Use warm—not hot—water on your feet. Use lotion to keep the tops and bottoms of your feet soft and smooth. Do not put lotion between the toes.

CHECK YOUR FEET EVERY DAY.

Look for cuts, sores, red spots, and swelling. Use a mirror or ask for help if you cannot see the bottom of your feet.

WEAR COMFORTABLE, WELL-FITTING SHOES AND SOCKS.

Make sure there is nothing inside your shoes before you put them on. Never walk barefoot.

PROTECT YOUR FEET FROM THINGS THAT ARE TOO HOT OR COLD.

Wear shoes when walking on the beach or hot pavement. Wear lined boots in the wintertime.

TRIM YOUR TOENAILS STRAIGHT ACROSS.

Smooth the corners with a nail file so that the nail does not grow into the skin. If you cannot see, feel, or reach your feet, ask your doctor to trim your toenails.

HELP THE BLOOD FLOW TO YOUR FEET.

Put feet up when sitting. Don’t cross legs for very long. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down and in and out for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Do not smoke. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.

TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES AND SOCKS AT EVERY DOCTOR VISIT AND HAVE YOUR FEET CHECKED.

GET A COMPREHENSIVE FOOT EXAM ONCE A YEAR. More often, if you have a foot condition.

TAKING CARETAKING CAREof your eyes!of your feet!Diabetes can damage your eyes and according to the American Diabetes Association is the leading cause of blindness among adults. People with diabetes should get a dilated eye exam at least 1 time every year. Diabetes may cause these common eye problems:

Diabetic retinopathy. This is damage to the retina. The retina is a thin layer of tissue covering the back of the eye.

Cataracts. These make your vision foggy or cloudy.

Glaucoma. This is high pressure in your eye. It can also damage your vision.

TIP: ASK YOUR HEALTH CARE DOCTOR ABOUT WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES.

Things you can do to help prevent eye problems:

Keep your blood sugar under control.

Keep your blood pressure under control.

Have a dilated eye exam every year.

Stop smoking.

TIP: ASK YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF YOU NEED A DILATED EYE EXAM.

Source: Merck.

If you have diabetes, be sure to have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least one time every year.

Source: GlaxoSmithKlinewww.MedicaPlans.com 9

Making changes

When you have heart failure - also known as

congestive heart failure, or CHF - excess f luid is more

likely to build up in your body. This makes the heart work harder

to pump blood. Fluid buildup causes symptoms such as shortness of breath

and swelling (edema). Controlling the amount of salt (sodium) you eat may help stop fluid

from building up. Your doctor may also tell you toreduce the amount of f luid you drink.


HEART FAILURE

to your diet

FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO improve your diet today!


Your health care provider will tell you how much sodium you can eat each day. Read food labels to keep track. Keep in mind that certain

foods are high in salt. These include canned, frozen, and processed

foods. Check the amount of sodium in each serving. Watch out for

high-sodium ingredients. These include MSG (monosodium

glutamate), baking soda, and sodium phosphate.

Give yourself time to get used to eating less salt. It may take a little

while. Here are some tips to help:

Take the saltshaker off the table. Replace it with salt-free herb mixes

and spices.

Eat fresh or plain frozen vegetables.

These have much less salt than canned vegetables.

Choose low-sodium snacks

like sodium-free pretzels, crackers, or air-popped popcorn.

Don’t add salt to your food when you’re cooking. Instead, season

your foods with pepper, lemon, garlic, or onion.

When you eat out, ask that your food be cooked

without added salt.

You may need to limit how much fluid you have to help prevent swelling. This includes anything that is liquid at room temperature, such as ice cream and soup. If your doctor tells you to limit fluid,

TRY THESE TIPS:

Measure drinks in a measuring cup before you drink them. This will help you meet daily goals.

Chill drinks to make them more refreshing.

Suck on frozen lemon wedges to quench thirst.

Only drink when you’re thirsty. Chew sugarless gum or suck on hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of worsening heart failure.

THESE CAN INCLUDE:

1. Sudden weight gain

2. Increased swelling of your legs or ankles

3. Trouble breathing when you’re resting or at night

READING food labels:

EATING less salt:

WHEN TO call your doctor

IF YOU’RE TOLD TO limit fluids:

Source: The StayWell Company

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

PrimeTimePO BOX 56-6596, MIAMI, FL 33256-5748

Medica HealthCare is insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and / or co-payments / co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company 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 1-855-814-6894 (TTY: 711)ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 1-855-814-6894 (TTY: 711)The formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-Star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.

PHONE: 1-800-455-4521 / TTY 711 toll free EMAIL: [email protected] MAIL: P.O. BOX 56-6596, Miami, FL 33256-5748 You may remain anonymous and you are protected from retaliation.You can also contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of the Inspector General at: PHONE: 1-800-447-8477 / TTY 1-800-377-4950 FAX: 1-800-223-8164 EMAIL: [email protected] MAIL: Office of the Inspector General Department of Health and Human Services Attn: HOTLINE, P.O. Box 23489 Washington, DC 20026

REPORT FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

HEALTH AND WELLNESS OR PREVENTION INFORMATION

H5420_170324_145303 Accepted

CUSTOMER SERVICE*: 1-800-407-9069 (Including Pharmacy)

FILE AN APPEAL: 1-800-407-9069

SOCIAL SERVICES UNIT: 1-877-698-7008

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT: 1-866-273-9444

ICARE HEALTH SOLUTIONS: 1-800-407-9069

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: 1-800-221-5487

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. / TTY 711 toll free *7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. / TTY 711 toll free

THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE IN OTHER LANGUAGES. PLEASE CALL OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AT 1-800-407-9069, TTY 711, 8 A.M. - 8 P.M. LOCAL TIME, 7 DAYS A WEEK.

If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse, you can contact our Special Investigations Unit at:

For information about your health plan, call the areas listed below to speak with our staff. These phone numbers are toll free:


by CMS

primetime · colon cancer: the cdc reports that colorectal (colon) cancer “almost always”...

Documents