VIP:®

HealthyVIEWS

VIP:

www.keystonefrstvipchoice.com

SPRING 2020

Know where to gofor care and treatment

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Not sure where to go for an immediate health problem or service? Here’s a guide to help you decide.

For immediate care 1. Your primary care provider. A

primary care provider is usually a doctor. They can also be a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Whenever you have a health concern, call your primary care provider frst. Your primary care provider knows your health history and keeps a record of it.

2. Urgent care centers. Urgent care centers are a good choice if you can’t wait to see your doctor. Go here for things like fu symptoms, strep throat, minor cuts and burns, and animal bites.

Urgent care centers also: • Usually don’t require

appointments • May be open longer than normal

business hours • Can provide faster, more

affordable care than emergency rooms

3. Emergency room (ER). When you have a life-threatening medical situation, an emergency room is the best place to go. Emergency symptoms may include:

• Chest pain • Trouble breathing • Poisoning • Bleeding or vomiting that

won’t stop • Head injuries with passing out

or confusion

• Major burns, cuts, or breaks.

For treatment 1. Ambulatory care centers.

These care centers provide diagnostic tests and surgery. They can be less expensive than a hospital if you need surgery. You can ask your provider to recommend ambulatory surgery centers near you.

2. Inpatient hospital care. You may need to be admitted and stay overnight in a hospital at some point.

Reach out to your primary care provider if you have any questions about your care.

COUNT CARBS TO MANAGE DIABETES 3 | DANGERS OF HEAVY DRINKING 4 | PREVENT FALLS WITH MINDFUL MOVEMENTS 6

Each year, cancer of the colon or rectum is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. But there are many ways to prevent this cancer that attacks the digestive system.

Choices you make today could protect you against this disease.

6 lifelong habits Research shows that the following tactics may help prevent colon cancer: • Maintain a healthy weight and

get regular exercise. • Limit how much you eat red

meat and animal fats. • Eat a diet high in fruits,

vegetables, and whole grains. • Do not drink alcohol in excess. • Quit (or never start) smoking

cigarettes. • Take calcium supplements.

Get a screening test People who have colon cancer do not always have symptoms, especially at frst. That’s why regular screenings are so important. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says you should begin screening at age 50.

Colon cancer may cause symptoms, including: • Blood in the stool • Recurrent stomach pain or

cramping • Stools narrower than usual • Unexplained weight loss

Take steps to protect against colon cancer

If you have an increased risk for colorectal cancer, you may need to get tested before you are age 50. People at increased risk are: • People with a personal or family

history of colon cancer or polyps, which are precancerous growths in the colon or rectum

• Anyone with infammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

• Common screening options are a stool sample or a special X-ray called a colonoscopy. Talk with your health care provider about when to begin screening and which test is best for you.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says you should begin screening at age 50.

Member Services 1-800-450-1166 TTY 711

VIP Healthy Views 2 Spring 2020

2020 survey mailing soon Thank you to everyone who did the 2019 Member Survey. We love getting your feedback. A 2020 survey will be sent soon to members chosen at random. It will ask you whether you’re getting the care and service you need.

If you get a survey, please help by completing and returning it in the postage-paid envelope.

Carbs count when managing

diabetes

• Blindness • Foot amputation

It may take some time and effort to learn how to count carbs, but the payoff is well worth it.

Making smart choices about what you eat and drink is important for managing diabetes. Counting carbohydrates (“carbs”) is one way to do that.

To count carbs, you add up all the carbs you consume in foods and beverages. You will set a target range with your health care provider. When you stay within the range, you can better manage your blood sugar levels. Counting carbs can help you decide how much insulin to take.

Why every carb counts Carbs are one of the three main nutrients found in food, along with proteins and fats. Inside the body, carbs turn into blood sugar. Foods high in carbs affect your blood sugar levels more than other foods do. They include: • Grains and grain-based foods,

such as bread, pasta, and rice • Starchy vegetables, such as

potatoes, corn, and peas • Fruit juices and fruits, such as

apples, oranges, and bananas • Legumes, such as dried beans

and lentils • Dairy products, such as milk

and yogurt • Sweets and sugary drinks

The amount of carbs you need depends on your weight, activity level, and diabetes medicines. Most women with diabetes should get about 45 to 60 grams of carbs per meal. Most men with

diabetes should get about 60 to 75 grams per meal.

Easy as 1, 2, 3 To count carbs, follow these steps before a meal or snack: 1. Determine how many

servings you plan to eat or drink. Look at the food label to fnd out how much one serving is. For foods without a label, use an app, a website, or a book as a guide.

2. Determine the grams of total carbohydrate per serving. You can also fnd this information on the food label.

3. Multiply the two numbers. This tells you how many grams of carbs you will get if you consume the amount you had planned. Adjust your serving or eat a food with less carbs.

Prevent problems Better diabetes control can help you stay healthier for longer. Controlling your blood sugar can reduce your risk for: • Heart disease • Stroke • Kidney disease

www.keystonefrstvipchoice.com VIP Healthy Views 3 Spring 2020

3 harms of heavy drinking Even though it’s legal, alcohol can be harmful. Heavy drinking for men means more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week. For women, it’s more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks per week.

If you drink this much, you could be putting yourself or others at risk. Here are three ways drinking alcohol can be harmful.

1Alcohol increases the risk for injuries and death. Drinking too much alcohol can also make you more likely to harm someone. Alcohol

slows your reaction time. It affects your judgment. The more you drink, the worse these abilities become. Alcohol is involved in many fatal burn injuries, drownings, severe trauma injuries, sexual assaults, suicides, lethal falls, and deadly car crashes.

2Heavy drinking can cause health problems. There’s a long list of health problems that tend to occur with heavy drinking. They include:

• Liver disease • Heart disease • Depression

• Stroke • Certain types

of cancer

If you have a health condition and drink a lot, then you may not be able to care for yourself like you should. This can make your health problems worse. Heavy drinking can also lead to risky sexual behaviors. You’re more likely to have unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These put you at risk for sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

3You could develop an alcohol use disorder. About 17 million

people in the United States have an alcohol use disorder—a term health care providers use when your drinking becomes harmful or causes distress. There are many symptoms. Some examples are: • Your drinking affects

responsibilities at home, work, or school.

• You give up activities you used to enjoy so you can drink.

• You want to cut back but can’t. • You get into dangerous

situations while drinking such as driving, swimming, or having unsafe sex.

If you think you may have a drinking problem, talk with your provider. Many different treatments are available.

Member Services 1-800-450-1166 TTY 711

Nurse advice line If you have any questions about your care, call our 24-hour nurse line for advice at 1-888-765-6375.

VIP Healthy Views 4 Spring 2020

Connecting your physical and mental health About three in 10 adults with a physical health problem also have a mental health disorder. The link is even clearer from the other direction. Two-thirds of people with a mental disorder have a physical illness, too.

It’s important to have all your health care needs met. Integrated care does that. It brings together: • Primary care provider. This provider oversees

your medical care. He or she helps you treat and prevent disease.

• Behavioral health specialist. This provider treats mental health problems and substance use disorders.

Organizing the services of these providers helps meet your health needs. Here’s a look at some of the benefts.

Health care for the whole person People with mental health disorders have more physical health problems than other people. They die earlier, on average, than the general population. For example, 6% of people with mental illness have heart disease. Only 4% of people without mental illness have it.

Integrated care addresses people’s various needs in a coordinated way. This can improve your health and even save lives. Plus, it lowers health care costs.

Depending on the individual, services may include: • Treatment for medical, mental health, and/or

substance use disorders • Strategies for promoting health • Skills for managing stress, because stress can

worsen health problems • Support for patients and families • Referral to community resources

Teaming up for total well-being This approach requires a lot of teamwork among providers. The result is better outcomes for patients. For instance, your primary care provider may suggest you exercise and quit smoking. A behavioral health provider can give you tips to succeed in those areas.

Or let’s say you need to take medicine for a mental health disorder. Your primary care provider can help give you the right medicine.

Of all the players on your team, you are the MVP. Being honest helps you get the care you need. And asking questions helps you know what steps to take next.

www.keystonefrstvipchoice.com VIP Healthy Views 5 Spring 2020

Make leaks less likely If you sometimes pass urine by accident, some changes can help. Try to: • Avoid cafeine and artifcial sweeteners. • Drink plenty of fuids. • Quit smoking if you smoke. • Ask your health care provider about bladder training.

Talking honestly with your provider is crucial. This will be the frst step toward living without pain, discomfort, or the fear of accidents.

Member Services 1-800-450-1166 TTY 711

Prevent falls with mindful movement

One in four adults ages 65 and older will suffer a fall this year. About one-ffth of those falls will cause serious harm, such as a broken bone or head injury. Being mindful about how you move can help you avoid getting hurt.

Mindfulness means giving your full attention to whatever you’re doing. When you walk mindfully, you’re noticing how your body moves and the sensations you feel. This can help you stay safely on your feet.

Start with an easy move You can learn how to practice mindfulness. This exercise is a good place to begin: • Stand behind a sturdy chair and

hold on to the back to steady 1. Walk slowly—you’re not in a 4. If your mind starts to wander, yourself. hurry. think about your feet. Notice

• Rock back and forth slowly. 2. Notice how your body feels as how they take one step after you walk. How do your feet another. This helps guide your

Shift your weight from one foot to feel as they press against the awareness back to the present. the other. Focus on how different ground? Paying attention to your parts of your body feel as you body helps you focus on the You can also watch a video or take move. present. a class in tai chi. This exercise

3. Notice the things around you. uses slow movements, breathing Practice mindful walking What can you see and hear? patterns, and mindfulness. It can Ready for more? Step outside to Are there any fall hazards ahead help improve balance and reduce practice walking mindfully: like an uneven sidewalk? the risk of falling.

VIP Healthy Views 6 Spring 2020

Healthy recipe

Ingredients 2 medium zucchini ½ small yellow onion, peeled 2 garlic cloves, peeled Olive oil spray 1 cup plain, nonfat yogurt 1 cup low-sodium vegetable stock 2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley

(or 2 tsp. dried parsley) ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a

roasting pan with aluminum foil. 2. Place zucchini, onion, and garlic cloves

into the pan and spray with olive oil spray. Bake for 30 minutes.

3. Cut of ends of the zucchini. Place zucchini, onion, garlic, yogurt, stock, parsley, and pepper into a high-speed blender or a food processor ftted with a standard blade. Blend until pureed.

4. Serve immediately.

Per serving Serves four; serving size is 1 cup. Each serving provides: 60 calories, 0 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 90 mg sodium, 10 g total carbohydrate, 2 g fber, 8 g sugars, 5 g protein.

Creamy zucchini soup

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says up to 80% of strokes can be prevented.

Stroke occurs when blood can’t fow to the brain. This is because of a clot or damaged blood vessel. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to take your medicine as prescribed. This will help fght two major risk factors: high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

People who don’t take medicines to control blood pressure and cholestrol correctly have an increased risk for fatal stroke. A study found the risk was more than seven times greater than people who took their medicines correctly.

Three out of four Americans do not take their medication as directed. Here are a few ways to help you stay on track. These tips will also help you fght stroke: 1. Develop a reminder system. Use tricks to help you

remember to take your medicine on schedule. Keep your pill bottles by the cereal to remind yourself to take your medicine at breakfast. Pillboxes, a medication calendar, and cellphone reminders also help.

2. Plan when traveling. Make sure you bring enough of your medication—plus extra. If you’re fying, keep your prescriptions in your carry-on bag to avoid losing them.

3. Watch for side effects. High blood pressure and cholesterol medication may not make you feel any different. But if you feel weak or have trouble sleeping, don’t stop taking your medication. Instead, talk with your health care provider about a different drug.

Follow yourprescription toprevent stroke

Don’t forget your annual checkup See your provider at least once a year. This can help fnd problems before they start. If you haven’t had your annual checkup yet this year, make an appointment.

www.keystonefrstvipchoice.com VIP Healthy Views 7 Spring 2020

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Health and wellness or prevention information ©2020 Developed by StayWell

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Member Information Contact Us We’re here to answer questions and provide the information you need. Contact us to check your membership status, check a claim, or ask a question.

Contact us by phone or by mail: Phone Call 1-800-450-1166 Member Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Members TTY: 711

Hours of Service Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mail Keystone First VIP Choice Member Services P.O. Box 7139 London, KY 40742-7139 Keystone First VIP Choice is an HMO-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Pennsylvania Medicaid program. Enrollment in Keystone First VIP Choice depends on contract renewal.

Resursos en Español Para informacion en español, por favor

Resursos en Español?

llame al department de atencione al cliente de Keystone First VIP Choice (HMO-SNP).

Multi-Language Interpreter Services Attention: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-800-450-1166 (TTY: 711).

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame a Servicios al Miembro de Keystone First VIP Choice al 1-800-450-1166 (TTY: 711).

Member Rights and Responsibilities We are committed to treating our members with respect and dignity. Keystone First VIP Choice and its network of doctors and other providers of services do not discriminate against members based on race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other basis. More information about member rights and responsibilities can be found in the Evidence of Coverage book you received when you became a member, and anytime at www.keystonefrstvipchoice.com.

This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Member Services number at 1-800-450-1166, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. TTY/TDD users should call 711.